Reflective display panel

Abstract

The invention provides a reflective display panel which comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of pixel structures, a plurality of spacers, a first alignment layer, a second alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer and a plurality of shading patterns. The plurality of pixel structures are disposed on the first substrate. The plurality of spacers and the liquid crystal layer are arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first alignment layer is arranged on the first substrate and has a first alignment direction. The second alignment layer is arranged on the second substrate and has a second alignment direction. Each gap object is provided with a first side edge and a second side edge which are opposite to each other and are sequentially arranged along the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction. In the overlapping direction of the first substrate and the second substrate, each shading pattern overlaps the second side edge of one of the spacers but does not overlap the first side edge of the one of the spacers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel, and in particular to a reflective display panel. Background Art

[0002] To achieve a uniform liquid crystal layer within a display panel, a common practice is to disperse multiple spacers between the two substrates to create cavities for the liquid crystal material. For reflective display panels, these spacers are typically placed within the reflective region of a pixel structure or between adjacent pixel structures. Because the spacers have a significant height difference relative to the film surface on which they rest, the alignment effect of the portion of the alignment layer blocked by the spacers along the alignment direction is reduced during the alignment process, thereby affecting the alignment of portions of the liquid crystal layer and causing dark-state light leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to a reflective display panel having better dark state performance and display contrast.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reflective display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of pixel structures, a plurality of spacers, a first alignment layer, a second alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a plurality of shading patterns. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged to overlap along a stacking direction. The plurality of pixel structures are arranged on the first substrate, and each has a reflective electrode. The plurality of spacers are arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first alignment layer is arranged on the first substrate and has a first alignment direction. The second alignment layer is arranged on the second substrate and has a second alignment direction. The liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer. The plurality of shading patterns overlap the plurality of spacers along the stacking direction. Each spacer has a first side edge and a second side edge that are opposite to each other and are arranged in sequence along the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction. In the stacking direction, each shading pattern overlaps the second side edge of one of the spacers, but does not overlap the first side edge of the one of the spacers.

[0005] Based on the above, in a reflective display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, an alignment layer is applied to a plurality of spacers disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. Each spacer has a first side edge and a second side edge arranged in sequence along the alignment direction of the alignment layer. By providing a light-shielding pattern overlapping the second side edge of each spacer, dark-state light leakage caused by weak alignment of the alignment layer on the second side edge of the spacer can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, because the light-shielding pattern does not overlap the first side edge of the spacer, an excessive decrease in reflectivity of the reflective display panel due to the provision of the light-shielding pattern can be avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 and Figure 2is a schematic front view of part of the film layers of a reflective display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a reflective display panel;

[0008] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of part of the film layers of a reflective display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic front view of part of the film layers of a reflective display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a reflective display panel;

[0011] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a schematic front view of part of the film layers of a reflective display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 Schematic cross-sectional view of a reflective display panel.

[0013] Description of Reference Numerals

[0014] 10, 11, 12, 20: reflective display panel;

[0015] 101: first substrate;

[0016] 101s, 102s: substrate surface;

[0017] 102: second substrate;

[0018] 110: gate insulating layer;

[0019] 120, 130: insulation layer;

[0020] 150: coating layer;

[0021] AD1: first alignment direction;

[0022] AD2: second alignment direction;

[0023] AL1: first alignment layer;

[0024] AL2: second alignment layer;

[0025] CE: common electrode;

[0026] CEL: common electrode layer;

[0027] CFP, CFP1, CFP2, CFP3: color filter pattern;

[0028] CP: conductive pattern;

[0029] CPE: capacitive electrode;

[0030] DE: drain;

[0031] D1, D2, D3: direction;

[0032] DL: data line;

[0033] GE: gate;

[0034] GL: scan line;

[0035] LCL: liquid crystal layer;

[0036] LSL, LSL-A: light-shielding layer;

[0037] LSP, LSP-A: light-shielding pattern;

[0038] LSPe1: first pattern lateral edge;

[0039] LSPe2: second pattern lateral edge;

[0040] OP: Opening;

[0041] PX, PX1, PX2, PX3: pixel structure;

[0042] RE: reflective electrode;

[0043] S: spacing;

[0044] SC: semiconductor pattern;

[0045] SE: source;

[0046] SLT: micro-slit;

[0047] SP, SP-A: interstitial matter;

