Pixel structure and display panel

Abstract

This application provides a pixel structure and a display panel. The pixel structure includes multiple sub-pixel units, multiple reflective layers, a refractive component, and a control component. The multiple sub-pixel units and multiple reflective layers are arranged in a ring. The refractive component includes a first refractive layer, a second refractive layer, and a third refractive layer sequentially stacked inside the ring. In a direction parallel to the plane of the ring, the second refractive layer overlaps with the sub-pixel units, while the first and third refractive layers are offset from the sub-pixel units, so that light from the sub-pixel units only enters the second refractive layer. The control component adjusts the refractive index of the second refractive layer, so that light in the second refractive layer undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer or exits from the first and third refractive layers respectively. This pixel structure can improve the transparency of transparent displays and allows free switching between transparent and non-transparent displays.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a pixel structure and display panel. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of transparent display technology, transparent display devices are gradually appearing in people's lives. For example, in some areas, transparent train window screens have been applied to trains to display real-time daily information, such as weather forecasts, news, train operation status, and train location. Beyond transportation, transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays can also be used in various scenarios such as architecture, commercial displays, and offices.

[0003] Currently, transparent displays in OLED panels are mainly achieved through transparent electrodes, the self-emissive properties of OLEDs, and the addition of transparent sub-pixels, which are regularly distributed throughout the display area. However, the transmittance of transparent sub-pixels is limited, affecting the improvement of transparency, and the display panel cannot freely switch between transparent and non-transparent displays. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a pixel structure designed to address the problems in existing transparent display panels where the limited light transmittance of pixels affects the improvement of transparency, and the inability of the display panel to freely switch between transparent and non-transparent displays.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the first technical solution provided in this application is: to provide a pixel structure. This pixel structure includes multiple sub-pixel units and multiple reflective layers, with the multiple sub-pixel units and multiple reflective layers arranged in a ring shape.

[0006] The pixel structure also includes a refractive component and a control component;

[0007] The refractive component includes a first refractive layer, a second refractive layer, and a third refractive layer stacked sequentially inside the ring; in a direction parallel to the plane of the ring, the second refractive layer overlaps with the sub-pixel unit, and the first and third refractive layers are offset from the sub-pixel unit so that the light from the sub-pixel unit only enters the second refractive layer;

[0008] The control component is used to adjust the refractive index of the second refractive layer so that light in the second refractive layer undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer or is emitted from the first refractive layer and the second refractive layer respectively.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first refractive layer has a first refractive index, the second refractive layer has a second refractive index, and the third refractive layer has a third refractive index;

[0010] The control component includes a first electrode group, which includes a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The first transparent electrode is disposed between the first refractive layer and the second refractive layer, and the second transparent electrode is disposed between the second refractive layer and the third refractive layer. The first electrode group is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the second refractive index.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first refractive index is the same as the third refractive index;

[0012] In pixel area display mode, the first electrode group adjusts the second refractive index to be greater than the first refractive index, and the light in the second refractive layer undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer.

[0013] In transparent display mode, the first electrode group adjusts the second refractive index to be less than the first refractive index, and the light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the first refractive layer and the third refractive layer respectively.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control component further includes a second electrode group and a third electrode group; the second electrode group includes a third transparent electrode and a first transparent electrode, the third transparent electrode being disposed on the side of the first refractive layer away from the second refractive layer, and the second electrode group is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the first refractive index; the third electrode group includes a second transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode being disposed on the side of the third refractive layer away from the second refractive layer, and the third electrode group is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the third refractive index.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the first display mode, the control component adjusts the first refractive index to be greater than the second refractive index, and the second refractive index to be greater than the third refractive index, so that light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the first refractive layer;

[0016] In the second display mode, the control component adjusts the first refractive index to be less than the second refractive index, and the second refractive index to be less than the third refractive index, so that light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the third refractive layer;

[0017] In transparent display mode, the control component adjusts the second refractive index to be less than the first refractive index and the second refractive index to be less than the third refractive index, so that light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the first and third refractive layers.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sub-pixel unit includes an anode electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a cathode electrode stacked sequentially along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring; the cathode electrode and / or the anode electrode are transparent electrodes, or the anode electrode and / or the cathode electrode are reflective electrodes; the control component is insulated from the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-pixel units are red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels, respectively; the red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, blue sub-pixels, and the plurality of reflective layers are arranged to form a polygonal ring.

[0020] In some embodiments, each side of the polygonal ring includes a sub-pixel unit or a reflective layer; red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence, and multiple reflective layers are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence, or the two adjacent sides of each sub-pixel unit are reflective layers; or,

[0021] Each side of the polygonal ring includes at least one sub-pixel unit and at least one reflective layer. The sub-pixel units and reflective layers are arranged alternately along the circumference of the ring, and the emission color of the sub-pixel units on each side of the polygonal ring is different from the emission color of the sub-pixel units on the adjacent side.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the polygonal ring, the length of the side containing the blue sub-pixel is greater than the length of the side containing the red sub-pixel, and also greater than the length of the side containing the green sub-pixel.

