Display panel, manufacturing method thereof, image generator, head-up display device and vehicle

Abstract

The display panel for the image generator of the head-up display device comprises a substrate, a cover plate and a light shielding structure, the substrate is provided with a TFT device, the light shielding structure comprises a first light shielding layer, and at least part of the TFT device is covered with the first light shielding layer on a side facing the cover plate. Through the above design, the display panel can ensure the image quality generated by the image generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of head-up display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and its manufacturing method, an image generator, a head-up display device, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, HUD (Head-up Display) is commonly known as a head-up display device. It uses a TFT-LCD liquid crystal panel as a PGU (Picture Generation Unit). Currently, the external ambient light of the vehicle may shine on the TFT device (Thin Film Transistor) of the liquid crystal panel, which leads to poor image generation by the image generator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display panel and a method for manufacturing the same, an image generator, a head-up display device, and a vehicle, wherein the display panel can ensure the image quality generated by the image generator.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a display panel is provided for an image generator of a head-up display device. The display panel includes a substrate, a cover plate, and a light-shielding structure. A TFT device is disposed on the substrate. The light-shielding structure includes a first light-shielding layer. At least a portion of the TFT device is covered with the first light-shielding layer on the side facing the cover plate.

[0005] Optionally, the light-shielding structure includes a second light-shielding layer, and at least a portion of the TFT device is covered with the second light-shielding layer on the side opposite to the cover plate.

[0006] Optionally, the first light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the active layer of the TFT device, and / or the second light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the active layer of the TFT device.

[0007] Optionally, the display panel includes scan lines and data lines electrically connected to a plurality of TFT devices, the first light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the scan lines and the data lines, and / or the second light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the scan lines and the data lines.

[0008] Optionally, the light-shielding structure further includes a third light-shielding layer, which is connected between the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer, and together with the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer, encapsulates the TFT device.

[0009] Optionally, the light-shielding structure is at least partially made of polyimide with light-shielding properties.

[0010] Optionally, the display panel further includes a light filter layer connected to the substrate, the light filter layer being staggered from the light-shielding structure.

[0011] Optionally, the light-shielding structure includes a fourth light-shielding layer connected to the cover plate, wherein the projection of the fourth light-shielding layer in the thickness direction of the cover plate falls into the projection of the first light-shielding layer in the thickness direction of the cover plate.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display panel is provided. The method includes the following steps: forming TFT devices on a substrate; forming scan lines and data lines connecting a plurality of TFT devices on the substrate; forming a first light-shielding layer on the substrate and covering at least a portion of the TFT devices; forming a second light-shielding layer on the substrate and covering at least a portion of the TFT devices; and forming a light-filtering layer on the substrate.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an image generator is provided, the image generator including the above-described display panel.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a head-up display device is provided, the head-up display device including the image generator described above.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including the head-up display device described above.

[0016] Through the above technical solution, in the display panel provided in this disclosure, the first light-shielding layer shields the TFT device on the side facing the cover plate. In this way, the first light-shielding layer can block sunlight, preventing external sunlight or internally reflected sunlight from irradiating the TFT device, thereby preventing the characteristics of the TFT device from drifting. In other words, the first light-shielding layer can ensure the stability of the TFT device, thereby ensuring the image quality generated by the image generator.

[0017] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the subsequent detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display panel provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2A partial cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the first light-shielding layer and the active layer provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a partial top view of the active layer and the second light-shielding layer provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a partial top view of the substrate provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 ; Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a TFT device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a TFT device provided in yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a data line provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a data line provided in yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 10 This is a partial top view of the substrate provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 ; Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of sunlight backflow in existing technology.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Substrate; 11. TFT device; 111. Active layer; 112. Scan line; 113. Data line; 115. Gate electrode; 116. Insulating layer; 117. Source electrode; 118. Drain electrode; 119. Insulating protective layer; 12. First light-shielding layer; 13. Second light-shielding layer; 14. Filter layer; 15. Third light-shielding layer; 2. Cover plate; 21. Fourth light-shielding layer; 3. Light-shielding structure; 100. Image generator; 200. Mirror; 300. Projection mirror; 400. Windshield. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0021] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have sequential or material significance. In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise explained, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The above definitions are for explanation and illustration only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0022] In some implementations, the head-up display converts information such as vehicle speed and navigation into light information, emits this light information using an image generator 100, reflects it through a reflector 200 onto a projection mirror 300, and then projects it onto the windshield 400 (the path of the light information from the image generator 100 through the reflector 200, projection mirror 300, and finally the windshield 400 can be referred to as the "imaging light path"). This allows the driver to observe a virtual image containing information such as vehicle speed and navigation through the windshield 400. This helps keep the driver's attention focused on the road ahead, preventing them from looking down at the instrument panel and neglecting road conditions, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

