ARRAY SUBSTRATE, DISPLAY APPARATUS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

This application provides an array substrate, a display apparatus, and an electronic device. The display apparatus includes a plurality of microcup units. Each of the microcup units includes at least one microcup. Electrophoretic particles are encapsulated in each of the at least one microcup. The array substrate includes a first base, a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the first base, and an insulating layer. The plurality of pixel units are in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of microcup units. Each of the pixel units includes a first pixel electrode and a first common electrode. The insulating layer covers the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode of each of the pixel units.

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210180433.4, filed in China on Feb. 25, 2022 and entitled “ARRAY SUBSTRATE, DISPLAY APPARATUS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of display technologies, and in particular, to an array substrate, a display apparatus, and an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

An electronic ink screen, also known as an electronic paper display screen, is a core technology and product of reflective display, with core competitiveness of eye protection and low power consumption, which has achieved rapid development. An operating principle of the electronic ink screen is to use an electric field to control electrophoretic particles, such as positively charged black particles and negatively charged white particles, in an electrophoretic fluid in each pixel to move, and to reflect external ambient light through the electrophoretic particles to achieve a visual effect, thereby realizing display of a picture.

The electronic ink screen also has a display mode which is a transmissive display mode. That is, when ink particles are dispersed in ink, the display screen in this case is in a non-transmissive state and displays colors of the ink particles, such as black, white, or other colors. When a parallel electric field is applied, the ink particles are gathered around an electrode, the display screen in this case is in a transmissive state, and transparent display is realized. The electrode is generally wider. As a result, the ink particles block more light when gathered around the electrode, leading to a significant reduction in transmittance of the display screen.

SUMMARY

This application provides an array substrate, a display apparatus, and an electronic device. The display apparatus has higher transmittance and can realize a good transparent display effect.

According to a first aspect, this application provides an array substrate, applied to a display apparatus, the display apparatus further including a plurality of microcup units, each of the microcup units including at least one microcup, and electrophoretic particles being encapsulated in each of the at least one microcup. The array substrate includes a first base and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the first base, the plurality of pixel units being in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of microcup units. Each of the pixel units includes a first pixel electrode and a first common electrode that are disposed on the first base. The array substrate further includes an insulating layer covering the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode of each of the pixel units, a surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base being provided with grooves/a groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode and/or the first common electrode of each of the pixel units, a width of the groove being less than that of the corresponding electrode, the groove being configured to gather the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup.

It may be understood that, due to the existence of the groove, the bottom of the microcup is a three-dimensional design, and the electrophoretic particles are gathered into the groove above the electrode and are longitudinally arranged when the pixel unit is in a transmissive display mode. Since the width of the groove is less than that of the corresponding electrode and the electrophoretic particles are longitudinally arranged in the groove, shielding of light by the gathered electrophoretic particles can be effectively reduced, and transmittance of the pixel unit can be significantly improved, thereby enabling the display apparatus to achieve a good transparent display effect.

In an implementation, the surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with the groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode, and the first pixel electrode is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup when the corresponding pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, so that the electrophoretic particles are gathered into the groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode.

Additionally/alternatively, the surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with the groove corresponding to the first common electrode, and the first common electrode is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup when the corresponding pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, so that the electrophoretic particles are gathered into the groove corresponding to the first common electrode.

In an implementation, the groove includes a bottom and a side wall connected to the bottom. The side wall is perpendicular to the bottom. That is, an angle between the side wall and the bottom is a right angle. In this way, a width of an open end of the groove is equal to that of the bottom of the groove.

Optionally, the angle between the side wall and the bottom is an acute angle. That is, the side wall is an inclined surface. In this way, the width of the open end of the groove is less than that of the bottom of the groove, so that the electrophoretic particles can be gathered into the groove in the transmissive display mode.

Optionally, the angle between the side wall and the bottom is an obtuse angle. That is, the side wall is an inclined surface. In this way, the width of the open end of the groove is greater than that of the bottom of the groove, which can facilitate entry and exit of the electrophoretic particles from the groove.

In an implementation, the groove includes a bottom, a side wall, and a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion being connected between the bottom and the side wall, and the first connecting portion being arc-shaped, so that the side wall smoothly transitions to the bottom.

In an implementation, the groove includes a bottom and a side wall connected to the bottom. The groove further includes a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion being connected between the surface of the insulating layer and the side wall, and the second connecting portion being arc-shaped, so that the side wall smoothly transitions to the surface of the insulating layer.

In an implementation, the microcup includes two types of electrophoretic particles with different colors and different electrical properties; and the surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with the grooves respectively corresponding to the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode, and when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode is configured to attract one type of the electrophoretic particles in the microcup into the groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode, and the first common electrode is configured to attract the other type of the electrophoretic particles in the microcup into the groove corresponding to the first common electrode. In this way, the pixel unit can be rendered transparent.

Optionally, the microcup includes electrophoretic particles in one color; and the surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with the groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode or the first common electrode, and when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode or the first common electrode corresponding to the groove is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles in the microcup into the groove. In this way, the pixel unit can be rendered transparent.

