KR20130124649A - Electrophoretic light shutter display device and method for driving the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrophoretic light shutter display device and a driving method thereof capable of increasing contrast ratio and response speed of an image.
An electrophoretic optical shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first TFT array substrate in which charged particles and a solvent are filled in a plurality of pixel areas provided by a first partition wall; A second TFT array substrate filled with charged particles and a solvent in a plurality of pixel regions provided by a second partition wall and formed on the first TFT array substrate; An encapsulation substrate interposed between the first TFT array substrate and the second TFT array substrate; And a light source for irradiating light to the first TFT array substrate, and a driving circuit unit for driving the first TFT array substrate, the second TFT array substrate, and the light source.

Description

ELECTRO-PHOTO SHUTTER DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DRIVING THE SAME

The present invention relates to an electrophoretic light shutter display device, and more particularly, to an electrophoretic light shutter display device and a driving method thereof capable of increasing contrast ratio and response speed of an image.

With the development of various portable electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals and notebook computers, there is an increasing demand for a flat panel display device that can be applied thereto.

The flat panel display device includes a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display device (FED), an organic light emitting diode display device (OLED) A light emitting diode display device (EPD), an electrophoretic display device (EPD) and an electrophoretic light shutter display device (ELD) have been developed.

The flat panel display device has the advantages of development of mass production technology, ease of driving means, low power consumption, high definition and large screen, and is suitable for portable devices, and its field of application is continuously expanding.

Among such flat panel display devices, an electrophoretic light shutter display device (ELD) is a device that uses an electrophoresis phenomenon in which colored particles are moved by an electric field applied from the outside. Refers to an apparatus for displaying an image by controlling transmission and blocking.

 The electrophoretic phenomenon herein refers to a phenomenon in which charged particles move in a solvent by a Coulomb force when an electric field is applied to an electrophoretic dispersion (e-ink) in which charged particles are dispersed in a solvent.

1 is a view showing an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to the related art includes a TFT array substrate 10, a pixel electrode 12, an encapsulation substrate 20, a common electrode 22, a partition wall 30, and charged particles ( 40), a solvent 50, a light source, and a driving circuit unit (not shown).

A plurality of data lines (not shown) and a plurality of gate lines (not shown) are formed in the TFT array substrate 10, and thin film transistors (TFTs) for switching the supply of data voltages to the pixel electrodes 12 are not shown. O) is formed.

The driving circuit unit drives the thin film transistor to supply a data voltage to the pixel electrode 12 and to supply a common voltage to the common electrode 22. In this case, a data voltage of -5V to + 15V is supplied to the pixel electrode 12, and a common voltage Vcom of -2 to + 2V is supplied to the common electrode 22. Here, the pixel electrode 12 is patterned to a predetermined size and formed under the pixel area, and the common electrode 22 is formed on the upper part of the pixel area in a plate shape.

The charged particles 40 move in the solvent 50 by an electric field formed between the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 12 and the common voltage Vcom supplied to the common electrode 22 via the thin film transistor. Adjust the transmission of the irradiated light at. That is, the charged particles 40 function as an optical shutter to block the light irradiated from the light source or to adjust the amount of light transmitted.

In the case where the charged particles 40 are charged with the negative polarity, when the data voltage of the positive polarity is supplied to the pixel electrode 12, the charged particles 40 are formed on the pixel electrode 12 formed under the pixel area. The light emitted from the light source is emitted to the outside by moving around. On the other hand, when the data voltage of negative polarity is supplied to the pixel electrode 12, the charged particles 40 move to the common electrode 22 formed in the upper portion of the pixel area to block the light emitted from the light source.

As such, the charged particles 40 are moved within the pixel area by adjusting the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 12 to adjust the brightness and contrast ratio of the image.

The display quality of the electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to the related art described above is greatly influenced by the gray degree, response time (RT) and contrast ratio (CR).

The response speed of the electrophoretic optical shutter display device according to the prior art is affected by the magnitude of the driving voltage, the gap between the pixel electrodes, and the cell gap, of which the cell gap has the greatest influence on the response speed. give.

The brightness and contrast ratio of the image are affected by the brightness of the light source and the amount of charged particles 40 filled in the pixel area, and the contrast ratio is greatly changed in the amount of charged particles 40.

2 is a view showing a problem of the electrophoretic light shutter display device according to the prior art. 2 illustrates the relationship between the response speed (RT) according to the cell gap and the contrast ratio (CR) according to the cell gap.

Referring to FIG. 2, the response speed and the contrast ratio of the electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus are trade off relationship with each other. In order to increase the response speed, the cell gap needs to be reduced. However, reducing the cell gap reduces the amount of charged particles 40 filled in the pixel area, thereby lowering the contrast ratio.

On the other hand, in order to increase the contrast ratio, the amount of charged particles 40 filled in the pixel region should be increased, but this causes a problem that the cell gap of the pixel region is increased and the response speed is slowed. That is, there is a limit to increase the response speed without reducing the contrast ratio, and conversely, there is a limit to increase the contrast ratio without reducing the response speed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoretic light shutter display device and a driving method thereof, which can improve display quality by increasing a contrast ratio of an image.

