A display panel and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose a display panel and a display device, which sequentially comprise a substrate, a thin film transistor array layer, a metal reflection layer, a pixel electrode layer and a display function layer in the thickness direction of the display panel; the metal reflection layer is insulated from the pixel electrode layer, the pixel electrode layer comprises a pixel electrode, the thin film transistor array layer comprises a drive transistor, and the pixel electrode layer is electrically connected to one end of the drive transistor through a via hole; the metal reflection layer comprises a reflection electrode, the display function layer comprises a sub-display function unit, and the vertical projection of the reflection electrode and the sub-display function unit on the light emitting surface at least partially overlaps; and the metal reflection layer is multiplexed as a heating electrode. According to the technical scheme, the metal reflection layer is multiplexed as a heating electrode, the metal conducts heat to effectively heat the sub-display function unit, the problem of poor display effect of the display panel at low temperature is solved, the heating efficiency is improved, the reaction speed of the display panel at low temperature is improved, and the picture display effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrowetting display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, e-paper and e-books have been booming, and displays with thinner, lighter, and more flexible characteristics will become the main trend for future development. Electrowetting displays are a type of display panel that can be applied to e-books and e-paper.

[0003] Electrowetting displays are affected by the ink and electrolyte in the display functional layer. At low temperatures, the ink and electrolyte flow slows down, the response time increases, which can easily cause the display device to deteriorate in image quality, and dynamic images may have a trailing phenomenon, affecting the visual effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a display panel and a display device. By reusing the metal reflective layer as a heating layer, the problem of poor display effect of the display functional layer at low temperatures is solved. By using the existing reflective electrode in the display panel as the heating electrode, the metal thermal conductivity can achieve rapid heating, improve heating efficiency, and thus improve the response speed of the display panel at low temperatures, enabling timely screen refresh and improving the screen display effect.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel, which sequentially includes a substrate, a thin film transistor array layer, a metal reflective layer, a pixel electrode layer and a display function layer in the thickness direction of the display panel;

[0006] The metal reflective layer is insulated from the pixel electrode layer, the pixel electrode layer includes a pixel electrode, the thin film transistor array layer includes a driving transistor, and the pixel electrode layer is electrically connected to one end of the driving transistor through a via;

[0007] The metal reflective layer includes a reflective electrode, the display functional layer includes a sub-display functional unit, and the vertical projections of the reflective electrode and the sub-display functional unit on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap; the metal reflective layer is reused as a heating electrode.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a display device, including a display panel as described in any of the first aspects of the present invention.

[0009] This invention provides a display panel and a display device. The display panel, in its thickness direction, sequentially includes a substrate, a thin-film transistor array layer, a metal reflective layer, a pixel electrode layer, and a display functional layer. The metal reflective layer is insulated from the pixel electrode layer. The pixel electrode layer includes pixel electrodes, and the thin-film transistor array layer includes driving transistors. The pixel electrode layer is electrically connected to one end of the driving transistors through vias. The metal reflective layer includes reflective electrodes, and the display functional layer includes sub-display functional units. The vertical projections of the reflective electrodes and the sub-display functional units on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap. The metal reflective layer is reused as a heating electrode. This invention solves the problem of poor display performance of the display functional layer at low temperatures by reusing the metal reflective layer as a heating electrode. By utilizing the existing reflective electrodes in the display panel as heating electrodes, no additional heating electrodes are needed, and the display panel structure does not require significant alteration. Furthermore, the overlapping projections of the reflective electrodes and the sub-display functional units enable effective heating of the sub-display functional units. The metal's thermal conductivity also allows for rapid heating, improving heating efficiency and thus increasing the display panel's response speed at low temperatures. This allows for timely image refresh and improved display performance. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rise of a heating electrical signal provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the rise of the heating electrical signal provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a display panel wiring structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel wiring structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a connection method between a reflective electrode and a heating drive pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another connection method between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another connection method between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring arrangement of a reflective electrode group provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. It should be noted that directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this invention are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this invention. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when referring to an element being formed "on" or "below" another element, it can be formed not only directly on or below the other element, but also indirectly on or below it through intermediate elements. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The term "comprising" and its variations as used in this invention are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment".

