Display panel

Abstract

The invention provides a display panel which comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a pixel structure, a liquid crystal layer and a shading layer. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in an overlapping mode in the overlapping direction. The pixel structure is disposed on the first substrate and has an active element and a reflective electrode electrically connected to each other. The liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The shading layer is arranged on the second substrate and comprises a first shading pattern. The first shading pattern is overlapped on the reflecting electrode of the pixel structure along the overlapping direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel, and in particular to a display panel provided with a light shielding layer. Background Art

[0002] To avoid image sticking or reduce power consumption, current display panels often use polarity inversion methods such as column inversion or dot inversion to operate multiple pixel electrodes. However, the operating voltage difference between different pixels can easily cause the liquid crystal layer to be poorly aligned in part between the electrodes. On the other hand, areas in the display panel where the film stack structure differs significantly are prone to forming weakly aligned areas during the subsequent alignment process, resulting in poor alignment of the liquid crystal layer in these areas. Poor alignment of the liquid crystal layer can cause light leakage when the display panel is operating in the dark state, resulting in a decrease in display contrast. Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a pixel structure, a liquid crystal layer, and a light shielding layer. The first and second substrates are arranged to overlap along a stacking direction. The pixel structure is disposed on the first substrate and includes an active element and a reflective electrode electrically connected to each other. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second substrates. The light shielding layer is disposed on the second substrate and includes a first light shielding pattern. The first light shielding pattern overlaps the reflective electrode of the pixel structure along the stacking direction.

[0005] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes an insulating layer disposed on the first substrate and covering the active device. The insulating layer has an opening that overlaps the reflective electrode of the pixel structure. The reflective electrode is disposed on the insulating layer and extends into the opening to electrically connect to the active device. The orthographic projection of the opening of the insulating layer on the substrate surface of the first substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

[0006] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reflective electrodes in a plurality of pixel structures are arranged in a spaced relationship along a first direction. A gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes. The light shielding layer further includes a second light shielding pattern. The second light shielding pattern overlaps the gap and has a first micro-slit and a second micro-slit. The first micro-slit and the second micro-slit are located on opposite sides of the gap along the first direction.

[0007] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, multiple reflective electrodes of a plurality of pixel structures are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement along a first direction. A gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes. The light shielding layer further includes a second light shielding pattern. The second light shielding pattern overlaps the gap and comprises a plurality of wide portions and a plurality of narrow portions. The wide portions and the narrow portions are alternately arranged and connected to each other along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The width of any one of the wide portions along the first direction is greater than the width of any one of the narrow portions along the first direction.

[0008] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, multiple reflective electrodes in a plurality of pixel structures are arranged in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. A first gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes arranged in the first direction. The light-shielding layer further includes a second light-shielding pattern. The second light-shielding pattern overlaps the first gap and has micro-slits. The micro-slits overlap the first gap. A second gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes arranged in the second direction. The light-shielding layer further includes a third light-shielding pattern. The orthographic projection of the second gap on the substrate surface is within the orthographic projection of the third light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

[0009] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a spacer, a first alignment layer, and a second alignment layer. The spacer is disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. The first alignment layer is disposed on the first substrate and has a first alignment direction. The second alignment layer is disposed on the second substrate and has a second alignment direction. The spacer has a first side edge and a second side edge facing away from each other and arranged in sequence along the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction. The shading layer further includes a fourth shading pattern. In the stacking direction, the fourth shading pattern overlaps the second side edge of the spacer but does not overlap the first side edge of the spacer.

[0010] In the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the orthographic projection profile of the spacer on the substrate surface is circular, and the orthographic projection profile of the fourth light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface is half-moon-shaped.