Disclosure of Invention The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoretic optical shutter display device and a driving method thereof capable of improving display quality by increasing an image response speed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electrophoretic optical shutter display device having improved driving reliability and a driving method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoretic optical shutter display device capable of realizing a high quality image in various colors and a driving method thereof.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or may be obvious to those skilled in the art from the description and the claims.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophoretic optical shutter display device including: a first TFT array substrate filled with charged particles and a solvent in a plurality of pixel areas provided by a first partition wall; A second TFT array substrate filled with charged particles and a solvent in a plurality of pixel regions provided by a second partition wall and formed on the first TFT array substrate; An encapsulation substrate interposed between the first TFT array substrate and the second TFT array substrate; And a light source for irradiating light to the first TFT array substrate, the first TFT array substrate, the second TFT array substrate, and a driving circuit portion for driving the light source.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving an electrophoretic optical shutter display apparatus, wherein an encapsulation substrate having a first common electrode formed thereon and a second common electrode formed thereon is disposed between the encapsulation substrate and the encapsulation substrate. A method of driving an electrophoretic optical shutter display device comprising a first TFT array substrate and a second TFT array substrate bonded to each other, the method comprising: supplying a common voltage to the first common electrode and the second common electrode; Supplying a data voltage to a first pixel electrode formed on the first TFT array substrate and a second pixel electrode formed on the second TFT array substrate; And adjusting the data voltage to move the charged particles filled in the first TFT array substrate and the second TFT array substrate to the common electrode or the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. It characterized in that the image is displayed by adjusting the transmission of the light irradiated from the light source.

The electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus and its driving method according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the display quality by increasing the contrast ratio of the image.

The driving method of the electrophoretic optical shutter display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the display quality by increasing the response speed.

The present invention according to the embodiment can provide an electrophoretic optical shutter display device and a driving method thereof with improved driving reliability.

The present invention according to the embodiment can provide an electrophoretic light shutter display device and a driving method thereof capable of realizing a high quality image in various colors.

In addition, other features and advantages of the present invention may be newly understood through embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a view showing an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to the prior art.
2 is a view showing a problem of the electrophoretic light shutter display device according to the prior art.
3 and 4 illustrate an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a black and white image.
5 and 6 illustrate an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying color images.
7 is a view showing an electrophoretic light shutter display device capable of displaying a color image according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing an electrophoretic light shutter display device capable of displaying a black and white image according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 to 13 are views illustrating a method of driving an electrophoretic optical shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 to 16 schematically illustrate a method of manufacturing an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view showing an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an electrophoretic optical shutter display device and a method of manufacturing the same according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, when a structure is described as being formed 'on or on top' and 'under or under' another structure, these descriptions may be used as well as when these structures are in contact with each other. It should be interpreted as including even if a third structure is interposed between them.

The present invention proposes an electrophoretic optical shutter display device in which an electrophoretic dispersion including charged particles and a solvent is embedded in a lower substrate and a driving method thereof. In the present invention, the electrophoretic dispersion may be defined as a display solvent.

The technical idea of the present invention can be applied to any type of electrophoretic light shutter display device regardless of whether a monochrome image or a color image is displayed.

3 and 4 illustrate an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a black and white image.

Referring to FIG. 3, an electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a black and white image may include a first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) and a second TFT array substrate 200 (upper substrate). And an encapsulation substrate 300 interposed between the two substrates 100 and 200.

The first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) includes a first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate), a plurality of first pixel electrodes 120, and a partition wall 140, and is provided by the partition wall 140. Is filled with an electrophoretic dispersion, that is, a display solvent, for displaying an image by electrophoresis. In this case, the first protective layer 130 is formed to cover the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120 so that the electrophoretic dispersion does not directly contact the first pixel electrode 120.

Although not illustrated, the first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate) is formed so that a plurality of gate lines (not shown) and a plurality of data lines (not shown) intersect. A plurality of pixels is defined by the intersection of the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, and a thin film transistor TFT is formed in the plurality of pixels.

The gate of the thin film transistor is connected to the gate line, the source electrode is connected to the data line, and the drain is electrically connected to the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120. On-off of each pixel is switched through the thin film transistor, and a data voltage applied to the data line is supplied to the first pixel electrode 120.

In order to transmit the light emitted from the light source, the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120 are patterned to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

In order to display an image, since the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) must be transparent, the lower base substrate 110 may be formed of a glass of transparent material or a material of transparent plastic.

The partition wall 140 is formed of nonpolar organic material or nonpolar inorganic material so as to match the physical properties of the electrophoretic dispersion, so that the electrophoretic dispersion can be smoothly filled during the manufacturing process.

The partition wall 140 is formed to surround the predetermined number of first pixel electrodes 120 to define a space in which the electrophoretic dispersion is filled. The partition wall 140 is formed to have a height of 10 μm to 100 μm and a width of 5 μm to 30 μm.

