Electronic paper display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic paper display device and a driving method thereof.The electronic paper display device comprises a display function layer and a peep-proof function layer, the peep-proof function layer is arranged on the light emitting side of the display function layer and comprises a substrate and a cover plate which are oppositely arranged, and the cover plate is arranged on the substrate. The peep-proof units are arranged between the base and the cover plate; the peep-proof unit comprises a peep-proof cavity, a retaining wall, a first main electrode, a first auxiliary electrode, a second main electrode, a second auxiliary electrode, a third main electrode, a third auxiliary electrode, first charged shading particles, second charged shading particles, a first driving unit and a second driving unit. Through the design, the electronic paper display device can be switched between the normal display mode and the peep-proof display mode, so that the electronic paper display device can be conveniently used by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to an electronic paper display device and its driving method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of display technology, display devices are widely used in fields such as e-readers, smartwatches, electronic medical records and prescription displays, and public transportation due to their advantages such as simple manufacturing process and ultra-low power consumption. When using display devices in public places, anti-peeping functions are usually added to the display devices to protect user privacy and prevent others from peeping at the reading content or sensitive notices.

[0003] Traditional display devices can only achieve fixed privacy display and cannot switch between normal display mode and privacy display mode, which makes them inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an electronic paper display device and its driving method, which can realize the switching between normal display mode and privacy display mode of the electronic paper display device to facilitate user use.

[0005] This application discloses an electronic paper display device, which includes a display function layer and a privacy function layer. The privacy function layer is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display function layer. The privacy function layer includes a substrate and a cover plate disposed opposite to each other, and a plurality of privacy units disposed between the substrate and the cover plate. The privacy unit includes a privacy cavity, a barrier, a first main electrode, a first auxiliary electrode, a second main electrode, a second auxiliary electrode, a third main electrode, a third auxiliary electrode, a first charged light-blocking particle, a second charged light-blocking particle, a first driving unit, and a second driving unit.

[0006] The barrier wall is disposed in the privacy cavity, dividing the privacy cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity arranged in parallel; the first main electrode is disposed on one side of the first cavity, opposite to the barrier wall; the first auxiliary electrode is disposed on one side of the second cavity, opposite to the barrier wall; the second main electrode is disposed in the first cavity on the side away from the display functional layer, the second auxiliary electrode is disposed in the first cavity on the side close to the display functional layer, the third main electrode is disposed in the second cavity on the side away from the display functional layer, the third auxiliary electrode is disposed in the second cavity on the side close to the display functional layer, the first charged light-blocking particle is disposed in the first cavity, and the second charged light-blocking particle is disposed in the second cavity.

[0007] One of the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode, as well as the first main electrode, is electrically connected to the first driving unit. The first driving unit controls the first charged light-shielding particle to move to one side of the first main electrode. Similarly, one of the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode, as well as the first auxiliary electrode, is electrically connected to the first driving unit. The first driving unit controls the second charged light-shielding particle to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode. The second driving unit is electrically connected to the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode, controlling the first charged light-shielding particle to move to one side of either the second main electrode or the second auxiliary electrode. The second driving unit is also connected to the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode, controlling the second charged light-shielding particle to move to one side of either the third main electrode or the third auxiliary electrode.

[0008] Optionally, the privacy unit further includes a first light-shielding member and a second light-shielding member. The first light-shielding member is disposed on one side of the first cavity, opposite to the barrier wall. The second light-shielding member is disposed on one side of the second cavity, opposite to the barrier wall. The first light-shielding member has a first opening, and the first main electrode is disposed in the first opening. The first charged light-shielding particle moves into the first opening under the control of the first driving unit. When the first driving unit controls the first charged light-shielding particle to move into the first opening, the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding member on the display functional layer covers the orthographic projection of the first charged light-shielding particle on the display functional layer. The second light-shielding member has a second opening, and the first auxiliary electrode is disposed in the second opening. The second charged light-shielding particle moves into the second opening under the control of the first driving unit. When the first driving unit controls the second charged light-shielding particle to move into the second opening, the orthographic projection of the second light-shielding member on the display functional layer covers the orthographic projection of the second charged light-shielding particle on the display functional layer.

[0009] Optionally, the first opening is located on the side of the first light-shielding member away from the cover plate, and the second opening is located on the side of the second light-shielding member away from the cover plate; the first driving unit is simultaneously electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode and the first main electrode, and simultaneously electrically connected to the third auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary electrode.

[0010] Optionally, both the first opening and the second opening have square cross-sections, the first main electrode is located on both the side wall and the top of the first opening, and the first auxiliary electrode is located on both the side wall and the top of the second opening.

