Electronic paper display panel, preparation method thereof and electronic paper display device

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic paper display panel and a preparation method thereof and an electronic paper display device.The electronic paper display panel comprises an array substrate, an opposite substrate and a liquid crystal layer, driving voltage is formed between the array substrate and the opposite substrate to drive liquid crystals to deflect, the liquid crystal layer comprises a light absorption layer and the liquid crystals, the light absorption layer forms a plurality of grooves, and the grooves are communicated with the array substrate. When the array substrate and the opposite substrate control the liquid crystal to deflect and be perpendicular to an electric field, the light absorption layer absorbs light transmitted by the liquid crystal, and the electronic paper display panel presents a dark-state picture. An ink layer does not need to be prepared on the electronic paper display panel, the process flow is simplified, and the cost of the electronic paper display panel is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electronic paper technology, and particularly relates to an electronic paper display panel and its preparation method, as well as an electronic paper display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of digital reading, IoT tags, portable terminals and green and low-carbon applications, electronic paper (E-paper) technology has become an important branch of the display field due to its paper-like display characteristics (such as low power consumption, strong light visibility, and visual comfort).

[0003] One typical electronic paper structure uses the traditional LCD structure. Polystyrene material forms barriers between the array substrate and the opposing substrate, and special liquid crystals are filled within these barriers. By changing the switching characteristics of the array substrate, the deflection angle of the liquid crystals is altered, allowing light to pass through and reflect, thus achieving a reflective display mode. Figure 1 As shown, by providing an opaque white ink layer 14 on the first conductive layer 12 of the array substrate 10, when light passes through the liquid crystal and is reflected by the ink layer, the upper liquid crystal forms an off state, preventing the reflected light from passing through the liquid crystal, thus achieving the effect of a dark state.

[0004] However, this electronic paper display panel requires the preparation and bonding of an additional ink layer on top of the existing LCD design structure, which leads to complex manufacturing and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic paper display panel that addresses the problems of complex manufacturing and high cost associated with traditional electronic paper display panels.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides an electronic paper display panel, comprising an array substrate, an opposing substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the opposing substrate; The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes a light-absorbing layer and liquid crystal. The light-absorbing layer forms a plurality of grooves on the side facing the opposing substrate. The grooves are used to accommodate the liquid crystal. The light-absorbing layer is used to absorb light. The array substrate and the opposing substrate are used to generate a driving voltage to drive the liquid crystal to deflect.

[0007] Optionally, the light-absorbing layer includes an integrally formed light-absorbing base plate and a plurality of light-absorbing partitions spaced apart on the light-absorbing base plate, with adjacent plurality of light-absorbing partitions and the light-absorbing base plate forming the groove.

[0008] Optionally, the array substrate includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer, and a planarization layer stacked sequentially along a first direction; The opposing substrate includes a second substrate, a second conductive layer, and a passivation layer stacked sequentially along a second direction, and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the planarization layer and the passivation layer, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite; The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are used to receive voltage signals and form a driving voltage to drive the liquid crystal to deflect.

[0009] Optionally, the first conductive layer includes: A driving circuit layer is stacked on the first substrate. The driving circuit layer includes multiple data lines, multiple scan lines, and an array of thin-film transistors. The thin-film transistors are connected to a corresponding data line and a scan line. A pixel electrode layer is stacked on the driving circuit layer. The pixel electrode layer includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an array. Each pixel electrode is connected to a thin film transistor and is correspondingly disposed with a groove.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid crystal is formed by mixing polar liquid crystal, chiral dopant, polymerizable monomer and photoinitiator, wherein the polar liquid crystal is a positive liquid crystal or a negative liquid crystal.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides an electronic paper display device, including a driving circuit and an electronic paper display panel as described above, wherein the driving circuit is connected to the electronic paper display panel.

[0012] Optionally, the driving circuit is used for: A first voltage signal is output to the array substrate and a second voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate to form a first driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal to be perpendicular to the array substrate, and to display a bright image; Alternatively, a third voltage signal is output to the array substrate and a fourth voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate to form a second driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal to be parallel to the array substrate, thereby displaying a dark-state image; Alternatively, a fifth voltage signal is output to the array substrate and a sixth voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate to form a third driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal to be at a preset angle with the display panel, and display the corresponding grayscale.

