A nested electrophoretic display structure

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of electronic paper display structure, especially relate to a nest formula electrophoretic display structure. Including electrophoretic display module, the electrophoretic display module includes gasket frame, pixel electrode, upper layer flexible transparent base material and electrophoretic layer, the electrophoretic layer sets up between the pixel electrode with the upper layer flexible transparent base material, the gasket frame is located on the pixel electrode and is located the electrophoretic layer circumferential side, the electrophoretic layer includes transparent porous polymer support, the hole in the transparent porous polymer support is provided with two color electrophoretic particle electrophoretic liquid system, the upper layer transparent electrode is equipped between the upper layer flexible transparent base material with the electrophoretic layer, the gasket frame is equipped with conductive silver paste, the upper layer transparent electrode with the electrophoretic layer and the conductive silver paste contact. Overcome the traditional electronic paper in microcapsule preparation complicated stability problem of poor chemical technology, improve production efficiency, reduce manufacturing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electronic paper display structure technology, and specifically relates to a nested electrophoretic display structure. Background Technology

[0002] In electronic paper display technology, microcapsule electrophoretic display (EPD) and microcup electrophoretic display are two main technologies. Both technologies utilize the principle of electrophoresis, where charged particles move within a medium under the influence of an electric field to display images.

[0003] Microcapsule electrophoresis technology is one of the earliest commercialized forms of electronic paper display technology, widely used in e-readers such as Amazon's Kindle. This technology is popular in the market due to its excellent readability, low power consumption, and visual effects close to paper. However, limited by current chemical processes, microcapsule electrophoresis displays may have the following drawbacks: the uneven size of the microcapsules may affect the uniformity of the display; the relatively poor mechanical strength may affect display performance under pressure or curling; and it is sensitive to humidity, requiring additional measures to protect the display effect.

[0004] Microcup electrophoresis technology is an improvement on traditional microencapsulation electrophoresis technology. By using open microcup structures to encapsulate electrophoretic materials, this technology supports larger-scale production and higher efficiency. In microcup electrophoresis display technology, electrophoretic materials are encapsulated in tiny open containers. These microcups are arranged in an array and fixed to a substrate. Compared to microencapsulation technology, microcup technology can be produced using a roller-type process, reducing production costs; it supports faster production and higher efficiency; it offers better encapsulation, improving the durability and reliability of displays; and it makes full-color displays easier to achieve.

[0005] However, compared to microcapsules, microcups may be less advanced in terms of contrast and flexibility. Furthermore, the roll-to-roll forming process for microcup-type SiPix electronic paper and the microcup encapsulation process have significant technological barriers, with SiPix (a subsidiary of BenQ Group) almost exclusively possessing this technology and acting as the sole manufacturer, resulting in high reproducibility costs. Therefore, designing a nested electrophoretic display structure to address these issues is essential. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a nested electrophoretic display structure to solve the issues raised in the background section.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a nested electrophoretic display structure, comprising an electrophoretic display module, wherein the electrophoretic display module comprises a pad frame, a pixel electrode, an upper flexible transparent substrate, an electrophoretic layer, an upper transparent electrode, and conductive silver paste, wherein the electrophoretic layer is disposed between the pixel electrode and the upper flexible transparent substrate, and the pad frame is located on the pixel electrode and on the periphery of the electrophoretic layer; The electrophoretic layer includes a transparent porous polymer scaffold, and a two-color electrophoretic particle electrophoresis liquid system is disposed in the pores of the transparent porous polymer scaffold, with multiple pores closely arranged between them; The upper flexible transparent substrate is provided with an upper transparent electrode between it and the electrophoretic layer. The conductive silver paste is provided on the pad frame. The upper transparent electrode is in contact with the electrophoretic layer and the conductive silver paste.

[0008] Furthermore, the pixel electrode includes a segment code and dot matrix structure, and the pixel electrode is one or more of the following: a flexible metal substrate, glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI).

[0009] Furthermore, the width of the pad frame is 5-200μm and the height is 3-50μm.

[0010] Furthermore, the material of the padding frame is a mixture of a polymer and a filler. The polymer includes one or more of acrylic resin, polysaccharide, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, and phenolic resin. The filler may include one or more of silica balls, polymer particles, plastics, and metal oxide particles.