Filled filling of a pixel region, that is, an electrophoretic dispersion, having a horizontal and vertical length of 50 μm to 300 μm and a height of 10 μm to 100 μm by the partition wall 140 formed on the first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate). Space is provided. The electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the pixel region provided by the partition wall 140.

The electrophoretic dispersion is composed of a plurality of charged particles 160 and the solvent 150.

The plurality of charged particles 160 may be charged with a positive (+) polarity or a negative (−) polarity. In the present invention, for example, the plurality of charged particles 160 are charged with a negative (−) polarity.

When the electrophoretic light shutter display device displays a black and white image, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of charged particles 160 are colored in a black color. In this case, the black charged particles may be formed of a carbon black material.

Meanwhile, the plurality of charged particles 160 may be colored in a white color. In this case, charged particles may be formed of a titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) material.

The solvent 150 may be a nonpolar organic material or a nonpolar inorganic material having a viscosity of 10 cP to 100 KcP so that the charged particles 160 may be moved by electrophoresis.

For example, the solvent 150 may include halogenated solvents, saturated hydrocarbons, silicone oils, low molecular weight halogen-containing polymers, and epoxides. epoxides, vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene, toluene, naphthalene, liquid paraffinic liquids or polychlorotrifluoroethylene polymers (poly chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers) materials may be used.

Subsequently, the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) includes the second base substrate 210 (the upper base substrate), the plurality of second pixel electrodes 220, and the partition wall 240, and is formed by the partition wall 240. An electrophoretic dispersion, ie, display solvent, for displaying an image by electrophoresis is filled in the space provided. In this case, the second protective layer 230 is formed to cover the plurality of second pixel electrodes 220 so that the electrophoretic dispersion does not directly contact the second pixel electrode 220.

Although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a thin film transistor TFT are also formed in the second base substrate 210 (the lower base substrate). On-off of each pixel is switched through the thin film transistor, and a data voltage applied to the data line is supplied to the second pixel electrode 220.

In order to transmit the light irradiated from the light source, the plurality of second pixel electrodes 220 are patterned to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

The partition wall 240 is formed of a nonpolar organic material or a nonpolar inorganic material to match the physical properties of the electrophoretic dispersion, so that the filling of the electrophoretic dispersion can be smoothly made during the manufacturing process.

The partition wall 240 is formed to surround the predetermined number of second pixel electrodes 220 to define a space in which the electrophoretic dispersion is filled. The partition wall 240 is formed to have a height of 10 μm to 100 μm and a width of 5 μm to 30 μm.

Filling of the pixel region, i.e., electrophoretic dispersion, having a width of 50 μm to 300 μm and a height of 10 μm to 100 μm by the partition wall 240 formed on the second base substrate 210 (the upper base substrate). Space is provided. The electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the pixel region provided by the partition wall 240.

The electrophoretic dispersion is composed of a plurality of charged particles 260 and a solvent 250.

When the electrophoretic light shutter display device displays a black and white image, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of charged particles 260 are colored in a black color. In this case, the black charged particles may be formed of a carbon black material.

The solvent 250 may be a nonpolar organic material or a nonpolar inorganic material having a viscosity of 10 cP to 100 KcP so that the charged particles 260 may be moved by electrophoresis.

As an example, the solvent 250 may include halogenated solvents, saturated hydrocarbons, silicone oils, low molecular weight halogen-containing polymers, and epoxides. epoxides, vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene, toluene, naphthalene, liquid paraffinic liquids or polychlorotrifluoroethylene polymers (poly chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers) materials may be used.

Subsequently, the encapsulation substrate 300 may be formed of a transparent glass substrate or a transparent plastic material. The encapsulation substrate 300 may be formed by etching a glass substrate or a plastic substrate to form a thin thickness thereof.

The upper and lower surfaces of the encapsulation substrate 300 are formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the first common electrode 310 and the lower common electrode. Two common electrodes 320 and an upper common electrode are formed.

In order to block light irradiated from the light source, the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) are formed in a plate shape to correspond to the entire pixel area.

The encapsulation substrate 300 is used to encapsulate and bond the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) filled with the electrophoretic dispersion in the pixel region.

As another example of the present invention, the encapsulation substrate 300 is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or an inorganic film (SiNx, SiO 2, a-Si: H, etc.) may be vacuum deposited to form the encapsulation substrate 300.

Here, the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) may be electrically connected.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, in order to facilitate sealing and bonding of the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate), the first sealing layer 312 may be disposed on the first common electrode 310 (the lower common electrode). Can be formed.

The first sealing layer 312 is formed of a transparent sealant on the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and is formed on the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) through the first sealing layer 312. Internalized electrophoretic dispersions can be sealed.

In addition, the second sealing layer 322 may be formed on the second common electrode 320 (the upper common electrode) in order to facilitate sealing and bonding of the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate).