[0011] Optionally, the cross-sections of the first opening and the second opening are both right-angled triangles, and the cross-section of the retaining wall is trapezoidal. The hypotenuse of the first opening is opposite to one side of the retaining wall, and the hypotenuse of the second opening is opposite to the other side of the retaining wall. The first main electrode is disposed on the hypotenuse of the first opening, and the second auxiliary electrode is disposed on one side of the retaining wall. The first auxiliary electrode is disposed on the hypotenuse of the second opening, and the third auxiliary electrode is disposed on the other side of the retaining wall.

[0012] Optionally, the display functional layer includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a reflective layer, a display electrode, a polar liquid, and an ink. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate and is disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the privacy function layer. The reflective layer is disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate, and the display electrode is disposed on the side of the reflective layer facing the first substrate. The polar liquid is disposed between the first substrate and the display electrode. The ink is disposed between the first substrate and the display electrode, and expands or contracts under the action of the display electrode. When the ink contracts, it is located below the first light-shielding member or the second light-shielding member.

[0013] Optionally, the privacy shield unit further includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on the side of the substrate facing the cover plate. The first main electrode, the first auxiliary electrode, the second auxiliary electrode, and the third auxiliary electrode are all disposed on the first conductive layer and connected to the first conductive layer respectively. The second conductive layer is disposed on the side of the cover plate facing the substrate. The second main electrode and the third main electrode are both disposed on the second conductive layer and connected to the second conductive layer respectively. The first driving unit is connected to the first conductive layer, and the second driving unit is connected to both the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0014] Optionally, the display function layer includes multiple pixels, and the privacy unit is configured to correspond one-to-one with each pixel.

[0015] This application also discloses a driving method for an electronic paper display device, used to drive the electronic paper display device as described above, the driving method comprising: Normal display mode: Power is applied to one of the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode and the first main electrode to control the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first main electrode; power is applied to one of the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary electrode to control the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode. Privacy display mode: Powering on the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the second main electrode or the second auxiliary electrode; powering on the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode controls the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the third main electrode or the third auxiliary electrode.

[0016] Optionally, the privacy display modes include a normal privacy mode, a left-side privacy mode, and a right-side privacy mode. In the normal privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second main electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is simultaneously controlled to move to one side of the third main electrode; or, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second auxiliary electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is simultaneously controlled to move to one side of the third auxiliary electrode. In the left-side privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second main electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third auxiliary electrode. In the right-side privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second auxiliary electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third main electrode.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application embodiment are as follows: This application embodiment adds a privacy function layer with multiple privacy units on the display function layer. The privacy cavity in the privacy unit is divided into a first cavity and a second cavity in parallel by a barrier. Three electrodes are respectively set in the first cavity and the second cavity. The first main electrode, the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode in the first cavity are energized by the first driving unit and the second driving unit to control the position of the first charged light-blocking particle. The first auxiliary electrode, the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode in the second cavity are energized by the first driving unit and the second driving unit to control the position of the second charged light-blocking particle.

[0018] When the electronic paper display device needs to perform normal display (or sharing mode), the first driving unit controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first main electrode and the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode, i.e., to the side of the privacy cavity. At this time, the first and second charged light-blocking particles do not block the display light emitted by the display functional layer, allowing personnel located to the side of the electronic paper display device to see the displayed image, thus achieving image sharing. When the electronic paper display device needs to perform privacy display, the second driving unit controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the second main electrode or the second auxiliary electrode and the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the third main electrode or the third auxiliary electrode, i.e., to the center area of ​​the privacy cavity. At this time, the first and second charged light-blocking particles block the display light emitted by the display functional layer, preventing personnel located to the side of the electronic paper display device from seeing the displayed image, thus achieving privacy. As can be seen, the design of the privacy unit in this application enables the electronic paper display device to switch between normal display mode and privacy display mode, making it convenient for users to use in multiple scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this application and illustrate the implementation methods of this application, together with the textual description, to explain the principles of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic paper display device provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first privacy protection state of a privacy protection function layer provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second privacy protection state of a privacy protection layer provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third privacy protection state of a privacy protection function layer provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth privacy protection state of a privacy protection function layer provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a privacy screen unit provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another privacy protection unit provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of another privacy protection unit provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display function layer provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a plan view of a display function layer provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a driving method for an electronic paper display device provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0020] Among them, 10 is an electronic paper display device; 20 is a privacy protection layer; 21 is a substrate; 22 is a cover plate; 23 is a privacy protection unit; 100 is a privacy protection cavity; 100a is a first cavity; 100b is a second cavity; 110 is a barrier; 120a is a first main electrode; 120b is a first auxiliary electrode; 130a is a second main electrode; 130b is a second auxiliary electrode; 140a is a third main electrode; 140b is a third auxiliary electrode; 150a is a first charged light-blocking particle; 150b is a second charged light-blocking particle. Electro-shielding particles; 160, First driving unit; 170, Second driving unit; 180a, First light-shielding element; 181a, First opening; 180b, Second light-shielding element; 181b, Second opening; 190a, First conductive layer; 190b, Second conductive layer; 30, Display functional layer; 31, First substrate; 32, Second substrate; 33, Reflective layer; 34, Display electrode; 341, First display electrode; 342, Second display electrode; 35, Polar liquid; 36, Ink. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be understood that the terminology, specific structural and functional details used herein are merely for describing particular embodiments and are representative. However, this application may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0022] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "connected" or "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and optional embodiments.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an electronic paper display device 10 provided as a first embodiment of this application includes a display function layer 30 and a privacy function layer 20. The display function layer 30 is used to realize the electronic paper display function, and the privacy function layer 20 is used to realize the privacy function. The privacy function layer 20 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display function layer 30.

