Dimming assembly and display device

Abstract

The invention discloses a dimming assembly and a display device. The dimming assembly comprises a first substrate; a quarter-wave plate; the first retaining wall layer is arranged on one side, far away from the quarter-wave plate, of the first substrate and comprises a plurality of first retaining walls; the first electrode layer is arranged on one side of the first retaining wall layer; the first insulating layer is arranged on one side of the first electrode layer; the second retaining wall layer is arranged on one side, far away from the first substrate, of the first insulating layer and comprises a plurality of second retaining walls; the plurality of second retaining walls are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first retaining walls, surround the first retaining walls and are matched with the corresponding first retaining walls to form accommodating grooves; the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is arranged in the accommodating groove; the second electrode layer is arranged on the side, away from the first substrate, of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer; the first electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrode parts and covers the side surfaces of the first retaining walls; the second electrode layer comprises a plurality of second electrode parts which are arranged corresponding to the first electrode parts and cover the outer side face of the second retaining wall. Through the setting, the dynamic adjustment of the peep-proof mode and the sharing mode is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a dimming component and display device. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the rapid development of display technology, the viewing angles of display panels are becoming increasingly wider. However, using displays in public places where information is shared can compromise personal privacy. Currently, an economical and convenient way to protect screen privacy is to apply a privacy film to the outside of the display screen. These privacy films primarily employ micro-louver optical technology.

[0003] However, after applying a privacy screen protector, the screen brightness of the display panel is passively reduced, and the original bright colors and visual effects will be greatly reduced. Moreover, after applying a privacy screen protector, it is impossible to display normally when privacy is not needed. The privacy mode is fixed, the viewing angle cannot be switched according to specific needs, and the power consumption is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application mainly provides a dimming component and a display device to solve the problems in related technologies where display devices cannot achieve dynamic adjustment between privacy mode and sharing mode and have high power consumption.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a dimming component, comprising: First substrate; A quarter-wave plate is disposed on one side of the first substrate; A first barrier layer is disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate; the first barrier layer includes a plurality of mutually spaced first barriers; The first electrode layer is disposed on the side of the first barrier layer away from the first substrate; A first insulating layer is disposed on the side of the first electrode layer away from the first substrate; The second barrier layer is disposed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first substrate, and includes a plurality of mutually spaced second barriers; the plurality of second barriers are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first barriers, the second barriers surround the corresponding first barriers, and are spaced apart from and cooperate with the corresponding first barriers to form a receiving groove; A cholesteric liquid crystal layer is disposed within the receiving groove; The second electrode layer is disposed on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer away from the first substrate; The first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode portions, which cover the side surface of the first retaining wall; the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode portions, which are disposed corresponding to the first electrode portions and cover the outer surface of the second retaining wall.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer further includes a plurality of first trace portions, which are partially disposed on the surface of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate and connected to the first electrode portions. The second electrode layer further includes a plurality of second wiring portions, which are partially disposed on the top surface of the first retaining wall and connected to the second electrode portions; The width of the first wiring section is smaller than the width of the side of the first retaining wall, and the width of the second wiring section is smaller than the width of the outer side of the second retaining wall; And / or, the distance between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion is less than the distance between the first trace portion and the second trace portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, a plurality of first wiring portions and a plurality of first electrode portions are electrically connected to each other; At least some of the second electrode portions are electrically connected to each other through the second wiring portion, or multiple second electrode portions are spaced apart and insulated from each other.

[0008] In some embodiments, the dimming component includes multiple dimming zones, and each dimming zone is provided with multiple receiving slots. Multiple second wiring portions and multiple second electrode portions within the same dimming zone are electrically connected to each other, and the second electrode portions in two adjacent dimming zones are spaced apart and insulated from each other.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly further includes a second substrate disposed on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first substrate; The dimming component further includes a second insulating layer, which is disposed between the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the second electrode layer, and the second insulating layer seals the receiving groove. And / or, the dimming assembly further includes a transparent encapsulation layer disposed between the second electrode layer and the second substrate, the transparent encapsulation layer sealing the receiving groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first retaining wall is a plane; Alternatively, the outer surface of the first retaining wall is an arc surface, and the arc surface is a convex surface.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a dimming component, comprising: First substrate; A quarter-wave plate is disposed on one side of the first substrate; A retaining wall layer is disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate; the retaining wall layer has a plurality of annular grooves spaced apart. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer fills the annular groove; The first electrode layer includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion that are insulated from each other; the first electrode portion is at least disposed on the inner sidewall of the annular groove, and the second electrode portion is at least disposed on the outer sidewall of the annular groove. A first insulating layer covers the first electrode layer; The second electrode layer is disposed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the retaining wall layer has a plurality of spaced-apart light-transmitting grooves, and the annular groove is arranged around the light-transmitting grooves; Alternatively, the retaining wall layer may be made of a transparent resin material.

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a display device, comprising: Display panel; The dimming component described above is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and a black matrix is ​​disposed between two adjacent sub-pixels; Among them, the plurality of first retaining walls correspond one-to-one with the plurality of sub-pixel settings; the plurality of receiving slots correspond one-to-one with the plurality of black matrix settings; Alternatively, the multiple annular grooves may be configured one-to-one with the multiple black matrices.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike existing technologies, this application discloses a dimming component and a display device. The dimming component includes: a first substrate; a quarter-wave plate disposed on one side of the first substrate; a first barrier layer disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate; the first barrier layer includes a plurality of mutually spaced first barriers; a first electrode layer disposed on the side of the first barrier layer away from the first substrate; a first insulating layer disposed on the side of the first electrode layer away from the first substrate; a second barrier layer disposed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first substrate, including a plurality of mutually spaced second barriers; the plurality of second barriers are correspondingly arranged with the plurality of first barriers, the second barriers surrounding the corresponding first barriers and spaced apart from and cooperating with the corresponding first barriers to form a receiving groove; a cholesteric liquid crystal layer disposed within the receiving groove; and a second electrode layer disposed on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer away from the first substrate. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode portions, which cover the side surfaces of the first barriers; the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode portions, which are disposed corresponding to the first electrode portions and correspondingly cover the outer surfaces of the second barriers. By setting a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer on one side of the first substrate, and by having multiple first barriers of the first barrier layer and multiple second barriers of the second barrier layer correspondingly arranged and cooperating to form a receiving groove, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer is disposed in the receiving groove. The first electrode portion of the first electrode layer covers the side of the first barrier layer, and the second electrode portion of the second electrode layer covers the outer side of the second barrier layer. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer in the receiving groove can be controlled by the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. By adjusting the voltage between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is deflected, so that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer switches between a transparent state and a reflective state. When the dimming component is applied to the display device, the display device can switch between a privacy mode and a sharing mode. In this design, when the cholesteric liquid crystal is in a reflective state, it reflects light incident on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, reflecting light with a wide viewing angle. Only light with a narrow viewing angle can escape from the position corresponding to the first barrier, thus achieving a privacy mode. When the cholesteric liquid crystal is in a transparent state, light incident on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer can escape normally, allowing light with a wide viewing angle to escape, thus achieving a sharing mode. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer is located within the receiving groove, allowing light incident on other positions of the dimming component to escape normally without affecting display brightness. Furthermore, the first electrode covers the side of the first barrier, and the second electrode covers the outer side of the second barrier, thereby forming an electric field in the horizontal direction. The closer the distance between the first and second electrodes, the stronger the electric field strength between them, effectively reducing power consumption. Through the above configuration, dynamic adjustment between privacy mode and sharing mode can be achieved without affecting display brightness, which is beneficial for energy conservation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the dimming component provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first and second retaining walls of another embodiment of the dimming component provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a top view of an embodiment of the dimming component provided in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the provided dimming component; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the dimming component provided in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure corresponding to one embodiment of the method for preparing the dimming component provided in the third embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the display device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of light distribution when the provided display device is in privacy mode; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the light distribution when the provided display device is in sharing mode; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the display device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the display device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0017] Icon labels: 100. Dimming assembly; 1. First substrate; 2. Quarter-wave plate; 3. First barrier layer; 31. First barrier; 32. Receiving groove; 4. First electrode layer; 41. First electrode portion; 42. First trace portion; 5. First insulating layer; 51. Via; 6. Second barrier layer; 61. Second barrier; 7. Cholesteric liquid crystal layer; 71. First cholesteric liquid crystal; 72. Second cholesteric liquid crystal; 73. Third cholesteric liquid crystal; 8. Second insulating layer; 9. Second electrode layer; 91. Second electrode portion; 92. Second trace portion; 10. Transparent encapsulation layer; 11. Second substrate; 12. Barrier layer; 121. Annular groove ; 122, Light-transmitting groove; 200, Display panel; 201, Pixel definition layer; 202, First sub-pixel; 203, Second sub-pixel; 204, Third sub-pixel; 205, Lower polarizer; 206, First substrate; 207, Driving circuit layer; 208, Liquid crystal layer; 209, Planarization layer; 210, Color resist layer; 211, First color resist; 212, Second color resist; 213, Third color resist; 214, Black matrix layer; 215, Black matrix; 216, Second substrate; 217, Upper polarizer; 218, Anode layer; 219, Light-emitting layer; 220, Cathode layer; 221, Encapsulation layer; 300, Display device. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0020] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the dimming component provided in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first and second retaining walls of another embodiment of the dimming component provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0022] See Figures 1 to 2 The first embodiment of this application provides a dimming component 100, which includes a first substrate 1, a quarter-wave plate 2, a first barrier layer 3, a first electrode layer 4, a first insulating layer 5, a second barrier layer 6, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, and a second electrode layer 9.