Optionally, the microcup includes electrophoretic particles in one color; and the surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with the grooves respectively corresponding to the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode, and when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles in the microcup into the groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode, or the first common electrode is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles in the microcup into the groove corresponding to the first common electrode. In other words, the groove corresponding to one electrode is in a vacant state when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode. In this way, the pixel unit can also be rendered transparent.

In an implementation, each of the pixel units includes a plurality of first pixel electrodes and a plurality of first common electrodes, the plurality of first pixel electrodes extending along a first direction and being arranged apart along a second direction, and the plurality of first common electrodes extending along the first direction and being arranged apart along the second direction. Each of the first pixel electrodes is disposed between two adjacent first common electrodes, or each of the first common electrodes is disposed between two adjacent first pixel electrodes, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

In an implementation, each of the microcup units includes electrophoretic particles in one color, and each of the at least one microcup corresponds to at least one first pixel electrode and at least one first common electrode included in the corresponding pixel unit. When the pixel unit is in a non-transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode are configured to generate a first driving electric field in the corresponding microcup to control the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup to move along a direction parallel to the first base, so that the electrophoretic particles are evenly dispersed in an electrophoretic fluid. An electric field direction of the first driving electric field is a direction parallel to the first base.

In an implementation, the display apparatus further includes a second base disposed opposite the array substrate and a second common electrode disposed on the second base, and the plurality of microcup units are disposed between the array substrate and the second common electrode. Each of the at least one microcup corresponds to the second common electrode and at least one first pixel electrode and at least one first common electrode included in the corresponding pixel unit. When the pixel unit is in a non-transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode are configured to generate a first driving electric field in the corresponding microcup to control the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup to move along a direction parallel to the first base, so that the electrophoretic particles are evenly dispersed in an electrophoretic fluid. The first pixel electrode and the second common electrode are configured to generate a second driving electric field in the corresponding microcup to cause the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup to move towards the first pixel electrode or the second common electrode according to electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles and an electric field direction of the second driving electric field. The electrophoretic particles that need to participate in color rendering move to the top of the corresponding microcup, that is, near the second common electrode, and the electrophoretic particles that do not participate in the color rendering move to the bottom of the corresponding microcup, that is, near the first pixel electrode, so that the corresponding microcup renders black, white, or other colors. An electric field direction of the first driving electric field is a direction parallel to the first base, and the electric field direction of the second driving electric field is a direction perpendicular to the first base.

In an implementation, each of the pixel units further includes a thin film transistor and at least one second pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode being electrically connected to the plurality of first pixel electrodes included in the corresponding pixel unit and a drain of the thin film transistor respectively, the second pixel electrode being configured to electrically connect the plurality of first pixel electrodes included in the corresponding pixel unit to the drain of the corresponding thin film transistor respectively, thereby realizing driving of the corresponding first pixel electrodes and the second pixel electrode by the thin film transistor.

In an implementation, the insulating layer further covers the second pixel electrode, the surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with the groove corresponding to the second pixel electrode, and the second pixel electrode is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup when the corresponding pixel unit is in a transmissive display mode, so that the electrophoretic particles are gathered into the groove corresponding to the second pixel electrode, thereby further improving the transmittance of the corresponding pixel unit and the transparent display effect of the display apparatus.

According to a second aspect, this application provides a display apparatus, including the above array substrate, a second base disposed opposite the array substrate, and a plurality of microcup units disposed between the array substrate and the second base, the plurality of microcup units being in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of pixel units included in the array substrate.

According to a third aspect, this application provides an electronic device, including a host and the above display apparatus. Due to the use of the above array substrate, the display apparatus can have higher transmittance when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, and can achieve a good transparent display effect. Therefore, the electronic device also has a good transparent display effect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

This application will be further described with reference to the following specific implementations and the above accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following clearly and completely describes the technical solutions in the implementations of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the implementations of this application. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and represent only schematic diagrams, which should not be construed as limiting this application. Apparently, the described implementations are only a part of rather than all of the implementations of this application. All other implementations obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the implementations of this application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

Unless otherwise defined, meanings of all technical and scientific terms used in this application are the same as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application belongs. In this application, terms used in the specification are merely intended to describe objectives of the specific implementations, but are not intended to limit this application.

This application provides an array substrate applied to a display apparatus. The array substrate includes a first base and a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array on the first base, and the plurality of pixel units are in one-to-one correspondence to a plurality of microcup units included in the display apparatus. Each of the pixel units include a first pixel electrode and a first common electrode that are disposed on the first base. The array substrate further includes an insulating layer covering the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode of each of the pixel units. A surface of the insulating layer facing away from the first base is provided with grooves/a groove corresponding to the first pixel electrode and/or the first common electrode of each of the pixel units. A width of the groove is less than that of the corresponding electrode, and the groove is configured to gather the electrophoretic particles in the corresponding microcup. Due to the existence of the groove, the bottom of the microcup is a three-dimensional design, and the electrophoretic particles are gathered into the groove above the electrode and are longitudinally arranged when the pixel unit is in a transmissive display mode. Since the width of the groove is less than that of the corresponding electrode and the electrophoretic particles are longitudinally arranged in the groove, shielding of light by the gathered electrophoretic particles can be effectively reduced, and transmittance of the pixel unit can be significantly improved, thereby enabling the display apparatus to achieve a good transparent display effect.