[0027] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this invention are only used to distinguish the corresponding contents and are not used to limit the order or interdependence.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this invention are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 1 The display panel includes, in sequence along its thickness direction 900, a substrate 10, a thin-film transistor array layer 20, a metal reflective layer 30, a pixel electrode layer 40, and a display function layer 50. The metal reflective layer 30 is insulated from the pixel electrode layer 40, which includes a pixel electrode 41. The thin-film transistor array layer 20 includes a driving transistor 21, and the pixel electrode layer 40 is electrically connected to one end of the driving transistor 21 through a via. The metal reflective layer 30 includes a reflective electrode 31, and the display function layer 50 includes a sub-display function unit 56. The vertical projections of the reflective electrode 31 and the sub-display function unit 56 on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap. The metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode.

[0030] For details, please refer to Figure 1 The display panel includes, in sequence along its thickness direction 900, a substrate 10, a thin-film transistor array layer 20, a metal reflective layer 30, a pixel electrode layer 40, and a display function layer 50. The display panel may include multiple scan lines and data lines for electrical connection with the thin-film transistor array 20. For example, the gate of the driving transistor 21 in the thin-film transistor array 20 may be electrically connected to the scan line, the source may be electrically connected to the data line, and the drain may be electrically connected to the pixel electrode in the pixel electrode layer 40. The driving signals provided by the scan lines and data lines control the conduction and cutoff of the driving transistor 21, thereby controlling whether the display function layer 50 is displayed.

[0031] Since the display effect in the display functional layer 50 is easily affected by temperature, during the display stage, an electric field is applied to both sides of the display functional layer 50, causing the medium in the display functional layer 50 to move to one side or deflect. This allows the light reflected by the metal reflective layer 30 to pass through the display functional layer 50 and then be reflected to the human eye, thus presenting the light-emitting effect of the sub-pixels and forming a display image on a macroscopic scale. However, in low-temperature environments, the medium is affected by the low temperature, causing its flow to one side or deflection to slow down after the electric field is applied during the display stage. This results in a lag in the reflection effect of the sub-pixels, making the display image less smooth and deteriorating the display effect. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is too low, the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode. The metal reflective layer 30 generates heat and heats the panel, ensuring that the display functional layer 50 does not suffer from poor display effect due to excessively low temperature.

[0032] The display panel provided in this embodiment of the invention includes, in the thickness direction, a substrate, a thin-film transistor array layer, a metal reflective layer, a pixel electrode layer, and a display functional layer. The metal reflective layer is insulated from the pixel electrode layer. The pixel electrode layer includes pixel electrodes, and the thin-film transistor array layer includes driving transistors. The pixel electrode layer is electrically connected to one end of the driving transistors through vias. The metal reflective layer includes reflective electrodes, and the display functional layer includes sub-display functional units. The vertical projections of the reflective electrodes and the sub-display functional units on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap. The metal reflective layer is reused as a heating electrode. The technical solution of this invention, by reusing the metal reflective layer as a heating electrode, can solve the problem of poor display performance of the display functional layer at low temperatures. By using the existing reflective electrodes in the display panel as heating electrodes, no additional heating electrodes are needed, and the display panel structure does not require significant changes. Furthermore, the overlapping projections of the reflective electrodes and the sub-display functional units enable effective heating of the sub-display functional units. The metal's thermal conductivity also allows for rapid heating, improving heating efficiency and thus increasing the display panel's response speed at low temperatures. This enables timely image refresh and improves the image display effect.

[0033] Optionally, when the ambient temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold, at least during the display phase, a heating electrical signal is supplied to the reflective electrode 31.

[0034] The preset temperature threshold can be understood as a pre-set temperature value. The display effect will be affected if the display panel is below this temperature.

[0035] Specifically, the temperature sensor detects the ambient temperature of the display panel. During the display stage, when the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold, a heating electrical signal is sent to the reflective electrode 31. The reflective electrode 31 is then reused as a heating electrode. The metal reflective layer 30 generates heat and heats the panel, keeping it within the normal operating temperature range, so that it can display normally at low temperatures.