The second sealing layer 322 is formed of a transparent sealant on the second common electrode 320 (the upper common electrode), and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) using the second sealing layer 322. The electrophoretic dispersion inherent in can be sealed.

Here, the first sealing layer 312 and the second sealing layer 322 may be used to seal the electrophoretic dispersion, as well as the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate). ) And the sealing substrate 300 also have a function of bonding.

The plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines formed on the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) are connected to the driving circuit unit. In addition, the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) formed on the lower surface and the upper surface of the encapsulation substrate 300 are connected to the driving circuit unit. In this case, the driving circuit unit may be formed of a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

In the electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a black and white image including the above-described configuration, the transmission and reception of light incident from a light source by adjusting the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 120 for each pixel Blocking can be controlled to display a black and white image.

The present invention provides an electrophoretic light shutter display device in which charged particles 160 are colored in black and white colors to display a black and white image, as well as an electrophoretic light shutter display device that displays color images.

5 and 6 are views illustrating an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a color image.

In the description of the electrophoretic optical shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a color image with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a detailed description of the same contents as those described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 will be given. Can be omitted.

5 and 6, an electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a color image may include a first TFT array substrate 100 and a lower TFT substrate 200. An upper substrate), an encapsulation substrate 300 interposed between the two substrates 100 and 200, and a plurality of color filters 400 formed on the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate).

The first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) includes a first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate), a plurality of first pixel electrodes 120, and a partition wall 140.

The partition wall 140 formed on the first base substrate 110 provides a pixel area having a horizontal and vertical length of 50 μm to 300 μm and a height of 10 μm to 100 μm, that is, a filling space in which the electrophoretic dispersion is filled. do.

An electrophoretic dispersion, that is, a display solvent, is filled in the pixel region provided by the partition wall 140. In this case, the first protective layer 130 is formed to cover the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120 so that the electrophoretic dispersion does not directly contact the first pixel electrode 120.

The partition wall 140 is formed of nonpolar organic material or nonpolar inorganic material so as to match the physical properties of the electrophoretic dispersion, so that the electrophoretic dispersion can be smoothly filled during the manufacturing process.

Subsequently, the second TFT array substrate 200 (upper substrate) includes a second base substrate 210 (upper base substrate), a plurality of second pixel electrodes 220, and a partition wall 240.

Filling of the pixel region, i.e., electrophoretic dispersion, having a width of 50 μm to 300 μm and a height of 10 μm to 100 μm by the partition wall 240 formed on the second base substrate 210 (the upper base substrate). Space is provided.

An electrophoretic dispersion, that is, a display solvent, is filled in the pixel region provided by the partition wall 240. In this case, the second protective layer 230 is formed to cover the plurality of second pixel electrodes 220 such that the electrophoretic dispersion does not directly contact the second pixel electrode 220.

The partition wall 240 is formed of a nonpolar organic material or a nonpolar inorganic material to match the physical properties of the electrophoretic dispersion, so that the filling of the electrophoretic dispersion can be smoothly made during the manufacturing process.

The electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the pixel region provided on the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the appeal region provided on the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate), and the plurality of charged particles 160, 260 and the solvent are filled. It consists of 150, 250.

The plurality of charged particles 160 and 260 may be charged with a positive (+) polarity or a negative (-) polarity. In the present invention, the plurality of charged particles 160 and 260 may be charged with a negative (-) polarity. Yes.

When the electrophoretic light shutter display device displays a black and white image, the plurality of charged particles 160 and 260 are colored in a black color. In this case, the black charged particles may be formed of a carbon black material.

The solvent 150 or 260 may be a nonpolar organic material or a nonpolar inorganic material having a viscosity of 10 cP to 100 KcP so that the charged particles 160 and 260 may be moved by electrophoresis. Materials Applicable to Solvents 150 and 260 are the same as the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The encapsulation substrate 300 may be formed of a transparent glass substrate or a transparent plastic material. The upper and lower surfaces of the encapsulation substrate 300 are formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the first common electrode 310 and the lower common electrode. Two common electrodes 320 and an upper common electrode are formed.

The encapsulation substrate 300 is used to encapsulate and bond the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) filled with the electrophoretic dispersion in the pixel region.

As another example of the present invention, the encapsulation substrate 300 is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or an inorganic film (SiNx, SiO 2, a-Si: H, etc.) may be vacuum deposited to form the encapsulation substrate 300. In this case, the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) may be electrically connected.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, in order to facilitate sealing and bonding of the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate), the first sealing layer 312 may be disposed on the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode). Can be formed.

In addition, the second sealing layer 322 may be formed on the second common electrode 320 (the upper common electrode) in order to facilitate sealing and bonding of the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate).

The first sealing layer 312 and the second sealing layer 322 are formed of a transparent sealant, and the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) using the first sealing layer 312 and the second sealing layer 322. ) And the electrophoretic dispersion embedded in the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) may be sealed.

In order to display a color image, the plurality of color filters 400 formed on the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) may be a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. It is composed.