[0011] Furthermore, the electrophoretic display module also includes an IC integrated module and an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The IC integrated module forms an electrical signal connection with the pixel electrode through the anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The IC integrated module is disposed above the pixel electrode and is sealed and fixed with blue adhesive.

[0012] Furthermore, the edges of the electrophoretic display module are encapsulated and fixed by a waterproof encapsulating adhesive.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper flexible transparent substrate is tightly bonded to the upper transparent electrode. The upper flexible transparent substrate is one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), and transparent polyimide (CPI). The upper transparent electrode is one or more of indium tin oxide (ITO), graphene, silver nanowires (AgNWs), polyaniline (PANI), and carbon nanotubes.

[0014] Furthermore, the transparent porous polymer scaffold is configured as a disordered porous structure, the porosity of the transparent porous polymer scaffold reaches 75%-90%, and the pore radius ranges from 10-40μm.

[0015] Furthermore, the holes form a columnar structure in the vertical direction to support the space of the electrophoretic layer.

[0016] The technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows: 1. The advantage of using a high-porosity transparent porous polymer scaffold structure is that it spontaneously forms a dense hollow microstructure, avoiding complicated chemical processes or high-precision imprinting processes, while still achieving the display reliability and fast response of a microcup structure.

[0017] 2. It overcomes the problems of complex and unstable chemical processes in the preparation of microcapsules in traditional electronic paper, which is conducive to improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0018] 3. Reduced manufacturing time for electrophoretic display modules.

[0019] 4. Compared to SiPix microcup electronic paper, it reduces the investment in process equipment, simplifies the manufacturing process, increases the yield of downstream products, and saves manpower and space.

[0020] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the structures pointed out in the description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A side sectional view of the nested electrophoretic display structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A side sectional view of a nested electrophoretic display structure according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a transparent porous polymer scaffold with a disordered porous structure encapsulating colored electrophoretic particles, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4This diagram illustrates the structure of a transparent porous polymer scaffold with a vertically oriented porous structure encapsulating colored electrophoretic particles, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the nested electrophoretic display structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Reference numerals: 01, Colored electrophoretic particle A; 02, Colored electrophoretic particle B; 03, Hole; 04, Transparent porous polymer support; 05, Upper transparent electrode; 06, Pad frame; 07, Pixel electrode; 08, Upper flexible transparent substrate; 09, Encapsulating waterproof adhesive; 10, Conductive silver paste; 11, Blue glue; 12, Anisotropic conductive film (ACF); 13, IC integrated module; R, Pore radius. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a nested electrophoretic display structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrophoretic display module. The electrophoretic display module includes a pad frame 06, a pixel electrode 07, an upper flexible transparent substrate 08, and an electrophoretic layer. The electrophoretic layer is disposed between the pixel electrode 07 and the upper flexible transparent substrate 08. The pad frame 06 is located on the pixel electrode 07 and on the periphery of the electrophoretic layer. The electrophoretic layer includes a transparent porous polymer scaffold 04, and a two-color electrophoretic particle electrophoresis liquid system is disposed in the pores 03 of the transparent porous polymer scaffold 04, and the multiple pores 03 are closely arranged among each other. An upper transparent electrode 05 is provided between the upper flexible transparent substrate 08 and the electrophoretic layer, and a conductive silver paste 10 is provided on the pad frame 06. The upper transparent electrode 05 is in contact with the electrophoretic layer and the conductive silver paste 10.

[0026] In this embodiment, the nested electrophoretic display structure mainly includes an electronic paper sheet structure composed of pixel electrode 07 and upper flexible transparent substrate 08; an electrophoretic layer region is formed between pixel electrode 07 and upper flexible transparent substrate 08, upper transparent electrode 05 contacts upper flexible transparent substrate 08 and is disposed on the inner side, transparent porous polymer support 04 occupies the space between upper transparent electrode 05 and pixel electrode 07 to form the main body of electrophoretic layer, a large number of holes 03 are distributed in transparent porous polymer support 04, and most of the holes 03 are connected; upper transparent electrode 05 and upper flexible transparent substrate 08 are covered on top of electrophoretic layer.

[0027] Optionally, the pixel electrode 07 includes a segment code and dot matrix structure, and the pixel electrode 07 is one or more of a flexible metal substrate, glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI).