[0048] SPe1: first lateral edge;

[0049] SPe2: second lateral edge;

[0050] T: active element;

[0051] TH: contact hole;

[0052] TP: Translucent pattern;

[0053] W: width;

[0054] WA: weakly aligned area;

[0055] A-A', B-B', C-C': section lines. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The foregoing and other technical aspects, features, and benefits of the present invention will be more clearly understood in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, used in the following embodiments, are merely references to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0057] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a reflective display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a reflective display panel. Figure 3 Corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For clarity, Figure 1 Only shown Figure 3 Part of the film layer on the first substrate 101, and Figure 2 Only shown Figure 3 Part of the film layer on the second substrate 102.

[0059] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The reflective display panel 10 includes a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of scan lines GL, a plurality of pixel structures PX, and a liquid crystal layer LCL. The first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 are arranged to overlap each other, and the liquid crystal layer LCL is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102. The overlapping relationship herein, for example, refers to the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 overlapping each other along a stacking direction (e.g., direction D3). Unless otherwise specified below, the overlapping relationship between two components is defined in this manner, and the overlapping direction is not further described.

[0060] In this embodiment, a plurality of data lines DL are arranged on the first substrate 101 at intervals along direction D1 and extend in direction D2, for example. A plurality of scan lines GL are arranged on the first substrate 101 at intervals along direction D2 and extend in direction D1, for example. More specifically, these scan lines GL intersect with the data lines DL and define a plurality of pixel regions of the reflective display panel 10. A plurality of pixel structures PX are respectively disposed within these pixel regions, and each is electrically connected to a scan line GL and a data line DL. For example, the plurality of pixel structures PX may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns along direction D1 and direction D2, respectively. That is, the pixel structures PX are arranged in an array on the first substrate 101.

[0061] In detail, each of these pixel structures PX may include an active device T and a reflective electrode RE electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the method for forming the active device T may include the following steps: forming a gate electrode GE, a gate insulating layer 110, a semiconductor pattern SC, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE in sequence on a first substrate 101. The semiconductor pattern SC is arranged to overlap the gate electrode GE. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE overlap the semiconductor pattern SC and are in electrical contact with two different regions of the semiconductor pattern SC. In this embodiment, the gate electrode GE of the active device T may optionally be arranged below the semiconductor pattern SC to form a bottom-gate thin film transistor (TFT), but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the gate electrode of the active device may also be optionally arranged above the semiconductor pattern to form a top-gate thin film transistor (TFT).

[0062] Furthermore, the active element T may be sequentially covered with an insulating layer 120 and an insulating layer 130. In this embodiment, the insulating layer 120 is, for example, a passivation layer, and the insulating layer 130 is, for example, a planarization layer. For example, in this embodiment, the pixel structure PX may further include a common electrode CE, a capacitor electrode CPE, and a conductive pattern CP that overlap with each other, but is not limited to this. The common electrode CE is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the gate insulating layer 110. The capacitor electrode CPE is disposed between the gate insulating layer 110 and the insulating layer 120. Therefore, the capacitor electrode CPE, the common electrode CE, and the gate insulating layer 110 sandwiched therebetween may form a storage capacitor. In other embodiments, the pixel structure PX may not include the common electrode CE and the capacitor electrode CPE that overlap with each other. The conductive pattern CP is disposed between the insulating layer 120 and the insulating layer 130.

[0063] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 130 has an opening OP, and this opening OP exposes a portion of the surface of the conductive pattern CP. The reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX is disposed on the surface of the insulating layer 130 and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern CP through the opening OP of the insulating layer 130. The conductive pattern CP is electrically connected to the capacitor electrode CPE through the contact hole TH of the insulating layer 120, and the capacitor electrode CPE may extend from the drain DE of the active device T (i.e., the drain DE and the capacitor electrode CPE are coupled to each other), but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the pixel structure PX may not include the conductive pattern CP, and the reflective electrode RE may be electrically connected to the drain DE of the active device T through a through-hole penetrating the insulating layer 130 and the insulating layer 120.