[0011] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a common electrode and a common electrode line. The common electrode is disposed on a first substrate and overlaps the reflective electrode of the pixel structure. The common electrode line is disposed on the first substrate and connects the common electrode. A plurality of reflective electrodes are spaced apart along a first direction. A gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes. The gap extends in a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The common electrode line has a portion overlapping the gap. The light shielding layer further includes a second light shielding pattern. The orthographic projection of a portion of the common electrode line on the substrate surface is located within the orthographic projection of the second light shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

[0012] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a scan line disposed on the first substrate and electrically connected to the active element of the pixel structure. A plurality of reflective electrodes are spaced apart along a first direction. A gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes. The gap extends in a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The scan line has a portion overlapping the gap. The light shielding layer further includes a second light shielding pattern. An orthographic projection of a portion of the scan line on the substrate surface is located within an orthographic projection of the second light shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

[0013] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, multiple reflective electrodes in a plurality of pixel structures are arranged with intervals along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. A first gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes arranged along the first direction. A second gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes arranged along the second direction. The light-shielding layer further includes a second light-shielding pattern and a third light-shielding pattern. The orthographic projection of the first gap on the substrate surface is within the orthographic projection of the second light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface. The orthographic projection of the second gap on the substrate surface is within the orthographic projection of the third light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface. The width of the second light-shielding pattern along the first direction is different from the width of the third light-shielding pattern along the second direction.

[0014] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first substrate includes a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area. A plurality of pixel structures are arranged in the display area. The display area includes an edge display area adjacent to the peripheral area and a central display area remote from the peripheral area. The plurality of pixel structures include a plurality of first pixel structures and a plurality of second pixel structures. The plurality of first pixel structures are arranged in the edge display area. The plurality of second pixel structures are arranged in the central display area. A first gap is provided between two reflective electrodes of any two adjacent ones of the first pixel structures arranged along the first direction. A second gap is provided between two reflective electrodes of any two adjacent ones of the second pixel structures arranged along the first direction. The light-shielding layer further includes a second light-shielding pattern and a third light-shielding pattern. The second light-shielding pattern overlaps with the first gap and has at least one micro-slit. The third light-shielding pattern overlaps with the second gap, and the orthographic projection of the second gap on the substrate surface is located within the orthographic projection of the third light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

[0015] In the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the number of the at least one micro slit of the second light-shielding pattern decreases gradually as it moves away from the peripheral region.

[0016] Based on the foregoing, in a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light-shielding pattern provided on the reflective electrode overlapping the pixel structure is suitable for shielding light leakage caused by poor alignment of the liquid crystal layer above or at the edge of the reflective electrode, thereby helping to improve the dark state performance of the display panel and thereby enhancing its display contrast. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel;

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel;

[0022] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 and Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel;

[0024] Figure 13 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 14 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 15 and Figure 16 yes Figure 14 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E: display panel;

[0029] 101: first substrate;

[0030] 101s: substrate surface;

[0031] 102: second substrate;

[0032] 110: gate insulating layer;

[0033] 120, 130: insulation layer;

[0034] 150: coating layer;

[0035] AD1: first alignment direction;

[0036] AD2: second alignment direction;

[0037] AL1: first alignment layer;

[0038] AL2: second alignment layer;

[0039] cDA: central display area;

[0040] CE: common electrode;

[0041] CEL: common electrode layer;

[0042] CL: common electrode line;

[0043] CLp, GLp: partially;

[0044] CP: conductive pattern;

[0045] CPE: capacitive electrode;

[0046] D1, D2, D3: direction;

[0047] DA: display area;

[0048] DE: drain;

[0049] DL: data line;

[0050] eDA: edge display area;

[0051] FL: filter layer;

[0052] G1, G2, Gc, Ged: gap;

[0053] GE: gate;

[0054] GL: scan line;

[0055] LCL: liquid crystal layer;

[0056] LSL, LSL-A, LSL-B, LSL-C, LSL-D, LSL-E: light-shielding layer;

[0057] LSP1, LSP2, LSP2a, LSP2a1, LSP2a2, LSP2a3, LSP2b, LSP2c, LSP2d, LSP2e, LSP2a-A, LSP2b-A, LSP2-D, LSP3, LSP3-D, LSP4: light-shielding pattern;

[0058] LSP2p1, LSP2p2: light-shielding part;

[0059] np: narrow part;

[0060] OP: Opening;

[0061] PA: peripheral area;

[0062] PX, PXc, PXe: pixel structure;

[0063] RE: reflective electrode;

[0064] SC: semiconductor pattern;

[0065] SE: source;

[0066] se1: first lateral edge;

[0067] se2: second lateral edge;

[0068] SLT, SLT1~SLT4: micro gap;