[0023] The first substrate 1 is a transparent substrate, which can be a rigid glass substrate or a flexible substrate, etc. A quarter-wave plate 2 is disposed on one side of the first substrate 1, specifically on the light-incident side of the dimming assembly 100. The quarter-wave plate 2 is an optical element capable of converting the polarization state of light of a specific wavelength between linear polarization and circular polarization. Its core function is to introduce a phase difference of π / 2. It is made of birefringent material, and by precisely controlling its thickness, a quarter-wavelength optical path difference is generated between the two orthogonal polarization components propagating along the fast and slow axes, thereby modulating the polarization state of the light. In one embodiment, the quarter-wave plate 2 is used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, for example, to convert vertically polarized light into right-handed circularly polarized light.

[0024] The first barrier layer 3 is disposed on the side of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2. The first barrier layer 3 includes a plurality of first barriers 31, which are spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the first barrier layer 3 is a light-transmitting material that allows light incident on the first barrier layer 31 to exit. For example, the first barrier layer 3 is a transparent resin material that does not react with the cholesteric liquid crystal of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and does not cause pollution.

[0025] The first electrode layer 4 is disposed on the side of the first barrier layer 3 away from the first substrate 1. In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 4 extends from the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2 to the side and top surfaces of the first barrier 31, and the first electrode layer 4 is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2, as well as on the side and top surfaces of the plurality of first barrier 31. Specifically, the first electrode layer 4 is a transparent electrode layer, for example, the material of the first electrode layer 4 is indium tin oxide (ITO), used for conductivity, so as to cooperate with the second electrode layer 9 to form an electric field and control the cholesteric liquid crystal deflection of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7.

[0026] The first insulating layer 5 is disposed on the side of the first electrode layer 4 away from the first substrate 1. The first insulating layer 5 is an insulating material used to insulate the first electrode layer 4 and the second electrode layer 9, preventing a short circuit between the first electrode layer 4 and the second electrode layer 9. In one specific embodiment, the first insulating layer 5 completely covers the surface of the first electrode layer 4 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, a portion of the first insulating layer 5 is disposed corresponding to the top surface of the first barrier wall 31, a portion of the first insulating layer 5 is disposed corresponding to the side surface of the first barrier wall 31, and another portion of the first insulating layer 5 is disposed corresponding to the first electrode layer 4 located on the surface of the first substrate 1, so that the first electrode layer 4 is wrapped by the first insulating layer 5.

[0027] The second barrier layer 6 is disposed on the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first substrate 1. The second barrier layer 6 includes a plurality of mutually spaced second barriers 61. Specifically, the plurality of second barriers 61 of the second barrier layer 6 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first barriers 31 of the first barrier layer 3. The second barriers 61 surround the corresponding first barriers 31, and the second barriers 61 and the corresponding first barriers 31 are spaced apart and cooperate to form a receiving groove 32. Specifically, the second barriers 61 surround the periphery of the first barriers 31. The second barriers 61 may be annular, and the receiving groove 32 formed by the cooperation of the first barriers 31 and the second barriers 61 is an annular groove.

[0028] A cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is disposed within a receiving groove 32. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may include multiple cholesteric liquid crystals, which are correspondingly disposed within multiple receiving grooves 32, with each receiving groove 32 containing a corresponding type of cholesteric liquid crystal. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystals of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may completely fill the receiving groove 32. Specifically, cholesteric liquid crystal is a soft photonic crystal that combines the optical anisotropy of crystals with the fluidity of liquids. Its molecules self-assemble into a periodic helical structure under the induction of chiral molecules. The molecules within the layer are arranged in parallel, and adjacent layers rotate along the normal direction to form a helical superstructure, which can selectively reflect light rays with the same helical direction. Its pitch, helical direction, and helical axis orientation directly determine the wavelength and polarization characteristics of the reflected light.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystals within the plurality of receiving grooves 32 may be different. For example, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may include a plurality of first cholesteric liquid crystals 71, a plurality of second cholesteric liquid crystals 72, and a plurality of third cholesteric liquid crystals 73. When the first cholesteric liquid crystals 71, second cholesteric liquid crystals 72, and third cholesteric liquid crystals 73 are in a reflective state, the first cholesteric liquid crystal 71 may reflect light of a first color, the second cholesteric liquid crystal 72 may reflect light of a second color, and the third cholesteric liquid crystal 73 may reflect light of a third color. For example, the first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue.

[0030] In other embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may also include other types of cholesteric liquid crystals, which can be used to reflect or transmit light of other colors; or, the cholesteric liquid crystals in the multiple receiving grooves 32 may be the same, reflecting or transmitting only the same color of light. The specific design can be made as needed, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0031] The second electrode layer 9 is disposed on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, the second electrode layer 9 is disposed at positions corresponding to the first barrier 31 and the receiving groove 32. In some embodiments, the second electrode layer 9 can extend from the outer side of the second barrier 61 to the top surface of the second barrier 61 and the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first substrate 1.