This application further provides a display apparatus, including the above array substrate, a second base disposed opposite the array substrate, and a plurality of microcup units disposed between the array substrate and the second base. The plurality of microcup units are in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of pixel units included in the array substrate. Due to the use of the above array substrate, the display apparatus can have higher transmittance when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, so as to achieve a good transparent display effect. The display apparatus is widely applicable to various fields, such as an e-book reader, a medical application (such as a glucometer or a sphygmomanometer), a wearable device (such as a watch or a bracelet), an indoor electronic display board, an electronic shelf label, a logistics label, a highway sign, or other Internet applications.

This application further provides an electronic device, including the above display apparatus. Therefore, the electronic device also has a good transparent display effect. The electronic device includes, but is not limited to, an e-book reader, a medical application (such as a glucometer or a sphygmomanometer), a wearable device (such as a watch or a bracelet), an indoor electronic display board, an electronic curtain, and the like.

FIG.1is a schematic side view of a structure of a display apparatus101according to a first implementation of this application. As shown inFIG.1, in the first implementation, the display apparatus101includes a first substrate20, a second substrate30, and an electronic ink layer40. The first substrate20is disposed opposite the second substrate30, and the electronic ink layer40is disposed between the first substrate20and the second substrate30. In this application, the display apparatus101is an electronic ink screen, and the first substrate20is an array substrate or a thin film transistor substrate.

FIG.2is a schematic plan view of a partial circuit structure of the first substrate20. Referring toFIG.1andFIG.2together, the first substrate20includes a first base21and a plurality of scanning lines22, a plurality of data lines23, and a plurality of pixel units24that are disposed on the first base21. The first base21is made of a transparent material such as glass.

The plurality of pixel units24are arranged in an array on the first base21. Specifically, the scanning lines22are arranged apart from each other, the data lines23are arranged apart from each other, and the scanning lines22and the data lines23intersect to define a plurality of pixel regions A arranged in a matrix. The plurality of pixel regions A are in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of pixel units24. The pixel units24are located in the corresponding pixel regions A.

Each pixel unit24includes a thin film transistor (Thin Film Transistor, TFT)241and a pixel electrode layer242that are located on the first base21. The thin film transistor241is formed at an intersection between the corresponding scanning line22and the corresponding data line23. In the first implementation, as shown inFIG.1, a stacked structure241aof the thin film transistor241is formed on the first base21, and the pixel electrode layer242is formed on the stacked structure241aof the thin film transistor241.

The stacked structure241aof the thin film transistor241may include a buffer layer (not shown) formed on the first base21, a gate (not shown) formed on the buffer layer, a gate insulating layer (not shown) covering the gate, an active region (not shown) formed on the gate insulating layer, a source (not shown) and a drain (not shown) electrically connected to the active region respectively, a passivation layer (not shown) covering the source and the drain, and the like. As shown inFIG.2, the gate of the thin film transistor241is electrically connected to the corresponding scanning line22, the source of the thin film transistor241is electrically connected to the corresponding data line23, and the scanning line22and the data line23are configured to provide a signal for the thin film transistor241.

It may be understood that the first substrate20may further include a data line driver (not shown), a plurality of data line leads (not shown), and a scanning line driver (not shown). The data line driver is electrically connected to the plurality of data lines23through the plurality of data line leads and provides corresponding data line signals for the plurality of data lines23. The scanning line driver is electrically connected to the plurality of scanning lines22and provides corresponding scanning line signals for the plurality of scanning lines22.

The pixel electrode layer242may be formed on the passivation layer of the corresponding thin film transistor241, and a through hole (not shown) is provided in the passivation layer, so as to realize an electrical connection between the drain of the thin film transistor241and a pixel electrode (not shown) included in the corresponding pixel electrode layer242through the through hole. The thin film transistor241serves as a driving unit to control a voltage on the corresponding pixel electrode.

Each pixel unit24further includes a first common electrode layer243on the first base21. As shown inFIG.1, in the first implementation, the stacked structure241aof the thin film transistor241, the pixel electrode layer242, and the first common electrode layer243are successively stacked on the first base21. In another implementation, a stacking relationship among the stacked structure241aof the thin film transistor241, the pixel electrode layer242, and the first common electrode layer243on the first base21may alternatively be adjusted according to an actual requirement.

FIG.3is a schematic perspective view of a circuit structure corresponding to a single pixel unit24according to the first implementation of this application. As shown inFIG.3, each pixel unit24includes a first pixel electrode2421and a first common electrode2431. The first pixel electrode2421is electrically connected to the drain of the corresponding thin film transistor241, the first pixel electrode2421is formed in the pixel electrode layer242, and the first common electrode2431is formed in the first common electrode layer243.