[0036] Optionally, the heating electrical signal is a first signal value V1 in the non-display stage and a second signal value V2 in the display stage, wherein the second signal value V2 is greater than the first signal value V1; during the process of switching from the non-display stage to the display stage, the heating electrical signal increases from the first signal value V1 to the second signal value V2 in a step-like, linear, or curved manner.

[0037] Specifically, Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the change curves of two heating electrical signals provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3Because the wires between the metal reflective layer 30 and the thin-film transistor array layer 20 are intertwined, parasitic capacitance exists. When a heating signal is input while other data signals are input, interference will occur between the heating signal and the data signal. When the applied heating signal is... Figure 2 When the signal changes abruptly as shown, it is affected by parasitic capacitance, which can cause display abnormalities. Therefore, during the transition of the heating electrical signal from the non-display stage to the display stage, [the signal is affected by parasitic capacitance]. Figure 3 The heating electrical signal shown increases in a stepwise manner from the first signal value V1 to the second signal value V2, which can reduce the interference between the two signals. In other embodiments of the present invention, the increase from the first signal value V1 to the second signal value V2 can also be linear or curved, which can also reduce the interference between the two signals. At the same time, there is a blank time during the process of switching from the non-display stage to the display stage. Applying the heating electrical signal to the metal reflective layer 30 during the blank time can avoid the application of the heating electrical signal during the display stage from interfering with the display driving traces and pixel electrodes, thereby preventing any impact on the display.

[0038] Optionally, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 4 It also includes an electric field shielding layer 60, located between the metal reflective layer 30 and the pixel electrode layer 40. The electric field shielding layer 60 includes an electric field shielding electrode 61, whose vertical projections on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap with those of the reflective electrode 31. The electric field shielding electrode 61 is used to pass a fixed potential electrical signal, at least when a heating electrical signal is applied to the reflective electrode 31. The electric field shielding layer 60 can be made of indium tin oxide with high conductivity and high visible light transmittance to ensure that all light reflected by the metal reflective layer 30 can pass through.

[0039] Specifically, the electric field shielding electrode 61 in the electric field shielding layer 60 and the reflective electrode 31 have at least partial overlap on the light-emitting surface in their vertical projections, as shown in the reference. Figure 4 In other words, the vertical projection of the electric field shielding layer 60 on the light-emitting surface blocks the vertical projection of the reflective electrode 31 on the light-emitting surface. When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold, a heating electric signal is passed to the reflective electrode 31 during the display stage. Correspondingly, a fixed potential electric signal is passed to the electric field shielding electrode 61 to shield the electric field generated when the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode, thereby preventing the electric field from disturbing the driving electric field and affecting the display effect.

[0040] Optionally, refer to Figure 4 It also includes a common electrode layer 80, which is located on the side of the display function layer 50 away from the pixel electrode layer 40. The common electrode layer 50 and the electric field shielding layer 60 are used to pass a common potential signal during the display stage.

[0041] Specifically, during the display stage, a common potential signal is supplied to the common electrode layer 50. At this time, an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode layer 40 and the common electrode layer 80 to drive the display functional layer 50. This drives the ink in the display functional layer 50 to deflect to one side, allowing light to pass through the gap created by the ink deflection. Simultaneously, the common potential signal is supplied to the electric field shielding layer 60, thereby shielding the electric field generated by the heating electrode. In this embodiment, by supplying the common potential signal of the common electrode layer 50 into the electric field shielding layer 60, the electric field shielding effect is achieved, avoiding the need for an additional driving signal for the electric field shielding layer 60 and simplifying the driving design.