[0032] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first electrode layer 4 includes a plurality of first electrode portions 41, which cover the side surface of the first barrier wall 31. In some embodiments, the plurality of first electrode portions 41 may be arranged one-to-one with the plurality of first barrier walls 31, and the first electrode portions 41 completely cover the side surface of the first barrier wall 31. The second electrode layer 9 includes a plurality of second electrode portions 91, which are arranged corresponding to the first electrode portions 41 and cover the outer side surface of the second barrier wall 61. In some embodiments, the plurality of second electrode portions 91 may be arranged one-to-one with the plurality of first electrode portions 41, and the second electrode portions 91 completely cover the outer side surface of the second barrier wall 61. An electric field is formed between the second electrode portions 91 and the corresponding first electrode portions 41. Since the first electrode portions 41 are located on the side surface of the first barrier wall 31 and the second electrode portions 91 are located on the outer side surface of the second barrier wall 61, the electric field formed between the first electrode portions 41 and the second electrode portions 91 is horizontal.

[0033] It is understood that in this embodiment, by providing a first barrier layer 3 and a second barrier layer 6 on one side of the first substrate 1, and by having a plurality of first barriers 31 of the first barrier layer 3 and a plurality of second barriers 61 of the second barrier layer 6 correspondingly arranged and cooperating to form a receiving groove 32, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is disposed in the receiving groove 32, and the first electrode portion 41 of the first electrode layer 4 covers the side of the first barrier 31, and the second electrode portion 91 of the second electrode layer 9 covers the outer side of the second barrier 61, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32 can be controlled by the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91. By adjusting the voltage between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 can switch between a transparent state and a reflective state, so as to apply the dimming component 100 to the display device 300 (e.g., ...). Figures 7 to 11 As shown, the display device 300 can switch between a privacy mode and a sharing mode. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is precisely confined within the receiving groove 32, thereby achieving precise control of light from a wide viewing angle. Specifically, when the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is in a reflective state, it can reflect light incident on it, reflecting light from a wide viewing angle, allowing only light from a narrow viewing angle to exit from the position corresponding to the first barrier 31, thus achieving the privacy mode. When the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is in a transparent state, light incident on it can exit normally, allowing light from a wide viewing angle to exit, thus achieving the sharing mode. Since the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is located within the receiving groove 32, light incident on other positions of the dimming assembly 100 can exit normally. Furthermore, light from a wide viewing angle reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, after reflection and scattering, can ultimately exit from the position of the first barrier 31 without affecting the display brightness.

[0034] Furthermore, the first electrode portion 41 covers the side of the first barrier wall 31, and the second electrode portion 91 covers the outer side of the second barrier wall 61, thereby forming an electric field in the horizontal direction. This electric field acts uniformly on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of the helical structure of the cholesteric liquid crystal in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. Compared to forming an electric field in the vertical direction, i.e., the thickness direction of the dimming component 100, the distance between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is closer, and the electric field strength formed between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is stronger. This can effectively reduce power consumption and further improve the switching efficiency between the privacy mode and the sharing mode.

[0035] Meanwhile, by setting a quarter-wave plate 2 on the light-incident side of the dimming component 100, the quarter-wave plate 2 can convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. Circularly polarized light is more eye-friendly and can improve the user experience. Through the above settings, dynamic adjustment between privacy mode and sharing mode can be achieved without affecting display brightness, which is beneficial to meeting more usage needs.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 4 further includes a plurality of first wiring portions 42. The first wiring portions 42 are partially disposed on the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2, and are connected to the first electrode portions 41. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first wiring portions 42 may be partially disposed on the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2 and partially disposed on the top surface of the first baffle 31. The first wiring portions 42 located on the top surface of the first baffle 31 and the first wiring portions 42 located on the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2 are both electrically connected to the first electrode portions 41 disposed on the side surface of the first baffle 31. Specifically, the two ends of the first wiring portions 42 located on the top surface of the first baffle 31 are electrically connected to the first electrode portions 41 disposed on the two opposite side surfaces of the first baffle 31, so as to energize the first electrode portions 41 through the first wiring portions 42.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first trace portion 42 and the first electrode portion 41 are both made of indium tin oxide. In other embodiments, the first trace portion 42 and the first electrode portion 41 can be made of different transparent conductive materials, which can be designed as needed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second electrode layer 9 further includes a plurality of second wiring portions 92, which are partially disposed on the top surface of the first baffle 31 and connected to the second electrode portions 91. Specifically, in some embodiments, the second wiring portions 92 may be partially disposed on the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first baffle 31. The two ends of the second wiring portions 92 on the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first baffle 31 are electrically connected to the second electrode portions 91 disposed on two opposite outer surfaces of the second baffle 61, so as to energize the second electrode portions 91 through the second wiring portions 92.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second trace portion 92 and the second electrode portion 91 are both made of indium tin oxide. In other embodiments, the second trace portion 92 and the second electrode portion 91 can be made of different transparent conductive materials, which can be designed as needed.

[0040] Specifically, in some embodiments, the width of the first wiring portion 42 is smaller than the width of the side of the first baffle 31. The first wiring portion 42 is a wiring with a small width, which does not cover the top surface of the first baffle 31 or the bottom surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. The width of the first wiring portion 42 is much smaller than the width of the first electrode portion 41. The first wiring portion 42 is only used to electrically connect the first electrode portion 41 so as to energize the first electrode portion 41. In some embodiments, the width of the second wiring portion 92 is smaller than the width of the outer side of the second baffle 61. The second wiring portion 92 is also a narrow wiring portion. It does not cover the top surface of the first insulating layer 5, nor does it cover the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. The width of the second wiring portion 92 is much smaller than the width of the second electrode portion 91. The second wiring portion 92 is only used to electrically connect the second electrode portion 91 to energize the second electrode portion 91 and ensure that the current is stably transmitted to the second electrode portion 91. It is not used to cooperate with the first wiring portion 42 to form an electric field that controls the deflection of the cholesteric liquid crystal in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7.

[0041] And / or, in some embodiments, the distance between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is less than the distance between the first trace portion 42 and the second trace portion 92. Specifically, the distance between the second trace portion 92 located at the top of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and the first trace portion 42 located at the bottom of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is greater than the corresponding distance between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91.

[0042] It is understood that in this embodiment, since both the first wiring portion 42 and the second wiring portion 92 are wirings with relatively small widths, the first wiring portion 42 does not cover the bottom surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, and the second wiring portion 92 does not cover the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. Therefore, in the thickness direction of the dimming assembly 100, no electric field is formed between the first wiring portion 42 at the bottom of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and the second wiring portion 92 at the top of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. Only the electric field in the horizontal direction is formed between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91, so as to control the cholesteric liquid crystal deflection of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. By covering the side of the first barrier 31 with the first electrode portion 41 and the outer side of the second barrier 61 with the second electrode portion 91, the electric field formed between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is more uniform due to their larger widths. This results in better control of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 within the receiving groove 32, facilitating more precise control of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 between transparent and reflective states. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the privacy mode and sharing mode, improving adjustment efficiency. Furthermore, the distance between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is closer than the distance between the second wiring portion 92 at the top of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and the first wiring portion 42 at the bottom of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. Consequently, the electric field strength between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is stronger, effectively reducing power consumption, saving energy, and improving the performance of the dimming component 100.