In an implementation, as shown inFIG.3, each pixel unit24includes a plurality of first pixel electrodes2421and a plurality of first common electrodes2431. The plurality of first pixel electrode2421are electrically connected to the drain of the corresponding thin film transistor241. In the implementation, each pixel unit24further includes at least one second pixel electrode2422, and the second pixel electrode2422is electrically connected to the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421of the corresponding pixel unit24and the drain of the thin film transistor241respectively, so as to electrically connect the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421of the corresponding pixel unit24to the drain of the corresponding thin film transistor241respectively, thereby realizing driving of the corresponding first pixel electrodes2421and the second pixel electrode2422by the thin film transistor241. The second pixel electrode2422may be arranged in a same layer structure as the first pixel electrodes2421. In another implementation, the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421may alternatively be electrically connected to the drain of the corresponding thin film transistor241in another manner, which is not specifically limited herein. In another implementation, each pixel unit24may alternatively include only one first pixel electrode2421and one first common electrode2431.

In the first implementation, the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421extend along a first direction OX and are arranged apart along a second direction OY, and the plurality of first common electrodes2431also extend along the first direction OX and are arranged apart along the second direction OY Each first pixel electrode2421is disposed between two adjacent first common electrodes2431, or each first common electrode2431is disposed between two adjacent first pixel electrodes2421. The first direction OX is perpendicular to the second direction OY, and both the first direction OX and the second direction OY are directions parallel to the first base21. The second pixel electrode2422extends along the second direction OY, so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421extending along the first direction OX and arranged apart along the second direction OY and to electrically connect the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421to the drain of the corresponding thin film transistor241. In another implementation, the plurality of first pixel electrodes2421and the plurality of first common electrodes2431may alternatively be arranged in another manner, provided that a driving voltage provided by the first pixel electrodes2421in cooperation with the first common electrodes2431can meet a relevant driving control requirement.

As shown inFIG.4, in the first implementation, the pixel electrode layer242further includes an insulating layer2423covering the first pixel electrode2421and the second pixel electrode2422, and the first common electrode2431is formed on the insulating layer2423. The first common electrode layer243further includes an insulating layer2432covering the first common electrode2431.

Referring toFIG.1andFIG.4together, in the first implementation, the pixel electrode layer242, the first common electrode layer243, and the second substrate30are all made of transparent materials, so that all the three can transmit light to improve display brightness of the display apparatus101and improve light transmittance and an aperture ratio of the display apparatus101, thereby improving display quality of the display apparatus101.

Specifically, the first pixel electrode2421, the second pixel electrode2422, and the first common electrode2431are all made of transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide (Indium Tin Oxide, ITO). The ITO is a transparent electrode material commonly used at present, whose light transmittance can reach more than 90%. The first pixel electrode2421, the second pixel electrode2422, and the first common electrode2431are all made of the ITO, so that the first substrate20can meet a requirement for transparency. The insulating layers2423and2432are both made of transparent materials, such as SiO2.

The scanning line22and the data line23are both made of non-transparent conductive materials, such as one or more of MO, AL, Au, TI, Nb, Cu, and alloys thereof. To further improve light transmittance and an aperture ratio of the first substrate20, as shown inFIG.3andFIG.4, in each pixel unit24, an orthographic projection of at least one first pixel electrode2421on the first base21overlaps with an orthographic projection of the corresponding scanning line22on the first base21, and an orthographic projection of at least one second pixel electrode2422on the first base21overlaps with an orthographic projection of the corresponding data line23on the first base21. It may be understood that, in another implementation, the at least one second pixel electrode2422or the first common electrode2431may alternatively overlap with the corresponding scanning line22, and the at least one first pixel electrode2421overlaps with the corresponding data line23, which is not specifically limited in this application.

Referring toFIG.1again, the second substrate30includes a second base31disposed opposite the first base21. The second base31is made of a transparent material such as glass or quartz, enabling the second base31to transmit light, so that the second substrate30meets the requirement for transparency.

In the first implementation, the electronic ink layer40includes a plurality of microcup units41in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of pixel units24. Each microcup unit41includes at least one microcup411, and electrophoretic particles412and a transparent electrophoretic fluid (not shown) are encapsulated in each microcup411. The electrophoretic particles412included in each microcup411can show one color or several different colors, and the electrophoretic particles412in different colors included in a same microcup411have different electrical properties. InFIG.1, illustration is based on an example in which each microcup unit41includes a microcup411and the microcup411includes black particles and white particles. Electrical properties of the black particles are opposite to those of the white particles. For example, if the electrical properties of the black particles are positive, the electrical properties of the white particles are negative. If the electrical properties of the black particles are negative, the electrical properties of the white particles are positive.

It should be noted that, in the display apparatus101provided in this application, the electrophoretic particles412included in each microcup411are not limited to the black particles and/or the white particles, and particles in other colors, such as red, green, and blue, may alternatively be included, so as to improve the display effect of the display apparatus101. A quantity of the microcup411included in each microcup unit41is not limited to one. For example, corresponding to the pixel unit24shown inFIG.3, as shown inFIG.5a, the microcup unit41may include only one microcup411. Optionally, as shown inFIG.5b, the microcup unit41may include two microcups411aand411barranged along the first direction OX. Optionally, as shown inFIG.5c, the microcup unit41may include two microcups411aand411barranged along the second direction OY Optionally, as shown inFIG.5d, the microcup unit41may include four microcups411a,411b,411c, and411darranged in a matrix. Optionally, the microcup unit41may alternatively include a larger quantity of microcups411, which is not exemplified one by one herein and may specifically be adjusted according to an actual requirement. It may be understood that, when the microcup unit41includes only one microcup411, the microcup411corresponds to all the first pixel electrodes2421and all the first common electrodes2431included in the pixel unit24. When the microcup unit41includes two or more microcup411, each microcup411corresponds to at least one first pixel electrode2421and at least one first common electrode2431included in the pixel unit24. In this way, the microcup411can be separately controlled.