Based on the plurality of color filters 400 formed on the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate), the red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel are gathered to form one unit pixel for displaying a color image.

Here, a light blocking layer 410 is formed between the red color filter, the green color filter, and the blue color filter to prevent light leakage and to prevent mixing of color light. In this case, the black matrix BM may be applied to the light blocking layer 410.

In the electrophoretic optical shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying a color image including the above-described configuration, the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 120 is adjusted for each of red, green, and blue pixels. Transmission and blocking of light incident from the light source can be controlled to display a color image.

7 is a diagram illustrating an electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus capable of displaying a color image according to another exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 7, in order to display a color image, the solvents 150 and 250 filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) are red, green, and blue. It is colored in color. 7 shows only a part of the solvents 150 and 250 colored in red, green and blue colors.

While the light emitted from the light source passes through the solvent 150 filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the solvent 250 filled in the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate), The color is changed to green and blue color light to be emitted to the outside. The light transmission and blocking of the red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel may be adjusted to display a color image.

In the description with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, the charged particles 160 and 260 have been described as being colored in a black color or a white color. However, in another example of the present invention, the charged particles 160 and 260 may be colored in red color, green color and blue color, as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, although not shown, the charged particles 160 and 260 may be colored in yellow, cyan or magenta colors.

The electrophoretic optical shutter display apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8 may reduce the cell gap between the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate). Can be. Through this, the distance that the charged particles 160 and 260 move by electrophoresis may be reduced to increase the response speed of the image display.

In addition, the electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention may be bonded to the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) with the encapsulation substrate 300 therebetween. The charged particles 160 and 260 may be filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) to increase the contrast ratio of the image.

In addition, the electrophoretic optical shutter display device according to the embodiments of the present invention can reduce the cell gap of the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (upper substrate) compared to the prior art, The driving voltage required for the electrophoretic driving of the charged particles 160 and 260 can be reduced.

9 to 13 are views illustrating a method of driving an electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the light emitted from the light source is to be blocked, the charged particles 160 and 260 may have the first common electrode 310 (the lower common electrode) and the second common. The data voltage supplied to move to the electrode 320 (upper common electrode) and the data voltage supplied to the second pixel electrode 220 (upper pixel electrode) are adjusted.

On the other hand, to transmit the light irradiated from the light source, the charged particles 160, 260 is supplied to be moved to the first pixel electrode 120 (lower pixel electrode) and the second pixel electrode 220 (upper pixel electrode) Adjust the data voltage.

When the charged particles 160 and 260 are charged with a negative polarity, the transmission voltage of the light irradiated from the light source may be increased by supplying a data voltage having a positive polarity.

On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the amount of light transmitted from the light source by supplying a data voltage of negative (-) polarity.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the charged particles 160 and 260 are charged with negative polarity, the common voltage Vcom applied to the first and second common electrodes 310 and 320 is fixed to a predetermined value. And the data voltage values applied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220 can be changed within a predetermined range (for example, -15V to + 15V) to change the gray level of the image. have. In this case, when the image is displayed in the 256 gray scale range, the image may be changed from a black image of 0 gray scale to a white image of 255 gray scale.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the charged particles 160 and 260 are charged with negative polarity, the positive and negative polarities are applied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220. The pixel may be turned on by supplying a data voltage, and the pixel is turned off by supplying a negative data voltage to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220. You can.

When the pixel is turned on, light incident from the light source passes through the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate), the encapsulation substrate 300, and the second TFT array substrate 200 (upper substrate) to be emitted to the outside. do. On the other hand, when the pixel is off, light incident from the light source is filled in the charged particles 160 and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate). Blocked by the charged particles 260, light is not emitted to the outside.

Specifically, when the data voltage of + 15V is applied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220 as an example, the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) is filled. The charged particles 160 move around the first pixel electrode 120 formed under the pixel area. In addition, the charged particles 260 filled in the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) move around the second pixel electrode 220 formed on the pixel region.

As such, when the charged particles 160 and 260 move around the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220, the pixel is opened so that the light emitted from the light source is emitted to the outside and is white. The image will be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the color filter 400 is formed on the second TFT array substrate 200 (upper substrate), light passes through the color filter 400 and is formed of red, green and blue colors. It can be changed to color light to display a color image.

As another example of the present invention, a solvent filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) as shown in FIG. 7 in place of the color filter 400. 150 and 250 may be colored in red, green and blue colors.

In this case, the light irradiated from the light source passes through the solvent 150 filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) and the solvent 250 filled in the second TFT array substrate 200 (upper substrate). The color light of the red, green, and blue colors may be changed and emitted to the outside to display a color image.

Meanwhile, as an example of negative polarity, when the data voltage of −15 V is supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220, the charged particles 160 filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate). ) Moves to the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) formed on the pixel area. In addition, the charged particles 260 filled in the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) move to the second common electrode 320 (the upper common electrode) formed under the pixel area.

As such, when the charged particles 160 and 260 move to the first common electrode 310 (the lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (the upper common electrode), the light irradiated from the light source is charged with the charged particles 160, Blocked by 260, the black image is displayed.