[0013] A third aspect of this invention provides a method for preparing an electronic paper display panel, comprising: A first conductive layer and a planarization layer are sequentially stacked on a first substrate to form an array substrate; A second conductive layer and a passivation layer are sequentially stacked on a second substrate to form an opposing substrate; A light-absorbing layer is formed on the planar layer, and liquid crystal is formed in the groove of the light-absorbing layer to form a liquid crystal layer; The array substrate and the opposing substrate are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the liquid crystal layer to form the electronic paper display panel.

[0014] Optionally, the light-absorbing layer is formed on the planarization layer and liquid crystal is formed within the grooves of the light-absorbing layer, wherein forming the liquid crystal layer includes: A light-absorbing material is coated onto the planar layer; A mask is placed on the light-absorbing material and exposed to form a plurality of grooves on the light-absorbing material. The mask includes an alternately arranged first mask and a second mask. The transmittance of the first mask is greater than that of the second mask, and the area of ​​the first mask is greater than that of the second mask. The first mask corresponds to the groove. Liquid crystal is formed within the groove, thus forming the liquid crystal layer.

[0015] Optionally, forming liquid crystal within the groove, forming the liquid crystal layer includes: Different colors of liquid crystal are inkjet printed inside the groove and then air-dried. The liquid crystal is irradiated with ultraviolet light to form a stable liquid crystal.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: The electronic paper display panel includes an array substrate, a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. A driving voltage is formed between the array substrate and the counter substrate to drive the liquid crystal to deflect. The liquid crystal layer includes a light-absorbing layer and liquid crystal. The light-absorbing layer forms multiple grooves, and the grooves contain liquid crystal. When the array substrate and the counter substrate control the liquid crystal to deflect perpendicular to the electric field, the light-absorbing layer absorbs the light transmitted by the liquid crystal, and the electronic paper display panel displays a dark image. The electronic paper display panel eliminates the need for an ink layer, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cost of the electronic paper display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a traditional electronic paper display panel; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of an electronic paper display panel provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the electronic paper display panel provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of the method for preparing an electronic paper display panel according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 The flowchart of step S30 in the method for preparing an electronic paper display panel is shown. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mask structure provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of mask exposure for the fabrication method of the electronic paper display panel provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 9 for Figure 6 The flowchart of step S33 in the preparation method of the electronic paper display panel is shown. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of inkjet printing for the preparation method of the electronic paper display panel provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of liquid crystal drying in the preparation method of the electronic paper display panel provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of liquid crystal radiation in the preparation method of the electronic paper display panel provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0018] The figures in the diagram are labeled as follows: 100, Electronic paper display panel; 200, Driving circuit; 10, Array substrate; 20, Opposing substrate; 30, Liquid crystal layer; 11, First substrate; 12, First conductive layer; 13, Planarization layer; 14, Ink layer; 21, Second substrate; 22, Second conductive layer; 23, Passivation layer; 31, Liquid crystal; 32, Light-absorbing layer; 121, Driving circuit layer; 122, Pixel electrode layer; 321, Light-absorbing substrate; 322, Light-absorbing separator; 101, First mask; 102, Second mask. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional electronic paper display panel 100 includes an array substrate 10, a liquid crystal layer 30, and an opposing substrate 20. The array substrate 10 includes a first substrate 11, an ink layer 14, a first conductive layer 12, and a planarization layer 13 stacked sequentially. The opposing substrate 20 may include a second substrate 21, a second conductive layer 22, and a passivation layer 23 stacked sequentially. The first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22 respectively receive voltage signals and drive the liquid crystal 31 of the liquid crystal layer 30 to deflect, thereby displaying the corresponding grayscale.

[0023] Meanwhile, when the liquid crystal 31 displays a bright state, whether it receives a driving voltage or not, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is parallel to the array substrate 10. Light passes through the liquid crystal 31, is reflected by the ink layer 14, and then passes through the liquid crystal 31 again to be emitted to the outside, displaying a bright image.

[0024] When the liquid crystal 31 displays a dark state, its power-on state is the opposite of that in the bright state. The long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is perpendicular to the array substrate 10. When light passes through the liquid crystal 31 and is reflected by the ink layer 14, the upper liquid crystal 31 reflects the light again, preventing the reflected light from passing through the liquid crystal 31, thus achieving the effect of a dark state.

[0025] When a driving voltage of a corresponding magnitude is applied to the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22, the liquid crystal 31 deflects at a preset angle. Some of the light passes through the deflected light and is reflected again to the outside by the ink layer 14, displaying the corresponding grayscale brightness.