[0028] Optionally, the width of the pad frame 06 is 5-200 μm, and the height is 3-50 μm. The material of the pad frame 06 is a mixture of a polymer and a filler. The polymer includes one or more of acrylic resin, polysaccharide, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, and phenolic resin. The filler may include one or more of silicone balls, polymer particles, plastics, and metal oxide particles.

[0029] Specifically, the molding method of the pad frame 06 can be thermosetting / natural curing / photosetting.

[0030] In this embodiment, the display area is formed by the surrounding pad frame 06 of the electrophoretic layer. The pad frame 06 also forms another cavity outside the display area and is filled with conductive silver paste 10 to make the upper and lower electrodes electrically connected. The pad frame 06 delineates each functional area and achieves isolation.

[0031] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrophoretic display module also includes an IC integrated module 13 and an anisotropic conductive film ACF12. The IC integrated module 13 forms an electrical signal connection with the pixel electrode 07 through the anisotropic conductive film ACF12. The IC integrated module 13 is disposed above the pixel electrode 07 and is sealed and fixed with blue glue 11.

[0032] Optionally, the edge of the electrophoretic display module is encapsulated and fixed by encapsulating waterproof adhesive 09.

[0033] In this embodiment, in addition to the pad frame 06 surrounding the electrophoretic layer and conductive silver paste 10, a thicker encapsulating waterproof adhesive 09 is also provided on the outside to wrap the pad frame 06 and the upper flexible substrate around.

[0034] Optionally, the upper flexible transparent substrate 08 is tightly bonded to the upper transparent electrode 05. The upper flexible transparent substrate 08 is one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), and transparent polyimide (CPI). The upper transparent electrode 05 is one or more of indium tin oxide (ITO), graphene, silver nanowires (AgNWs), polyaniline (PANI), and carbon nanotubes.

[0035] Optionally, the transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 is configured as a disordered porous structure, the porosity of the transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 is 75%-90%, and the pore radius R of the pores 03 is in the range of 10-40μm.

[0036] In this embodiment, the porosity of the transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 is 75-90%, wherein the pore radius R of the pores 03 is 10-40 μm, and more than 70% of the pores 03 have a pore radius R within the range of 30-40 μm, ensuring that electrophoresis can take place within the sufficient space of the transparent porous polymer scaffold 04. Figure 5 As shown in the top plan view, the display structure surrounded by numerous conductive pores of the plasma system is similar to the electrophoretic display effect of microcapsules or microcup electronic paper. In this embodiment, the mesh-like solid of the transparent porous polymer support 04 is similar to the capsule wall of a microcapsule or the cup wall of a microcup for the screen, and will not have an adverse effect on the display brightness and contrast, thus having a large display area.

[0037] The height of the electrophoretic layer between pixel electrode 07 and the upper transparent electrode 05 is ≤80μm; Figure 1 For example, the height control of the electrophoretic layer is to ensure that the space of a single hole 03 can simultaneously encompass the upper and lower contact surfaces, forming an electrophoretic channel through which colored electrophoretic particles A01 and B02 can flow.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the three-dimensional relationship between the transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 and the individual holes 03 emphasized in this embodiment should be understood as follows: in the electrophoretic layer region, the holes 03 occupy most of the space and are interconnected. The transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 has a smooth surface and its morphology is linked into a three-dimensional network, and it connects the upper transparent electrode 05 and the pixel electrode 07, thus providing support for the electrophoretic layer.

[0039] Colored electrophoretic particles A01 and B02 carry different types of charges, and at least one of the two colored electrophoretic particles is black. In this embodiment, no other restrictions are placed on the color of the colored electrophoretic particles. In some embodiments, the pores 03 in the transparent porous polymer support 04 have sufficient space, so the plasma system can also include other two-color, three-color, or multi-color charged particles, selected according to the actual application terminal. This embodiment does not limit this. There is still ample space in the electrophoretic layer to allow the colored electrophoretic particles to move electrophoretically within the pores 03, and the transparent porous polymer support 04 itself is made of transparent material, reducing interference with the display effect.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides a nested electrophoretic display structure. This embodiment describes a vertically oriented transparent porous polymer support 04 with improved morphology. The holes 03 form a columnar structure supporting the electrophoretic layer space in the vertical direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the nested electrophoretic display structure mainly includes an electronic paper sheet structure composed of pixel electrode 07 and upper flexible transparent substrate 08; an electrophoretic layer region is formed between pixel electrode 07 and upper flexible transparent substrate 08, upper transparent electrode 05 contacts upper flexible transparent substrate 08 and is disposed on the inner side, transparent porous polymer support 04 occupies the space between upper transparent electrode 05 and pixel electrode 07 to form the main body of electrophoretic layer, a large number of vertically oriented columnar holes 03 are distributed in transparent porous polymer support 04, and most of the holes 03 are interconnected; upper transparent electrode 05 and upper flexible transparent substrate 08 are covered on top of electrophoretic layer.