[0023] However, when the head-up display device operates under strong direct sunlight, the sunlight will be reflected along the backlight path of the aforementioned "imaging optical path," as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 12 As shown, sunlight eventually enters the image generator 100 from outside the vehicle, resulting in a "light reflection phenomenon" within the image generator 100. This "light reflection phenomenon" refers to the reflection of sunlight between the glass cover and the glass substrate. Some of the reflected light shines onto the TFT devices of the image generator 100. Due to the high brightness of sunlight, this causes leakage current in the active layer of the TFT devices, leading to a drift in the characteristics of the TFT devices and resulting in poor image quality generated by the image generator 100, such as color distortions like reddish or greenish tones, or uneven brightness and display.

[0024] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, reference to Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a display panel is provided for an image generator 100 of a head-up display device. The display panel includes a substrate 1, a cover plate 2, and a light-shielding structure 3. A TFT device 11 is disposed on the substrate 1. The light-shielding structure 3 includes a first light-shielding layer 12. At least a portion of the TFT device 11 is covered with the first light-shielding layer 12 on the side facing the cover plate 2.

[0025] Through the above technical solution, in the display panel provided in this disclosure, the first light-shielding layer 12 shields the TFT device 11 on the side facing the cover plate 2. In this way, the first light-shielding layer 12 can block sunlight to prevent external sunlight or internally reflected sunlight from irradiating the TFT device 11, thereby preventing the characteristics of the TFT device 11 from drifting. In other words, the first light-shielding layer 12 can ensure the stability of the TFT device 11, thereby ensuring the image quality generated by the image generator 100.

[0026] The side of the TFT device 11 facing the cover plate 2 can be referred to as the first side, and the side of the TFT device 11 facing away from the cover plate 2 can be referred to as the second side. Furthermore, it should be noted that sunlight enters the display panel from the cover plate 2 and undergoes a "light reflection phenomenon" between the cover plate 2 and the substrate 1. Additionally, "at least a portion of the TFT device 11 is covered with a first light-shielding layer 12 on the side facing the cover plate 2" means that the first light-shielding layer 12 can be directly formed on the first side of the TFT device 11 through processes such as deposition. This ensures that the first light-shielding layer 12 is in direct contact with the TFT device 11, preventing sunlight from shining on the TFT device 11 through the gap between the first light-shielding layer 12 and the TFT device 11. This ensures the light-shielding effect of the first light-shielding layer 12 on the TFT device 11, thereby ensuring the image quality generated by the image generator 100.

[0027] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the light-shielding structure 3 may include a second light-shielding layer 13. At least a portion of the TFT device 11 may be covered by the second light-shielding layer 13 on the side facing away from the cover plate 2. It should be noted that the side of the substrate 1 facing away from the cover plate 2 typically houses a backlight module. Therefore, the second light-shielding layer 13 serves two purposes: firstly, it blocks backlight from shining onto the TFT device 11 via the second side; secondly, it blocks sunlight reflected from the TFT device 11 via the second side, preventing backlight and sunlight from causing characteristic drift in the TFT device 11 and thus ensuring the stability of the TFT device 11. Furthermore, the second light-shielding layer 13 reduces the risk of light leakage caused by backlighting, which helps increase the brightness of the backlight, thereby improving the brightness of the image generated by the image generator 100 and ultimately enhancing the brightness of the virtual image formed on the windshield, thus improving the user experience.

[0028] The phrase "at least a portion of the TFT device 11 may be covered with a second light-shielding layer 13 on the side opposite to the cover plate 2" means that the TFT device 11 can be directly formed on the second light-shielding layer 13 through processes such as deposition. This ensures that the second light-shielding layer 13 is in direct contact with the TFT device 11, thereby preventing backlight from shining on the TFT device 11 through the gap between the second light-shielding layer 13 and the TFT device 11. This ensures the light-shielding effect of the second light-shielding layer 13 on the TFT device 11, further ensuring the image quality generated by the image generator 100.

[0029] Furthermore, "at least a portion of the TFT device 11" means that the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13 can be provided only at the position corresponding to the active layer 111, or the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13 can be provided on the entire TFT device 11.

[0030] In this disclosure, the light-shielding structure 3 may include only the first light-shielding layer 12, or may include both the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13. The second light-shielding layer 13 may be selectively provided according to actual needs, and this disclosure does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0031] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the first light-shielding layer 12 can be configured to at least cover the active layer 111 of the TFT device 11, and / or the second light-shielding layer 13 can be configured to at least cover the active layer 111 of the TFT device 11. In this way, sunlight and / or backlight can be prevented from illuminating the active layer 111, thereby ensuring the stability of the TFT device 11.