[0043] In some implementations, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The multiple first trace portions 42 and multiple first electrode portions 41 of the first electrode layer 4 are electrically connected to each other. In one specific embodiment, all the first trace portions 42 and all the first electrode portions 41 of the first electrode layer 4 are electrically connected, and the first trace portions 42 and the first electrode portions 41 of the first electrode layer 4 are connected as a single piece. By energizing any one or more first trace portions 42, all the first electrode portions 41 of the first electrode layer 4 can be energized. Moreover, this also ensures that the current is stably transmitted to the multiple first electrode portions 41, avoiding signal attenuation. In other embodiments, the multiple first electrode portions 41 of the first electrode layer 4 can also be spaced apart and insulated from each other to facilitate independent control of each first electrode portion 41. The specific design can be customized as needed.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least some of the second electrode portions 91 are electrically connected to each other via second wiring portions 92. In one specific embodiment, among all the second wiring portions 92 and second electrode portions 91 of the second electrode layer 9, some of the second electrode portions 91 on the outer side of the second baffle 61 may be electrically connected to each other via second wiring portions 92, while the remaining second electrode portions 91 may be spaced apart and insulated from each other. It is understood that by electrically connecting some of the second electrode portions 91 to each other, when any one or more second wiring portions 92 of that portion are energized, multiple second electrode portions 91 of that portion are simultaneously energized. This allows for simultaneous control of the cholesteric liquid crystal in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 within the corresponding receiving groove 32 of that portion of the second electrode portions 91, which helps reduce control difficulty, achieve coordinated control, and save power consumption.

[0045] In other specific embodiments, all the second traces 92 and all the second electrode portions 91 of the second electrode layer 9 can also be electrically connected. The second traces 92 and the second electrode portions 91 of the second electrode layer 9 are connected to one piece. By energizing any one or more of the second traces 92, all the second electrode portions 91 of the second electrode layer 9 can be energized, which is easier to control. Moreover, it can also ensure that the current is stably transmitted to multiple second electrode portions 91 and avoid signal attenuation.

[0046] In other embodiments, the multiple second electrode portions 91 are all spaced apart and insulated from each other. Specifically, all the second wiring portions 92 of the second electrode layer 9 are spaced apart and insulated from each other, and any two second wiring portions 92 are not electrically connected to each other. It can be understood that by spaced apart and insulated from each other, independent control of each second wiring portion 92 can be achieved, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the privacy protection area, further improving the accuracy of dynamic adjustment, and thus achieving more precise adjustment of the privacy protection angle, which is beneficial for adapting to the privacy needs of different usage scenarios.

[0047] Specifically, the electrical connection methods of the plurality of first electrode portions 41 and the plurality of second electrode portions 91 in the above-mentioned multiple embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and can be designed or selected as needed. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0048] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 includes multiple dimming zones, each dimming zone being provided with multiple receiving slots 32, that is, each dimming zone is provided with multiple first baffles 31 and second baffles 61, as well as multiple corresponding first wiring portions 42 and first electrode portions 41, and multiple corresponding second wiring portions 92 and second electrode portions 91.

[0049] Specifically, in some embodiments, multiple second wiring portions 92 and multiple second electrode portions 91 within the same dimming zone are electrically connected to each other, and the second electrode portions 91 in adjacent dimming zones are spaced apart and insulated from each other. It can be understood that by electrically connecting the second electrode portions 91 on the outer surfaces of multiple second baffles 61 within the same dimming zone to each other via second wiring portions 92, and by spaced apart and insulated from each other in different dimming zones, it is convenient to simultaneously control the cholesteric liquid crystal in the cholesteric liquid crystal layers 7 within multiple receiving slots 32 within the same dimming zone. Independent control of the cholesteric liquid crystal in the cholesteric liquid crystal layers 7 in different dimming zones allows for zoned control, reducing control difficulty and thus reducing power consumption. The above arrangement allows for independent electric field modulation of specific areas, enabling dynamic adjustment of local privacy protection functions. Specifically, the dimming zone can be designed as a rectangle or hexagon, and multiple dimming zones can be arranged in an array to match the sub-pixel layout of the display panel 200 when the dimming component 100 is applied to the display device 300.

[0050] In some embodiments, since multiple second retaining walls 61 are spaced apart from each other, and the second electrode portion 91 is disposed on the outer side of the second retaining wall 61, the second electrode portion 91 on the outer side of two adjacent second retaining walls 61 can be shared, which can save costs and is conducive to reducing the distance between two adjacent second retaining walls 61 to meet different viewing angle requirements.

[0051] In some implementations, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dimming assembly 100 also includes a second substrate 11, which is disposed on the side of the second electrode layer 9 away from the first substrate 1. The second substrate 11 is an encapsulation substrate, which is a transparent substrate and can be a rigid glass substrate or a flexible substrate, etc.

[0052] In some implementations, see Figure 1 and Figure 2The dimming assembly 100 further includes a second insulating layer 8, which is disposed between the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and the second electrode layer 9, and seals the receiving groove 32. In one specific embodiment, a portion of the second insulating layer 8 corresponds to and covers the first electrode layer 4 located on the top surface of the first baffle 31, a portion of the second insulating layer 8 corresponds to and covers the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, and a portion of the second insulating layer 8 corresponds to and covers the outer side surface of the second baffle 61. The second electrode portion 91 covers the surface of the second insulating layer 8 disposed on the outer side surface of the second baffle 61. In another specific embodiment, the second insulating layer 8 may not extend to the outer side surface of the second baffle 61, but the second electrode portion 91 still covers the outer side surface of the second baffle 61. It is understood that by providing a second insulating layer 8 between the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and the second electrode layer 9, and by covering the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, the second insulating layer 8 can seal the receiving groove 32, ensuring that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is completely enclosed, preventing leakage of the cholesteric liquid crystal from the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 within the receiving groove 32, and also preventing external contaminants from entering the receiving groove 32 and contaminating the cholesteric liquid crystal. Furthermore, the second insulating layer 8 can also form reliable insulation between the first electrode layer 4 and the second electrode layer 9, resulting in a uniform electric field distribution.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, when a second insulating layer 8 is provided, the first insulating layer 5 may not be provided; that is, only one of the first insulating layer 5 and the second insulating layer 8 may be provided.

[0054] And / or, in some implementations, see [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dimming assembly 100 also includes a transparent encapsulation layer 10, which is disposed between the second electrode layer 9 and the second substrate 11, and seals the receiving groove 32. Specifically, in one embodiment, the transparent encapsulation layer 10 can be an organic transparent resin material with good flowability, used to encapsulate and planarize the film structure of the dimming assembly 100. The transparent encapsulation layer 10 can protect the dimming assembly 100, making the structure of the dimming assembly 100 more robust, thereby enhancing mechanical stability and helping to extend the product's service life.

[0055] In one specific embodiment, the transparent encapsulation layer 10 can completely cover the surface of the second electrode layer 9 away from the first substrate 1, and the transparent encapsulation layer 10 covers the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, so that the transparent encapsulation layer 10 can seal the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32, ensuring that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is completely wrapped, which can effectively prevent the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32 from leaking, and can also prevent external contaminants from entering the receiving groove 32 and contaminating the cholesteric liquid crystal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 may include only the second insulating layer 8 and not the transparent encapsulation layer 10, or the dimming assembly 100 may include only the transparent encapsulation layer 10 and not the second insulating layer 8; or the dimming assembly 100 may include both the second insulating layer 8 and the transparent encapsulation layer 10. The specific selection and design can be made as needed, as long as the receiving groove 32 can be sealed to prevent the cholesteric liquid crystal of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32 from leaking.

[0057] In some implementations, see Figure 1 The outer surface of the first baffle 31 can be a plane. Specifically, the outer surface of the first baffle 31 can be a plane parallel to the thickness direction of the dimming component 100. In one specific embodiment, the longitudinal section of the first baffle 31 can be rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of the first baffle 31 can also be rectangular. The width of the receiving groove 32 can remain constant along the direction from the end of the receiving groove 32 near the first substrate 1 to the end away from the first substrate 1. The width of the receiving groove 32 formed by the outer surface of the first baffle 31 and the inner surface of the second baffle 61 is consistent, ensuring that the boundary of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 filling area is clear and the electric field distribution is uniform, resulting in better optical uniformity of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 within the receiving groove 32. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the first baffle 31 can also be configured with other shapes, for example, it can be configured as a folded surface or a curved surface.