[0023] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the second technical solution provided in this application is: to provide a display panel. The display panel includes a driving substrate and a plurality of pixel structures disposed on the driving substrate as provided in the above-described technical solutions;

[0024] In this arrangement, multiple pixel structures are arranged according to a preset pattern. On the side where each pixel structure is close to its neighboring pixel structure, the sub-pixel unit is set adjacent to the reflective layer so that the light from the sub-pixel unit is reflected back into the corresponding pixel structure.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this application: Unlike existing technologies, this application provides a pixel structure and a display panel. This pixel structure, applied to a display panel, includes multiple sub-pixel units and multiple reflective layers, arranged in a ring. By stacking a first refractive layer, a second refractive layer, and a third refractive layer inside the ring, a transparent area is formed within the ring-enclosed region. This allows light from each sub-pixel unit to enter the transparent area, where it is mixed by reflection from the reflective layers. After mixing, the light is refracted by the three refractive layers and emitted from both sides of the transparent area. This enables the pixel structure to achieve transparent display within the transparent area, effectively improving the display transparency while maintaining display brightness. Furthermore, in a direction parallel to the plane of the ring, i.e., parallel to the light-emitting surface, the second refractive layer overlaps with the sub-pixel units, while the first and third refractive layers are offset from the sub-pixel units, ensuring that light from the sub-pixel units only enters the second refractive layer. Simultaneously, by including a control component for adjusting the refractive index (second refractive index) of the second refractive layer in the pixel structure, light rays incident on the second refractive layer can undergo total internal reflection within the second refractive layer without escaping. This allows light from the sub-pixel unit to exit only from the area where the sub-pixel unit is located (pixel area) and not from the transparent area, thus achieving a non-transparent display. Alternatively, by adjusting the second refractive index, light rays in the second refractive layer can exit from both the first and third refractive layers, meaning light rays from the sub-pixel unit can exit from the transparent area, thus achieving a transparent display. In other words, the pixel structure provided in this application allows the control component to adjust the refractive index of the second refractive layer in the transparent area, thereby controlling whether light rays incident on the second refractive layer undergo total internal reflection or exit from both the first and third refractive layers. This allows for free switching between non-transparent and transparent displays by adjusting the second refractive index through the control component. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the pixel structure provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a mid-pixel structure in the AA direction is provided in one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the state of the pixel structure in pixel area display mode;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in transparent display mode.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the mid-pixel structure in the AA direction;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the state of the pixel structure in pixel area display mode;

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in the first display mode.

[0035] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in the second display mode.

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in transparent display mode.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 100 - Display panel; 10 - Driving substrate; 20 - Pixel structure; 201 - Pixel area; 202 - Transparent area; 21 - Sub-pixel unit; 211 - Red sub-pixel; 212 - Green sub-pixel; 213 - Blue sub-pixel; 214 - Anode electrode; 215 - Light-emitting layer; 216 - Cathode electrode; 22 - Reflective layer; 23 - Refractive component; 231 - First refractive layer; 232 - Second refractive layer; 233 - Third refractive layer; 24 - Control component; 241 - First electrode group; 2411 - First transparent electrode; 2412 - Second transparent electrode; 242 - Second electrode group; 2421 - Third transparent electrode; 243 - Third electrode group; 2431 - Fourth transparent electrode; 200 - Control module; n1 - First refractive index; n2 - Second refractive index; n3 - Third refractive index; BM - Black matrix. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures, interfaces, and technologies are presented for illustrative purposes rather than for limiting purposes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of this application.

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] The terms "first," "second," and "third" in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific orientation (as shown in the figures). If the specific orientation changes, the directional indications also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0047] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the pixel structure provided in the first embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, a display panel 100 is provided, which includes a driving substrate 10 and a plurality of pixel structures 20 disposed on the driving substrate 10, the plurality of pixel structures 20 being arranged according to a preset pattern.

[0050] The driving substrate 10 includes multiple sub-pixel driving circuits, which are electrically connected to the sub-pixel units 21 in the corresponding pixel structures 20, and are used to drive the sub-pixel units 21 to emit light to achieve the display function. Specifically, each pixel structure 20 includes multiple sub-pixel units 21 and multiple reflective layers 22, which are arranged in a ring shape. The multiple pixel structures 20 are spliced ​​on the driving substrate 10 according to a preset rule, and the arrangement can be designed according to the shape of the pixel structure 20. For example, in this embodiment, the multiple sub-pixel units 21 and multiple reflective layers 22 are arranged in a polygonal ring shape, so that the sub-pixel structures 20 are polygonal. This allows adjacent pixel structures 20 with the same side length to be brought closer together for splicing, making the pixel structures 20 more compact and thus increasing the pixel density.