The electrophoretic particles412included in each microcup411are not limited to the black particles and/or the white particles, and particles in other colors, such as red, green, and blue, may alternatively be included, so as to improve the display effect of the display apparatus101. It may be understood that, in the implementation shown inFIG.1, to show the electrophoretic particles412more clearly, the electrophoretic particles412are enlarged in volume and reduced in density. In an actual product, the electrophoretic particles412are smaller and denser.

Referring toFIG.1again, adjacent microcup units41are not communicated with each other, and accordingly, the first substrate20further includes a plurality of barrier walls244. In the first implementation, the barrier walls244are disposed on the first common electrode layer243and form a plurality of barrier regions (not shown). The plurality of barrier regions are in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of pixel regions A, and the microcup unit41corresponding to each pixel region A is disposed in the corresponding barrier region. The barrier walls244may further be configured to block electric fields between adjacent pixel regions A, so as to prevent influence of disordered electric fields on normal display of the pixel unit24, thereby more accurately controlling the electrophoretic particles in each microcup unit41of the electronic ink layer40to move, so as to improve the display effect. It may be understood that, in a case that each microcup unit41includes a plurality of microcups411, the barrier walls244may also be disposed between adjacent microcups411.

In this application, a display mode of each pixel unit24includes a transmissive display mode and a non-transmissive display mode (i.e., a color-rendering mode). When the pixel unit24is in the non-transmissive display mode, as shown inFIG.6a, the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411are dispersed in the electrophoretic liquid, preventing passage of light, so that the pixel unit24is in a non-transmissive state, and colors of the electrophoretic particles412, such as black, white, or other colors, are displayed. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, as shown inFIG.6borFIG.6c, the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431attract the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411, so that the electrophoretic particles412are gathered above and around the corresponding electrode, and the light can easily pass through. Therefore, the pixel unit24is in a transmissive state, to realize transparent display. It may be understood that the plurality of pixel units24included in the first substrate20may be in a same display mode or different display modes at a same moment. For example, at the same moment, the pixel units24that need to display colors may be in the non-transmissive display mode, and the pixel units24that do not need to display colors may be in the transmissive display mode. In this way, a display surface shown by the display apparatus101may include an opaque pattern display region as well as a transparent non-pattern display region. Alternatively, at the same moment, all the pixel units24are in the transmissive display mode, so that the display apparatus101as a whole is rendered transparent. Alternatively, at the same moment, all the pixel units24are in the non-transmissive display mode, so that the display surface shown by the display apparatus101includes a pattern display region as well as a non-pattern display region. The non-pattern display region may render a color as a base color of the pattern region.

Specifically, in an implementation, as shown inFIG.7awhich is a sectional view of the structure shown inFIG.5aorFIG.5balong the direction II-II, that is, a sectional view of a structure of a display apparatus101acorresponding to a single microcup411. The second substrate30of the display apparatus101amay further include a second common electrode32disposed on the second base31. The second common electrode32is located between the second base31and the electronic ink layer40. The second common electrode32may be a whole-layer structure. That is, the second common electrodes32corresponding to the microcup units41are connected to each other, so as to facilitate a manufacturing process. Optionally, the second common electrodes32corresponding to the microcup units41may alternatively be independent of each other. That is, the second substrate30includes a plurality of second common electrodes32, which is not limited in this application.

The second common electrode32is a transparent conductive film made of a transparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO). That is, the second common electrode32can transmit light, so as not to affect the transmittance of the display apparatus101a. The second substrate30may further include an insulating layer (not shown) covering the second common electrode32, and the insulating layer is also made of a transparent material, such as SiO2.

In the implementation, each microcup unit41includes at least one microcup411, and each microcup411may include at least two types of electrophoretic particles412with different colors and electrical properties. Alternatively, each microcup unit41includes at least two microcups411and electrophoretic particles412in at least two colors, and each microcup411includes electrophoretic particles in only one color.

InFIG.7a, one microcup411and surrounding structures thereof are illustrated based on an example in which each microcup411includes black particles and white particles. Based on the structure of the display apparatus101ashown inFIG.7a, when the pixel unit24is in the non-transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431are configured to generate a first driving electric field E1in the corresponding microcup411, that is, an electric field distributed along the second direction OY (a direction parallel to the first base21), to control the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411to move along the second direction OY, so that the electrophoretic particles412are evenly dispersed in an electrophoretic fluid. For example, a reference voltage of 15 V may be applied to the first common electrode2431, and voltages of 0 V and 30 V may be alternately applied to the first pixel electrode2421, thereby alternately generating positive and negative voltages between the first common electrode2431and the first pixel electrode2421, and forming, in the microcup411, positive and negative electric fields that are transverse and alternately change directions to vibrate the electrophoretic particles412back and forth, so that the electrophoretic particles412are evenly dispersed in the electrophoretic fluid. The voltage of the first pixel electrode2421may be changed through driving control of the corresponding thin film transistor241.