[0058] In other implementations, see Figure 2 The outer surface of the first barrier 31 can be an arc surface, specifically a convex surface. In one specific embodiment, the longitudinal section of the first barrier 31 can be semi-circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the first barrier 31 can be circular. In this embodiment, the receiving groove 32 formed by the outer surface of the first barrier 31 and the inner surface of the second barrier 61 gradually increases in width along the direction from the end of the receiving groove 32 near the first substrate 1 to the end away from the first substrate 1. The above arrangement allows light incident into the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 to be reflected more uniformly, reduces light scattering on the reflection path, and results in a more concentrated privacy protection effect and smoother edge transition.

[0059] In some embodiments, when the dimming component 100 is applied to the display device 300, the shapes of the first barrier 31 and the receiving groove 32 can be adjusted according to the shape of the sub-pixel so that the first barrier 31 and the receiving groove 32 can be adapted to the shape of the sub-pixel. For example, the sub-pixel can be rectangular, hexagonal or other shapes.

[0060] See Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 3This is a top view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the dimming component provided in the second embodiment of this application. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the provided dimming component. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the dimming component provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0061] See Figures 3 to 5 The second embodiment of this application provides another dimming component 100. Specifically, the dimming component 100 includes a first substrate 1, a quarter-wave plate 2, a barrier layer 12, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, a first electrode layer 4, and a first insulating layer 5.

[0062] The first substrate 1 is a transparent substrate, which can be a rigid glass substrate or a flexible substrate, etc. A quarter-wave plate 2 is disposed on one side of the first substrate 1, specifically, on the light-incident side of the dimming assembly 100. By disposing of the quarter-wave plate 2 on the light-incident side of the dimming assembly 100, the quarter-wave plate 2 can convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. Circularly polarized light is more eye-friendly and can improve the user experience.

[0063] The barrier layer 12 is disposed on the side of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2. Specifically, the barrier layer 12 has a plurality of annular grooves 121, which are spaced apart from each other. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is filled in the annular grooves 121 of the barrier layer 12. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystal of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 can completely fill the annular grooves 121. By directly providing a plurality of annular grooves 121 in the barrier layer 12 and filling the annular grooves 121 of the barrier layer 12 with the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, only one barrier layer 12 is needed to form the annular grooves 121 for accommodating the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. It is not necessary to provide two barrier layers 12, nor is it necessary to form the grooves for accommodating the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 by combining two barrier layers 12. The structure is simpler, which is beneficial for simplifying the structure and process flow and reducing the process difficulty.

[0064] The first electrode layer 4 includes a first electrode portion 41 and a second electrode portion 91 that are insulated from each other. The first electrode portion 41 is at least disposed on the inner sidewall of the annular groove 121, and the second electrode portion 91 is at least disposed on the outer sidewall of the annular groove 121. Specifically, the first electrode layer 4 is made of a transparent conductive material, for example, indium tin oxide. With the above arrangement, when the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 are energized, a horizontal electric field is formed between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 to control the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 filled in the annular groove 121. This allows the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the annular groove 121 to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state. Therefore, when the dimming component 100 is applied to the display device 300, it is convenient to adjust the dynamic switching of the display device 300 between sharing mode and privacy mode, thereby meeting different user needs.

[0065] Furthermore, by directly placing the first electrode portion 41 on the inner sidewall of the annular groove 121 and the second electrode portion 91 on the outer sidewall of the annular groove 121, both the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 belong to the first electrode layer 4. Since they are the same electrode layer, they can be formed by the same process. There is no need to prepare the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 separately in two processes, which helps to simplify the structure and process flow, reduce the difficulty of the process, and save costs.

[0066] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is precisely confined within the annular groove 121, thereby achieving precise control over wide-viewing-angle light. Specifically, when the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is in a reflective state, it can reflect light incident upon it, reflecting wide-viewing-angle light. Only narrow-viewing-angle light can exit from the remaining positions of the barrier layer 12 surrounded by the annular groove 121, thus achieving a privacy mode. When the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is in a transparent state, light incident upon it can exit normally, allowing wide-viewing-angle light to exit, thus achieving a sharing mode. Because the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is located within the annular groove 121, light incident upon other positions of the dimming component 100 can exit normally. Furthermore, the wide-viewing-angle light reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, after reflection and scattering, can also exit from the barrier layer 12 without affecting the display brightness.

[0067] Furthermore, since the first electrode portion 41 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the annular groove 121 and the second electrode portion 91 is disposed on the outer sidewall of the annular groove 121, the distance between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is closer, and the electric field strength between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91 is stronger. This can improve the efficiency of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in switching between the transparent state and the reflective state, improve the user experience, and more effectively reduce power consumption and save energy.

[0068] In one specific embodiment, the first electrode layer 4 further includes a second wiring portion 92. The second wiring portion 92 is disposed on the top surface of the retaining wall layer 12 and located between at least two partially adjacent annular grooves 121. The second wiring portion 92 electrically connects the second electrode portions 91 on the outer sidewalls of the two adjacent annular grooves 121, so that multiple second electrode portions 91 electrically connected by the wiring portion can be controlled simultaneously, which helps to reduce the control difficulty and meet different needs.

[0069] In other embodiments, the first electrode layer 4 may not include the second wiring portion 92. The plurality of first electrode portions 41 may be spaced apart and insulated from each other, and the plurality of second electrode portions 91 may be spaced apart and insulated from each other, so as to independently control each first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 91, improve the accuracy of dynamic adjustment of the cholesteric liquid crystal of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, meet more application requirements, and can be designed according to needs.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first insulating layer 5 covers the first electrode layer 4. In one specific embodiment, the first insulating layer 5 covers the surface of the first electrode portion 41 and / or the second electrode portion 91, and also covers the top surface of the barrier layer 12. Specifically, the first insulating layer 5 is a transparent insulating material.

[0071] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 further includes a second electrode layer 9. In some embodiments, the second electrode layer 9 is disposed on the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first electrode layer 4 and is electrically connected to the second electrode portion 91. In one specific embodiment, the second electrode layer 9 is disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first electrode layer 4. For example, the second electrode layer 9 may cover the surface of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first substrate 1. The first insulating layer 5 has a through-hole 51 at a position corresponding to the second electrode portion 91. The second electrode layer 9 extends into the through-hole 51 of the first insulating layer 5 and is electrically connected to the second electrode portion 91. Specifically, the second electrode layer 9 is a transparent conductive material. For example, the material of the second electrode layer 9 may be indium tin oxide. In one specific embodiment, the first electrode layer 4 includes a second trace portion 92. The second electrode layer 9 extends into the through-hole 51 of the first insulating layer 5 and contacts the second trace portion 92 to electrically connect the second electrode layer 9 to the second electrode portion 91 through the second trace portion 92.