[0064] It should be noted that the gate GE, source SE, drain DE, semiconductor pattern SC, gate insulating layer 110, passivation layer (i.e., insulating layer 120) and planarization layer (i.e., insulating layer 130) can be respectively realized by any gate, any source, any drain, any semiconductor pattern, any gate insulating layer, any passivation layer and any planarization layer for a reflective display panel known to any person skilled in the art, and the gate GE, source SE, drain DE, semiconductor pattern SC, gate insulating layer 110, passivation layer and planarization layer can be respectively formed by any method known to any person skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0065] Furthermore, the reflective display panel 10 also includes a plurality of color filter patterns CFP disposed on the second substrate 102 and overlapping the plurality of reflective electrodes RE of the plurality of pixel structures PX. These color filter patterns CFP have at least three filter colors. For example, each color filter pattern CFP is adapted to allow red, green, or blue light to pass through, but this is not limited to this. In this embodiment, to adjust the color gamut of displayed colors, the reflective display panel 10 also includes a plurality of light-transmitting patterns TP disposed on the second substrate 102. These light-transmitting patterns TP overlap at least a portion of the plurality of reflective electrodes RE. The light-transmitting patterns TP do not overlap the color filter patterns CFP. The light-transmitting patterns TP are adapted to allow light of various colors to pass through, for example, red, green, and blue light to pass through the light-transmitting patterns TP with minimal or no loss. For example, the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 may comprise green, red, and blue color resists, respectively, while the light-transmitting patterns TP may comprise transparent photoresist, but this is not limited to this. For example, one pixel may include three pixel structures PX (eg Figure 1The pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 in the pixel structure PX1 are pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3, respectively, and the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 have color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3, respectively. The color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 can be green color resistance, red color resistance, and blue color resistance, respectively. The transparent pattern TP is arranged in the pixel structure PX1 and the pixel structure PX2 but is not arranged in the pixel structure PX3. The planar area of the color filter pattern CFP1 is smaller than the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP2 (that is, the planar area of the transparent pattern TP located in the pixel structure PX1 is larger than the planar area of the transparent pattern TP located in the pixel structure PX2), and the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP2 is smaller than the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP3, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the light-transmitting pattern TP is disposed in the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3, and the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP1 is smaller than the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP2 (i.e., the planar area of the light-transmitting pattern TP in the pixel structure PX1 is larger than the planar area of the light-transmitting pattern TP in the pixel structure PX2), and the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP2 is smaller than the planar area of the color filter pattern CFP3 (i.e., the planar area of the light-transmitting pattern TP in the pixel structure PX2 is larger than the planar area of the light-transmitting pattern TP in the pixel structure PX3), but the present invention is not limited to this. By disposing the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, CFP3 and the light-transmitting pattern TP of different planar areas, the yellowish cast of the image of the reflective display panel 10 can be improved, the brightness can be enhanced, and the color saturation can be improved. It should be noted that the above-mentioned planar areas of the color filter patterns and the transparent patterns refer to the areas of the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, CFP3 and the transparent pattern TP on the planes in the directions D1 and D2, that is, the projected areas of the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, CFP3 and the transparent pattern TP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102.

[0066] In this embodiment, a common electrode layer CEL and a coating layer 150 may also be provided on the second substrate 102, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a common electrode layer CEL may be provided on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the common electrode layer CEL is located between the first substrate 101 and the liquid crystal layer LCL). The coating layer 150 covers a plurality of color filter patterns CFP and a light-transmitting pattern TP, and the common electrode layer CEL is provided on the coating layer 150. Since the coating layer 150 may be a light-transmitting layer, in another embodiment, the light-transmitting pattern TP may include a portion of the coating layer 150, that is, the coating layer 150 of the reflective display panel 10 covers a plurality of color filter patterns CFP and fills Figure 2In the region labeled TP, the electric field generated between the common electrode layer CEL and the reflective electrode RE is suitable for driving the liquid crystal molecules (not shown) in the liquid crystal layer LCL to rotate and form an alignment corresponding to the direction and intensity of the electric field. By changing the alignment of these liquid crystal molecules, the polarization state of light passing through the liquid crystal layer LCL is altered, resulting in an output brightness corresponding to the alignment.

[0067] To align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LCL in a natural state (i.e., without external forces), a first alignment layer AL1 covering the reflective electrodes RE may be disposed on the first substrate 101, while a second alignment layer AL2 covering the common electrode layer CEL may be disposed on the second substrate 102. The liquid crystal layer LCL is sandwiched between the first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2. For example, in this embodiment, the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1 may be antiparallel to the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2. This means that the liquid crystal layer LCL can be driven in an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode, an in-plane switching (IPS) mode, or a fringe-field switching (FFS) mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first alignment direction AD1 may be perpendicular to the second alignment direction AD2. This means that the liquid crystal layer LCL can be driven in a twisted nematic (TN) mode.