[0069] SP: interstitial matter;

[0070] T: active element;

[0071] TH: contact hole;

[0072] W, W1, W2, W1”, W2”: width;

[0073] wp: width;

[0074] A-A', B-B', C-C', D-D', E-E', F-F', G-G', H-H', I-I', J-J': hatching lines. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel. Figure 3 correspond Figure 1 and Figure 2 Section line A-A'. Figure 4 correspond Figure 1 and Figure 2 The section line B-B' and the section line C-C'. In particular, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display panel 10 is Figure 3 and Figure 4 A top view of one side of the second substrate 102 and along the direction D3. For clarity, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Omitted Figure 3 and Figure 4 The middle part of the film layer is shown.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The 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 here, 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 the two components is defined in this manner, and the overlapping direction will not be repeated.

[0079] In this embodiment, a plurality of data lines DL are, for example, arranged at intervals along direction D1 on the first substrate 101 and extend in direction D2, and a plurality of scan lines GL are, for example, arranged at intervals along direction D2 on the first substrate 101 and extend in direction D1. Direction D1, direction D2, and direction D3 may optionally be perpendicular to each other, but are not limited thereto. More specifically, these scan lines GL intersect with these data lines DL and define a plurality of pixel areas of the reflective display panel 10. A plurality of pixel structures PX are respectively disposed in these pixel areas, 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, these pixel structures PX are arranged in an array on the first substrate 101.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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. In this embodiment, the display panel 10 may further include a plurality of common electrode lines CL on the first substrate 101 , and these common electrode lines CL respectively connect the plurality of common electrodes CE of the plurality of pixel structures PX in series.

[0082] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 130 has an opening OP that overlaps the reflective electrode RE, 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 via the opening OP in the insulating layer 130. The conductive pattern CP is electrically connected to the capacitor electrode CPE via the contact hole TH in the insulating layer 120. 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 via a through-hole that penetrates the insulating layer 130 and the insulating layer 120.

[0083] 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 planarizing 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 planarizing layer for display panels known to any technician in the relevant technical field, and the gate GE, source SE, drain DE, semiconductor pattern SC, gate insulating layer 110, passivation layer and planarizing layer can be respectively formed by any method known to any technician in the relevant technical field, so they will not be elaborated here.

[0084] Furthermore, the display panel 10 further includes a filter layer FL disposed on the second substrate 102. For example, the filter layer FL may include a plurality of filter patterns (not shown). These filter patterns overlap the plurality of reflective electrodes RE of the plurality of pixel structures PX, and are each adapted to allow red light, green light, or blue light to pass therethrough. In other words, these filter patterns may include, but are not limited to, red, green, and blue color resists.

[0085] In this embodiment, a common electrode layer CEL and a cladding layer 150 may also be provided on the second substrate 102, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the common electrode layer CEL may be provided on the first substrate 101. The cladding layer 150 covers the filter layer FL, and the common electrode layer CEL is provided on the cladding layer 150. The electric field generated between the common electrode layer CEL and the reflective electrode RE is suitable for driving the plurality of liquid crystal molecules (not shown) of the liquid crystal layer LCL to rotate and form an arrangement state corresponding to the direction and intensity of the electric field. By changing the arrangement state of these liquid crystal molecules, the polarization state of the light passing through the liquid crystal layer LCL is changed, forming a light output brightness corresponding to the arrangement state.

[0086] 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 provided on the first substrate 101, while a second alignment layer AL2 covering the common electrode layer CEL may be provided 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.

[0087] Because the opening OP of the insulating layer 130 has a significant topographical step, during the alignment process of the first alignment layer AL1, the portion of the first alignment layer AL1 within the opening OP is less easily rubbed by the lint on the machine roller, resulting in weak alignment. This can easily lead to poor alignment of the liquid crystal layer LCL near the opening OP, causing dark-state light leakage. To address the aforementioned issue, the display panel 10 of this embodiment further includes a light shielding layer LSL disposed on the second substrate 102 and covered by the filter layer FL. The light shielding layer LSL includes a light shielding pattern LSP1 that overlaps the opening OP of the insulating layer 130. Specifically, the light shielding pattern LSP1 overlaps the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX.