[0026] However, the electronic paper display panel 100 requires the preparation and bonding of an additional ink layer 14 on top of the original LCD design structure, which leads to complex preparation and increased costs, and also increases the thickness of the electronic paper display panel 100, which is not conducive to making the electronic paper display panel 100 thinner and lighter.

[0027] To simplify the manufacturing process, reduce design costs, and achieve a thinner and lighter electronic paper display panel 100, in an optional embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a first aspect of the present invention provides an electronic paper display panel 100, including an array substrate 10, an opposing substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30 disposed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20.

[0028] The liquid crystal layer 30 includes a liquid crystal layer 30 disposed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 includes a light-absorbing layer 32 and liquid crystal 31. The light-absorbing layer 32 forms a plurality of grooves on the side facing the opposing substrate 20. The grooves are used to accommodate the liquid crystal 31. The light-absorbing layer 32 is used to absorb light. The array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20 are used to generate a driving voltage to drive the liquid crystal 31 to deflect.

[0029] In this embodiment, the display mode of the electronic paper display panel 100 when displaying bright and dark images is the opposite of the display mode of the traditional electronic paper display panel 100. The opposite display mode can be adapted by changing the type of liquid crystal 31 or changing the power-on method.

[0030] For example, assuming the conventional liquid crystal 31 is a positive liquid crystal, when no driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, and no electric field exists, such as Figure 1 As shown in the liquid crystal 31 on the left, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is parallel to the array substrate 10. Light passes through the liquid crystal 31, is reflected by the ink layer 14, and then passes through the liquid crystal 31 again to be emitted to the outside and displays a bright image.

[0031] And when a driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, that is, when an electric field exists, i.e., as Figure 1 As shown in the middle liquid crystal 31, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is parallel to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is perpendicular to the array substrate 10. When light passes through the liquid crystal 31 and is reflected by the ink layer 14, the upper liquid crystal 31 reflects the light again, preventing the reflected light from passing through the liquid crystal 31, thus achieving the effect of a dark state.

[0032] In this application, by replacing the original ink layer 14 with light-reflecting properties with a light-absorbing layer 32 with light-absorbing properties, the polarity of the liquid crystal 31 or the application method of the driving voltage can be changed by reversing the driving method.

[0033] For example, changing the polarity of liquid crystal 31 to make it a negative liquid crystal, when no driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, and no electric field exists, such as Figure 2 As shown in the liquid crystal 31 on the left, the long axis of the negative liquid crystal is parallel to the direction of the electric field. That is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is perpendicular to the array substrate 10. When light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it cannot penetrate the liquid crystal 31 and directly reflects the light of the corresponding wavelength, thus displaying a bright image.

[0034] And when a driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, creating an electric field, such as Figure 2As shown in the middle liquid crystal 31, the long axis of the negative liquid crystal is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is parallel to the array substrate 10. After the light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it penetrates the liquid crystal 31 and is absorbed by the bottom of the groove of the light-absorbing layer 32, thus displaying a dark image.

[0035] Alternatively, the applied voltage method can be changed. For example, if the liquid crystal 31 continues to be selected as a positive liquid crystal, when the display is in a bright state, an electric field exists when a driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, i.e. Figure 2 As shown in the liquid crystal 31 on the left, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is parallel to the direction of the electric field. That is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is perpendicular to the array substrate 10. When light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it cannot penetrate the liquid crystal 31 and directly reflects the light of the corresponding wavelength, thus displaying a bright image.

[0036] And when displaying a dark image, if no driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, and no electric field exists, such as Figure 2 As shown in the middle liquid crystal 31, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is parallel to the array substrate 10. After the light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it penetrates the liquid crystal 31 and is absorbed by the bottom of the groove of the light-absorbing layer 32, and displays a dark state image.

[0037] At the same time, when the driving voltage is changed, the liquid crystal 31 deflects at a preset angle. Some of the light passes through the deflected liquid crystal 31 and is reflected back to the outside, displaying the corresponding grayscale brightness.

[0038] By setting the partition for accommodating the liquid crystal 31 as a light-absorbing layer 32 and forming a groove for accommodating the liquid crystal 31 on the light-absorbing layer 32, the purpose of positioning and accommodating the liquid crystal 31 can be achieved at the same time, and the light-absorbing effect can be achieved when displaying in the dark.

[0039] Furthermore, the electronic paper display panel 100 does not require an ink layer 14 between the first conductive layer 12 and the first substrate 11, which simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces design costs, and simplifies the structure of the electronic paper display panel 100, enabling the electronic paper display panel 100 to be made thinner and lighter.