[0068] A plurality of spacers SP are further disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 to define cavities that can be filled with the liquid crystal layer LCL. Figure 3 Only main spacers are shown among these spacers SP. In some embodiments, these spacers SP may also include sub-spacers (not shown), wherein the height of the sub-spacers in direction D3 is lower than the height of the main spacers in direction D3. In this embodiment, these spacers SP may be dispersedly disposed on the second substrate 102 and overlap the multiple reflective electrodes RE of the multiple pixel structures PX. These spacers SP are located between the second alignment layer AL2 and the second substrate 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the spacers SP may be disposed on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the spacers SP may be disposed between the first alignment layer AL1 and the first substrate 101). In this embodiment, the multiple spacers SP may completely overlap at least a portion of the color filter pattern CFP (or the reflective electrode RE), but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the spacers SP may be disposed between two adjacent pixel structures PX and overlap both reflective electrodes RE of the two pixel structures PX.

[0069] In this embodiment, the spacer SP has a first side edge SPe1 and a second side edge SPe2 that are opposite to each other and arranged in sequence along the second alignment direction AD2. In particular, since the spacer SP has a significant height difference compared to the film surface (e.g., the surface of the common electrode layer CEL) on which it stands, during the alignment process (e.g., rubbing alignment) of the second alignment layer AL2, the portion of the second alignment layer AL2 that is blocked by the spacer SP along the second alignment direction AD2 (i.e., the portion of the second alignment layer AL2 that is located near the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP, see Figure 3 The alignment effect of the reflective display panel 10 (the area near the arrow indicating the weak alignment area WA) affects the arrangement state of part of the liquid crystal layer LCL, resulting in light leakage when the reflective display panel 10 operates in the dark state.

[0070] To address the aforementioned light leakage, the reflective display panel 10 of this embodiment further comprises a plurality of light-shielding patterns LSP, each of which overlaps with a plurality of spacers SP. These light-shielding patterns LSP are located between the plurality of spacers SP and the second substrate 102. More specifically, each of these light-shielding patterns LSP overlaps with the second side edge SPe2 of a corresponding spacer SP. The orthographic projection of the second side edge SPe2 of each spacer SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 lies within the orthographic projection of the overlapping light-shielding pattern LSP on the substrate surface 102s. This effectively reduces dark-state light leakage caused by the weak alignment of the second alignment layer AL2 on the side of the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP.

[0071] It is particularly noteworthy that, since each light-shielding pattern LSP does not overlap with the first side edge SPe1 of the corresponding spacer SP (i.e., the orthographic projection of the first side edge SPe1 of each spacer SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP on the substrate surface 102s), the area of the light-shielding pattern LSP can be reduced to avoid excessive reduction in reflectivity of the reflective display panel 10 due to the arrangement of the light-shielding pattern LSP. For example, in this embodiment, the orthographic projection profile of the spacer SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 is circular, and the orthographic projection profile of the light-shielding pattern LSP on the substrate surface 102s is meniscus-shaped (e.g., Figure 2(as shown), but not limited thereto. Specifically, since the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX of the reflective display panel 10 is used to reflect ambient light or light from the frontlight module to display the corresponding image, the planar area of the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX corresponds to the display area of the pixel structure PX. The spacer SP overlaps the reflective electrode RE in direction D3. Therefore, to shield the weakly aligned area WA located near the spacer SP and avoid shielding too much of the display area of the pixel structure PX and thus reducing reflectivity, the light-shielding pattern LSP overlaps a portion of the spacer SP in direction D3 (overlapping the portion of the spacer SP having the second side edge SPe2). In other words, the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 overlaps a portion of the orthographic projection of the spacer SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102, including the orthographic projection of the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102.