Next, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, when it is desired to display a gray image having an arbitrary brightness in addition to the white image or the black image, the common applied to the first and second common electrodes 310 and 320. The voltage Vcom is kept constant at a predetermined value. An arbitrary gray image may be displayed by supplying a data voltage having a predetermined value to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220.

Here, a third data voltage higher than a first data voltage (for example, -15V) for displaying a black image and lower than a second data voltage (for example, + 15V) for displaying a white image is supplied. Gray images can be displayed.

As an example, a data voltage having an arbitrary voltage value within a range of greater than −15 V and less than +15 V may be supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220 to supply the charged particles 160 and 260. You can adjust the movement. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, gray images of black and white and color lighter than the black image 0gray and darker than the white image 255gray may be displayed.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the data voltages supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220 are adjusted in units of 3V, but this is one of various embodiments of the present invention.

In order to finely adjust the brightness of the image, the data voltage supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220 may be subdivided in units of 1V or further subdivided into voltages of 1V or less. .

When the image is switched to the next screen, a refresh signal, that is, a reset data voltage is supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220 to erase the previous image. Thereafter, the data voltage of the next image may be supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220.

Here, when displaying an image using the electrophoresis phenomenon, the afterimage of the previous screen may remain due to the bistable characteristics of the charged particles, which may affect the next screen. Therefore, in order to erase the afterimage of the previous screen, the refresh signal is supplied to the first pixel electrode 120 and the second pixel electrode 220.

As described above, data applied to the first pixel electrode 120 formed on the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second pixel electrode 220 formed on the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate). The charged particles 160 and 260 may be moved within the pixel area by adjusting the voltage value within a predetermined range. As such, the brightness and contrast ratios of the black and white and color images may be adjusted by controlling the movement of the charged particles 160 and 260 in the pixel area.

In the above description, the common voltage Vcom supplied to the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) is maintained at a constant value, and the first pixel electrode 120 and It is described that the image is displayed by controlling the electrophoretic movement of the charged particles 160 and 260 by adjusting the data voltage supplied to the second pixel electrode 220. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in addition to the data voltage, the common voltage Vcom supplied to the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) may also be changed to display an image. It may be.

14 to 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, among the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a manufacturing method of an electrophoretic light shutter display device capable of displaying a black and white image will be described as an example.

Referring to FIG. 14A, a conductive layer such as copper, aluminum, ITO, or IZO is coated on the first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate) to form a conductive layer.

Thereafter, photoresist (PR) is coated on the conductive layer, and a photolithography process and an etching process using the photoresist as a mask are performed to pattern the conductive layer. The conductive layer 122 is patterned to form a plurality of first pixel electrodes 120 made of copper, aluminum, ITO, or IZO in each of the plurality of pixel regions. Meanwhile, the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120 may be formed by further stacking nickel or gold on the above-described materials of copper, aluminum, ITO, or IZO.

The first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate) may be a glass substrate made of a transparent material, a plastic substrate having a flexibility, or a metal substrate.

Although not illustrated, the first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate) is formed so that a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines intersect to define a plurality of pixels.

The gate line and the data line may be formed of a single layer made of silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), or alloy (Alloy) having a low resistivity. The gate line and the data line may be formed of a multilayer film further including a film made of chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), or tantalum (Ta) having excellent electrical characteristics.

The gate of the thin film transistor is connected to the gate line, the source is connected to the data line, and the drain is electrically connected to the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120. The on-off of the pixel is switched through the thin film transistor. When a scan pulse is applied to the gate of the thin film transistor through the gate line, the thin film transistor is turned on and the data voltage applied to the data line is supplied to the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120.

The first passivation layer 130 is formed to cover the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120. The first passivation layer 130 may be formed of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ), and the electrophoretic dispersion filled in the pixel region may directly contact the first pixel electrode 120 in the manufacturing process described later. Prevent it.

Subsequently, an organic material is coated on the first base substrate 110 (the lower base substrate) on which the plurality of first pixel electrodes 120 are formed, and then patterned to surround a predetermined number of first pixel electrodes 120. 140).

Here, the partition wall 140 may be formed using not only the above-described photolithography method but also an imprinting or mold printing method.

A pixel region (filling cell) in which the electrophoretic dispersion is filled through the partition wall 140 is defined. The partition wall 140 is formed to have a height of 10 μm to 100 μm and a width of 5 μm to 30 μm.

Filled filling of a pixel region, that is, an electrophoretic dispersion, having a horizontal and vertical length of 50 μm to 300 μm and a height of 10 μm to 100 μm by the partition wall 140 formed on the first base substrate 110 (lower base substrate). Space is provided.

The partition wall 140 comes into contact with the electrophoretic dispersion filled in the pixel region through a subsequent manufacturing process. Therefore, the partition wall 140 is formed of a nonpolar organic material so as to match the physical properties of the electrophoretic dispersion so that the filling of the electrophoretic dispersion may be smoothly performed. Meanwhile, as another embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall 140 may be formed of a nonpolar inorganic material.