[0072] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 further includes a second insulating layer 8, which is disposed on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, the second insulating layer 8 seals the annular groove 121 to prevent leakage of the cholesteric liquid crystal in the annular groove 121 and to avoid contamination of the cholesteric liquid crystal in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7. In one specific embodiment, the second insulating layer 8 also covers the surface of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first substrate 1, and a via 51 penetrates the first insulating layer 5 and the second insulating layer 8.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second electrode layer 9 is independent of the first electrode layer 4. The second electrode layer 9 is not used to form the second electrode portion 91, but only to be electrically connected to the second electrode portion 91 to realize the power control of the second electrode portion 91. For example, all the second electrode portions 91 of the first electrode layer 4 can be electrically connected to each other through the second electrode layer 9 to realize the coordinated control of all the second electrode portions 91. Specifically, when all the second electrode portions 91 of the first electrode layer 4 are electrically connected to each other through the second electrode layer 9, the multiple first electrode portions 41 of the first electrode layer 4 can be spaced apart and insulated from each other to control the cholesteric liquid crystal of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in each annular groove 121 respectively; or, the dimming assembly 100 may also include multiple dimming zones, each dimming zone may include multiple annular grooves 121, and the first electrode portions 41 on the inner sidewalls of the multiple annular grooves 121 in the same dimming zone can be electrically connected to each other to realize zoned control, implement independent electric field regulation for different dimming zones, realize dynamic adjustment of local privacy protection function, which is beneficial to reduce power consumption and save energy.

[0074] In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may include multiple cholesteric liquid crystals, which are correspondingly disposed within multiple annular grooves 121, with each annular groove 121 corresponding to a different type of cholesteric liquid crystal. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystals within the multiple annular grooves 121 may be different. For example, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may include multiple first cholesteric liquid crystals 71, multiple second cholesteric liquid crystals 72, and multiple third cholesteric liquid crystals 73. When the first cholesteric liquid crystals 71, second cholesteric liquid crystals 72, and third cholesteric liquid crystals 73 are in a reflective state, the first cholesteric liquid crystal 71 may reflect light of a first color, the second cholesteric liquid crystal 72 may reflect light of a second color, and the third cholesteric liquid crystal 73 may reflect light of a third color. For example, the first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue. In other embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may also include other types of cholesteric liquid crystals, which can be used to reflect or transmit light of other colors; or, the cholesteric liquid crystals in the plurality of annular grooves 121 may also be the same, reflecting or transmitting only the same color of light. The specific design can be made as needed, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0075] In some implementations, see Figure 5The barrier layer 12 has multiple spaced-apart light-transmitting grooves 122, and annular grooves 121 surround the light-transmitting grooves 122. Specifically, the multiple light-transmitting grooves 122 and the multiple annular grooves 121 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The light-transmitting grooves 122 are located in the area of ​​the barrier layer 12 surrounded by the annular grooves 121, and the side surfaces of the light-transmitting grooves 122 are spaced apart from the inner walls of the annular grooves 121. By setting the light-transmitting grooves 122, light can be emitted from the positions of the light-transmitting grooves 122 without affecting the display brightness. Specifically, in this embodiment, the barrier layer 12 can be made of transparent material, or it can be made of opaque material. Even if the barrier layer 12 is made of opaque material, light can still be emitted through the positions of the light-transmitting grooves 122.

[0076] In some embodiments, the barrier layer 12 may not have a light-transmitting groove 122. Instead, the barrier layer 12 may only have an annular groove 121. The barrier layer 12 is made of transparent resin material, and light can be emitted from the position of the barrier layer 12 surrounded by the annular groove 121 without affecting the display brightness.

[0077] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure corresponding to one embodiment of the method for preparing the dimming component provided in the third embodiment of this application.

[0078] The third embodiment of this application also provides a method for preparing a dimming component 100, which is used to prepare the dimming component 100 provided in the first embodiment.

[0079] For details, see Figure 6 First, a first substrate 1 is provided, a quarter-wave plate 2 is disposed on one side of the first substrate 1, and then a first barrier layer 3 is prepared on the side of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2, and the first barrier layer 3 is processed to form a plurality of mutually spaced first barriers 31.

[0080] Then, a first electrode layer 4 is formed on the side of the first barrier layer 3 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, the first electrode layer 4 extends from the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2 to the side and top surfaces of the first barrier 31. The first electrode layer 4 is provided on the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2 and on the side and top surfaces of the plurality of first barrier walls 31. In one embodiment, the first electrode layer 4 includes a first electrode portion 41 and a first wiring portion 42. The first electrode portion 41 covers the side surface of the first barrier 31, and the first wiring portion 42 is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 1 away from the quarter-wave plate 2 and the top surface of the first barrier 31. The first wiring portion 42 is electrically connected to the first electrode portion 41.

[0081] Then, a first insulating layer 5 is prepared on the side of the first electrode layer 4 away from the first substrate 1. In one specific embodiment, the first insulating layer 5 completely covers the surface of the first electrode layer 4 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, a portion of the first insulating layer 5 is disposed corresponding to the top surface of the first barrier 31, a portion is disposed corresponding to the side surface of the first barrier 31, and another portion is disposed corresponding to the first electrode layer 4 located on the surface of the first substrate 1, so that the first electrode layer 4 is wrapped by the first insulating layer 5.

[0082] Then, a second barrier layer 6 is prepared on the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, the second barrier layer 6 includes a plurality of mutually spaced second barrier walls 61. The plurality of second barrier walls 61 of the second barrier layer 6 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first barrier walls 31 of the first barrier layer 3. The second barrier walls 61 surround the corresponding first barrier walls 31, and the second barrier walls 61 and the corresponding first barrier walls 31 are spaced apart and cooperate to form a receiving groove 32. Specifically, the second barrier walls 61 are correspondingly surrounded around the periphery of the first barrier walls 31. The second barrier walls 61 can be annular, and the receiving groove 32 formed by the cooperation of the first barrier walls 31 and the second barrier walls 61 is an annular groove.

[0083] Then, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is filled into the receiving groove 32. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may include multiple cholesteric liquid crystals, which are correspondingly disposed in multiple receiving grooves 32, with each receiving groove 32 containing a corresponding type of cholesteric liquid crystal. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystals of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may completely fill the receiving groove 32. In some embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystals in the multiple receiving grooves 32 may be different; for example, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 may include multiple first cholesteric liquid crystals 71, multiple second cholesteric liquid crystals 72, and multiple third cholesteric liquid crystals 73. In other embodiments, the cholesteric liquid crystals in the multiple receiving grooves 32 may also be the same, reflecting or transmitting only light of the same color.

[0084] Then, a second electrode layer 9 is prepared on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 away from the first substrate 1. Specifically, the second electrode layer 9 is provided at positions corresponding to the first baffle 31 and the receiving groove 32. In one embodiment, the second electrode layer 9 can extend from the outer side of the second baffle 61 to the top surface of the second baffle 61 and the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first substrate 1. In one embodiment, the second electrode layer 9 includes a plurality of second electrode portions 91 and a plurality of second wiring portions 92. The plurality of second electrode portions 91 are disposed one-to-one on the outer side of the plurality of second baffles 61 and correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first electrode portions 41 to form a horizontal electric field between the first electrode portions 41 and the second electrode portions 91. The second wiring portions 92 are partially disposed corresponding to the top surface of the first baffle 31 and connected to the second electrode portions 91. In some embodiments, the second wiring portion 92 may be partially disposed on the side of the first insulating layer 5 away from the first barrier wall 31, and the two ends of the second wiring portion 92 are electrically connected to the second electrode portions 91 disposed on the two opposite outer surfaces of the second barrier wall 61, so as to energize the second electrode portions 91 through the second wiring portion 92.

[0085] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 further includes a second substrate 11. After the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is filled in the receiving groove 32 and the second electrode layer 9 is formed, the second substrate 11 is further formed on the side of the second electrode layer 9 away from the first substrate 1. The second substrate 11 is an encapsulation substrate, which is a transparent substrate and can be selected from rigid glass substrates or flexible substrates, etc.