[0025] The privacy protection layer 20 includes a base 21 and a cover plate 22 disposed opposite to each other, and a plurality of privacy protection units 23 disposed between the base 21 and the cover plate 22. The plurality of privacy protection units 23 are arranged in an array between the base 21 and the cover plate 22. The privacy protection unit 23 includes a privacy protection cavity 100, a barrier 110, a first main electrode 120a, a first auxiliary electrode 120b, a second main electrode 130a, a second auxiliary electrode 130b, a third main electrode 140a, a third auxiliary electrode 140b, a first charged light-blocking particle 150a, a second charged light-blocking particle 150b, a first driving unit 160, and a second driving unit 170.

[0026] The barrier 110 is disposed within the privacy chamber 100, with its two ends abutting against the side of the base 21 and the side of the cover plate 22, respectively, thereby dividing the privacy chamber 100 into a first chamber 100a and a second chamber 100b arranged side by side. The first main electrode 120a is disposed on one side of the first chamber 100a, opposite to the barrier 110; the first auxiliary electrode 120b is disposed on one side of the second chamber 100b, opposite to the barrier 110. The second main electrode 130a is disposed in the first cavity 100a on the side away from the display functional layer 30, the second auxiliary electrode 130b is disposed in the first cavity 100a on the side close to the display functional layer 30, the third main electrode 140a is disposed in the second cavity 100b on the side away from the display functional layer 30, the third auxiliary electrode 140b is disposed in the second cavity 100b on the side close to the display functional layer 30, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a is disposed in the first cavity 100a, and the second charged light-shielding particle 150b is disposed in the second cavity 100b.

[0027] One of the second main electrode 130a and the second auxiliary electrode 130b, as well as the first main electrode 120a, are electrically connected to the first driving unit 160. The first driving unit 160 controls the first charged light-shielding particle 150a to move to one side of the first main electrode 120a. Similarly, one of the third main electrode 140a and the third auxiliary electrode 140b, as well as the first auxiliary electrode 120b, are also electrically connected to the first driving unit 160. The first driving unit 160 controls the second charged light-shielding particle 150b to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode 120b. The second driving unit 170 is electrically connected to the second main electrode 130a and the second auxiliary electrode 130b, and controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move to one side of the second main electrode 130a or the second auxiliary electrode 130b; the second driving unit 170 is also connected to the third main electrode 140a and the third auxiliary electrode 140b, and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move to one side of the third main electrode 140a or the third auxiliary electrode 140b.

[0028] In this embodiment, an anti-spy function layer 20 with multiple anti-spy units 23 is added to the display function layer 30. The anti-spy cavity 100 in the anti-spy unit 23 is divided into a first cavity 100a and a second cavity 100b in parallel by a barrier 110. Three electrodes are respectively set in the first cavity 100a and the second cavity 100b. The first main electrode 120a, the second main electrode 130a and the second auxiliary electrode 130b in the first cavity 100a are energized by the first driving unit 160 and the second driving unit 170 to control the position of the first charged light-blocking particle 150a. The first auxiliary electrode 120b, the third main electrode 140a and the third auxiliary electrode 140b in the second cavity 100b are energized by the first driving unit 160 and the second driving unit 170 to control the position of the second charged light-blocking particle 150b.