[0042] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 The display panel also includes an organic adhesive layer 70, which is located between the metal reflective layer 30 and the thin-film transistor array layer 20. The thickness of the organic adhesive layer 70 can be 1.0–6.0 μm. The dielectric constant of the organic adhesive layer 70 is 3–4 F / m. Specifically, due to the parasitic capacitance between the metal reflective layer 30 and the thin-film transistor array layer 20, interference can occur in the display panel, causing poor touch sensitivity and other problems. Therefore, an organic adhesive layer 70 needs to be placed between the metal reflective layer 30 and the thin-film transistor array layer 20. The thickness of the organic adhesive layer 70 has certain requirements. When the thickness is less than 1.0 μm, a thin organic adhesive layer 70 cannot effectively reduce parasitic capacitance; when the thickness is greater than 6.0 μm, an excessively thick organic adhesive layer 70 is not conducive to the fabrication of vias, nor is it conducive to the electrical connection between the pixel electrode 41 and the transistor through vias. By placing an organic adhesive layer 70 with a thickness of 1.0–6.0 μm and a dielectric constant of 3–4 F / m between the metal reflective layer 30 and the thin-film transistor array layer 20, the best effect of reducing parasitic capacitance between the two can be achieved.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 5 The display function layer 50 also includes a barrier 52, with adjacent barriers surrounding each other to form a sub-display function unit; the barrier 52 is black, and the vertical projections of the reflective electrode 31 and the pixel electrode 41 on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap, and the non-overlapping portion is located in the vertical projection of the barrier 52 on the light-emitting surface.

[0044] For details, please refer to Figure 5The pixel electrode layer 40 is located above the metal reflective layer 30 and provides a certain shielding effect against the electric field generated when the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode. However, since there is an area on the light-emitting surface where the projection of the reflective electrode 31 is not covered by the projection of the pixel electrode 41, the electric field generated when the reflective electrode 31 in this area is reused as a heating electrode will affect the driving electric field, resulting in poor display effect. Therefore, a barrier 52 is also provided in the display function layer 50. The barrier 52 is black, and the vertical projections of the reflective electrode 31 and the pixel electrode 41 on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap, and the non-overlapping part is located in the vertical projection of the barrier 52 on the light-emitting surface. In other words, the area where the projection of the reflective electrode 31 is not covered by the projection of the pixel electrode 41 is blocked by the black barrier 52. The black barrier 52 shields the electric field generated in this area from the influence of the driving electric field, and the black barrier can block the light reflected to this area, ensuring the display effect.

[0045] Optionally, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 6 It also includes a black matrix layer 90 and a common electrode layer 80. In the thickness direction 900 of the display panel, the common electrode layer 80 is located on the side of the display functional layer 50 away from the pixel electrode layer 40; the black matrix layer 90 is located on the side of the common electrode layer 80 away from the pixel electrode layer 40; the black matrix layer 90 includes a plurality of black light-blocking structures 91, the vertical projections of the reflective electrode 31 and the pixel electrode 41 on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap, and the non-overlapping parts are located in the vertical projection of the black light-blocking structure 91 on the light-emitting surface.

[0046] For details, please refer to Figure 6 Along the thickness direction 900 of the display panel, the common electrode layer 80 is located on the side of the display functional layer 50 away from the pixel electrode layer 40. During the display phase, a driving electric field is formed between the common electrode layer 80 and the pixel electrode layer 40, controlling whether the display functional layer 50 is displayed. When the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode, the pixel electrode layer 40 is located above the metal reflective layer 30, providing a certain degree of shielding against the electric field generated when the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode. At this time, the pixel electrode layer 40 is reused as an electric field shielding layer, and the pixel electrode 41 in the pixel electrode layer 40 is located between the metal reflective layer 30 and the common electrode layer 80. Therefore, the electric field generated when the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode can be isolated, thereby preventing the electric field from disturbing the driving electric field and affecting the display effect.

[0047] Meanwhile, the area of ​​the projection of the reflective electrode 31 not covered by the projection of the pixel electrode 41 is blocked by the barrier wall 52, which shields the electric field generated in this area from the influence of the driving electric field. In this embodiment, the color of the barrier wall 52 is not limited. When the barrier wall 52 is not black, it does not have the function of blocking reflected light. Therefore, a black matrix layer 90 is also provided. The black matrix layer 90 is located on the side of the common electrode layer 80 away from the pixel electrode layer 40. The black matrix layer 90 includes multiple black light-blocking structures 91. The vertical projections of the reflective electrode 31 and the pixel electrode 41 on the light-emitting surface overlap at least partially, and the non-overlapping part is located in the vertical projection of the black light-blocking structure 91 on the light-emitting surface. That is to say, the black light-blocking structure 91 can block the light reflected to the area of ​​the projection of the reflective electrode 31 on the light-emitting surface that is not covered by the projection of the pixel electrode 41, thereby ensuring the display effect.