[0051] Specifically, on the side of each pixel structure 20 closest to its adjacent pixel structure 20, the sub-pixel unit 21 is adjacent to the reflective layer 22. This allows the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 to be reflected back into the corresponding pixel structure 20, thereby avoiding light crosstalk between adjacent pixel structures 20 and preventing color shift and other problems that could affect the display effect. In other words, in the pixel structure 20, the outer side of each sub-pixel unit 21, i.e., the side furthest from the inner ring, is set as the reflective layer 22 of the adjacent pixel structure 20. When the sub-pixel unit 21 emits light, the reflective layer 22 can reflect the light back into the corresponding pixel structure 20, preventing the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 from incident into the adjacent pixel structure 20 and causing color crosstalk.

[0052] In this embodiment, in the pixel structure 20, the multiple sub-pixel units 21 can be red sub-pixels 211, green sub-pixels 212, and blue sub-pixels 213, respectively, to achieve color display. In this embodiment, the pixel structure 20 is hexagonal. In three adjacent pixel structures 20, the three sides connected by the common ends of the three pixels form a "Y" shape. The sub-pixel units 21 located on these three sides have different colors, that is, the sub-pixel units 211 located on these three sides can be red sub-pixels 211, green sub-pixels 212, and blue sub-pixels 213, respectively. This allows the three sub-pixel units 21 on these three sides to form another pixel structure 20, thereby further improving pixel density and pixel resolution.

[0053] Of course, in other embodiments, the sub-pixel units 21 on the three sides can also be configured as sub-pixel units 21 with the same emission color, which is beneficial to the fabrication of the sub-pixel units 21. For example, the sub-pixel unit 21 can specifically be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In every three adjacent pixel structures 20, the three sides that are close to each other are configured with sub-pixel units 21 with the same emission color, which is more conducive to the evaporation process of the organic light-emitting layer 215 and reduces the difficulty of the evaporation process.

[0054] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the pixel structure in the AA direction is provided in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the pixel structure 20 further includes a refractive component 23 and a control component 24 disposed inside the annulus. The refractive component 23 includes a first refractive layer 231, a second refractive layer 232, and a third refractive layer 233 stacked sequentially inside the annulus to form a transparent area 202 in the area enclosed by the replacement. In the direction parallel to the plane of the annulus, i.e., parallel to the driving substrate 10, the second refractive layer 232 overlaps with the sub-pixel unit 21, and the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 are staggered with the sub-pixel unit 21 so that the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 only enters the second refractive layer 232. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the driving substrate 10, the first refractive layer 231, the second refractive layer 232, and the third refractive layer 233 are sequentially stacked inside the annular structure. In the direction parallel to the driving substrate 10, the second refractive layer 232 is correspondingly overlapped with the sub-pixel unit 21, so that light from the sub-pixel unit 21 can be incident into the second refractive layer 232. The first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 are staggered from the sub-pixel unit 21, meaning that the heights of the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 are different from those of the sub-pixel unit 21 in the direction perpendicular to the driving substrate 10, preventing light from the sub-pixel unit 21 from incident into the first refractive layer 231 and the second refractive layer 232. The first refractive layer 231 has a first refractive index n1, the second refractive layer 232 has a second refractive index n2, and the third refractive layer 233 has a third refractive index n3.

[0055] The second refractive layer 232 is made of an optical material with a variable refractive index, such as an electro-optic material or a magneto-optic material. The refractive index of an electro-optic material can change significantly under the influence of an applied electric field. Electro-optic materials may include lithium niobate crystals, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and non-ferroelectric oxide photorefractive crystals, with non-ferroelectric oxide photorefractive crystals mainly including bismuth silicate, bismuth germanate, and bismuth titanate. The refractive index of a magneto-optic material can change under the influence of a magnetic field. Magneto-optic materials may include diamagnetic materials such as ultra-high lead glass and arsenic sulfide glass, as well as paramagnetic materials such as terbium oxide glass and europium selenide crystals. Alternatively, the material of the second refractive layer 232 may also be a thermo-optic material, whose refractive index can change with temperature. That is, the refractive index of the second refractive layer 232 can be changed under the influence of an electric or magnetic field, or its refractive index can be changed by temperature control, depending on the specific material of the second refractive layer 232.

[0056] The control component 24 is used to adjust the refractive index of the second refractive layer 232 so that the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232 or exits from the first refractive layer 231 and the second refractive layer 232 respectively. That is, the control component 24 adjusts the refractive index of the second refractive layer 232 so that the second refractive index n2 satisfies the corresponding relationship with the first refractive index n1 and the third refractive index n3, thereby causing the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 to undergo total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232 and be unable to enter the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233, or the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 can enter the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 and exit after being refracted by the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 respectively.