[0072] From another perspective, the light-shielding pattern LSP has a first pattern side edge LSPe1 and a second pattern side edge LSPe2 that face each other and are arranged sequentially along the second alignment direction AD2. In this embodiment, the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light-shielding pattern LSP can conform to the second pattern side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP, allowing the small-area light-shielding pattern LSP to shield the weakly aligned area WA and prevent excessive reflectivity reduction, but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, the first pattern side edge LSPe1 of the light-shielding pattern LSP can conform to the second pattern side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP to further reduce the area of the light-shielding pattern LSP. As a result, the orthographic projection profile of the light-shielding pattern LSP on the substrate surface 102s can be meniscus-shaped, but this is not a limitation. Each spacer SP overlaps the first pattern side edge LSPe1 of a corresponding light-shielding pattern LSP but does not overlap the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of that light-shielding pattern LSP.

[0073] In this embodiment, the spacer SP has a width W along the second alignment direction AD2 (or the first alignment direction AD1), and the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of each light-shielding pattern LSP and the second side edge SPe2 of the overlapping spacer SP have a spacing S along the second alignment direction AD2, and the spacing S is greater than 0, so the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light-shielding pattern LSP does not overlap with the spacer SP. Figures 1 to 3As shown, in this embodiment, as viewed from a direction D3, a portion of the light-shielding pattern LSP overlaps a portion of the spacer SP, and another portion of the light-shielding pattern LSP protrudes outward from the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP and does not overlap the spacer SP. Furthermore, a spacing S greater than 0 is formed between the edge of the protruding portion (i.e., the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light-shielding pattern LSP) and the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the plurality of spacers SP of the reflective display panel 10 include main spacers and sub-spacers of different heights, in addition to employing the aforementioned arrangement of the light-shielding pattern LSP, it is preferred that two photomasks be used to form the main spacers and the sub-spacers, respectively (i.e., one mask is used to form the main spacers, and another mask is used to form the sub-spacers), but the present invention is not limited thereto. Compared to the traditional method of using a half-tone mask to simultaneously form the main spacers and sub-spacers, using two masks to form the main spacers and sub-spacers separately can reduce the size variation of the spacers and the step variation between the spacers. Therefore, combined with the above-mentioned arrangement of the light shielding pattern LSP, the requirement for extreme contrast can be further achieved.

[0074] Some other embodiments will be listed below to illustrate the present disclosure in detail, wherein the same components will be marked with the same symbols, and the description of the same technical content will be omitted. For the omitted parts, please refer to the aforementioned embodiments and will not be repeated below.

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of part of the film layers of the reflective display panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Except for the film layers shown, the film layer structures of the display panel 11 on the first substrate are similar to Figure 1 Therefore, for the illustration and description of these film layer structures, please refer to the relevant paragraphs and corresponding drawings of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The reflective display panel 11 of this embodiment is Figure 2The difference between the reflective display panel 10 and the reflective display panel 11 is that the reflective display panel 11 further includes a light-shielding layer LSL. In the present embodiment, there is a micro-gap SLT (i.e., the gap between the two pixel structures PX) between the two reflective electrodes RE of any two pixel structures PX arranged adjacently along the direction D1 or the direction D2, and the light-shielding layer LSL overlaps the micro-gap SLT. More specifically, the orthographic projection of the micro-gap SLT on the substrate surface 101s of the first substrate 101 is within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer LSL on the substrate surface 101s. In the present embodiment, the light-shielding layer LSL and the light-shielding pattern LSP may optionally be the same film layer (i.e., one film layer is used to form the light-shielding layer LSL and the light-shielding pattern LSP), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the reflective display panel 11 may include a black matrix layer, and the black matrix layer includes the light-shielding layer LSL and the light-shielding pattern LSP, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] For example, because the micro-slits SLT do not overlap the reflective electrodes RE in direction D3, the alignment of at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer LCL in the region of the micro-slits SLT (i.e., the liquid crystal layer LCL overlapping the micro-slits SLT in direction D3) cannot be controlled by the reflective electrodes RE, resulting in dark-state light leakage. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the voltage polarities of two adjacent reflective electrodes RE arranged along direction D1 or direction D2 can be opposite within the same frame period. That is, the reflective display panel 11 is driven, for example, using, but not limited to, a row inversion, column inversion, or dot inversion electrical architecture. The liquid crystal layer LCL driven using the aforementioned electrical architecture is susceptible to liquid crystal molecule alignment inversion in the region of the micro-slits SLT, leading to dark-state light leakage. Therefore, the provision of the light-shielding layer LSL can significantly improve light leakage in the dark-state of the reflective display panel 11, thereby enhancing its display contrast. From another perspective, the flexibility in selecting the driving electrical structure of the reflective display panel 11 can be increased.