[0040] The electronic paper display panel 100 includes multiple sub-pixels, with each groove corresponding to a sub-pixel. The opposing substrate 20 may also include a corresponding color filter layer, which includes alternating color resists and a black matrix. The color resists are corresponding to each groove and are used to receive the natural light deflected by the liquid crystal 31, forming red light, blue light, and filter light of corresponding colors, respectively. The black matrix is ​​set between the color resists and realizes the isolation of each light. The light rays are finally combined to present the corresponding image information.

[0041] Alternatively, in another optional embodiment, each liquid crystal 31 is filled with a corresponding pigment, such as red pigment, blue pigment and green pigment, and when the liquid crystal 31 is deflected, it displays light of the corresponding color, and the specific color display method is not limited.

[0042] The groove structure of the light-absorbing layer 32 can be a square groove, a circular groove, or other structures. In an optional embodiment, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the light-absorbing layer 32 includes an integrally formed light-absorbing base plate 321 and a plurality of light-absorbing partitions 322 spaced apart on the light-absorbing base plate 321, with adjacent plurality of light-absorbing partitions 322 and the light-absorbing base plate 321 forming a groove.

[0043] In this embodiment, the light-absorbing partition 322 and the light-absorbing base plate 321 are integrally formed. The light-absorbing partition 322 is perpendicular to the light-absorbing base plate 321. A plurality of adjacent light-absorbing partitions 322 and light-absorbing base plates 321 are arranged to form a square groove. The number of light-absorbing partitions 322 in the groove can be set as needed, such as 2, 3, 4, 6, etc., depending on the shape of the groove. The groove is used to accommodate the liquid crystal 31. When light passes through the liquid crystal 31 and reaches the light-absorbing base plate 321, it is absorbed by the light-absorbing base plate 321, and the liquid crystal 31 at this position displays a dark image.

[0044] The light-absorbing layer 32 can be made of a corresponding light-absorbing material, such as a black matrix. In an optional embodiment, the material of the light-absorbing layer 32 is a black photo spacer (BPS) material. The BPS material is stacked on the array substrate 10 and multiple grooves are formed by exposure, etching, laser and other methods to form a light-absorbing layer 32 with light-absorbing function.

[0045] The structures of the array substrate 10 and the color filter substrate can be configured according to the material and color of the liquid crystal 31. In an optional embodiment, each liquid crystal 31 is filled with a corresponding pigment, such as red pigment, blue pigment and green pigment, and displays light of the corresponding color when the liquid crystal 31 is deflected.

[0046] Corresponding to the liquid crystal 31 form, in an optional embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the array substrate 10 includes a first substrate 11, a first conductive layer 12 and a planarization layer 13 stacked sequentially along a first direction; The opposing substrate 20 includes a second substrate 21, a second conductive layer 22, and a passivation layer 23 stacked sequentially along a second direction. The liquid crystal layer 30 is disposed between the planarization layer 13 and the passivation layer 23. The first direction and the second direction are opposite. The first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22 are used to receive voltage signals and form driving voltages to drive the liquid crystal 31 to deflect.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22 are used to receive the voltage signal from the driving circuit 200 and form a corresponding driving voltage, which drives the liquid crystal 31 located in the middle position to deflect.

[0048] Taking a positive liquid crystal as an example, when the display is in a bright state, the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22 receive voltage signals and form a driving voltage. An electric field exists between the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22, i.e., as shown... Figure 2 As shown in the liquid crystal 31 on the left, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is parallel to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is perpendicular to the first substrate 11. When light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it cannot penetrate the liquid crystal 31 and directly reflects the light of the corresponding wavelength, thus displaying a bright image.

[0049] And when displaying a dark image, if the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22 do not receive a voltage signal or receive a voltage signal of the same magnitude, and no driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20, and no electric field exists, such as Figure 2 As shown in the middle liquid crystal 31, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is parallel to the array substrate 10. After the light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it penetrates the liquid crystal 31 and is absorbed by the bottom of the groove of the light-absorbing layer 32, and displays a dark state image.

[0050] At the same time, when the driving voltage is changed, the liquid crystal 31 deflects at a preset angle. Some of the light passes through the deflected liquid crystal 31 and is reflected back to the outside, displaying the corresponding grayscale brightness.