The first pixel electrode2421and the second common electrode32are configured to generate a second driving electric field E2in the corresponding microcup411, that is, an electric field distributed along a third direction OZ (a direction perpendicular to the first base21and the second base31), to cause the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411to move towards the first pixel electrode2421or the second common electrode32according to electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles and an electric field direction of the second driving electric field E2. The electrophoretic particles412that need to participate in color rendering move to the top of the corresponding microcup411, that is, near the second common electrode32, and the electrophoretic particles412that do not participate in the color rendering move to the bottom of the corresponding microcup411, that is, near the first pixel electrode2421, so that the corresponding microcup411renders black, white, or other colors. For example, as shown inFIG.7a, each microcup411includes black particles and white particles. When the microcup411needs to render black, as shown inFIG.6a, the black particles are dispersed in the electrophoretic fluid and tiled on the top of the microcup411for color rendering, while the white particles move to the bottom of the microcup411. When the microcup411needs to render white, the white particles are dispersed in the electrophoretic fluid and tiled on the top of the microcup411for color rendering, while the block particles move to the bottom of the microcup411.

It may be understood that, after the electrophoretic particles412participating in the color rendering are evenly tiled on the top of the corresponding microcup411, the electric field applied to each electrode can be removed, that is, the first common electrode2431, the second common electrode32, and the first pixel electrode2421are powered off, so that the electrophoretic particles412remain evenly tiled on the top of the corresponding microcup411.

In another implementation, as shown inFIG.7bwhich is another sectional view of the structure shown inFIG.5aorFIG.5balong the direction II-II, that is, a sectional view of another structure of the display apparatus101acorresponding to the single microcup411. The second substrate30of the display apparatus101bincludes only the second base31, but is not provided with the second common electrode32. Each microcup unit41includes electrophoretic particles412in only one color.

InFIG.7b, one microcup411and surrounding structures thereof are illustrated based on an example in which each microcup411includes black particles. Based on the structure of the display apparatus101bshown inFIG.7b, when the pixel unit24is in the non-transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431are configured to generate a first driving electric field E1in the corresponding microcup411, that is, an electric field distributed along the second direction OY (a direction parallel to the first base21), to control the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411to move along the second direction OY, so that the electrophoretic particles412are evenly dispersed in an electrophoretic fluid in the corresponding microcup411for color rendering, thereby causing the corresponding microcup411to render the color of the electrophoretic particles412(as shown inFIG.6a).

When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431included in the pixel unit24are/is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411in an on state, so that the electrophoretic particles412are gathered above and around the corresponding electrodes. Specifically, when there is a need to realize the transmissive display mode of the pixel unit24, a relevant control principle is roughly as follows:

If the microcup411includes two types of electrophoretic particles with different colors and different electrical properties, based on the structure of the display apparatus101ashown inFIG.7a, when the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, a first voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode2421, so that one type of the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered above and around the first pixel electrode2421. A second voltage is applied to the first common electrode2431, so that the other type of the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered above and around the first common electrode2431. In this way, the pixel unit24can be rendered transparent. For example, as shown inFIG.6b, each microcup411includes black particles and white particles, and electrical properties of the black particles and the white particles are different. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, the first voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode2421, so that the black particles in the microcup411are gathered above and around the first pixel electrode2421. The second voltage is applied to the first common electrode2431, so that the white particles in the microcup411are gathered above and around the first common electrode2431. In this way, the pixel unit24can be rendered transparent.

If the microcup411includes electrophoretic particles in only one color, based on the structure of the display apparatus101ashown inFIG.7aor the structure of the display apparatus101bshown inFIG.7b, when the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, a reference voltage is applied to one of the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431, and a voltage opposite to the electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles412is applied to the other electrode, so that the electrophoretic particles412in the microcup411are gathered above and around the other electrode. In this way, the pixel unit24can be rendered transparent. For example, as shown inFIG.6c, the reference voltage is applied to the first common electrode2431, and the voltage opposite to the electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles412is applied to the first pixel electrode2421, so that the electrophoretic particles412are gathered above and around the first pixel electrode2421.

It may be understood that, after the electrophoretic particles412are gathered above and around the first pixel electrode2421or the first common electrode2431, the electric field applied to each electrode can be removed, that is, the first common electrode2431and the first pixel electrode2421are powered off, so that the electrophoretic particles412remain gathered above and around the first pixel electrode2421or the first common electrode2431.

In the implementation shown inFIG.7aorFIG.7b, when the pixel unit24is in the non-transmissive display mode, to ensure that the electrophoretic particles412can be evenly dispersed in the electrophoretic fluid, the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431are generally wider to ensure certain electric field strength. In addition, above the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431, that is, the bottom of the microcup411, is a plane, which causes the electrophoretic particles412in the transmissive display mode to be gathered above and around the electrodes and tiled at the bottom of the microcup411(as shown inFIG.6b,FIG.6c,FIG.7a, andFIG.7b), occupying a larger area of a display surface of the pixel unit24, thereby blocking more light and resulting in low transmittance of the pixel unit24.