[0088] In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the opening OP of the insulating layer 130 on the substrate surface 101s of the first substrate 101 is located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP1 on the substrate surface 101s. The provision of the light-shielding pattern LSP1 can block light leakage caused by poor alignment of the liquid crystal layer LCL, thereby improving the dark state performance of the display panel 10.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4On the other hand, in this embodiment, the multiple reflective electrodes RE of the multiple pixel structures PX may be arranged with intervals along directions D1 and D2, respectively. That is, a gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE along direction D1 or direction D2. For example, a gap G1 is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE arranged along direction D1, and a gap G2 is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE arranged along direction D2.

[0090] When driving the liquid crystal layer LCL, any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE arranged along direction D1 or direction D2 may have voltages of opposite polarity. In other words, the display panel 10 of this embodiment drives the multiple pixel structures PX using polarity inversion (e.g., column inversion or single-point inversion). Therefore, a voltage difference between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE can easily lead to poor alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LCL between the two adjacent reflective electrodes RE, resulting in light leakage at gaps G1 and G2.

[0091] To block light leakage from the gaps between the multiple reflective electrodes RE, the light-shielding layer LSL further includes light-shielding patterns overlapping the gaps. For example, a light-shielding pattern LSP2a overlaps gap G1 and extends in direction D2, and a light-shielding pattern LSP2b overlaps gap G2 and extends in direction D1. Of particular note, the light-shielding pattern LSP2a includes micro slits SLT1 and SLT2 arranged parallel to gap G1. The light-shielding pattern LSP2b includes micro slits SLT3 and SLT4 arranged parallel to gap G2.

[0092] More specifically, micro slits SLT1 and SLT2 are located on opposite sides of gap G1 along direction D1 and extend in direction D2. Micro slits SLT3 and SLT4 are located on opposite sides of gap G2 along direction D2 and extend in direction D1. The provision of these micro slits reduces the area of the reflective surface of the reflective electrode RE that is blocked by the light-shielding patterns LSP2a and LSP2b while blocking light leakage from the gap.

[0093] By disposing the aforementioned light shielding layer LSL, the liquid crystal layer LCL can be shielded from the light above the reflective electrode RE (eg Figure 3 The light leakage caused by poor arrangement of the insulating layer 130 (near the opening OP) and the spacing region between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE (such as the gap G1 or the gap G2) helps to improve the dark state performance of the display panel 10, thereby enhancing its display contrast.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of the film layers of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The other film layers are similar to the display panel 10 of the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the structure and description of the other film layers can be found in the relevant drawings and description paragraphs of the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 5 The display panel 10A of this embodiment is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display panel 10 differs in the configuration of the light-shielding patterns. Specifically, the light-shielding patterns LSP2a-A and LSP2b-A in the light-shielding layer LSL-A of this embodiment, which overlap with the gap G1 and the gap G2, respectively, can each have multiple wide portions wp and multiple narrow portions np.

[0097] For example, the plurality of wide portions wp and the plurality of narrow portions np of the light-shielding pattern LSP2a-A may be arranged alternately along the direction D2 and connected to one another. The width W1 of any wide portion wp of the light-shielding pattern LSP2a-A along the direction D1 may be greater than the width W2 of any narrow portion np of the light-shielding pattern LSP2a-A along the direction D1. Similarly, the plurality of wide portions wp and the plurality of narrow portions np of the light-shielding pattern LSP2b-A may be arranged alternately along the direction D1 and connected to one another. The width W1″ of any wide portion wp of the light-shielding pattern LSP2b-A along the direction D2 may be greater than the width W2″ of any narrow portion np of the light-shielding pattern LSP2b-A along the direction D2.

[0098] By designing the light shielding patterns in width (eg, sawtooth design) in the extension direction, the light shielding patterns LSP2a-A and LSP2b-A can reduce the shielding area of the reflective surface of the reflective electrode RE while blocking light leakage from the gaps.

[0099] Figure 6 and Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel. Figure 8 correspond Figure 6 and Figure 7 Section line D-D'. Figure 9 correspond Figure 6 and Figure 7 The section line E-E' and the section line F-F'. In particular, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display panel 10B is Figure 8 and Figure 9 A top view of one side of the second substrate 102 and along the direction D3. For clarity, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Omitted Figure 8 and Figure 9 The middle part of the film layer is shown.