[0029] When the electronic paper display device 10 needs to perform normal display (or sharing mode), the first driving unit 160 controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move to one side of the first main electrode 120a and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode 120b, that is, to the side of the privacy cavity 100. At this time, the first charged light-blocking particle 150a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b will not block the display light emitted by the display function layer 30, so that people located on the side of the electronic paper display device 10 can also see the display screen on the electronic paper display device 10, thereby realizing screen sharing. When the electronic paper display device 10 needs to perform a privacy display, the second driving unit 170 controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move to one side of the second main electrode 130a or the second auxiliary electrode 130b, and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move to one side of the third main electrode 140a or the third auxiliary electrode 140b, that is, to move to the central area of ​​the privacy cavity 100. At this time, the first charged light-blocking particle 150a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b block the display light emitted by the display functional layer 30, so that people located on the side of the electronic paper display device 10 cannot see the display screen on the electronic paper display device 10, thereby achieving privacy. It can be seen that the design of the privacy unit 23 in this embodiment of the application enables the electronic paper display device 10 to switch between normal display mode and privacy display mode, which is convenient for users to use in multiple scenarios.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first driving unit 160 is electrically connected to the second main electrode 130a and the first main electrode 120a, and also electrically connected to the third main electrode 140a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. During normal display, the first driving unit 160 energizes the first main electrode 120a, the second main electrode 130a, the third main electrode 140a, and the first auxiliary electrode 120b, thereby generating an oblique electric field between the second main electrode 130a and the first main electrode 120a. Under the action of this electric field, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a moves to one side of the first main electrode 120a and adheres to the surface of the first main electrode 120a. Simultaneously, an oblique electric field is also generated between the third main electrode 140a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. Under the action of this electric field, the second charged light-shielding particle 150b moves to one side of the first auxiliary electrode 120b and adheres to the surface of the first auxiliary electrode 120b. At this time, the first charged light-blocking particle 150a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b do not block the display light, and the electronic paper display device 10 enters the normal display mode. The display content on the electronic paper display device 10 can also be seen from the side of the electronic paper display device 10.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the first driving unit 160 is electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the first main electrode 120a, and also electrically connected to the third auxiliary electrode 140b and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. During normal display, the first driving unit 160 energizes the first main electrode 120a, the second auxiliary electrode 130b, the third auxiliary electrode 140b, and the first auxiliary electrode 120b, generating an electric field between the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the first main electrode 120a. Under the action of this electric field, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a moves to one side of the first main electrode 120a and adheres to the surface of the first main electrode 120a. Simultaneously, an electric field is also generated between the third auxiliary electrode 140b and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. Under the action of this electric field, the second charged light-shielding particle 150b moves to one side of the first auxiliary electrode 120b and adheres to the surface of the first auxiliary electrode 120b. At this time, the first charged light-blocking particle 150a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b do not block the display light, and the electronic paper display device 10 enters the normal display mode. The display content on the electronic paper display device 10 can also be seen from the side of the electronic paper display device 10.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, during privacy display, the second driving unit 170 controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move onto the second main electrode 130a and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move onto the third main electrode 140a, so that the electronic paper display device 10 enters the normal privacy mode. At this time, the first charged light-blocking particle 150a converging on the second main electrode 130a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b converging on the third main electrode 140a are equivalent to gratings, blocking light from the side view, thereby achieving normal privacy display.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, during privacy display, the second driving unit 170 controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move to the second auxiliary electrode 130b, and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move to the third auxiliary electrode 140b, thus enabling the electronic paper display device 10 to enter normal privacy mode. At this time, the first charged light-blocking particle 150a converging on the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b converging on the third auxiliary electrode 140b are equivalent to gratings, blocking light from the side view, thereby achieving normal privacy display.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, during privacy display, the second driving unit 170 controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move onto the second main electrode 130a and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move onto the third auxiliary electrode 140b, so that the electronic paper display device 10 enters the left-side privacy mode. At this time, the oblique line of sight on the left side of the electronic paper display device 10 is blocked by the first charged light-blocking particle 150a converging on the second main electrode 130a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b converging on the third auxiliary electrode 140b, while the oblique line of sight on the right side of the electronic paper display device 10 can see the display content in the display function layer 30 through the third main electrode 140a and the second auxiliary electrode 130b, thereby achieving unilateral privacy.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, during privacy display, the second driving unit 170 controls the first charged light-blocking particle 150a to move to the second auxiliary electrode 130b and controls the second charged light-blocking particle 150b to move to the third main electrode 140a, so that the electronic paper display device 10 enters the right-side privacy mode. At this time, the oblique line of sight on the right side of the electronic paper display device 10 is blocked by the first charged light-blocking particle 150a converging on the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b converging on the third main electrode 140a, while the oblique line of sight on the left side of the electronic paper display device 10 can see the display content in the display function layer 30 through the second main electrode 130a and the third auxiliary electrode 140b, thereby achieving unilateral privacy.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown in this embodiment, the privacy unit 23 further includes a first light-shielding member 180a and a second light-shielding member 180b. The first light-shielding member 180a is disposed on one side of the first cavity 100a, opposite to the barrier wall 110; the second light-shielding member 180b is disposed on one side of the second cavity 100b, opposite to the barrier wall 110. The first light-shielding member 180a has a first opening 181a, and the first main electrode 120a is disposed in the first opening 181a. The first charged light-shielding particle 150a moves into the first opening 181a under the control of the first driving unit 160. When the first driving unit 160 controls the first charged light-shielding particle 150a to move into the first opening 181a, the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding member 180a on the display functional layer 30 covers the orthographic projection of the first charged light-shielding particle 150a on the display functional layer 30.