[0057] It is understood that in this embodiment, the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232 can be adjusted by the control component 24, so that the second refractive index n2 has a first relationship with the first refractive index n1 and the third refractive index n3, so that the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232 and does not exit the transparent area 202. This ensures that the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 can only exit from the area where the sub-pixel unit 21 is located (pixel area 201), thus achieving a non-transparent display. Simultaneously, the second refractive index n2 can also be adjusted by the control component 24, so that the second refractive index n2 has a second relationship with the first refractive index n1 and the third refractive index n3, so that the light in the second refractive layer 232 can enter the first refractive layer 231 and the second refractive layer 232, and exit after being refracted by the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 respectively. That is, the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 can exit from both sides of the transparent area 202, thus achieving a transparent display. Therefore, the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232 can be adjusted by the control component 24, thereby enabling the pixel structure 20 to freely switch between transparent and opaque display, and thus enabling the display panel 100 to freely switch between transparent and opaque display.

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, specifically, the control component 24 includes a first electrode group 241, which includes a first transparent electrode 2411 and a second transparent electrode 2412. The first transparent electrode 2411 is disposed between the first refractive layer 231 and the second refractive layer 232, and the second transparent electrode 2412 is disposed between the second refractive layer 232 and the third refractive layer 233. The first electrode group 241 is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the second refractive index n2. That is, the second refractive layer 232 is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412, so that the second refractive layer 232 is in the electric field or magnetic field generated by the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412. This changes the second refractive index n2 under the influence of the electric or magnetic field, causing the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 to undergo total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232 or to exit from the first refractive layer 231 and the second refractive layer 232, thereby achieving non-transparent or transparent display. The second refractive index n2 can be controlled by the first electrode group 241, allowing free switching between non-transparent and transparent display. Specifically, the non-transparent display of the pixel structure 20 is a pixel area display mode, and the transparent display is a transparent display mode.

[0059] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3 This embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in pixel area display mode. In this embodiment, the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 have the same refractive index, that is, the first refractive index n1 and the third refractive index n3 are the same. When the pixel structure 20 switches to pixel area display mode, the first electrode group 241 adjusts the second refractive index n2 to be greater than the first refractive index n1. The light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232, and the light cannot escape from the transparent area 202. Therefore, in pixel area display mode, the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 only exits from the pixel area 201, that is, in this mode, the display area of ​​the display panel 100 is located in the pixel area 201.

[0060] It is understandable that, under the condition that the light in the second refractive layer 232 undergoes total internal reflection and does not incident on the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233, the relationship between the second refractive index n2 and the first refractive index n1 can be obtained according to the principle of light refraction, thereby obtaining the range of the second refractive index n2. Therefore, according to the principle of light refraction, when the second refractive index n2 is greater than the first refractive index n1, and the difference between the second refractive index n2 and the first refractive index n1 is not less than a threshold, the light incident on the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232 and cannot incident on the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233. Therefore, the light cannot exit from the transparent area 202, so that the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 only exits from the pixel area 201, thereby realizing the image display of the pixel area 201.

[0061] In this embodiment, a corresponding driving voltage can be transmitted to the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412 respectively, so that a corresponding driving electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412, thereby driving the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232 to be greater than the first refractive index n1, thereby controlling the pixel structure 20 to switch to the pixel area display mode.

[0062] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 yes Figure 3 This embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in transparent display mode. Similarly, the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 have the same refractive index, i.e., the first refractive index n1 and the third refractive index n3 are the same. In transparent display mode, the first electrode group 241 adjusts the second refractive index n2 to be less than the first refractive index n1, and the light incident on the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 exits from the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 respectively. Therefore, in pixel area display mode, the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 can exit from both sides of the transparent area 202; that is, in this mode, the transparent area 202 is reused as a display area, thereby achieving transparent display. It should be noted that the "both sides" of the transparent area 202 mentioned here refer to the opposite sides of the transparent area 202 in the direction perpendicular to the driving substrate 10.

[0063] According to the principle of light refraction, when the second refractive index n2 is less than the first refractive index n1, the light rays incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 can enter the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233 for refraction. After refraction by the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233, the light rays exit. Therefore, the light rays incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 can exit from both sides of the transparent area 202, thereby achieving transparent display. It can be understood that in this pixel structure 20, the light rays from the red sub-pixel 211, green sub-pixel 212, and blue sub-pixel 213 are incident into the second refractive layer 232, and at the same time, the light rays are reflected by the reflective layer 22, causing the three different colors of light to mix in the second refractive layer 232, thereby displaying the corresponding colors.

[0064] In this embodiment, a corresponding driving voltage can be transmitted to the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412 respectively, so that a corresponding driving electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412, thereby driving the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232 to be less than the first refractive index n1, thereby controlling the pixel structure 20 to switch to the transparent display mode.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sub-pixel unit 21 includes an anode electrode 214, a light-emitting layer 215, and a cathode electrode 216 sequentially stacked along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring. The cathode electrode 216 and / or the anode electrode 214 are transparent electrodes, or the anode electrode 214 and / or the cathode electrode 216 are reflective electrodes. That is, the cathode electrode 216 and the anode electrode 214 of the sub-pixel unit 21 can be transparent electrodes and reflective electrodes, or reflective electrodes and transparent electrodes, or both can be transparent electrodes or both can be reflective electrodes, depending on the display requirements.