[0100] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 The display panel 10B of this embodiment is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference between the display panels 10 and 10B is that the light shielding layer is set in a different way. First, it should be noted that a plurality of spacers SP are further provided between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 of the display panel 10B to separate out cavities that can be filled with the liquid crystal layer LCL. In the present embodiment, these spacers SP can be dispersedly provided on the second substrate 102 and overlap the plurality of reflective electrodes RE of the plurality of 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 thereto. In other embodiments, the spacers SP can be provided on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the spacers SP can be provided between the first alignment layer AL1 and the first substrate 101).

[0101] In this embodiment, the spacer SP may completely overlap the reflective electrode RE. That is, the orthographic projection of the spacer SP on the substrate surface 101s is located within the orthographic projection of the reflective electrode RE on the substrate surface 101s, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacer SP may be disposed between two adjacent pixel structures PX and simultaneously overlap the two reflective electrodes RE of the two pixel structures PX.

[0102] In this embodiment, the spacer SP has a first side edge se1 and a second side edge se2 that face each other and are arranged sequentially along the second alignment direction AD2. Specifically, due to the significant height difference between the spacer SP and the film surface (e.g., the surface of the common electrode layer CEL) on which it stands, the alignment effect of the second alignment layer AL2 along the second alignment direction AD2, which is blocked by the spacer SP and is therefore reduced during the alignment process (e.g., rubbing alignment), is reduced. This, in turn, affects the alignment of a portion of the liquid crystal layer LCL, leading to light leakage when the display panel 10B is operating in a dark state.

[0103] In order to solve the light leakage phenomenon caused by the spacer SP, the light shielding layer LSL-B of this embodiment may further include a light shielding pattern LSP4. The light shielding pattern LSP4 overlaps the second side edge se2 of the spacer SP, but does not overlap the first side edge se1 of the spacer SP. For example, in this embodiment, the orthographic projection profile of the spacer SP on the substrate surface 101s may be circular, and the orthographic projection profile of the light shielding pattern LSP4 on the substrate surface 101s may be a half-moon shape (e.g., Figure 7 In other embodiments, the configurations of the spacer SP and the light shielding pattern LSP4 can be adjusted according to actual design requirements.

[0104] Based on the configuration of the light shielding pattern LSP4 , dark state light leakage caused by the weak alignment of the second alignment layer AL2 at the second side edge Se2 of the spacer SP can be effectively improved.

[0105] Please refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 On the other hand, in the light-shielding layer LSL-B of this embodiment, the configuration of the light-shielding pattern LSP2 for shielding the gap G1 may be different from the configuration of the light-shielding pattern LSP3 for shielding the gap G2. For example, in this embodiment, the light-shielding pattern LSP2 overlapping the gap G1 may have micro slits SLT, but the light-shielding pattern LSP3 overlapping the gap G2 does not have micro slits SLT.

[0106] Of particular note is that the micro-slits SLT of the light-shielding pattern LSP2 overlap the gap G1, and the orthographic projection of the gap G2 on the substrate surface 101s lies within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP3 on the substrate surface 101s. The provision of micro-slits SLT reduces the amount of light-shielding pattern LSP2 that blocks light leakage through the gap while also reducing the amount of light that is blocked from the reflective surface of the reflective electrode RE at a specific viewing angle.

[0107] Figure 10 and Figure 11 FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 yes Figure 10 and Figure 11 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel. Figure 12 correspond Figure 10 and Figure 11 The section line G-G' and the section line H-H'. In particular, Figure 10 and Figure 11 The display panel 10C is Figure 12 A top view of one side of the second substrate 102 and along the direction D3. For clarity, Figure 10 and Figure 11 Omitted Figure 12The middle part of the film layer is shown. Please refer to Figures 10 to 12 The display panel 10C of this embodiment is Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display panel 10B is different only in that the configuration of the light shielding pattern overlapping the gap G1 is different.