[0037] Similarly, the second light-shielding member 180b is provided with a second opening 181b, the first auxiliary electrode 120b is disposed in the second opening 181b, and the second charged light-shielding particle 150b moves into the second opening 181b under the control of the first driving unit 160; when the first driving unit 160 controls the second charged light-shielding particle 150b to move into the second opening 181b, the orthographic projection of the second light-shielding member 180b on the display functional layer 30 covers the orthographic projection of the second charged light-shielding particle 150b on the display functional layer 30.

[0038] This embodiment of the application provides openings in the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b, so that when the electronic paper display device 10 is not performing privacy display, the first charged light-shielding particles 150a and the second charged light-shielding particles 150b can move into the corresponding openings to hide the first charged light-shielding particles 150a and the second charged light-shielding particles 150b, and avoid the first charged light-shielding particles 150a and the second charged light-shielding particles 150b blocking the display light, which would reduce the display aperture ratio or affect the light transmittance and affect the normal display.

[0039] In this embodiment of the application, the first cavity 100a and the second cavity 100b on both sides of the barrier 110 are closed cavities to prevent the first charged light-blocking particle 150a from entering the second cavity 100b, or the second charged light-blocking particle 150b from entering the first cavity 100a, which would cause the number of charged light-blocking particles in the first cavity 100a and the second cavity 100b to be disordered and affect the anti-peeping effect.

[0040] In this embodiment, the barrier 110 is made of transparent material to avoid affecting the display aperture ratio.

[0041] Furthermore, the display functional layer 30 includes multiple pixels. The orthographic projections of the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b on the display functional layer 30 are respectively located between adjacent pixels. Moreover, the display functional layer 30 does not set a black matrix structure between adjacent pixels. The color mixing problem between adjacent pixels in the display functional layer 30 is directly solved by using the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b, thereby reducing the manufacturing process steps in the display functional layer 30.

[0042] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b may not have an opening. In this case, the first main electrode 120a is attached to one side of the first light-shielding member 180a, and the first auxiliary electrode 120b is attached to one side of the second light-shielding member 180b. During normal display, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a is attached to the first main electrode 120a, and the second charged light-shielding particle 150b is attached to the first auxiliary electrode 120b. Since the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b are themselves opaque, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a and the second charged light-shielding particle 150b are equivalent to slightly increasing the width of the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b, which is not enough to achieve the privacy protection effect, so screen sharing is possible.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first opening 181a is located on the side of the first light-shielding member 180a away from the cover plate 22, and the second opening 181b is located on the side of the second light-shielding member 180b away from the cover plate 22; the first driving unit 160 is simultaneously electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the first main electrode 120a, and simultaneously electrically connected to the third auxiliary electrode 140b and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. At this time, when the electronic paper display device 10 needs to perform normal display, an electric field is formed between the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the first main electrode 120a, controlling the first charged light-shielding particle 150a to move into the first opening 181a; an electric field is formed between the third auxiliary electrode 140b and the first auxiliary electrode 120b, controlling the second charged light-shielding particle 150b to move into the second opening 181b.

[0044] Since the first opening 181a and the second opening 181b are far from the cover plate 22, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a will not be blocked or interfered with by the corners of the first light-shielding member 180a when it moves between the second auxiliary electrode 130b and the first main electrode 120a. Similarly, the second charged light-shielding particle 150b will not be blocked or interfered with by the corners of the second light-shielding member 180b when it moves between the third auxiliary electrode 140b and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. This prevents the charged light-shielding particles from being dispersed during their movement, thus affecting the aggregation effect of the charged light-shielding particles.