To improve the transmittance of the pixel unit24in the transmissive display mode, as shown inFIG.8atoFIG.8c, this application further provides a first substrate20′ according to a second implementation. A structure of the first substrate20′ provided in the second implementation is similar to that of the first substrate20shown inFIG.4, and differences are as follows: The first substrate20′ provided in the second implementation further includes an insulating layer245covering the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431of the pixel unit24. A surface2451of the insulating layer245facing away from the first base21(i.e., a surface of the insulating layer245adjacent to each microcup unit41) is provided with grooves/a groove2452corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431of each pixel unit24. A width of the groove2452is less than that of the corresponding electrode. The groove2452is configured to gather the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411.

The insulating layer245is made of a transparent material, such as resin. A length of the groove2452may be less than, equal to, or greater than that of the corresponding electrode. A depth of the groove2452may be adjusted as required, generally ranging from a few microns to tens of microns. The length and the depth of the groove2452are not specifically limited in this application. In a manufacturing process, the barrier walls244may be formed around the pixel region A in a process of forming the electronic ink layer40, and the groove2452may be formed by using a nanoimprinting process at the same time.

As shown inFIG.9atoFIG.9d, this application further provides display apparatuses102ato102daccording to the second implementation. Structures of the display apparatuses102ato102dprovided in the second implementation are similar to the structure of the display apparatus101ashown inFIG.7a, and a difference is as follows: The display apparatuses102ato102dprovided in the second implementation each include the first substrate20′. That is, the first substrate20′ in the second implementation is applied to the display apparatuses102ato102din the second implementation.

As shown inFIG.10atoFIG.10c, this application further provides display apparatuses103ato103caccording to a third implementation. Structures of the display apparatuses103ato103cprovided in the third implementation are similar to the structure of the display apparatus101bshown inFIG.7b, and a difference is as follows: The display apparatuses103ato103cprovided in the third implementation each include the first substrate20′. That is, the first substrate20′ in the second implementation is applied to the display apparatuses103ato103cin the third implementation.

In the second implementation or the third implementation, the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431of each pixel unit24are/is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411when the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, so that the electrophoretic particles412are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the electrode.

Specifically, if the microcup411includes two types of electrophoretic particles with different colors and different electrical properties, as shown inFIG.8a, the surface2451of the insulating layer245is provided with grooves2452respectively corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, as shown inFIG.9aorFIG.11a, the first voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode2421, so that one type of the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421. The second voltage is applied to the first common electrode2431, so that the other type of the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the first common electrode2431. In this way, the pixel unit24can be rendered transparent.

If the microcup411includes electrophoretic particles in only one color, as shown inFIG.8borFIG.8c, the surface2451of the insulating layer245is provided with the groove2452corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421or the first common electrode2431. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, the voltage opposite to the electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles412is applied to the electrode corresponding to the groove2452, and the reference voltage is applied to the other electrode, so that the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered into the groove2452. In this way, the pixel unit24can be rendered transparent.

For example, if the microcup411includes black particles, as shown inFIG.9borFIG.10a, the surface2451of the insulating layer245is provided with only the groove2452corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, as shown inFIG.11b, the reference voltage is applied to the first common electrode2431, and the voltage opposite to the electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles412is applied to the first pixel electrode2421, so that the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.9corFIG.10b, the surface2451of the insulating layer245may alternatively be provided with only the groove2452corresponding to the first common electrode2431. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, the reference voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode2421, and the voltage opposite to the electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles412is applied to the first common electrode2431, so that the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the first common electrode2431. In this way, the pixel unit24can be rendered transparent.

Optionally, if the microcup411includes electrophoretic particles in only one color, as shown inFIG.8a,FIG.9d, andFIG.10c, the surface2451of the insulating layer245may alternatively be provided with the grooves2452respectively corresponding to the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431. When the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, the reference voltage is applied to one of the first pixel electrode2421and the first common electrode2431, and the voltage opposite to the electrical properties of the electrophoretic particles412is applied to the other electrode, so that the electrophoretic particles in the microcup411are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the other electrode. In other words, the groove corresponding to the one electrode is in a vacant state when the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode. In this way, the pixel unit24can also be rendered transparent.

Display mode control principles of the pixel units24of the display apparatuses103ato103cshown inFIG.10atoFIG.10care the same as the display mode control principle of the pixel unit24of the display apparatus101bshown inFIG.7b. Specific technical details may be obtained with reference to the specific introduction to the display apparatus101bshown in FIG.7babove. Details are not described herein.

In the second and third implementations, the insulating layer245further covers the second pixel electrode2422, the surface2451of the insulating layer245may be further provided with the groove2452corresponding to the second pixel electrode2422, and the second pixel electrode2422is configured to attract the electrophoretic particles412in the corresponding microcup411when the corresponding pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, so that the electrophoretic particles412are gathered into the groove2452corresponding to the second pixel electrode2422.

As can be seen from the above, in the first implementation, when no groove is disposed above the first pixel electrode2421, the second pixel electrode2422, and the first common electrode2431, the bottom of the microcup411is a planar design. As shown inFIG.6aorFIG.6b, the electrophoretic particles412in the transmissive display mode are gathered and tiled above and around the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431, and the gathered electrophoretic particles412occupy a larger area of the display surface of the pixel unit24, thereby blocking more light and resulting in low transmittance of the pixel unit24.