[0066] For example, in this embodiment, the anode electrode 214 is a reflective electrode and the cathode electrode 216 is a transparent electrode. In the pixel area display mode, the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 is emitted only from the cathode electrode 216 area, so that the display panel 100 displays the image only on the side where the cathode is located, and the other side does not emit light. In the transparent display mode, on the side where the cathode is located, the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 can be emitted from the pixel area 201 and the transparent area 202 in the cathode area, so that the brightness of the display panel 100 on the side where the cathode is located is greater than the brightness on the other side. This allows the display panel 100 to achieve double-sided display and can also adapt to environments where one side is darker and the other side is brighter. It can also be switched to a single-sided display mode, which can better protect privacy.

[0067] Alternatively, in another embodiment, both the cathode electrode 216 and the anode electrode 214 are transparent electrodes. This allows the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 to be emitted from both sides of the pixel area 201 in the pixel area display mode, enabling the display panel 100 to achieve double-sided display. In this mode, the display area of ​​the display panel 100 is smaller and the brightness is lower, making it suitable for darker environments and scenes to improve eye comfort. In the transparent display mode, the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 can be emitted from both sides of the pixel area 201 and the transparent area 202, meaning the display area includes both the pixel area 201 and the transparent area 202, increasing the display area. At the same time, since the light in the second refractive layer 232 can be emitted from the transparent area 202, the display brightness is increased, making the display panel 100 suitable for brighter environments and scenes to improve the display effect. This configuration allows the display panel 100 to be used in more scenarios.

[0068] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the mid-pixel structure in the AA direction is provided in another embodiment. In this embodiment, the control component 24 includes a first electrode group 241, a second electrode group 242, and a third electrode group 243. The structure and function of the first electrode group 241 are similar to those of the second electrode group 242. Figure 3 The first electrode group 241 in the embodiments has the same structure and function, and can achieve the same technical effect, as detailed in the above description. The second electrode group 242 includes a third transparent electrode 2421 and a first transparent electrode 2411. The third transparent electrode 2421 is disposed on the side of the first refractive layer 231 away from the second refractive layer 232. The second electrode group 242 is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the first refractive index n1 of the first refractive layer 231; that is, the first transparent electrode 2411 in the first electrode group 241 is also reused as one of the electrodes in the second electrode group 242. The third electrode group 243 includes a second transparent electrode 2412 and a fourth transparent electrode 2431. The fourth transparent electrode 2431 is disposed on the side of the third refractive layer 233 away from the second refractive layer 232. The third electrode group 243 is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the third refractive index n3; that is, the second transparent electrode 2412 in the first electrode group 241 is also reused as one of the electrodes in the third electrode group 243.

[0069] It is understood that the first refractive layer 231 is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode 2411 and the third transparent electrode 2421, so that the first refractive layer 231 can change the first refractive index n1 under the action of the electric field or magnetic field generated by the first transparent electrode 2411 and the third transparent electrode 2421. The second refractive layer 232 is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412, so that the second refractive layer 232 can change the second refractive index n2 under the action of the electric field or magnetic field generated by the first transparent electrode 2411 and the second transparent electrode 2412. The third refractive layer 233 is sandwiched between the second transparent electrode 2412 and the fourth transparent electrode 2431, so that the third refractive layer 233 can change the third refractive index n3 under the action of the electric field or magnetic field generated by the second transparent electrode 2412 and the fourth transparent electrode 2431. With the above settings, the first refractive index n1, the second refractive index n2, and the third refractive index n3 can be adjusted by the first electrode group 241, the second electrode group 242, and the third electrode group 243, respectively, thereby controlling the state of light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 onto the second refractive layer 232: total internal reflection occurs in the second refractive layer 232, or light exits from the first refractive layer 231, or light exits from the second refractive layer 232, or light exits from both the first and second refractive layers 231. This allows the display panel 100 to have more display modes to meet more different usage scenarios.

[0070] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the control component 24 needs to be insulated from the anode electrode 214 and cathode electrode 216 of the sub-pixel unit 21 to avoid signal crosstalk causing abnormal light emission of the sub-pixel unit 21 and abnormality of the second refractive index n2, resulting in display mode switching failure or damage to the sub-pixel unit 21. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control component 24 and the anode electrode 214 and cathode electrode 216 of the sub-pixel unit 21 are respectively disposed in different film layers, so that the control component 24 and the anode electrode 214 and cathode electrode 216 of the sub-pixel unit 21 are insulated from each other. This arrangement allows the second refractive layer 232 to be in direct contact with the light-emitting layer 215, and also allows the electrodes of the control component 24 to completely cover the second refractive layer 232, so that all the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 enters and shines into the second refractive layer 232, avoiding light leakage into the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233, thereby affecting the display effect in the pixel area display mode.