[0045] In other embodiments, the first opening 181a is located on the side of the first light-shielding member 180a near the cover plate 22, and the second opening 181b is located on the side of the second light-shielding member 180b near the cover plate 22; the first driving unit 160 is simultaneously electrically connected to the second main electrode 130a and the first main electrode 120a, and simultaneously electrically connected to the third main electrode 140a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b. Of course, in other embodiments, the first opening 181a may also be located in the middle region of the first light-shielding member 180a, and the second opening 181b may also be located in the middle region of the second light-shielding member 180b.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sections of the first opening 181a and the second opening 181b are both square. The first main electrode 120a is located on the sidewall of the first opening 181a, and the first auxiliary electrode 120b is located on the sidewall of the second opening 181b. In this case, the cross-sections of the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b are both inverted L-shaped, and the first main electrode 120a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b are both vertical strips. Under the action of the electric field, the first charged light-shielding particles 150a and the second charged light-shielding particles 150b can converge on the first main electrode 120a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b to form a vertical strip shape, resulting in a better hiding effect under the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sections of the first opening 181a and the second opening 181b are both square. The first main electrode 120a is located simultaneously on the sidewall and top of the first opening 181a, and the first auxiliary electrode 120b is located simultaneously on the sidewall and top of the second opening 181b. In this case, the cross-sections of the first light-shielding member 180a and the second light-shielding member 180b are both inverted L-shaped, and the first main electrode 120a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b are also inverted L-shaped. The top of the first main electrode 120a is opposite to the second auxiliary electrode 130b, and the electric field generated by both is uniform. The first charged light-shielding particle 150a can move quickly between the first main electrode 120a and the second auxiliary electrode 130b; similarly, the second charged light-shielding particle 150b can also move quickly between the first auxiliary electrode 120b and the third auxiliary electrode 140b, thereby improving the switching speed of the privacy function of the electronic paper display device 10.

[0048] like Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sections of the first opening 181a and the second opening 181b are both right-angled triangles, and the cross-section of the retaining wall 110 is trapezoidal. The hypotenuse of the first opening 181a faces one side of the retaining wall 110, and the hypotenuse of the second opening 181b faces the other side of the retaining wall 110. The first main electrode 120a is disposed on the hypotenuse of the first opening 181a, and the second auxiliary electrode 130b is disposed on one side of the retaining wall 110. The first auxiliary electrode 120b is disposed on the hypotenuse of the second opening 181b, and the third auxiliary electrode 140b is disposed on the other side of the retaining wall 110. In this embodiment, the first main electrode 120a and the second auxiliary electrode 130b face each other, and have a large relative area, which can form a more uniform and larger area electric field; the first auxiliary electrode 120b and the third auxiliary electrode 140b face each other, and have a large relative area, which can form a more uniform and larger area electric field. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the moving speed of the first charged light-blocking particle 150a and the second charged light-blocking particle 150b, and further improve the switching speed of the privacy function of the electronic paper display device 10.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, the privacy protection unit 23 further includes a first conductive layer 190a and a second conductive layer 190b. The first conductive layer 190a is disposed on the side of the substrate 21 facing the cover plate 22. The first main electrode 120a, the first auxiliary electrode 120b, the second auxiliary electrode 130b, and the third auxiliary electrode 140b are all disposed on the first conductive layer 190a and connected to it respectively. The second conductive layer 190b is disposed on the side of the cover plate 22 facing the substrate 21. The second main electrode 130a and the third main electrode 140a are both disposed on the second conductive layer 190b and connected to it respectively. The first driving unit 160 is connected to the first conductive layer 190a, and the second driving unit 170 is connected to both the first conductive layer 190a and the second conductive layer 190b.

[0050] It should be noted that both the first conductive layer 190a and the second conductive layer 190b are composed of multiple wires. These wires are not all electrically connected together. The first conductive layer 190a does not necessarily have to connect all the first main electrodes 120a, the first auxiliary electrodes 120b, the second auxiliary electrodes 130b, and the third auxiliary electrodes 140b at the same time. The second conductive layer 190b does not necessarily have to connect all the second main electrodes 130a and the third main electrodes 140a at the same time. Instead, it energizes the corresponding electrodes as needed.

[0051] The first conductive layer 190a and the second conductive layer 190b can be formed by etching transparent electrodes. Moreover, during normal display, the first driving unit 160 can simultaneously energize the first main electrode 120a, the first auxiliary electrode 120b, the second auxiliary electrode 130b, and the third auxiliary electrode 140b through the first conductive layer 190a, which facilitates control.

[0052] In this embodiment, when fabricating the privacy shield layer 20, firstly, an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) material is deposited on the substrate 21 to form a first conductive layer 190a. Then, a second auxiliary electrode 130b and a third auxiliary electrode 140b are formed on the first conductive layer 190a. A first main electrode 120a and a first auxiliary electrode 120b are also formed on the first conductive layer 190a. Next, a barrier 110 of half its height is formed on the first conductive layer 190a. Next, an ITO material is deposited on the cover plate 22 to form a second conductive layer 190b. Then, a second main electrode 130a and a third main electrode 140a are formed on the second conductive layer 190b. A first light-shielding element 180a and a second light-shielding element 180b are formed on the second conductive layer 190b. A first opening 181a is etched on the first light-shielding element 180a, and a second opening 181b is etched on the second light-shielding element 180b. Finally, a barrier 110 of half its height is formed on the second conductive layer 190b. Finally, the substrate 21 and the cover plate 22 are aligned, so that the top of part of the baffle 110 on the substrate 21 and the top of part of the baffle 110 on the cover plate 22 are in contact, so that the first main electrode 120a is located in the first opening 181a and the first auxiliary electrode 120b is located in the second opening 181b. Then, the first charged light-shielding particle 150a is injected into the first cavity 100a and the second charged light-shielding particle 150b is injected into the second cavity 100b, thus completing the fabrication of the privacy protection layer 20.