[0048] Optionally, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a display panel wiring structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel wiring structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The display panel includes a display area 100 and a non-display area 200 connected to the display area. The non-display area 200 includes display driver pads 250 and heating driver pads 260. The display driver pads 250 and heating driver pads 260 are located on the same side or opposite sides of the non-display area 200, as shown in the figure as opposite sides. When the display driver pads 250 and heating driver pads 260 are located on opposite sides of the non-display area 200, there is more space for pad arrangement. When they are on the same side, it is beneficial to reduce the area of ​​the bezel, thereby increasing the screen-to-body ratio.

[0049] Optionally, refer to Figure 7 The display area 100 includes a plurality of reflective electrode groups 300 arranged alternately along a second direction 700, and the reflective electrode group 300 includes a plurality of reflective electrodes 31 arranged sequentially along a first direction 600; wherein the first direction 600 and the second direction 700 intersect; in the first direction 600, a heating drive pad 260 is located on one side of the display area 100; the heating drive pad 260 includes a first electrode pad 261 and a second electrode pad 262 arranged alternately along the second direction 700; in the same reflective electrode group 300, the reflective electrode closest to the heating drive pad 260 in the first direction 600 is the first reflective electrode 350, and the reflective electrode farthest from the heating drive pad 260 is the second reflective electrode 360; in the second direction 700, in two adjacent reflective electrode groups 300, one first reflective electrode 350 is electrically connected to the first electrode pad 261, and the other first reflective electrode 350 is electrically connected to the second electrode pad 262; and one second reflective electrode 360 ​​is electrically connected to another adjacent second reflective electrode 360.

[0050] Specifically, in a reflective electrode group 300, the first reflective electrode 350 closest to the heating drive pad 260 in the first direction 600 is electrically connected to the first electrode pad 261. After multiple reflective electrodes are connected in series, they are connected in series with the second reflective electrode 360 ​​furthest from the heating drive pad 260 in the same reflective electrode group in the first direction 600. This second reflective electrode 360 ​​is then electrically connected to the second reflective electrode 360 ​​in another adjacent reflective electrode group 300 in the second direction 700, and after multiple reflective electrodes are connected in series, it is electrically connected to the first reflective electrode 350 in the same reflective electrode group 300. This first reflective electrode 350 is electrically connected to the second electrode pad 262, thus forming a heating circuit. Figure 7 In the arrangement shown, the first direction 600 can be understood as the vertical direction, and the heating drive pad 260 is located at the top of the display area 100 in the vertical direction; Figure 8 In the arrangement shown, the first direction 600 can be understood as the horizontal direction, and the heating drive pad 260 is located on the side of the display area 100 in the horizontal direction.

[0051] This invention provides various specific implementation methods for the connection between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad. Figures 9-11 These are schematic diagrams illustrating three connection methods between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad provided in embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a connection method between a reflective electrode and a heating drive pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention. First, refer to... Figure 9 In one embodiment of the present invention, in the second direction 700, the 2x-1th first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the xth first electrode pad, and the 2xth first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the xth second electrode pad; wherein, x is a positive integer.

[0052] In this context, the second direction 700 can be understood as the horizontal direction, the first electrode pad can be understood as the positive electrode pad, and the second electrode pad 262 can be understood as the negative electrode pad. (Reference) Figure 9 After the first reflective electrode 351 on the left is electrically connected to the first electrode pad 261, multiple reflective electrodes are sequentially electrically connected and then connected in series with the adjacent second reflective electrode 352. The second reflective electrode 352 is electrically connected to the second electrode pad 262, thereby forming a heating circuit. Multiple heating circuits are arranged in parallel.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another connection method between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 10In another embodiment, the 4x-3rd first reflective electrode can be electrically connected to the xth first electrode pad, the 4xth first reflective electrode can be electrically connected to the x+1th first electrode pad, and the 4x-2nd and 4x-1st first reflective electrodes can both be electrically connected to the xth second electrode pad.