[0071] Alternatively, in one embodiment, an insulating layer may be provided on the side of the sub-pixel unit 21 near the inner edge of the ring, thereby insulating the sub-pixel unit 21 from the control component 24. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the second refractive layer 232 protrudes from opposite sides along a direction perpendicular to the second refractive layer 232 near the end of the sub-pixel unit 21, thereby insulating the control component 24 from the anode electrode 214 and the cathode electrode 216.

[0072] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the state of the pixel structure 20 in pixel area display mode. Specifically, in pixel area display mode, the control component 24 adjusts the second refractive index n2 to be greater than the first refractive index n1 and greater than the third refractive index n3, so that the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer 232 and does not exit from the transparent area 202. The light from the sub-pixel unit 21 only exits from the pixel area 201, so that the light-emitting area is only located in the pixel area 201.

[0073] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in the first display mode. In the first display mode, the control component 24 adjusts the first refractive index n1 to be greater than the second refractive index n2, and the second refractive index n2 to be greater than the third refractive index n3, so that light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 can enter the first refractive layer 231 and exit after being refracted by the first refractive layer 231. The third refractive index n3 of the third refractive layer 233 is less than the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232, so that light cannot enter the third refractive layer 233. Therefore, in this display mode, the transparent area 202 is only displayed on one side of the first refractive layer 231. By setting the anode electrode 214 and the cathode electrode 216, single-sided display or double-sided display can also be achieved. Specifically, the type (transparent electrode, reflective electrode) of the anode electrode 214 and the cathode electrode 216 can be set according to actual needs to meet different usage requirements.

[0074] Specifically, the correspondence between the driving voltages of the first transparent electrode 2411, the second transparent electrode 2412, the third transparent electrode 2421, and the fourth transparent electrode 2431 and the first refractive index n1, the second refractive index n2, and the third refractive index n3 can be obtained through testing. Based on the correspondence, the first refractive index n1, the second refractive index n2, and the third refractive index n3 can be adjusted by controlling the driving voltages of the first transparent electrode 2411, the second transparent electrode 2412, the third transparent electrode 2421, and the fourth transparent electrode 2431 to switch different display modes of the display panel 100.

[0075] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in the second display mode. In the second display mode, the control component 24 adjusts the first refractive index n1 to be less than the second refractive index n2, and the second refractive index n2 to be less than the third refractive index n3, so that the light incident from the sub-pixel unit 21 into the second refractive layer 232 can enter the third refractive layer 233 and exit after being refracted by the third refractive layer 233. The first refractive index n1 of the first refractive layer 231 is less than the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232, so that light cannot enter the first refractive layer 231. Therefore, in this display mode, the transparent area 202 is only displayed on one side of the third refractive layer 233. By setting the anode electrode 214 and the cathode electrode 216, single-sided display or double-sided display can also be achieved. Specifically, the type (transparent electrode, reflective electrode) of the anode electrode 214 and the cathode electrode 216 can be set according to actual needs to meet different usage requirements.

[0076] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the pixel structure in transparent display mode. In transparent display mode, the control component 24 adjusts the second refractive index n2 to be less than the first refractive index n1, and the second refractive index n2 to be less than the third refractive index n3, so that light in the second refractive layer 232 is emitted from the first refractive layer 231 and the third refractive layer 233. That is, in this display mode, the display area includes the pixel area 201 and the transparent area 202, increasing the area of ​​the display area. At the same time, since the light in the second refractive layer 232 can be emitted from the transparent area 202, the display brightness is improved, making the display panel 100 suitable for brighter environments and scenes to improve the display effect; this setting allows the display panel 100 to be applicable to more scenarios. In this display mode, the first refractive index n1 and the third refractive index n3 can also be adjusted by the second electrode group 242 and the third electrode group 243 respectively to adjust the viewing angle to meet the viewing angle requirements of different display surfaces.

[0077] In this embodiment, an insulating layer is provided on the side of the sub-pixel unit 21 near the inner ring to insulate the control component 24 from the anode electrode 214 and the cathode electrode 216, thereby avoiding short circuits between the control component 24 and the electrodes of the sub-pixel unit 21, which would cause signal crosstalk and result in abnormalities in the sub-pixel unit 21 and its refractive index.

[0078] Please continue reading. Figure 1In this embodiment, the pixel structure 20 is polygonal in shape, and the sub-pixel units 21 and the reflective layer 22 are arranged to form a polygonal ring. Each side of the polygonal ring includes a sub-pixel unit 21 or a reflective layer 22. The red sub-pixel 211, the green sub-pixel 212 and the blue sub-pixel 213 are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence, and the multiple reflective layers 22 are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence.