In contrast, in the second and third implementations, when the groove2452is disposed above the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431, due to the existence of the groove2452, the bottom of the microcup411is a three-dimensional design. As shown inFIG.11aorFIG.11b, the electrophoretic particles412are gathered above the first pixel electrode2421and/or the first common electrode2431when the pixel unit24is in the transmissive display mode, and are trapped in the groove2452for longitudinal arrangement. Since the width of the groove2452is less than that of the corresponding electrode and the electrophoretic particles412are longitudinally arranged in the groove2452, the gathered electrophoretic particles412occupy only a small area of the display surface of the pixel unit24, which can reduce a light shielding area, thereby effectively reducing shielding of light by the gathered electrophoretic particles, and can significantly improve transmittance of the pixel unit24, enabling the display apparatus to achieve a good transparent display effect.

It may be understood that the groove2452is also disposed above the second pixel electrode2422, which can further improve the transmittance of the pixel unit24and the transparent display effect of the display apparatus.

As shown inFIG.12a, the first implementation of this application provides a groove50. The groove50is provided in the insulating layer245and located above an electrode60. The groove50corresponds to the groove2452shown inFIG.8atoFIG.8c, and the electrode60corresponds to the first pixel electrode2421or the first common electrode2431shown inFIG.8atoFIG.8c.

The groove50includes a bottom51and a side wall52connected to the bottom51. In the first implementation, the side wall52is perpendicular to the bottom51. That is, an angle between the side wall52and the bottom51is a right angle. In this way, a width of an open end of the groove50is equal to that of the bottom of the groove50.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.12b, in the second implementation, the angle between the side wall52and the bottom51of the groove50is an obtuse angle. That is, the side wall52is an inclined surface. In this way, the width of the open end of the groove50is greater than that of the bottom of the groove50, which can facilitate entry and exit of the electrophoretic particles from the groove50.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.12c, in the third implementation, the angle between the side wall52and the bottom51of the groove50is an acute angle. That is, the side wall52is an inclined surface. In this way, the width of the open end of the groove50is less than that of the bottom of the groove50, so that the electrophoretic particles can be gathered into the groove50in the transmissive display mode.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.12d, in a fourth implementation, the groove50may further include a first connecting portion53connected between the bottom51and the side wall52. The first connecting portion53is arc-shaped, so that the side wall52smoothly transitions to the bottom51.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.12e, in a fifth implementation, the groove50may further include a second connecting portion54connected between the surface2451of the insulating layer245and the side wall52. The second connecting portion54is arc-shaped, so that the side wall52smoothly transitions to the surface2451of the insulating layer245.

It may be understood that the shapes of the groove50are not limited to those shown inFIG.12atoFIG.12e, and a person skilled in the art can make different deformation designs on the structure of the groove50according to actual design requirements. For example, the shapes shown inFIG.12atoFIG.12eare combined for deformation or deformed in another manner.

Further, a person skilled in the art can also make different deformations to the width and depth of the groove50on the basis of the groove50provided in this application. For example, a depth-to-width ratio of the groove is designed as 2:1, 3:1, or the like, which may be specifically adjusted according to an actual design requirement and is not specifically limited in this application.

In addition, it should be noted that the shapes of the groove50shown inFIG.12atoFIG.12eare shapes of sections of the groove50in a width direction thereof. A shape of the groove50in a length direction thereof is the same as a shape of the electrode (the first pixel electrode2421, the second pixel electrode2422, or the first common electrode2431) corresponding to the groove50. In this implementation of this application, each electrode is in a linear shape in a length direction thereof, and correspondingly, the groove50is also in a linear shape in the length direction thereof. In another implementation, each electrode may be in a wave shape, a zigzag shape, a square wave shape, or the like in the length direction thereof, and correspondingly, the groove50is also in a wave shape, a zigzag shape, a square wave shape, or the like in the length direction thereof. The shapes of the electrode and the groove50in the length directions thereof may be adjusted according to an actual design requirement, which is not specifically limited in this application.

As shown inFIG.13, this application further provides an electronic device1000. The electronic device1000includes a display apparatus100and a host200. The display apparatus100corresponds to any one of the above display apparatuses102ato102dand103ato103c.

The host200may include components such as a processor (not shown), a memory (not shown), and a power module (not shown). The processor serves as a logic operation and control center of the electronic device1000, and is mainly responsible for functions such as data processing, communication, and execution of drive output. The memory may be accessed by the processor or the like to store or invoke data. The power module is configured to supply power to other functional modules of the electronic device1000, so that the other functional modules of the electronic device1000can operate normally.

The electronic device1000includes, but is not limited to, an e-book reader, a medical application (such as a glucometer or a sphygmomanometer), a wearable device (such as a watch or a bracelet), an indoor electronic display board, and the like.

Due to the application of the above display apparatuses102ato102dand103ato103cto the electronic device1000provided in this application, the display apparatus of the electronic device1000can have higher transmittance when the pixel unit is in the transmissive display mode, so as to achieve a good transparent display effect.