[0054] Specifically, in the horizontal direction, the first first reflective electrode 351 is connected to the first first electrode pad 261, and the second first reflective electrode 352 is connected to the first second electrode pad 262. Current flows from the first first electrode pad 261, through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes, and back to the first second electrode pad 262, forming a heating circuit. The fourth first reflective electrode 354 is connected to the second first electrode pad 261, and the third first reflective electrode 353 is connected to the first second electrode pad 262. Current flows from the second first electrode pad 261, through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes, and back to the first second electrode pad 262, forming a... The heating circuit consists of: the second first electrode pad 261 and the fifth first reflective electrode 355 connected; the sixth first reflective electrode 356 and the second second electrode pad 262 connected; and the current flowing from the second first electrode pad 261 through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes back to the second second electrode pad 262, forming a heating circuit. The seventh first reflective electrode 357 is electrically connected to the second second electrode pad 262; and the eighth first reflective electrode 358 is connected to the third first electrode pad 261. The current flowing from the third first electrode pad 261 through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes back to the second second electrode pad 262, forming a heating circuit.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another connection method between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 11 In another embodiment, the 8x-7th first reflective electrodes may be electrically connected to the xth first electrode pad, the 8x-4th ​​first reflective electrode may be electrically connected to the x+1th first electrode pad, the 8x-2nd and 8x-1st first reflective electrodes may both be electrically connected to the x+2nd first electrode pad; the 8x-6th and 8x-5th first reflective electrodes may both be electrically connected to the xth second electrode pad, the 8x-3rd first reflective electrode may be electrically connected to the x+1th second electrode pad, and the 8xth first reflective electrode may be electrically connected to the x+2nd second electrode pad.

[0056] Specifically, in the horizontal direction, the first first reflective electrode 351 is connected to the first first electrode pad 261, and the second first reflective electrode 352 is electrically connected to the first second electrode pad 262. Current flows from the first first electrode pad 261, through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes, and back to the first second electrode pad 262, forming a heating circuit. The third first reflective electrode 353 is connected to the first second electrode pad 262, and the fourth first reflective electrode 354 is connected to the second first electrode pad 261. Current flows from the second first electrode pad 261, through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes, and back to the second second electrode pad 262, forming a... The heating circuit consists of: the fifth first reflective electrode 355 connected to the second second electrode pad 262, the sixth first reflective electrode 356 connected to the third first electrode pad 262, and the current flowing from the third first electrode pad 261 through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes back to the second second electrode pad 262, forming a heating circuit; the seventh first reflective electrode 357 electrically connected to the third first electrode pad 261, and the eighth first reflective electrode 358 electrically connected to the third second electrode pad 262, and the current flowing from the third first electrode pad 261 through multiple series-connected reflective electrodes back to the third second electrode pad 262, forming a heating circuit.

[0057] This invention also provides an alternative connection method between the reflective electrode and the heating drive pad. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring arrangement of a reflective electrode group provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 12In this embodiment, the display panel further includes a first heating bus 110 and a second heating bus 120, both located in the non-display area 200. The non-display area 200 includes a first area 201, a second area 202, a third area 203, and a fourth area 204, which sequentially surround the display area 100. The first area 201 and the third area 202 are located on opposite sides of the display area 100 in a first direction 600, and the second area 220 and the fourth area 240 are located on opposite sides of the display area 100 in a second direction 700. The first direction 600 and the second direction 700 intersect. The heating drive pad is located in the first area 201. A heat bus 110 extends in the second region 202, the third region 203, and the fourth region 204, while a second heat bus 120 extends in the first region 201. The display area 100 includes multiple reflective electrode groups 300 arranged alternately along a second direction 700. Each reflective electrode group 300 includes multiple reflective electrodes 31 arranged sequentially along a first direction 600. Multiple reflective electrodes 31 in the same reflective electrode group 300 are connected in series between the first heat bus 110 and the second heat bus 120, while different reflective electrode groups 300 are connected in parallel between the first heat bus 110 and the second heat bus 120. The first heat bus 110 extends in the second region 202, the third region 203, and the fourth region 204, while the second heat bus 120 extends in the first region 201. The first and second heat buses 110 and 120 are located on the metal reflective layer, and the heating drive pads are located on the pixel electrode layer 40. By connecting multiple reflective electrodes 31 in the same reflective electrode group 300 in series between the first heating bus 110 and the second heating bus 120, and connecting different reflective electrode groups 300 in parallel between the first heating bus 110 and the second heating bus 120, when the reflective electrode 31 is reused as a heating electrode, the heating signal received by each group of heating electrodes is more uniform and there will be no difference in heating temperature. This can more uniformly improve the response speed of the display panel at low temperatures and improve the display effect.