[0051] The planarization layer 13 is used to planarize the first conductive layer 12, which facilitates the stacking of the light-absorbing layer 32 and ensures that the light-absorbing layer 32 is in a horizontal state. The passivation layer 23 is used to isolate the liquid crystal 31 and the second conductive layer 22, to prevent the liquid crystal 31 and the second conductive layer 22 from being directly processed, and to realize the encapsulation and fixation of the liquid crystal 31.

[0052] The first conductive layer 12 can be configured according to requirements. In an optional embodiment, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the first conductive layer 12 includes: A driving circuit layer 121 is stacked on the first substrate 11. The driving circuit layer 121 includes multiple data lines, multiple scan lines and arrayed thin-film transistors. The thin-film transistors are connected to a corresponding data line and a scan line. The pixel electrode layer 122 is stacked on the driving circuit layer 121. The pixel electrode layer 122 includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an array. Each pixel electrode is connected to a thin film transistor and each pixel electrode is correspondingly disposed with a groove.

[0053] In this embodiment, the driving circuit layer 121 includes multiple data lines, multiple scan lines, and an array of thin-film transistors. The thin-film transistors are connected to a corresponding data line and a scan line. The scan lines and data lines are connected to the driving circuit 200. The scan lines are used to input horizontal scan signals, and the data lines are used to input data signals. The pixel electrode layer 122 includes multiple pixel electrodes arranged in an array. Each pixel electrode is connected to a thin-film transistor. When the thin-film transistor receives a horizontal scan signal, it turns on and writes a data signal. The data signal is transmitted to the pixel electrode through the thin-film transistor. Each pixel electrode is correspondingly disposed with a groove. The pixel electrode and the liquid crystal 31 in the groove form a sub-pixel. Multiple sub-pixel arrays are formed in the electronic paper display panel 100.

[0054] The second conductive layer 22 is a common electrode layer, which is used to receive the common electrode voltage. The common electrode layer and the pixel electrode form a liquid crystal 31 capacitor. The data signal on the pixel electrode and the common electrode voltage on the common electrode layer form a driving voltage, which drives the liquid crystal 31 of each sub-pixel to display the corresponding bright state, dark state or grayscale brightness.

[0055] The liquid crystal 31 can be a single polar liquid crystal or a composite material. In an optional embodiment, the liquid crystal 31 is formed by mixing a polar liquid crystal, a chiral dopant, a polymerizable monomer, and a photoinitiator. The polar liquid crystal is either a positive liquid crystal or a negative liquid crystal.

[0056] The liquid crystal 31 can be formed using conventional liquid crystal 31 display panel fabrication methods, such as inkjet printing technology. Polar liquid crystal, polymerizable monomer, photoinitiator and chiral dopant are mixed, and organic solvent (such as cyclohexanone, toluene) is added to adjust the rheological properties of the solution to ensure that it meets the requirements of inkjet printing. Then, liquid crystal 31 that can reflect red, blue and green colors are printed separately.

[0057] Then, the printed liquid crystal 31 is air-dried and subjected to ultraviolet radiation at an appropriate temperature to initiate the polymerization of polymerizable monomers, forming a stable polymer network, thereby locking the orientation of the liquid crystal 31 and obtaining the final polymer-stabilized liquid crystal 31.

[0058] Meanwhile, during the fabrication of the electronic paper display panel 100, the array substrate 10 and the color filter substrate are also encapsulated and fixed together by frame glue to form a box-shaped electronic paper display panel 100.

[0059] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to the prior art are as follows: The electronic paper display panel 100 includes an array substrate 10, a counter substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30. A driving voltage is formed between the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 to drive the liquid crystal 31 to deflect. The liquid crystal layer 30 includes a light-absorbing layer 32 and liquid crystal 31. The light-absorbing layer 32 forms multiple grooves, and the liquid crystal 31 is placed in the grooves. When the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 control the liquid crystal 31 to deflect perpendicular to the electric field, the light-absorbing layer 32 absorbs the light transmitted by the liquid crystal 31, and the electronic paper display panel 100 presents a dark image. The electronic paper display panel 100 does not require the preparation of an ink layer 14, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cost of the electronic paper display panel 100.

[0060] Example 2 A second aspect of the present invention provides an electronic paper display device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the electronic paper display device includes a driving circuit 200 and an electronic paper display panel 100. The specific structure of the electronic paper display panel 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electronic paper display device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The driving circuit 200 is connected to the electronic paper display panel 100.