[0078] Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a reflective display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of a reflective display panel. Figure 7 Corresponding to Figure 5 and Figure 6 For clear presentation, Figure 5 Only shown Figure 7 Part of the film layer on the first substrate 101, and Figure 6Only shown Figure 7 Part of the film layer on the second substrate 102.

[0079] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7 The reflective display panel 12 of this embodiment is Figures 1 to 3 The difference between the reflective display panel 10 and the reflective display panel 11 is that the reflective display panel 11 further includes a light-shielding layer LSL-A. In the present embodiment, the light-shielding layer LSL-A overlaps with the opening OP of the insulating layer 130. More specifically, the orthographic projection of the opening OP on the substrate surface 101s of the first substrate 101 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer LSL-A on the substrate surface 101s. In the present embodiment, the orthographic projection of the opening OP on the substrate surface 101s of the first substrate 101 may be located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer LSL-A on the substrate surface 101s, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the present embodiment, the light-shielding layer LSL-A and the light-shielding pattern LSP may optionally be the same film layer, but is not limited thereto. For example, the reflective display panel 12 may include a black matrix layer, and the black matrix layer includes the light-shielding layer LSL-A and the light-shielding pattern LSP, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Because the first alignment layer AL1 is recessed near the opening OP due to the shape of the opening OP, the alignment process of the first alignment layer AL1 results in weak alignment of the first alignment layer AL1 near the opening OP, leading to light leakage in the dark state. Furthermore, the alignment of the liquid crystal layer LCL near the opening OP is affected by the surface topography of the insulating layer 130 defining the opening OP, which can easily lead to poor alignment of the liquid crystal molecules and cause light leakage in the dark state. Therefore, the provision of the light-shielding layer LSL-A effectively improves light leakage in the dark state of the reflective display panel 12, thereby improving its dark state performance and display contrast.

[0081] Figure 8 and Figure 9 FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a reflective display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 Schematic cross-sectional view of a reflective display panel. Figure 10 Corresponding to Figure 8 and Figure 9 For clarity, Figure 8 Only shown Figure 10 Part of the film layer on the first substrate 101, and Figure 9 Only shown Figure 10 Part of the film layer on the second substrate 102. Please refer to Figures 8 to 10 The reflective display panel 20 of this embodiment is Figure 3Specifically, in the reflective display panel 20 of this embodiment, a plurality of spacers SP-A may be disposed on the first substrate 101 and located between the first alignment layer AL1 and the first substrate 101.

[0082] In particular, Figures 8 to 10 In the example, the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1 is antiparallel to the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first alignment direction AD1 may be perpendicular to the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the first side edge SPe1 and the second side edge SPe2 of each spacer SP-A are arranged in sequence along the first alignment direction AD1. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 8 to 10 In this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the first side edge SPe1 and the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP-A is opposite to Figure 3 Therefore, the position of the light shielding pattern LSP-A on the second substrate 102 needs to be adjusted accordingly so that it overlaps with the second side edge SPe2 of the corresponding spacer SP-A and does not overlap with the first side edge SPe1. From another point of view, the arrangement direction of the first pattern side edge LSPe1 and the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light shielding pattern LSP-A in this embodiment is opposite to Figure 3 The arrangement direction of the first pattern side edge LSPe1 and the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light-shielding pattern LSP, that is, the light-shielding pattern LSP-A has a first pattern side edge LSPe1 and a second pattern side edge LSPe2 facing each other and arranged in sequence along the first alignment direction AD1. Similar to the first embodiment, the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light-shielding pattern LSP-A of this embodiment can be conformal to the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP-A, but is not limited to this. In addition, the first pattern side edge LSPe1 of the light-shielding pattern LSP-A can also be conformal to the second side edge SPe2 of the spacer SP-A. Each spacer SP-A overlaps with the first pattern side edge LSPe1 of a corresponding light-shielding pattern LSP-A, but does not overlap with the second pattern side edge LSPe2 of the light-shielding pattern LSP-A. In addition, the reflective display panel 20 of this embodiment may further include a light-shielding layer (similar to Figure 4 The light shielding layer LSL) and / or the light shielding layer (similar to the light shielding layer LSL) overlapping the opening OP of the insulating layer 130 Figure 6 and Figure 7 Light-shielding layer LSL-A), for related instructions, please refer to Figures 4 to 7 , I will not go into details here.