[0108] Specifically, in the light-shielding layer LSL-C of the present embodiment, the light-shielding pattern overlapping the gap G1 only overlaps the scan line GL or the common electrode line CL and does not extend in the direction D2 to block the entire gap G1. For example, the common electrode line CL has a portion CLp that overlaps the gap G1, and the scan line GL has a portion GLp that overlaps the gap G1. The light-shielding pattern LSP2c and the light-shielding pattern LSP2d that overlap the gap G1 in the light-shielding layer LSL-C overlap the portion CLp of the common electrode line CL and the portion GLp of the scan line GL, respectively. More specifically, the orthographic projection of the portion CLp of the common electrode line CL on the substrate surface 101s is located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP2c on the substrate surface 101s, and the orthographic projection of the portion GLp of the scan line GL on the substrate surface 101s is located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP2d on the substrate surface 101s.

[0109] It is particularly noted that since the electric field of the common electrode line CL and the scan line GL will escape from the gap G1, causing poor arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LCL near the gap G1, the setting of the shading pattern LSP2c and the shading pattern LSP2d can improve the light leakage problem caused by the common electrode line CL and the scan line GL at the intersection with the gap G1, thereby improving the dark state performance of the display panel 10C.

[0110] In this embodiment, the orthographic projection profiles of the light-shielding patterns LSP2c and LSP2d on the substrate surface 101s may be circular, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, because the light-shielding patterns LSP2c and LSP2d do not extend to cover the entire gap G1, the area of the reflective surface of the reflective electrode RE blocked by the light-shielding layer LSL-C while simultaneously blocking light leakage can be reduced.

[0111] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a portion of the film layers of a display panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 The other film layers are similar to the display panel 10 of the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the structure and description of the other film layers can be found in the relevant drawings and description paragraphs of the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 13 The display panel 10D of this embodiment is Figure 1 and Figure 2The difference between the display panel 10 and the display panel 10 is that the configuration of the light shielding layer is different. Specifically, in the light shielding layer LSL-D of this embodiment, the light shielding pattern LSP2-D and the light shielding pattern LSP3-D respectively overlapping the gap G1 and the gap G2 are not provided with the light shielding pattern LSP2-D and the light shielding pattern LSP3-D respectively overlapping the gap G1 and the gap G2. Figure 2 Shown are micro slits SLT1, micro slits SLT2, micro slits SLT3, and micro slits SLT4.

[0113] From another perspective, the gap G1 is formed on the first substrate 101 (or Figure 12 The orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP2-D onto the substrate surface 101s is shown to be within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP2-D onto the first substrate 101, and the orthographic projection of the gap G2 onto the first substrate 101 is within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP3-D onto the first substrate 101. It is particularly noted that the width W3 of the light-shielding pattern LSP2-D along the direction D1 may be different from (e.g., greater than) the width W4 of the light-shielding pattern LSP3-D along the direction D2.

[0114] In order to solve the Figure 10 and Figure 11 In order to solve the light leakage problem of the display panel 10C at the intersections of the common electrode line CL and the scanning line GL with the gap G1, the light shielding pattern LSP2-D of this embodiment also has the same function as Figure 11 The light shielding pattern LSP2c includes a light shielding portion LSP2p1 and a light shielding portion LSP2p2 similar to the light shielding pattern LSP2d. The light shielding portion LSP2p1 overlaps the intersection of the common electrode line CL and the gap G1, while the light shielding portion LSP2p2 overlaps the intersection of the scanning line GL and the gap G1.

[0115] Different from Figure 11 The light-shielding pattern LSP2c and the light-shielding pattern LSP2d, the orthographic projection outlines of the light-shielding portion LSP2p1 and the light-shielding portion LSP2p2 of this embodiment on the first substrate 101 may be rectangular.

[0116] Figure 14 FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a portion of film layers of a display panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 and Figure 16 yes Figure 14 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel. Figure 15 Corresponding to Figure 14 Section line I-I'. Figure 16 Corresponding to Figure 14 First, it is explained that the display panel 10E has Figure 14 and Figure 15The other film layers except the light shielding layer LSL-E are similar to the display panel 10 of the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the structure and description of the other film layers can be found in the relevant drawings and description paragraphs of the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] Please refer to Figures 14 to 16 In this embodiment, the first substrate 101 of the display panel 10E includes a display area DA and a peripheral area PA outside the display area DA. The display area DA may include an edge display area eDA adjacent to the peripheral area PA and a central display area cDA away from the peripheral area PA. That is, the edge display area eDA is located between the central display area cDA and the peripheral area PA.