[0042] Hole 03 is not a disordered porous structure, but rather an oriented cylindrical porous structure perpendicular to the display direction. The pore radius R of hole 03 ranges from 10 to 40 μm, and the wall thickness between adjacent holes 03 ranges from 1 to 50 μm. The electrophoretic layer height between pixel electrode 07 and the upper transparent electrode 05 is ≤80 μm. Partial structure of the vertically oriented transparent porous polymer support 04 is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, directional freezing technology allows the pores 03 to form a cylindrical structure supporting the electrophoretic layer space in the vertical direction, enabling colored electrophoretic particles to undergo effective electrophoretic movement within the cylindrical space. The directional porous structure described in this embodiment, through process control, provides a protective and insulating structure for the plasma system that self-assembles into a microcup-like structure. Compared to disordered spherical porous structures, the directional porous structure of this embodiment exhibits anisotropic porous material properties, with a larger display area in the vertical direction and higher mechanical strength of the electrophoretic layer in the horizontal direction.

[0043] In addition, a method for fabricating a nested electrophoretic display structure includes the following process steps: Step 1: Select a suitable TFT substrate as pixel electrode 07, and complete the preparation of pixel electrode 07 through processes such as coating, exposure, development, etching, resist removal, and deposition. Step 2: Apply pad frame 06 material to the pixel electrode 07 using a dispensing machine to form the required encapsulation electrophoresis layer and the surrounding pattern of conductive silver paste 10, and then cure it. Step 3: The transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 material precursor is mixed with evaporable solvent A, and the plasma system containing the colored electrophoretic particles is emulsified and mixed with the solvent A system. The two systems are immiscible and there is no material exchange. The mixed emulsion is used as the coating material for the electrophoretic layer and fills the electrophoretic display area within the pad frame 06. Step 4: Extrude and apply conductive silver paste 10 to the area surrounded by another pad border 06. Step 5: The upper flexible transparent substrate 08 is bonded to the upper transparent electrode 05 using conventional processes, and the entire upper layer is pressed onto the entire pad frame 06. Step 6: Before encapsulation, the solvent A is removed by means of freezing / low pressure / natural evaporation, taking advantage of the characteristics of the upper flexible transparent substrate 08, leaving the plasma system in the molded transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 and the holes 03. Step 7: Laser cutting trims the upper flexible transparent substrate 08 and the upper transparent electrode 05 to expose the pixel electrode 07 originally reserved for the IC integrated module 13 area; Step 8: Apply waterproof sealant 09 around the perimeter of the pad frame 06 using a dispensing machine to ensure the electrophoretic layer is sealed, and then cure it using UV light or heat. Step nine: Bond the IC integrated module 13 to the pixel electrode 07, which is completed by COG / COF process; Step 10: Complete the encapsulation of IC integrated module 13 using blue adhesive 11 process.