[0061] In this embodiment, the driving circuit 200 can be connected to the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 22 of the electronic paper display panel 100. The driving circuit 200 outputs a line scanning signal and a data signal to the first conductive layer 12, so that the pixel electrode at the corresponding position of the first conductive layer 12 receives a data signal of the corresponding size. The driving circuit 200 can also output a common electrode voltage to the second conductive layer 22, so that a driving voltage is formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, and drives the liquid crystal 31 to deflect accordingly, thereby driving the liquid crystal 31 of each sub-pixel to display the corresponding bright state, dark state or grayscale brightness.

[0062] Correspondingly, the driving circuit 200 may include a source driving circuit, a gate driving circuit, and a timing controller. The source driving circuit is connected to the data line of the array substrate 10 of the electronic paper display panel 100 and provides data signals. The gate driving circuit is connected to the scan line of the array substrate 10 and provides row scan signals. The timing controller is connected to the source driving circuit and the gate driving circuit respectively and drives and controls the source driving circuit and the gate driving circuit to work.

[0063] The driving circuit 200 may also include a power management integrated circuit, which can be connected to the source driving circuit, the gate driving circuit and the timing controller respectively, and provide operating power. The power management integrated circuit can also be connected to the common electrode layer on the opposing substrate 20 and provide a common electrode voltage, thereby forming a driving voltage on the liquid crystal 31 and driving the liquid crystal 31 to deflect, and displaying the corresponding bright state, dark state or grayscale brightness.

[0064] To achieve the display of bright, dark, or grayscale brightness, in one optional embodiment, the driving circuit 200 is used for: The first voltage signal is output to the array substrate 10 and the second voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate 20 to form a first driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 to be perpendicular to the array substrate 10, and to display a bright image. Alternatively, a third voltage signal is output to the array substrate 10 and a fourth voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate 20 to form a second driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 to be parallel to the array substrate 10, and to display a dark state image. Alternatively, a fifth voltage signal is output to the array substrate 10 and a sixth voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate 20 to form a third driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 to be at a preset angle with the display panel, and display the corresponding gray level.

[0065] In this embodiment, taking a positive liquid crystal as an example, when the display is in a bright state, the driving circuit 200 outputs a first voltage signal to the pixel electrode of the array substrate 10 and outputs a second voltage signal to the common electrode of the opposing substrate 20. At this time, the voltage of the first voltage signal is greater than the voltage of the second voltage signal, and a driving voltage is formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, resulting in an electric field. Figure 2 As shown in the liquid crystal 31 on the left, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is parallel to the direction of the electric field. That is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is perpendicular to the array substrate 10. When light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it cannot penetrate the liquid crystal 31 and directly reflects the light of the corresponding wavelength, thus displaying a bright image.

[0066] When displaying a dark image, the driving circuit 200 outputs a third voltage signal to the pixel electrode of the array substrate 10 and a fourth voltage signal to the common electrode of the opposing substrate 20. At this time, the third and fourth voltage signals can be zero or equal. No driving voltage is formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, and no electric field exists. Figure 2 As shown in the middle liquid crystal 31, the long axis of the positive liquid crystal is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field, that is, the long axis of the liquid crystal 31 is parallel to the array substrate 10. After the light reaches the liquid crystal 31, it penetrates the liquid crystal 31 and is absorbed by the bottom of the groove of the light-absorbing layer 32, and displays a dark state image.

[0067] When displaying the corresponding grayscale, the driving circuit 200 outputs a fifth voltage signal to the pixel electrode of the array substrate 10 and a sixth voltage signal to the common electrode of the opposing substrate 20. At this time, the fifth voltage signal and the sixth voltage signal are not equal, and a driving voltage of corresponding magnitude is formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the right-hand LCD, the LCD 31 is deflected at a preset angle. Some light passes through the deflected LCD 31 and is reflected back to the outside, displaying the corresponding grayscale brightness.

[0068] Example 3 Corresponding to the structure of the electronic paper display panel 100, such as Figure 5 As shown, a third aspect of the present invention discloses a method for preparing an electronic paper display panel 100, comprising: S10. A first conductive layer 12 and a planarization layer 13 are sequentially stacked on the first substrate 11 to form an array substrate 10. S20. A second conductive layer 22 and a passivation layer 23 are sequentially stacked on the second substrate 21 to form an opposing substrate 20.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first conductive layer 12 includes a driving circuit layer 121 and a pixel electrode layer 122 stacked together. The driving circuit layer 121 includes multiple data lines, multiple scan lines, and an array of thin-film transistors. The thin-film transistors are connected to a corresponding data line and a scan line. The scan lines and data lines are connected to the driving circuit 200. The scan lines are used to input line scan signals, and the data lines are used to input data signals. The pixel electrode layer 122 includes multiple pixel electrodes arranged in an array. Each pixel electrode is connected to a thin-film transistor. When the thin-film transistor receives a line scan signal, it turns on and writes a data signal. The data signal is transmitted to the pixel electrode through the thin-film transistor. Each pixel electrode is correspondingly disposed with a groove. The pixel electrode and the liquid crystal 31 in the groove form a sub-pixel. Multiple sub-pixel arrays are formed in the electronic paper display panel 100.