[0118] In this embodiment, the plurality of pixel structures PX may include a plurality of pixel structures PXc disposed in the central display area cDA and a plurality of pixel structures PXe disposed in the edge display area eDA. A gap Gc is defined between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of the pixel structures PXc arranged along the direction D1. A gap Ged is defined between any two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of the pixel structures PXe arranged along the direction D1.

[0119] On the other hand, the light-shielding layer LSL-E includes a light-shielding pattern LSP2e overlapping the gap Gc and a light-shielding pattern (e.g., light-shielding pattern LSP2a1, light-shielding pattern LSP2a2, or light-shielding pattern LSP2a3) overlapping the gap Ged. The light-shielding pattern located in the edge display area eDA may have at least one micro-slit SLT, while the light-shielding pattern located in the central display area cDA is not provided with a micro-slit. In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the gap Gc on the substrate surface 101s is located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding pattern LSP2e on the substrate surface 101s. In other words, the gap Gc completely overlaps the light-shielding pattern LSP2e.

[0120] It is particularly noted that the number of micro slits SLT of the light shielding pattern in the edge display area eDA may decrease gradually as it moves away from the peripheral area PA. Figure 14 and Figure 15 For example, three adjacent light-shielding patterns arranged along direction D1 within the edge display area eDA are arranged in descending order based on their distance from the peripheral area PA: light-shielding pattern LSP2a1, light-shielding pattern LSP2a2, and light-shielding pattern LSP2a3. Light-shielding pattern LSP2a1 may have three micro slits SLT. Light-shielding pattern LSP2a2 may have two micro slits SLT. Light-shielding pattern LSP2a3 may have one micro slit SLT.

[0121] From another perspective, the widths W of the distribution ranges of the light-shielding patterns LSP2a1, LSP2a2, and LSP2a3 along direction D1 gradually decrease as they move away from the peripheral area PA. This arrangement reduces brightness differences between the periphery and center of the display area DA caused by manufacturing process factors, thereby improving the uniformity of the display brightness of the display panel 10E.

[0122] It should be understood that, although not shown in the figures, the gap between the two reflective electrodes RE of any two pixel structures PXe located in the edge display area eDA and arranged adjacently along direction D2 may overlap a light-shielding pattern extending in direction D1 and having at least one micro-slit. Similar to the light-shielding pattern extending in direction D2 and having micro-slits, the number of micro-slits in the light-shielding pattern extending in direction D1 gradually decreases as the light-shielding pattern moves away from the peripheral area PA along direction D2.

[0123] In summary, in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light-shielding pattern provided on the reflective electrode overlapping the pixel structure is suitable for shielding light leakage caused by poor alignment of the liquid crystal layer above or at the edge of the reflective electrode, thereby helping to improve the dark state performance of the display panel and thereby enhancing its display contrast.

[0124] 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 display panel, characterized in that: include: The first substrate and the second substrate are overlapped along a stacking direction; a pixel structure disposed on the first substrate and comprising an active element and a reflective electrode electrically connected to each other; a liquid crystal layer, disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; as well as A light shielding layer is provided on the second substrate, wherein the light shielding layer comprises a first light shielding pattern, and the first light shielding pattern overlaps the reflective electrode of the pixel structure along the stacking direction.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: An insulating layer is disposed on the first substrate and covers the active element, the insulating layer having an opening overlapping the reflective electrode of the pixel structure, wherein the reflective electrode is disposed on the insulating layer and extends into the opening to electrically connect to the active element, and an orthographic projection of the opening of the insulating layer on the substrate surface of the first substrate is located within an orthographic projection of the first light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The multiple reflective electrodes of the multiple pixel structures are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and a gap is provided between any two adjacent ones of the multiple reflective electrodes. The light-shielding layer further includes a second light-shielding pattern, which overlaps the gap and has a first micro-slit and a second micro-slit, and the first micro-slit and the second micro-slit are respectively located on opposite sides of the gap along the first direction.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The multiple reflective electrodes of the multiple pixel structures are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and a gap is provided between any two adjacent ones of the multiple reflective electrodes. The light-shielding layer further includes a second light-shielding pattern, which overlaps the gap and has a plurality of wide portions and a plurality of narrow portions. The plurality of wide portions and the plurality of narrow portions are alternately arranged along a second direction and connected to each other. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and a width of any one of the plurality of wide portions along the first direction is greater than a width of any one of the plurality of narrow portions along the first direction.

5. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of reflective electrodes of the plurality of pixel structures are arranged in a first direction and a second direction at intervals, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, a first gap being provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes arranged in the first direction, the light shielding layer further comprising a second light shielding pattern, the second light shielding pattern overlapping the first gap and having a micro gap, the micro gap overlapping the first gap, A second gap is provided between any two adjacent ones of the plurality of reflective electrodes arranged along the second direction, and the light-shielding layer further includes a third light-shielding pattern, wherein the orthographic projection of the second gap on the surface of the substrate is within the orthographic projection of the third light-shielding pattern on the surface of the substrate.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes: a spacer, disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first alignment layer, disposed on the first substrate and having a first alignment direction; as well as A second alignment layer is disposed on the second substrate and has a second alignment direction, wherein the spacer has a first side edge and a second side edge facing each other and arranged in sequence along the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction, and the shading layer further includes a fourth shading pattern. In the stacking direction, the fourth shading pattern overlaps with the second side edge of the spacer but does not overlap with the first side edge of the spacer.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein: The orthographic projection profile of the spacer on the substrate surface is circular, and the orthographic projection profile of the fourth light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface is half-moon-shaped.

8. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: Also includes: a common electrode, disposed on the first substrate and overlapping the reflective electrode of the pixel structure; as well as A common electrode line is arranged on the first substrate and connected to the common electrode, wherein a plurality of the reflective electrodes are arranged at intervals along a first direction, a gap is provided between any two adjacent ones of the plurality of reflective electrodes, the gap extends in a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, the common electrode line has a portion overlapping the gap, the shading layer further includes a second shading pattern, and the orthographic projection of the portion of the common electrode line on the surface of the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second shading pattern on the surface of the substrate.

9. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: Also includes: A scan line is disposed on the first substrate and electrically connected to the active element of the pixel structure, wherein a plurality of reflective electrodes are arranged in a spaced relationship along a first direction, a gap is defined between any two adjacent reflective electrodes, and the gap extends in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, the scan line having a portion overlapping the gap, the light-shielding layer further comprising a second light-shielding pattern, and an orthographic projection of the portion of the scan line on the substrate surface is within an orthographic projection of the second light-shielding pattern on the substrate surface.

10. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The multiple reflective electrodes of the multiple pixel structures are arranged at intervals along a first direction and a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, a first gap is provided between any two adjacent ones of the multiple reflective electrodes arranged along the first direction, and a second gap is provided between any two adjacent ones of the multiple reflective electrodes arranged along the second direction, the shading layer further includes a second shading pattern and a third shading pattern, the orthographic projection of the first gap on the surface of the substrate is within the orthographic projection of the second shading pattern on the surface of the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second gap on the surface of the substrate is within the orthographic projection of the third shading pattern on the surface of the substrate, wherein the width of the second shading pattern along the first direction is different from the width of the third shading pattern along the second direction.

11. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The first substrate includes a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area. The plurality of pixel structures are arranged in the display area. The display area includes an edge display area adjacent to the peripheral area and a central display area away from the peripheral area. The plurality of pixel structures include: a plurality of first pixel structures, disposed in the edge display area; and A plurality of second pixel structures are arranged in the central display area, wherein a first gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes of the plurality of first pixel structures arranged along the first direction, and a second gap is provided between any two adjacent reflective electrodes of the plurality of second pixel structures arranged along the first direction, the shading layer further includes a second shading pattern and a third shading pattern, the second shading pattern overlaps with the first gap and has at least one micro-gap, the third shading pattern overlaps with the second gap, and the orthographic projection of the second gap on the surface of the substrate is within the orthographic projection of the third shading pattern on the surface of the substrate.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, wherein: The number of the at least one micro slit of the second light-shielding pattern gradually decreases as it moves away from the peripheral area.

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