[0044] Another method for fabricating a nested electrophoretic display structure includes the following process steps: Step 1: Select a suitable TFT substrate as pixel electrode 07, and complete the preparation of pixel electrode 07 through processes such as coating, exposure, development, etching, resist removal, and deposition. Step 2: On the pixel electrode 07, the pad frame 06 material is extruded and coated using a dispensing machine to form the required encapsulation electrophoresis layer and the surrounding pattern of conductive silver paste 10, and then cured. Step 3: The transparent porous polymer scaffold 04 material precursor is used as a solvent component to prepare an aqueous composite solution. The plasma system (organic system) containing the colored electrophoretic particles is emulsified and mixed with the aqueous composite solution system. The two systems are immiscible and there is no material exchange. The mixed emulsion is used as the coating material for the electrophoretic layer and fills the electrophoretic display area within the area marked by the pad frame 06. Step 4: Extrude and apply conductive silver paste 10 to the area surrounded by another pad border 06. Step 5: The upper flexible transparent substrate 08 is bonded to the upper transparent electrode 05 using conventional processes, and the entire upper layer is laminated and covered over the entire electrophoretic layer area and the conductive silver paste 10 area. Step 6: Before encapsulation, taking advantage of the characteristics of the upper flexible transparent substrate 08, the solvent A system in the electrophoretic layer is made to generate ice crystals in the vertical direction and evaporate at low temperature through the directional freezing method, forming directional vertical holes 03 and the plasma system therein. Step 7: Laser cutting trims the upper flexible transparent substrate 08 and the upper transparent electrode 05 to expose the pixel electrode 07 originally reserved for the IC integrated module 13 area; Step 8: Apply waterproof sealant 09 around the perimeter of the pad frame 06 using a dispensing machine to ensure the electrophoretic layer is sealed, and then cure it using UV light or heat. Step nine: Bond the IC integrated module 13 to the pixel electrode 07, which is completed by COG / COF process; Step 10: Complete the encapsulation of IC integrated module 13 using blue adhesive 11 process.

[0045] In this embodiment, a porous structure is used to replace the microcapsule and microcup structure to isolate the plasma system. This fully utilizes the advantages of porous materials, such as self-forming and easy size control, and overcomes the production problems of other electronic paper structures, such as the uncertainty of the chemical process in the production of microcapsule electronic paper and the difficulty in simplifying the process of microcup electronic paper.

[0046] By using a porous polymer that forms a nest to form an emulsion system with plasma, and autonomously forming a dense porous electrophoretic encapsulation structure under defined process parameters, the production of novel nested electronic paper has the advantages of simple process steps, full automation, improved theoretical yield, and high production efficiency, and is feasible for producing large-size electronic paper of 50 inches and above.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nested electrophoretic display structure, characterized in that, The electrophoretic display module includes a pad frame (06), a pixel electrode (07), an upper flexible transparent substrate (08), an electrophoretic layer, an upper transparent electrode (05), and a conductive silver paste (10). The electrophoretic layer is disposed between the pixel electrode (07) and the upper flexible transparent substrate (08). The pad frame (06) is located on the pixel electrode (07) and on the periphery of the electrophoretic layer. The electrophoretic layer includes a transparent porous polymer scaffold (04), and a two-color electrophoretic particle electrophoresis liquid system is disposed in the pores (03) of the transparent porous polymer scaffold (04); The upper flexible transparent substrate (08) is provided with the upper transparent electrode (05) between it and the electrophoretic layer, and the conductive silver paste (10) is provided on the pad frame (06). The upper transparent electrode (05) is in contact with the electrophoretic layer and the conductive silver paste (10).

2. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pixel electrode (07) includes a segment code and dot matrix structure, and the pixel electrode (07) is one or more of the following: metal flexible substrate, glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI).

3. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The padding frame (06) has a width of 5-200μm and a height of 3-50μm.

4. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material of the pad frame (06) is a mixture of a polymer and a filler. The polymer includes one or more of acrylic resin, polysaccharide, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, and phenolic resin. The filler may include one or more of silica balls, polymer particles, plastics, and metal oxide particles.

5. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrophoretic display module also includes an IC integrated module (13) and an anisotropic conductive film ACF (12). The IC integrated module (13) forms an electrical signal connection with the pixel electrode (07) through the anisotropic conductive film ACF (12). The IC integrated module (13) is disposed above the pixel electrode (07) and is sealed and fixed with blue glue (11).

6. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edges of the electrophoretic display module are encapsulated and fixed by a waterproof encapsulating adhesive (09).

7. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper flexible transparent substrate (08) is tightly bonded to the upper transparent electrode (05). The upper flexible transparent substrate (08) is one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), and transparent polyimide (CPI). The upper transparent electrode (05) is one or more of indium tin oxide (ITO), graphene, silver nanowires (AgNWs), polyaniline (PANI), and carbon nanotubes.

8. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent porous polymer scaffold (04) is configured as a disordered porous structure, the porosity of the transparent porous polymer scaffold (04) is 75%-90%, and the pore radius (R) of the pores (03) ranges from 10 to 40 μm.

9. The nested electrophoretic display structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole (03) forms a columnar structure in the vertical direction to support the space of the electrophoretic layer.

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