[0079] Specifically, each sub-pixel unit 21 forms one side of a polygonal ring, and each reflective layer 22 forms one side of a polygonal ring. The sides where the red sub-pixel 211, the green sub-pixel 212, and the blue sub-pixel 213 are located are connected, and the sides where multiple reflective layers 22 are located are connected. In this embodiment, taking a hexagonal pixel structure 20 as an example, the red sub-pixel 211, green sub-pixel 212, blue sub-pixel 213, and three reflective layers 22 are arranged to form a hexagonal ring. A transparent area 202 is formed inside the ring, so that the opposite side of each sub-pixel unit 21 is a reflective layer 22 to improve display brightness. At the same time, by utilizing the principle of light reflection, the light from the sub-pixel unit 21 can be mixed in the transparent area 202 to improve the light mixing effect.

[0080] In this embodiment, multiple pixel structures 20 are spliced ​​together to form a honeycomb structure, which improves the compactness and structural stability between pixel structures 20, and also improves the material utilization efficiency of sub-pixel units 21.

[0081] Furthermore, in the pixel structure 20, black matrices BM are provided between adjacent sub-pixel units 21 and between adjacent sub-pixel units 21 and the reflective layer 22, in order to isolate adjacent sub-pixel units 21 and avoid color mixing between adjacent sub-pixel units 21.

[0082] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the second embodiment of this application. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, in the pixel structure 20, each sub-pixel unit 21 is flanked by two reflective layers 22. That is, the sub-pixel units 21 and reflective layers 22 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the polygon, thereby enabling better light mixing of the sub-pixel units 21 in the transparent area 202, improving the uniformity of light mixing, and thus improving the display effect of the display panel 100.

[0083] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the third embodiment of this application. Unlike the first and second embodiments, in this embodiment, the length of the side containing the blue sub-pixel 213 of each pixel structure 20 is greater than the length of the side containing the red sub-pixel 211, and also greater than the length of the side containing the green sub-pixel 212. That is, in the direction parallel to the driving substrate 10, the extension length of the blue sub-pixel 213 is greater than the extension length of the red sub-pixel 211, and also greater than the extension length of the green sub-pixel 212.

[0084] In this embodiment, the sub-pixel unit 21 is an OLED light-emitting device. Since the luminous efficiency of organic light-emitting materials of different colors varies, typically red has the highest luminous efficiency, followed by green, and blue has the lowest. To improve the luminous efficiency and lifespan of the blue sub-pixel 213, this embodiment makes the extension length of the blue sub-pixel 213 greater than the extension lengths of the red sub-pixel 211 and the green sub-pixel 212. This results in a more balanced luminous efficiency among the sub-pixel units 21 of different colors, and a more even aging process for the sub-pixel units 21 of different colors, preventing color shift and other problems from occurring in the display panel 100 over time. Furthermore, the extension length of the reflective layer 22 opposite the blue sub-pixel 213 is the same as the extension length of the blue sub-pixel 213 to increase the reflective area, improve reflection efficiency, and further enhance display brightness.

[0085] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel provided in the fourth embodiment of this application. Unlike the above embodiments, in this embodiment, each side of the polygonal ring includes at least one sub-pixel unit 21 and at least one reflective layer 22. The sub-pixel units 21 and reflective layers 22 are arranged alternately along the circumference of the ring, and the emission color of the sub-pixel units 21 on each side of the polygonal ring is different from the emission color of the sub-pixel units 21 on the adjacent side.

[0086] Through the above configuration, the pixel structure 20 includes multiple sub-pixel units 21 of the same color. These multiple sub-pixel units 21 of the same color can be distributed on at least two non-adjacent sides of the polygon, and each side is provided with a sub-pixel unit 21 and a reflective layer 22. This makes the distribution of sub-pixel units 21 and reflective layers 22 more balanced, further improving the uniformity of light mixing. Taking a hexagonal pixel structure 20 as an example, in this embodiment, multiple sub-pixel units 21 of the same color are distributed on two opposite sides of the polygon. One side includes one sub-pixel unit 21 and two reflective layers 22, with the sub-pixel unit 21 located between the two reflective layers 22. The opposite side includes two sub-pixel units 21 and one reflective layer 22, with the reflective layer 22 located between the two sub-pixels. This makes the sub-pixel units 21 and reflective layers 22 staggered on the two opposite sides, so that the position directly opposite each sub-pixel unit 21 is set as a reflective layer 22, thereby improving the reflection efficiency.

[0087] Furthermore, in the hexagonal pixel structure 20, the number of sub-pixel units 21 differs on adjacent sides. For example, one side may have one sub-pixel unit 21 and two reflective layers 22, while the adjacent side may have two sub-pixel units 21 and one reflective layer 22. This arrangement makes the distribution of sub-pixel units 21 and reflective layers 22 more even on the polygonal pixel structure 20, thereby further improving the light mixing uniformity of the transparent area 202.

[0088] In this embodiment, the number of sub-pixel units 21 is increased by the above settings, which not only improves the uniformity of light mixing, but also improves the display brightness of the pixel structure 20, thereby improving the display brightness and display effect of the display panel 100.