[0053] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the display functional layer 30 includes a first substrate 31, a second substrate 32, a reflective layer 33, a display electrode 34, a polar liquid 35, and an ink 36. The second substrate 32 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 31 and is disposed on the side of the first substrate 31 away from the privacy function layer 20. The reflective layer 33 is disposed on the side of the second substrate 32 facing the first substrate 31, and the display electrode 34 is disposed on the side of the reflective layer 33 facing the first substrate 31. The polar liquid 35 and the ink 36 are disposed between the first substrate 31 and the display electrode 34, and the ink 36 expands or contracts under the action of the display electrode 34.

[0054] The first substrate 31 and the substrate 21 in the privacy function layer 20 can be a single structure or two independent structures bonded together by optical adhesive.

[0055] Furthermore, the ink 36 is disposed between the first substrate 31 and the display electrode 34, and the ink 36 is located below the first light-shielding member 180a or the second light-shielding member 180b when it shrinks. With this design, the ink 36 will not appear in the screen display after shrinking, thereby avoiding the problem of black spots on the ink 36.

[0056] As a specific implementation method, such as Figure 10 As shown, the display electrode 34 includes a first display electrode 341 and a second display electrode 342. The first display electrode 341 is block-shaped; the second display electrode 342 is ring-shaped and designed to surround the first display electrode 341. When a pixel displays black, the first display electrode 341 is energized, and the second display electrode 342 is de-energized, with the first display electrode 341 controlling the ink 36 to spread. When a pixel displays white, the first display electrode 341 is de-energized, and the second display electrode 342 is energized, with the second display electrode 342 controlling the ink 36 to shrink to the edge of the pixel, without affecting the displayed image.

[0057] In some embodiments, the display function layer 30 includes a plurality of pixels, each of which is a normally displayed pixel, and the privacy unit 23 is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with each pixel. In this case, the electronic paper display device 10 can achieve pixel-level privacy protection and has a good privacy protection effect.

[0058] In some embodiments, the display function layer 30 includes a plurality of normal pixels and a plurality of interfering pixels, with the normal pixels and interfering pixels spaced apart. When a privacy protection function is required, the privacy protection unit 23 is controlled to switch to a privacy protection state at the corresponding position of the interfering pixel to achieve privacy protection.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, a driving method for an electronic paper display device is provided as a second embodiment of this application. The driving method is used to drive the electronic paper display device in the above embodiment, and the driving method includes: S1: Normal display mode: Power is applied to one of the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode and the first main electrode, and the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the first main electrode; power is applied to one of the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode. S2: Anti-spy display mode: Powering on the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the second main electrode or the second auxiliary electrode; powering on the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode controls the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the third main electrode or the third auxiliary electrode.

[0060] In step S2, the privacy display modes include a normal privacy mode, a left-side privacy mode, and a right-side privacy mode. In the normal privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second main electrode, and simultaneously the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third main electrode; or, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second auxiliary electrode, and simultaneously the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third auxiliary electrode. In the left-side privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second main electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third auxiliary electrode. In the right-side privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second auxiliary electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third main electrode.

[0061] It should be noted that the limitations of each step involved in this solution are not considered as limiting the order of steps, provided that they do not affect the implementation of the specific solution. The steps listed first can be executed first, later, or even simultaneously. Solutions from different embodiments can be combined and applied without conflict. As long as this solution can be implemented, they should be considered to fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0062] The above description, in conjunction with specific optional embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic paper display device, characterized in that, The system includes a display layer and a privacy layer. The privacy layer is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display layer. The privacy layer includes a substrate and a cover plate disposed opposite to each other, and a plurality of privacy units disposed between the substrate and the cover plate. Each privacy unit includes: Privacy chamber; A barrier wall is installed in the privacy chamber, dividing the privacy chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber arranged side by side; The first main electrode is disposed on one side of the first cavity, opposite to the baffle wall; The first auxiliary electrode is disposed on one side of the second cavity, opposite to the baffle wall; The second main electrode is disposed in the first cavity on the side away from the display functional layer; The second auxiliary electrode is disposed in the first cavity on the side near the display functional layer; The third main electrode is disposed in the second cavity on the side away from the display functional layer; The third auxiliary electrode is disposed in the second cavity on the side near the display functional layer; A first charged light-blocking particle is disposed within the first cavity; A second charged light-blocking particle is disposed within the second cavity; A first driving unit is electrically connected to one of the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode, as well as the first main electrode, and controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first main electrode; the first driving unit is also electrically connected to one of the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode, as well as the first auxiliary electrode, and controls the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode; and The second driving unit is electrically connected to the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode, and controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the second main electrode or the second auxiliary electrode; and is connected to the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode, and controls the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the third main electrode or the third auxiliary electrode.