The plurality of second pixel electrodes 220, the second protective layer 230, and the partition wall are formed on the second base substrate 210 of the second TFT array substrate using the same process as the method for preparing the first TFT array substrate. 240 is formed.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 14B, an electrophoretic dispersion is filled in one of the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate). At this time, the electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the pixel region provided by the partition wall 140.

Hereinafter, the electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate), and then the electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate).

In detail, an electrophoretic dispersion composed of the charged particles 160 and the solvent 150 charged with positive (+) or negative (−) polarity is filled in the pixel region defined by the partition wall 140.

Here, a mask (not shown) having an opening for opening the pixel area is aligned on the partition wall 140. At this time, the thickness of the mask is 20㎛ ~ 40㎛, the hole size of the opening (hole size) may be formed to 30㎛ ~ 60㎛.

Subsequently, the electrophoretic dispersion consisting of the charged particles 160 and the solvent 150 is filled in the entire pixel region by a screen printing method using a squeeze bar.

The mask may be a metal mask made of nickel, an organic mask made of the same material as the partition wall 140, or an inorganic mask. Meanwhile, a mesh mask may be used.

The plurality of charged particles 160 are colored in a black color. In this case, the black charged particles may be formed of a carbon black material.

Filling process of the electrophoretic dispersion may be made of a squeegee speed of 5 ~ 50 [mm / sec] and 0.1 ~ 30 [Kgf / ㎠] squeegee pressure.

The solvent 150 has a viscosity of 10 cP to 100 kcP, and nonpolar organic material or nonpolar inorganic material may be used.

As an example, the solvent 150 may include halogenated solvents, saturated hydrocarbons, silicone oils, low molecular weight halogen-containing polymers, and epoxides. epoxides, vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene, toluene, naphthalene, liquid paraffinic or polychlorotrifluoroethylene polymers (poly chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers) materials may be used.

On the other hand, the electrophoretic dispersion filling process is not only the screen printing method but also die coating method, casting method, bar coating method, slit coating method, dispensing method, A squeezing method, a method, or an inkjet printing method may also be used.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 14C, the encapsulation substrate 300 and the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) are bonded to encapsulate the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate).

The lower part of the encapsulation substrate 300 corresponds to the first pixel electrode 120 of the first TFT array substrate 100 (lower substrate) so as to apply an electric field to the charged particles 150. Electrode) is formed. In addition, the second common electrode 320 may be disposed on the encapsulation substrate 300 to correspond to the second pixel electrode 220 of the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) to apply an electric field to the charged particles 250. Upper common electrode) is formed.

The first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) are transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Is formed. The first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) may be electrically connected.

The encapsulation substrate 300 may be formed of a transparent glass substrate or a transparent plastic material, and may form a thin thickness by etching the glass substrate or the plastic substrate.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 15A, an electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the pixel region of the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate). At this time, the electrophoretic dispersion is composed of the charged particles 260 and the solvent 250, and filled in the pixel region provided by the partition wall 140. Since the method of filling the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) with the electrophoretic dispersion is the same as the manufacturing process according to FIG. 14B described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 15B, the electrophoretic dispersion is filled in the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate), and then encapsulated with the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) bonded in the previous manufacturing process. The substrate 300 is turned upside down and bonded to the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate).

Through this, the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) filled with the electrophoretic dispersion in the pixel region are encapsulated and bonded using the encapsulation substrate 300.

The bonding of the encapsulation substrate 300, the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate), and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) may be performed through a pressing process applying a predetermined pressure. Also, the encapsulation substrate 300, the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate), and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) may be bonded together by performing an annealing process that applies a predetermined temperature together with the pressing process.

Here, the encapsulation substrate 300 is formed separately from the manufacturing process of the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate), and may be prepared in advance through the preceding manufacturing process.

Next, referring to FIG. 16, a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines formed on the first TFT array substrate 100 (the lower substrate) and the second TFT array substrate 200 (the upper substrate) are connected to the driving circuit unit 500. do. In addition, the first common electrode 310 (lower common electrode) and the second common electrode 320 (upper common electrode) formed on the lower surface and the upper surface of the encapsulation substrate 300 are connected to the driving circuit unit 500. In this case, the driving circuit 500 may be formed of a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

It is possible to manufacture the electrophoretic light shutter display device according to an embodiment of the present invention through the above-described manufacturing method. The driving method of the electrophoretic optical shutter display apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention described above has an advantage that a manufacturing infrastructure (infra) used in the manufacturing process of the existing liquid crystal display device can be applied.

17 is a diagram illustrating an electrophoretic light shutter display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, an electrophoretic light shutter display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment may include a lower substrate 600, an upper substrate 700, and a TFT array substrate 800.

The lower substrate 600 includes a first base substrate 610, a first common electrode 620, a partition 640, a solvent 650, and charged particles 660.