[0058] Optionally, refer to Figure 1The display functional layer 50 also includes a hydrophobic layer 51, oil droplets 53, and an electrolyte 54. The hydrophobic layer 51 is located between the pixel electrode layer 40 and the sub-display functional unit 56. The oil droplets 53 and the electrolyte 54 are injected into the sub-display functional unit 56. During the display stage, by applying an electric field to both ends of the display functional layer 50, the oil droplets in the oil droplets 53 are deflected to one side, thereby causing the light reflected by the metal reflective layer 30 to be deflected when passing through the oil droplets in the oil droplets 53, and then transmitted to the human eye. When the ambient temperature is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the oil droplets 53 and the electrolyte 54 are affected by the low temperature. After the electric field is applied during the display stage, their flow to one side slows down, causing the light reflected by the metal reflective layer 30 to have a lag. At this time, the metal reflective layer 30 is reused as a heating electrode, and a heating electrical signal is passed through the reflective electrode 31. The metal reflective layer 30 heats the panel, so that the temperature of the display functional layer 50 is maintained within the normal operating temperature range. In other embodiments of the present invention, the medium in the display functional layer 50 may also be liquid crystal. Optionally, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided by the present invention, for reference. Figure 13 The display functional layer 50 includes a liquid crystal layer 55, and the display panel also includes a common electrode layer 80, a color filter substrate 81, and a polarizer 82. In the thickness direction 900 of the display panel, the common electrode layer 80 is located on the side of the display functional layer 50 away from the pixel electrode layer 40, the color filter substrate 81 is located on the side of the common electrode layer 80 away from the display functional layer 50, and the polarizer 82 is located on the side of the color filter substrate 81 away from the common electrode layer 80.

[0059] Specifically, by applying a signal to the pixel electrode layer 40 and the common electrode layer 80, a driving electric field is formed between the pixel electrode layer 40 and the common electrode layer 80, causing the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 55 to deflect. This allows the light reflected by the metal reflective layer to pass through the liquid crystal layer 55, then through the color filter substrate 81 and the polarizer 82, and enter the human eye.

[0060] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a display device. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 14 The display device 500 includes any of the display panels provided in the embodiments of the present invention. Since the display device 500 includes the display panel provided in the embodiments of the present invention, it has the same or similar beneficial effects as the display panel provided in the embodiments of the present invention, which will not be described in detail here.

[0061] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel comprises, in sequence along its thickness direction, a substrate, a thin-film transistor array layer, a metal reflective layer, a pixel electrode layer, and a display function layer; The metal reflective layer is insulated from the pixel electrode layer, the pixel electrode layer includes a pixel electrode, the thin film transistor array layer includes a driving transistor, and the pixel electrode layer is electrically connected to one end of the driving transistor through a via; The metal reflective layer includes a reflective electrode, the display functional layer includes a sub-display functional unit, and the vertical projections of the reflective electrode and the sub-display functional unit on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap; the metal reflective layer is reused as a heating electrode. When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature threshold, at least during the display stage, a heating electrical signal is supplied to the reflective electrode to heat the sub-display functional unit; The heating electrical signal has a first signal value during the non-display phase and a second signal value during the display phase, wherein the second signal value is greater than the first signal value. During the transition from the non-display stage to the display stage, the heating electrical signal increases from the first signal value to the second signal value in a step-like, linear, or curvilinear manner.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an electric field shielding layer, which is located between the metal reflective layer and the pixel electrode layer. The electric field shielding layer includes an electric field shielding electrode, and the electric field shielding electrode and the reflective electrode at least partially overlap in their vertical projections on the light-emitting surface. The electric field shielding electrode is used to pass a fixed potential electric signal at least when a heating electric signal is passed to the reflecting electrode.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a common electrode layer, which is located on the side of the display functional layer away from the pixel electrode layer. The common electrode layer and the electric field shielding layer are used to pass a common potential signal during the display stage.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pixel electrode layer is reused as an electric field shielding layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an organic adhesive layer, which is located between the metal reflective layer and the thin-film transistor array layer.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the organic adhesive layer is 1.0~6.0μm.

7. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The dielectric constant of the organic adhesive layer is 3~4 F / m.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display function layer also includes a retaining wall, and adjacent retaining walls surround each other to form a sub-display function unit; The barrier is black, and the vertical projections of the reflective electrode and the pixel electrode on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap, with the non-overlapping portion located in the vertical projection of the barrier on the light-emitting surface.

9. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a black matrix layer and a common electrode layer. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the common electrode layer is located on the side of the display functional layer away from the pixel electrode layer; the black matrix layer is located on the side of the common electrode layer away from the pixel electrode layer. The black matrix layer includes multiple black light-blocking structures. The vertical projections of the reflective electrode and the pixel electrode on the light-emitting surface at least partially overlap, and the non-overlapping portions are located in the vertical projections of the black light-blocking structures on the light-emitting surface.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area connected to the display area. The non-display area includes display driving pads and heating driving pads, which are located on the same side or opposite sides of the non-display area.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The display area includes a plurality of reflective electrode groups arranged alternately along a second direction, and the reflective electrode groups include a plurality of reflective electrodes arranged sequentially along a first direction; wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect. In the first direction, the heating drive pad is located on one side of the display area; the heating drive pad includes a first electrode pad and a second electrode pad arranged alternately along the second direction; In the same set of reflective electrodes, the reflective electrode that is closest to the heating drive pad in the first direction is the first reflective electrode, and the reflective electrode that is farthest from the heating drive pad is the second reflective electrode. In the second direction, in two adjacent sets of the reflective electrodes, one first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode pad, and the other first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode pad; and one second reflective electrode is electrically connected to the other second reflective electrode.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the second direction, the 2x-1th first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the xth first electrode pad, and the 2xth first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the xth second electrode pad; or, the 4x-3rd first reflective electrodes are each electrically connected to the xth first electrode pad, the 4xth first reflective electrodes are each electrically connected to the x+1th first electrode pad, and the 4x-2nd and 4x-1st first reflective electrodes are both electrically connected to the xth second electrode pad; or, the 8x-7th first reflective electrodes are respectively... The first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the xth first electrode pad, the 8x-4th ​​first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the x+1th first electrode pad, the 8x-2nd and 8x-1st first reflective electrodes are both electrically connected to the x+2nd first electrode pad; the 8x-6th and 8x-5th first reflective electrodes are both electrically connected to the xth second electrode pad, the 8x-3rd first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the x+1th second electrode pad, and the 8xth first reflective electrode is electrically connected to the x+2nd second electrode pad. Where x is a positive integer.

13. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a first heating bus and a second heating bus, both of which are located in the non-display area; The non-display area includes a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, which surround the display area in sequence. The first area and the third area are located on opposite sides of the display area in a first direction, and the second area and the fourth area are located on opposite sides of the display area in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect. The heating drive pad is located in the first region; the first heating bus extends in the second region, the third region and the fourth region, and the second heating bus extends in the first region; The display area includes a plurality of reflective electrode groups arranged alternately along a second direction, and the reflective electrode groups include a plurality of reflective electrodes arranged sequentially along a first direction; the plurality of reflective electrodes in the same reflective electrode group are connected in series between the first heating bus and the second heating bus, and different reflective electrode groups are connected in parallel between the first heating bus and the second heating bus; the first heating bus extends in the second area, the third area and the fourth area, and the second heating bus extends in the first area.

14. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first heating bus and the second heating bus are located in the metal reflective layer, and the heating drive pad is located in the pixel electrode layer.

15. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display functional layer further includes a hydrophobic layer, oil droplets, and an electrolyte; the hydrophobic layer is located between the pixel electrode layer and the sub-display functional unit; the oil droplets and the electrolyte are injected into the sub-display functional unit.

16. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display functional layer includes a liquid crystal layer, and the display panel further includes a common electrode layer, a color filter substrate, and a polarizer. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the common electrode layer is located on the side of the display functional layer away from the pixel electrode layer, the color filter substrate is located on the side of the common electrode layer away from the display functional layer, and the polarizer is located on the side of the color filter substrate away from the common electrode layer.

17. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-16.

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