[0089] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in one embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, a display device is provided, which includes a display panel 100 as described in the above embodiment. The pixel structure 20 of the display panel 100 is configured as described above and can achieve the same technical effect. It not only increases the area of ​​the transparent area 202, improving the transparency during transparent display and enhancing the transparent display effect, but also enables the display device to have multiple display modes and switch between corresponding display modes according to different usage scenarios, thus meeting the display needs of multiple scenarios.

[0090] Furthermore, the display device may also include a control module 200, which is electrically connected to the control component 24 in the display panel 100 to provide a corresponding driving voltage to the control component 24, thereby controlling the first refractive index n1 of the first refractive layer 231, the second refractive index n2 of the second refractive layer 232, and the third refractive index n3 of the third refractive layer 233 in the pixel structure 20, thereby controlling the display panel 100 to switch to the corresponding display mode.

[0091] The above are merely embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of patent protection of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application’s specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A pixel structure, characterized in that, It includes multiple sub-pixel units and multiple reflective layers, and the multiple sub-pixel units and multiple reflective layers are arranged to form a ring; The pixel structure also includes a refractive component and a control component; The refractive component includes a first refractive layer, a second refractive layer, and a third refractive layer stacked sequentially inside the annulus; in a direction parallel to the plane of the annulus, the second refractive layer overlaps with the sub-pixel unit, and the first and third refractive layers are offset from the sub-pixel unit so that the light from the sub-pixel unit only enters the second refractive layer; The control component includes a first electrode group, which includes a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The first transparent electrode is disposed between the first refractive layer and the second refractive layer, and the second transparent electrode is disposed between the second refractive layer and the third refractive layer. The control component is used to adjust the refractive index of the second refractive layer so that light in the second refractive layer undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer or is emitted from the first refractive layer and the third refractive layer respectively.

2. The pixel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first refractive layer has a first refractive index, the second refractive layer has a second refractive index, and the third refractive layer has a third refractive index; The first electrode group is used to generate a corresponding electric or magnetic field to adjust the second refractive index.

3. The pixel structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first refractive index is the same as the third refractive index; In pixel area display mode, the first electrode group adjusts the second refractive index to be greater than the first refractive index, and the light in the second refractive layer undergoes total internal reflection in the second refractive layer. In transparent display mode, the first electrode group adjusts the second refractive index to be less than the first refractive index, and the light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the first refractive layer and the third refractive layer respectively.

4. The pixel structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control component further includes a second electrode group and a third electrode group; the second electrode group includes a third transparent electrode and a first transparent electrode, the third transparent electrode being disposed on the side of the first refractive layer away from the second refractive layer, and the second electrode group is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the first refractive index; the third electrode group includes a second transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode being disposed on the side of the third refractive layer away from the second refractive layer, and the third electrode group is used to generate a corresponding electric field or magnetic field to adjust the third refractive index.

5. The pixel structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the first display mode, the control component adjusts the first refractive index to be greater than the second refractive index, and the second refractive index to be greater than the third refractive index, so that light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the first refractive layer; In the second display mode, the control component adjusts the first refractive index to be less than the second refractive index, and the second refractive index to be less than the third refractive index, so that light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the third refractive layer; In transparent display mode, the control component adjusts the second refractive index to be less than the first refractive index and the second refractive index to be less than the third refractive index, so that light in the second refractive layer is emitted from the first refractive layer and the third refractive layer.

6. The pixel structure according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The sub-pixel unit includes an anode electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a cathode electrode stacked sequentially along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring; the cathode electrode and / or the anode electrode is a transparent electrode, or the anode electrode and / or the cathode electrode is a reflective electrode; the control component is insulated from the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

7. The pixel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of sub-pixel units are respectively red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels and blue sub-pixels; the red sub-pixels, the green sub-pixels, the blue sub-pixels and the plurality of reflective layers are arranged to form a polygonal ring.

8. The pixel structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each side of the polygonal ring includes one of the sub-pixel units or one reflective layer; the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence, and multiple reflective layers are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence, or the reflective layers are located on both sides of each sub-pixel unit; or, Each side of the polygonal ring includes at least one sub-pixel unit and at least one reflective layer, the sub-pixel units and the reflective layers are arranged alternately along the circumference of the ring, and the emission color of the sub-pixel unit on each side of the polygonal ring is different from the emission color of the sub-pixel unit on the adjacent side.

9. The pixel structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the polygonal ring, the length of the side containing the blue sub-pixel is greater than the length of the side containing the red sub-pixel, and also greater than the length of the side containing the green sub-pixel.

10. A display panel, characterized in that, Includes a driving substrate and a plurality of pixel structures disposed on the driving substrate as described in any one of claims 1-9; In this arrangement, multiple pixel structures are arranged according to a preset pattern. Each pixel structure is close to the side of its adjacent pixel structure. The sub-pixel unit is disposed adjacent to the reflective layer so that the light from the sub-pixel unit is reflected back into the corresponding pixel structure.

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