[0070] The second conductive layer 22 is a common electrode layer, which is used to receive the common electrode voltage. The common electrode layer and the pixel electrode form a liquid crystal 31 capacitor. The data signal on the pixel electrode and the common electrode voltage on the common electrode layer form a driving voltage, which drives the liquid crystal 31 of each sub-pixel to display the corresponding bright state, dark state or grayscale brightness.

[0071] The planarization layer 13 is used to planarize the first conductive layer 12, which facilitates the stacking of the light-absorbing layer 32 and ensures that the light-absorbing layer 32 is in a horizontal state. The passivation layer 23 is used to isolate the liquid crystal 31 and the second conductive layer 22, to prevent the liquid crystal 31 and the second conductive layer 22 from being directly processed, and to realize the encapsulation and fixation of the liquid crystal 31.

[0072] S30. A light-absorbing layer 32 is formed on the planarization layer 13, and a liquid crystal 31 is formed in the groove of the light-absorbing layer 32 to form a liquid crystal layer 30.

[0073] After the planarization layer 13 is formed, the light-absorbing layer 32 is arranged on the planarization layer 13. A light-absorbing film of a preset thickness can be formed on the planarization layer 13 first, and then multiple grooves can be formed by etching, exposure, laser or other methods, and liquid crystal 31 can be filled in the grooves to form the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, S30 includes: S31. A light-absorbing material is coated on the planarization layer 13; S32. Place a mask on the light-absorbing material and expose it to form multiple grooves on the light-absorbing material. The mask includes an alternately arranged first mask 101 and second mask 102. The transmittance of the first mask 101 is greater than that of the second mask 102. The area of ​​the first mask 101 is greater than that of the second mask 102. The first mask 101 corresponds to the groove. S33. Liquid crystal 31 is formed in the groove, forming a liquid crystal layer 30.

[0075] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, a pre-set thickness of BPS material is first coated on the planarization layer 13. Then, a halftone mask is used for exposure. The mask is set as an alternating first mask 101 and second mask 102. The high-transmittance mask is aligned with the position where the groove is to be formed, and the second mask 102 is aligned with the position where the light-absorbing partition 322 is to be formed. The mask is then exposed. Figure 8 As shown, after exposure, since BPS material is generally a negative photoresist, the light transmission intensity of the second mask 102 is weak, making it impossible to completely develop the entire BPS material layer. The light intensity corresponding to the first mask 101 is the strongest. Therefore, after development, the BPS material corresponding to the first mask 101 undergoes a photocrosslinking reaction, becoming insoluble in the developing solution and remaining essentially intact. However, the BPS material corresponding to the second mask 102, due to the weaker light intensity, does not undergo a complete crosslinking reaction. After the reaction in the developing solution, a small amount of the film layer is retained and deposited at the bottom, thus forming a light-absorbing layer 32 that reflects the black image, i.e., forming a light-absorbing layer 32 with a corresponding light-absorbing substrate 321 and a corresponding light-absorbing separator 322.

[0076] The shapes of the first mask 101 and the second mask 102 can be specifically set according to the shape of the required groove.

[0077] After exposure, liquid crystal 31 is filled and printed, so that liquid crystal 31 fills each corresponding groove to form multiple corresponding sub-pixels.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, such asFigure 9 As shown, S33 includes: S331, Inkjet print different colors of liquid crystal 31 in the groove, and then air dry; S332, Using ultraviolet light to irradiate the liquid crystal 31 to form a stable liquid crystal 31.

[0079] In this embodiment, inkjet technology is used for liquid crystal 31 filling. First, polar liquid crystal, polymerizable monomer, photoinitiator, and chiral dopant are mixed. An organic solvent (such as cyclohexanone or toluene) is added to adjust the rheological properties of the solution, ensuring it meets the requirements for inkjet printing. Figure 10 As shown, printing is performed on liquid crystal 31 that can reflect red, blue and green colors respectively.