2. The electronic paper display device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The privacy unit further includes a first light-blocking component and a second light-blocking component. The first light-blocking component is disposed on one side of the first cavity and is disposed opposite to the barrier wall. The second light-blocking component is disposed on one side of the second cavity and is disposed opposite to the barrier wall. The first light-shielding member has a first opening, the first main electrode is disposed in the first opening, and the first charged light-shielding particle moves into the first opening under the control of the first driving unit; When the first driving unit controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move into the first opening, the orthographic projection of the first light-blocking member on the display functional layer covers the orthographic projection of the first charged light-blocking particle on the display functional layer. The second light-shielding member has a second opening, the first auxiliary electrode is disposed in the second opening, and the second charged light-shielding particle moves into the second opening under the control of the first driving unit; When the first driving unit controls the second charged light-blocking particle to move into the second opening, the orthographic projection of the second light-blocking member on the display functional layer covers the orthographic projection of the second charged light-blocking particle on the display functional layer.

3. The electronic paper display device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first opening is located on the side of the first light-shielding member away from the cover plate, and the second opening is located on the side of the second light-shielding member away from the cover plate; the first driving unit is electrically connected to both the second auxiliary electrode and the first main electrode, and is also electrically connected to both the third auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary electrode.

4. The electronic paper display device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first opening and the second opening have square cross-sections. The first main electrode is located on both the side wall and the top of the first opening, and the first auxiliary electrode is located on both the side wall and the top of the second opening.

5. The electronic paper display device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the first opening and the second opening are both right-angled triangles, and the cross-section of the retaining wall is trapezoidal. The hypotenuse of the first opening is opposite to one side of the retaining wall, and the hypotenuse of the second opening is opposite to the other side of the retaining wall. The first main electrode is disposed on the inclined side of the first opening, and the second auxiliary electrode is disposed on one side of the retaining wall; the first auxiliary electrode is disposed on the inclined side of the second opening, and the third auxiliary electrode is disposed on the other side of the retaining wall.

6. The electronic paper display device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The display function layer includes: First substrate; The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate and is disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the privacy protection layer; A reflective layer is disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate; Display electrodes are disposed on the side of the reflective layer facing the first substrate; A polar liquid is disposed between the first substrate and the display electrode; and The ink is disposed between the first substrate and the display electrode, and expands or contracts under the action of the display electrode. The ink is located below the first light-shielding member or the second light-shielding member when it shrinks.

7. The electronic paper display device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The privacy unit further includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on the side of the substrate facing the cover plate. The first main electrode, the first auxiliary electrode, the second auxiliary electrode and the third auxiliary electrode are all disposed on the first conductive layer and are respectively connected to the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is disposed on the side of the cover plate facing the substrate, and the second main electrode and the third main electrode are both disposed on the second conductive layer and connected to the second conductive layer respectively; The first driving unit is connected to the first conductive layer, and the second driving unit is connected to both the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

8. The electronic paper display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The display function layer includes multiple pixels, and the privacy protection unit is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with each pixel.

9. A driving method for an electronic paper display device, used to drive the electronic paper display device as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The driving method includes: Normal display mode: Power is applied to one of the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode and the first main electrode to control the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first main electrode; power is applied to one of the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary electrode to control the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the first auxiliary electrode. Privacy display mode: Powering on the second main electrode and the second auxiliary electrode controls the first charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the second main electrode or the second auxiliary electrode; powering on the third main electrode and the third auxiliary electrode controls the second charged light-blocking particle to move to one side of the third main electrode or the third auxiliary electrode.

10. The driving method for the electronic paper display device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The privacy display modes include normal privacy mode, left-side privacy mode, and right-side privacy mode; In the normal privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second main electrode, while the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third main electrode; or, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second auxiliary electrode, while the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third auxiliary electrode. In the left-side privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second main electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third auxiliary electrode. In the right-side privacy mode, the first charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the second auxiliary electrode, and the second charged light-blocking particle is controlled to move to one side of the third main electrode.

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