[0086] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 further includes a second insulating layer 8. After the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is filled into the receiving groove 32 and before the second electrode layer 9 is formed, the second insulating layer 8 can be formed on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 away from the first substrate 1. The second insulating layer 8 seals the receiving groove 32 and is located between the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 and the second electrode layer 9. In one specific embodiment, a portion of the second insulating layer 8 corresponds to and covers the first electrode layer 4 located on the top surface of the first baffle 31, a portion of the second insulating layer 8 corresponds to and covers the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, and a portion of the second insulating layer 8 corresponds to and covers the outer side surface of the second baffle 61. After the second electrode layer 9 is formed, the second electrode portion 91 covers the surface of the second insulating layer 8 corresponding to the outer side surface of the second baffle 61. In another specific embodiment, the second insulating layer 8 may not extend to the outer side surface of the second baffle 61. After the second electrode layer 9 is formed, the second electrode portion 91 still covers the outer side surface of the second baffle 61.

[0087] In some embodiments, the dimming assembly 100 further includes a transparent encapsulation layer 10. After the second electrode layer 9 is formed and before the second substrate 11 is encapsulated, the transparent encapsulation layer 10 can be formed on the side of the second electrode layer 9 away from the first substrate 1. The transparent encapsulation layer 10 seals the receiving groove 32. In one specific embodiment, the transparent encapsulation layer 10 can completely cover the surface of the second electrode layer 9 away from the first substrate 1, and the transparent encapsulation layer 10 covers the top surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, so that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32 is sealed by the transparent encapsulation layer 10, ensuring that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is completely encapsulated. This can effectively prevent the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32 from leaking, and can also prevent external contaminants from entering the receiving groove 32 and contaminating the cholesteric liquid crystal.

[0088] See Figures 7 to 11 , Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the display device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the light distribution of the provided display device in privacy mode. Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the light distribution when the provided display device is in sharing mode. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the display device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the display device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0089] See Figures 7 to 11 The fourth embodiment of this application provides a display device 300, which includes a dimming component 100 and a display panel 200. Specifically, the dimming component 100 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel 200, and the dimming component 100 can be the dimming component 100 in any of the embodiments described above.

[0090] Specifically, in one embodiment, the dimming component 100 can be detachably disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel 200. The dimming component 100 is detachably connected to the display panel 200. The dimming component 100 is assembled as a separate component on one side of the display panel 200 to adjust the light emitted from the display panel 200, so that the display device 300 can switch between privacy mode and sharing mode.

[0091] In another embodiment, the dimming component 100 can be integrated with the display panel 200, that is, the dimming component 100 and the display panel 200 are an integral structure. During the fabrication of the display panel 200, the various film layers of the dimming component 100 are directly integrated onto one side of the display panel 200, and the dimming component 100 and the display panel 200 are not detachable. Specific selection or design can be made as needed, and this application does not limit this aspect.

[0092] For details, see Figures 7 to 11 The display panel 200 includes multiple sub-pixels, and a black matrix 215 is set between two adjacent sub-pixels.

[0093] In some implementations, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 7 to 11 The dimming component 100 can be the dimming component 100 provided in the first embodiment of this application. Specifically, the multiple first barrier walls 31 of the first barrier layer 3 of the dimming component 100 correspond one-to-one with multiple sub-pixels, and the multiple receiving slots 32 correspond one-to-one with the black matrix 215. Through the above arrangement, narrow-angle light emitted from the sub-pixels can be emitted from the corresponding positions of the first barrier walls 31; while for wide-angle light, see... Figure 8 When the display device 300 is in privacy mode, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 of the dimming component 100 is in a reflective state, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 in the receiving groove 32 can reflect light from a wide viewing angle, preventing the light from escaping. The light from a wide viewing angle, after being reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, will eventually exit from the narrow viewing angle at the position of the first barrier 31 after reflection and scattering, effectively blocking the light from a wide viewing angle and achieving privacy display without affecting the display brightness; see also Figure 9 When the display device 300 is in sharing mode, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 of the dimming component 100 is in a transparent state, light with a wide viewing angle incident on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 can be emitted through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, so that the display device 300 has a wide viewing angle, thereby realizing the switching between privacy mode and sharing mode to meet different needs.

[0094] In other embodiments, the dimming component 100 may be the dimming component 100 provided in the second embodiment of this application. For details, see [link to specific embodiments]. Figures 3 to 11Multiple annular grooves 121 are configured one-to-one with multiple black matrices 215, and the portion of the barrier layer 12 surrounded by the annular grooves 121 corresponds to the sub-pixel configuration. Similarly, through the above configuration, narrow-angle light emitted from the sub-pixel can be emitted through the portion of the barrier layer 12 surrounded by the annular grooves 121. For wide-angle light, when the display device 300 is in privacy mode and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 of the dimming component 100 is in a reflective state, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 can reflect the wide-angle light, preventing it from escaping and effectively blocking the wide-angle light, thus achieving privacy display without affecting the display brightness. When the display device 300 is in sharing mode and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 of the dimming component 100 is in a transparent state, wide-angle light incident on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 can be emitted through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7, giving the display device 300 a wide viewing angle. This allows for switching between privacy mode and sharing mode to meet different needs.

[0095] In some embodiments, the multiple sub-pixels of the display panel 200 may be different. For example, the display panel 200 may include multiple first sub-pixels 202, multiple second sub-pixels 203, and multiple third sub-pixels 204. The first sub-pixels 202, second sub-pixels 203, and third sub-pixels 204 may have different colors. For example, the first sub-pixel 202 may be a first color, the second sub-pixel 203 may be a second color, and the third sub-pixel 204 may be a third color. The first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue.

[0096] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 of the dimming component 100 must correspond to the color of the sub-pixel of the display panel 200. For example, the first cholesteric liquid crystal layer 71 of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is set to correspond to the first sub-pixel 202 so that the first cholesteric liquid crystal layer 71 reflects or transmits the light of the first color of the first sub-pixel 202; the second cholesteric liquid crystal layer 72 of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is set to correspond to the second sub-pixel 203 so that the second cholesteric liquid crystal layer 72 reflects or transmits the light of the second color of the second sub-pixel 203; and the third cholesteric liquid crystal layer 73 of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is set to correspond to the third sub-pixel 204 so that the third cholesteric liquid crystal layer 73 reflects or transmits the light of the third color of the third sub-pixel 204. This facilitates the reflection or transmission of light of different colors, realizes full-color display, and meets the different usage needs of users.

[0097] In other embodiments, the multiple sub-pixels can also be set to other colors, or the multiple sub-pixels can be the same color. Correspondingly, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 can be provided with only one type of cholesteric liquid crystal to reflect or transmit light of the corresponding color emitted by the multiple sub-pixels.

[0098] In some implementations, the display panel 200 may be a liquid crystal display panel, or it may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, whichever is selected or designed as needed.

[0099] In one specific implementation, see Figure 7 The display panel 200 is a liquid crystal display panel, and includes a lower polarizer 205, a first substrate 206, a driving circuit layer 207, a liquid crystal layer 208, a planarization layer 209, a color resist layer 210 and a black matrix layer 214, a second substrate 216 and an upper polarizer 217 stacked sequentially. The dimming component 100 is disposed on the side of the upper polarizer 217 of the display panel 200 away from the first substrate 206.