[0080] Then, as Figure 11 As shown, the printed liquid crystal 31 is air-dried at an appropriate temperature, and as... Figure 12 As shown, ultraviolet radiation for a preset duration at an appropriate temperature initiates the polymerization of polymerizable monomers, forming a stable polymer network, thereby locking the orientation of liquid crystal 31 and obtaining the final polymer-stabilized liquid crystal 31.

[0081] S40. The array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 30 to form an electronic paper display panel 100.

[0082] Finally, the electronic paper display panel 100 is encapsulated. The array substrate 10 and the color filter substrate are fixed together by a frame adhesive, and the liquid crystal layer 30 is encapsulated therein to form a box-shaped electronic paper display panel 100.

[0083] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic paper display panel, characterized in that, It includes an array substrate, an opposing substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the opposing substrate; The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes a light-absorbing layer and liquid crystal. The light-absorbing layer forms a plurality of grooves on the side facing the opposing substrate. The grooves are used to accommodate the liquid crystal. The light-absorbing layer is used to absorb light. The array substrate and the opposing substrate are used to generate a driving voltage to drive the liquid crystal to deflect.

2. The electronic paper display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light-absorbing layer includes an integrally formed light-absorbing base plate and a plurality of light-absorbing partitions spaced apart on the light-absorbing base plate, with adjacent plurality of light-absorbing partitions and the light-absorbing base plate forming the groove.

3. The electronic paper display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The array substrate includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer, and a planarization layer stacked sequentially along a first direction; The opposing substrate includes a second substrate, a second conductive layer, and a passivation layer stacked sequentially along a second direction, and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the planarization layer and the passivation layer, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite; The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are used to receive voltage signals and form a driving voltage to drive the liquid crystal to deflect.

4. The electronic paper display panel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first conductive layer includes: A driving circuit layer is stacked on the first substrate. The driving circuit layer includes multiple data lines, multiple scan lines, and an array of thin-film transistors. The thin-film transistors are connected to a corresponding data line and a scan line. A pixel electrode layer is stacked on the driving circuit layer. The pixel electrode layer includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an array. Each pixel electrode is connected to a thin film transistor and is correspondingly disposed with a groove.

5. The electronic paper display panel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid crystal is formed by mixing polar liquid crystal, chiral dopant, polymerizable monomer and photoinitiator, wherein the polar liquid crystal is either positive liquid crystal or negative liquid crystal.

6. An electronic paper display device, characterized in that, It includes a driving circuit and an electronic paper display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driving circuit is connected to the electronic paper display panel.

7. The electronic paper display device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The driving circuit is used for: A first voltage signal is output to the array substrate and a second voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate to form a first driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal to be perpendicular to the array substrate, and to display a bright image; Alternatively, a third voltage signal is output to the array substrate and a fourth voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate to form a second driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal to be parallel to the array substrate, thereby displaying a dark-state image; Alternatively, a fifth voltage signal is output to the array substrate and a sixth voltage signal is output to the opposing substrate to form a third driving voltage and control the long axis of the liquid crystal to be at a preset angle with the display panel, and display the corresponding grayscale.

8. A method for preparing an electronic paper display panel, characterized in that, include: A first conductive layer and a planarization layer are sequentially stacked on a first substrate to form an array substrate; A second conductive layer and a passivation layer are sequentially stacked on a second substrate to form an opposing substrate; A light-absorbing layer is formed on the planar layer, and liquid crystal is formed in the groove of the light-absorbing layer to form a liquid crystal layer; The array substrate and the opposing substrate are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the liquid crystal layer to form the electronic paper display panel.

9. The method for preparing an electronic paper display panel as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The light-absorbing layer is formed on the planarization layer, and liquid crystal is formed within the grooves of the light-absorbing layer. Forming the liquid crystal layer includes: A light-absorbing material is coated onto the planar layer; A mask is placed on the light-absorbing material and exposed to form a plurality of grooves on the light-absorbing material. The mask includes an alternately arranged first mask and a second mask. The transmittance of the first mask is greater than that of the second mask, and the area of ​​the first mask is greater than that of the second mask. The first mask corresponds to the groove. Liquid crystal is formed within the groove, thus forming the liquid crystal layer.

10. The method for preparing an electronic paper display panel as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The process of forming liquid crystal within the groove, forming the liquid crystal layer includes: Different colors of liquid crystal are inkjet printed inside the groove and then air-dried. The liquid crystal is irradiated with ultraviolet light to form a stable liquid crystal.

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