The lower substrate 700 includes a second base substrate 710, a second common electrode 720, a partition 740, a solvent 750, and charged particles 760.

In the TFT array substrate 800, a plurality of first pixel electrodes 820 is formed under the base substrate 810, and a first protective layer 830 is formed to cover the first pixel electrode 820. A plurality of second pixel electrodes 840 is formed on the base substrate 810, and a second protective layer 850 is formed to cover the second pixel electrodes 840.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, a first pixel electrode 820 and a second pixel electrode 840 are formed at a central portion of the device, a first common electrode 610 is formed at a lower side, and a second common electrode 720. ) Is formed on the upper side. At this time, the TFT array substrate 800 functions as an encapsulation substrate.

When the charged particles 660 and 670 are charged with negative polarity, when the positive data voltage is supplied to the first pixel electrode 820 and the second pixel electrode 840, the charged particles 660 and 670 ) Moves around the first pixel electrode 820 and the second pixel electrode 840 to transmit the light incident from the light source.

Meanwhile, when a negative (-) data voltage is supplied to the first pixel electrode 820 and the second pixel electrode 840, the charged particles 660 and 670 form the first common electrode 620 and the second common electrode 720. To block the light incident from the light source.

In addition, the data voltages supplied to the first pixel electrode 820 and the second pixel electrode 840 may be adjusted to control the movement of the charged particles 660 and 670 in the pixel area. Through this, a white image, a black image, and an image of a predetermined gray can be displayed.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the above-described present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features.

It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the detailed description and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention do.

100: first TFT array substrate 110: first base substrate
120: first pixel electrode 130: first protective layer
140, 240: bulkhead 150, 250: solvent
160 and 260: charged particles 200: upper substrate
210: second base substrate 220: second pixel electrode
230: second protective layer 300: sealing substrate
310: first common electrode 312: first sealing layer
320: second common electrode 322: second sealing layer
400: color filter 410: light shielding layer
500: drive circuit portion 600: first TFT array substrate
610: first base substrate 620: first common electrode
640, 740: bulkheads 650, 750, solvent
660, 760: charged particles 800: encapsulation substrate
810: base substrate 820: first pixel electrode
830: First protective layer 840: Second pixel electrode
850: second protective layer

Claims (11)

A first TFT array substrate in which charged particles and a solvent are filled in a plurality of pixel regions provided by the first partition wall;
A second TFT array substrate filled with charged particles and a solvent in a plurality of pixel regions provided by a second partition wall and formed on the first TFT array substrate;
An encapsulation substrate interposed between the first TFT array substrate and the second TFT array substrate;
A light source for irradiating light to the first TFT array substrate;
And a driving circuit unit for driving the first TFT array substrate, the second TFT array substrate, and the light source. The method of claim 1,
The first TFT array substrate includes a plurality of first pixel electrodes to which a data voltage is supplied.
And the second TFT array substrate comprises a plurality of second pixel electrodes supplied with a data voltage. 3. The method of claim 2,
The encapsulation substrate may include a first common electrode corresponding to the first pixel electrode and a second common electrode corresponding to the second pixel electrode. The method of claim 1,
And the first TFT array substrate and the second TFT array substrate are encapsulated and bonded by the encapsulation substrate. The method of claim 1,
And a second sealing layer for sealing the first TFT array substrate and a second sealing layer for sealing the second TFT array substrate. The method of claim 1,
And a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter formed on the second TFT array substrate. The method of claim 1,
The solvent red color, green color, blue color, yellow color, cyan color, magenta color, black color and white color are selectively colored. The method of claim 1,
The charged particles are electrophoretic light shutter display device characterized in that the red color, green color, blue color, yellow color, cyan color, magenta color, black color and white color are selectively colored. An electrophoretic optical shutter display device including an encapsulation substrate having a first common electrode formed thereon and a second common electrode formed thereon, a first TFT array substrate and a second TFT array substrate bonded together with the encapsulation substrate therebetween. In the driving method of,
Supplying a common voltage to the first common electrode and the second common electrode;
Supplying a data voltage to a first pixel electrode formed on the first TFT array substrate and a second pixel electrode formed on the second TFT array substrate; And
And controlling the data voltage to move the charged particles filled in the first TFT array substrate and the second TFT array substrate to the common electrode or the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode.
And controlling the transmission of the light irradiated from the light source with the charged particles to display an image. The method of claim 9,
When the light emitted from the light source is to be blocked, the data voltage supplied to move the charged particles to the first common electrode and the second common electrode is adjusted.
In order to transmit the light irradiated from the light source, the electrophoretic light shutter display device, characterized in that for controlling the data voltage supplied to move the charged particles to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. Driving method. 11. The method of claim 10,
When the charged particles are charged with negative polarity,
Supplying a data voltage of positive polarity to increase the transmission of light irradiated from the light source,
A method of driving an electrophoretic optical shutter display device, characterized in that to reduce the transmission of light irradiated from the light source by supplying a data voltage of negative polarity.

Images