[0100] Specifically, the color resist layer 210 includes multiple color resists, such as multiple first color resists 211, second color resists 212, and third color resists 213. The first color resist 211 is a first color, the second color resist 212 is a second color, and the third color resist 213 is a third color. The black matrix layer 214 includes multiple black matrices 215, which are disposed one-to-one between adjacent color resists. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is disposed corresponding to the black matrices 215. In one specific embodiment, the first cholesteric liquid crystal 71 is disposed corresponding to the first color resist 211, the second cholesteric liquid crystal 72 is disposed corresponding to the second color resist 212, and the third cholesteric liquid crystal 73 is disposed corresponding to the third color resist 213, so as to achieve the adjustment of different colors of light.

[0101] In another specific embodiment, see Figure 10 The display panel 200 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel. Specifically, the display panel 200 includes a first substrate 206, an anode layer 218, a light-emitting layer 219, a cathode layer 220, an encapsulation layer 221, a color resist layer 210, a black matrix layer 214, a second substrate 216, and an upper polarizer 217, which are stacked sequentially. In this embodiment, the display panel 200 is a COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) type OLED display panel, integrating the color filtering function directly onto the encapsulation layer 221 of the OLED device.

[0102] The light-emitting layer 219 includes multiple first sub-pixels 202, multiple second sub-pixels 203, and multiple third sub-pixels 204. The first sub-pixels 202, second sub-pixels 203, and third sub-pixels 204 have different colors. Specifically, the first sub-pixel 202 is a first color, the second sub-pixel 203 is a second color, and the third sub-pixel 204 is a third color. A pixel definition layer 201 is provided between two adjacent sub-pixels.

[0103] The color resist layer 210 includes multiple first color resists 211, multiple second color resists 212, and multiple third color resists 213. The first color resists 211 are a first color, the second color resists 212 are a second color, and the third color resists 213 are a third color. The first color resists 211 correspond to the first sub-pixel 202, the second color resists 212 correspond to the second sub-pixel 203, and the third color resists 213 correspond to the third sub-pixel 204. The black matrix layer 214 includes multiple black matrices 215, which are arranged one-to-one between two adjacent color resists, that is, the black matrices 215 correspond to the pixel definition layer 201. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is configured to correspond to the black matrix 215. In one specific embodiment, the first cholesteric liquid crystal 71 is configured to correspond to the first color resist 211 and the first sub-pixel 202, the second cholesteric liquid crystal 72 is configured to correspond to the second color resist 212 and the second sub-pixel 203, and the third cholesteric liquid crystal 73 is configured to correspond to the third color resist 213 and the third sub-pixel 204, so as to achieve the adjustment of different colors of light.

[0104] In another specific embodiment, see Figure 11 The display panel 200 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel. Specifically, the display panel 200 includes a first substrate 206, an anode layer 218, a light-emitting layer 219, a cathode layer 220, an encapsulation layer 221, a second substrate 216, and an upper polarizer 217, which are stacked sequentially. In this embodiment, the display panel 200 is a conventional OLED display panel, and the display panel 200 does not have a color resist layer 210.

[0105] Specifically, the light-emitting layer 219 includes multiple first sub-pixels 202, multiple second sub-pixels 203, and multiple third sub-pixels 204. The first sub-pixels 202, second sub-pixels 203, and third sub-pixels 204 have different colors; specifically, the first sub-pixels 202 are a first color, the second sub-pixels 203 are a second color, and the third sub-pixels 204 are a third color. A pixel definition layer 201 is provided between two adjacent sub-pixels. In this embodiment, the pixel definition layer 201 between two adjacent sub-pixels is black. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 7 is disposed corresponding to the pixel definition layer 201. In one specific embodiment, the first cholesteric liquid crystal layer 71 is disposed around the first sub-pixel 202, the second cholesteric liquid crystal layer 72 is disposed around the second sub-pixel 203, and the third cholesteric liquid crystal layer 73 is disposed around the third sub-pixel 204 to achieve adjustment of different colors of light.

[0106] In other embodiments, the display panel 200 may also be designed as other types of display panels 200, and the specific design can be made as needed. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0107] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dimming component, characterized in that, include: First substrate; A quarter-wave plate is disposed on one side of the first substrate; A first barrier layer is disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate; the first barrier layer includes a plurality of mutually spaced first barriers; The first electrode layer is disposed on the side of the first barrier layer away from the first substrate; A first insulating layer is disposed on the side of the first electrode layer away from the first substrate; The second barrier layer is disposed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first substrate, and includes a plurality of mutually spaced second barriers; the plurality of second barriers are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first barriers, the second barriers surround the corresponding first barriers, and are spaced apart from and cooperate with the corresponding first barriers to form a receiving groove; A cholesteric liquid crystal layer is disposed within the receiving groove; The second electrode layer is disposed on the side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer away from the first substrate; The first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode portions, which cover the side surface of the first retaining wall; the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode portions, which are disposed corresponding to the first electrode portions and cover the outer surface of the second retaining wall.

2. The dimming component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode layer further includes a plurality of first trace portions, which are partially disposed on the surface of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate and connected to the first electrode portions; The second electrode layer further includes a plurality of second wiring portions, which are partially disposed on the top surface of the first retaining wall and connected to the second electrode portions; The width of the first wiring section is smaller than the width of the side of the first retaining wall, and the width of the second wiring section is smaller than the width of the outer side of the second retaining wall; And / or, the distance between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion is less than the distance between the first trace portion and the second trace portion.

3. The dimming component according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple first wiring portions and multiple first electrode portions are electrically connected to each other; At least some of the second electrode portions are electrically connected to each other through the second wiring portion, or multiple second electrode portions are spaced apart and insulated from each other.

4. The dimming component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dimming component includes multiple dimming zones, and each dimming zone is provided with multiple receiving slots. Multiple second wiring portions and multiple second electrode portions within the same dimming zone are electrically connected to each other, and the second electrode portions in two adjacent dimming zones are spaced apart and insulated from each other.

5. The dimming assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The dimming assembly further includes a second substrate disposed on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first substrate; The dimming component further includes a second insulating layer, which is disposed between the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the second electrode layer, and the second insulating layer seals the receiving groove. And / or, the dimming assembly further includes a transparent encapsulation layer disposed between the second electrode layer and the second substrate, the transparent encapsulation layer sealing the receiving groove.

6. The dimming assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first retaining wall is a plane; Alternatively, the outer surface of the first retaining wall is an arc surface, and the arc surface is a convex surface.

7. A dimming component, characterized in that, include: First substrate; A quarter-wave plate is disposed on one side of the first substrate; A barrier layer is disposed on the side of the first substrate away from the quarter-wave plate; The retaining wall layer has multiple annular grooves spaced apart; A cholesteric liquid crystal layer fills the annular groove; The first electrode layer includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion that are insulated from each other; the first electrode portion is at least disposed on the inner sidewall of the annular groove, and the second electrode portion is at least disposed on the outer sidewall of the annular groove. A first insulating layer covers the first electrode layer; The second electrode layer is disposed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode portion.

8. The dimming component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The retaining wall layer has multiple mutually spaced light-transmitting grooves, and the annular groove is arranged around the light-transmitting grooves; Alternatively, the retaining wall layer may be made of a transparent resin material.

9. A display device, characterized in that, include: Display panel; The dimming component as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the dimming component is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The display panel includes multiple sub-pixels, and a black matrix is ​​provided between two adjacent sub-pixels; The dimming component is the dimming component as described in any one of claims 1-6; wherein, the plurality of first barriers correspond one-to-one with the plurality of sub-pixels; and the plurality of receiving slots correspond one-to-one with the plurality of black matrices; Alternatively, the dimming component may be the dimming component as described in claim 7 or 8; wherein, the plurality of annular grooves correspond one-to-one with the plurality of black matrices.

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