[0083] Although the drawings of the first to fourth embodiments above illustrate that the light-shielding patterns LSP, LSP-A and the light-shielding layers LSL, LSL-A are disposed on the second substrate 102 (i.e., the light-shielding patterns LSP, LSP-A and the light-shielding layers LSL, LSL-A are disposed between the second substrate 102 and the liquid crystal layer LCL), the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the light-shielding patterns LSP, LSP-A and the light-shielding layers LSL, LSL-A may be disposed on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the light-shielding patterns LSP, LSP-A and the light-shielding layers LSL, LSL-A are disposed between the first substrate 101 and the liquid crystal layer LCL).

[0084] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the reflective electrodes RE define the reflective regions of the reflective display panels 10, 11, 12, and 20. It should be noted that the reflective display panel of the present invention may be a fully reflective display panel having only a reflective region, or a transflective display panel having both a reflective region and a transmissive region (not shown).

[0085] In summary, in a reflective display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, an alignment layer is applied to a plurality of spacers disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. Each spacer has a first side edge and a second side edge sequentially arranged along the alignment direction of the alignment layer. By providing a light-shielding pattern overlapping the second side edge of each spacer, dark-state light leakage caused by weak alignment of the alignment layer on the second side edge of the spacer can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, since the light-shielding pattern does not overlap the first side edge of the spacer, an excessive decrease in reflectivity of the reflective display panel due to the provision of the light-shielding pattern can be avoided.

[0086] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reflective display panel, characterized in that: include: The first substrate and the second substrate are overlapped along a stacking direction; a plurality of pixel structures, disposed on the first substrate, and each having a reflective electrode; a plurality of spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first alignment layer, disposed on the first substrate and having a first alignment direction; a second alignment layer, disposed on the second substrate and having a second alignment direction; a liquid crystal layer, disposed between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer; as well as A plurality of light-shielding patterns overlap the plurality of spacers along the stacking direction, wherein each of the plurality of spacers has a first side edge and a second side edge facing each other and arranged in sequence along the first orientation direction or the second orientation direction. In the stacking direction, each of the plurality of light-shielding patterns overlaps the second side edge of one of the plurality of spacers but does not overlap the first side edge of the one of the plurality of spacers.

2. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: An orthographic projection of the second side edge of each of the plurality of spacers on the substrate surface of the first substrate or the second substrate is located within an orthographic projection of one of the plurality of light-shielding patterns on the substrate surface.

3. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of spacers are disposed on the second substrate and located between the second alignment layer and the second substrate. The first side edge and the second side edge of each of the plurality of spacers are sequentially arranged along the second alignment direction.

4. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of light shielding patterns are disposed on the second substrate and located between the plurality of spacers and the second substrate.

5. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: An orthographic projection profile of each of the plurality of spacers on the substrate surface of the first substrate or the second substrate is circular, and an orthographic projection profile of each of the plurality of light-shielding patterns on the substrate surface is meniscus-shaped.

6. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of light-shielding patterns has a first pattern side edge and a second pattern side edge that are opposite to each other and arranged in sequence along the first orientation direction or the second orientation direction. In the overlapping direction, each of the plurality of spacers overlaps with the first pattern side edge of one of the plurality of light-shielding patterns, but does not overlap with the second pattern side edge of one of the plurality of light-shielding patterns.

7. The reflective display panel according to claim 6, wherein: The second side edge of each of the plurality of spacers is conformal to the second pattern side edge of the one of the plurality of light-shielding patterns.

8. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of spacers are arranged to overlap the plurality of reflective electrodes of the plurality of pixel structures.

9. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: Micro gaps are formed between the reflective electrodes of the pixel structures. A light shielding layer is overlapped on the micro gaps along the stacking direction. The light shielding layer and the light shielding patterns are the same film layer.

10. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of pixel structures further comprises: Active components; and An insulating layer is disposed between the active element and the reflective electrode and has an opening, wherein the reflective electrode is disposed on the insulating layer and extends into the opening to electrically connect to the active element, and a light-shielding layer is overlapped with the opening along the stacking direction, and the light-shielding layer and the multiple light-shielding patterns are the same film layer.

11. The reflective display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of spacers are disposed on the first substrate and located between the first alignment layer and the first substrate. The first side edge and the second side edge of each of the plurality of spacers are sequentially arranged along the first alignment direction.

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