[0032] The relationship between the first light-shielding layer 12, the second light-shielding layer 13, and the active layer 111 can be constructed in any suitable manner. As an exemplary embodiment, refer to... Figures 3 to 4 As shown, a first distance d1 exists between the outer side of the first light-shielding layer 12 and the outer side of the active layer 111. This first distance d1 can be less than or equal to 1 μm; for example, it can be 0.2 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.6 μm, 0.8 μm, or 1 μm, etc., and this disclosure does not impose any specific limitations on it. Furthermore, a second distance d2 exists between the outer side of the second light-shielding layer 13 and the outer side of the active layer 111. This second distance d2 can be less than or equal to 1 μm; for example, it can be 0.2 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.6 μm, 0.8 μm, or 1 μm, etc., and this disclosure does not impose any specific limitations on it. In this way, while ensuring the light-shielding effect of the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13, the manufacturing cost of the display panel can be saved.

[0033] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 5 as well as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the display panel may include scan lines 112 and data lines 113 electrically connected to a plurality of TFT devices 11. The first light-shielding layer 12 may be configured to at least cover the scan lines 112 and data lines 113, and / or the second light-shielding layer 13 may be configured to at least cover the scan lines 112 and data lines 113. In this way, the first light-shielding layer 12 can prevent sunlight from shining on the scan lines 112 and data lines 113, thereby preventing the metal in the scan lines 112 and data lines 113 from aggravating the aforementioned "light reflection phenomenon". Similarly, the second light-shielding layer 13 can prevent backlight from shining on the scan lines 112 and data lines 113, thereby preventing the metal in the scan lines 112 and data lines 113 from reflecting the backlight between the substrate 1 and the cover plate 2.

[0034] The scan lines 112 and data lines 113 can be collectively referred to as traces. The distance between the outer side of the first light-shielding layer 12 and the outer side of the corresponding trace is less than 1 μm, and the distance between the outer side of the second light-shielding layer 13 and the outer side of the corresponding trace is also less than 1 μm. In this way, the manufacturing cost of the display panel can be saved while ensuring the light-shielding effect of the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13.

[0035] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, the light-shielding structure 3 may further include a third light-shielding layer 15. The third light-shielding layer 15 may be connected between the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13, and may together with the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13 encapsulate the TFT device 11. This prevents sunlight and backlight from illuminating the TFT device 11 through the area between the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13, thereby further ensuring the stability of the TFT device 11. Furthermore, the third light-shielding layer 15 may also together with the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13 encapsulate the aforementioned wiring. This prevents sunlight and backlight from illuminating the wiring through the area between the first light-shielding layer 12 and the second light-shielding layer 13, thereby preventing the metal in the wiring from aggravating light reflection.

[0036] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, the light-shielding structure 3 may be made at least partially of polyimide with light-shielding properties. The light-shielding structure 3 may be constructed to be black to have light-shielding properties, thereby absorbing sunlight and backlight incident on the corresponding light-shielding structure 3, further reducing or even eliminating reflected light between the substrate 1 and the cover plate 2.

[0037] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 10As shown, the display panel may further include a light filter layer 14, which can be attached to the substrate 1 and can be staggered from the light-shielding structure 3. The light filter layer 14 refers to a color filter layer, containing three color channels: red (R), green (G), and blue (B). "Staggered arrangement of the light filter layer 14 and the light-shielding structure 3" means that the projection of the light filter layer 14 along the thickness direction of the substrate 1 is misaligned with the projection of the light-shielding structure 3 along the thickness direction of the substrate 1, or the overlap width between the projection of the light filter layer 14 along the thickness direction of the substrate 1 and the projection of the light-shielding structure 3 along the thickness direction of the substrate 1 is less than 1 μm. This avoids poor image quality caused by the light-shielding structure 3 blocking the light filter layer 14. Furthermore, attaching the light filter layer 14 to the substrate 1 not only absorbs sunlight from the outside but also absorbs reflected light between the substrate 1 and the cover plate 2, further reducing the adverse effects of light on the TFT device 11 and ensuring the stability of the TFT device 11.

[0038] In the display panel provided in this disclosure, as an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the light-shielding structure 3 may include a fourth light-shielding layer 21, which can be connected to the cover plate 2. The projection of the fourth light-shielding layer 21 in the thickness direction of the cover plate 2 falls within the projection of the first light-shielding layer 12 in the thickness direction of the cover plate 2. In this way, the fourth light-shielding layer 21 can be prevented from blocking the light filter layer 14, thereby ensuring the imaging effect of the display panel. In addition, the provision of the fourth light-shielding layer 21 can reduce the sunlight entering the interior of the display panel through the cover plate 2, thereby further reducing the adverse effects of sunlight on the TFT device 11.

[0039] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display panel is provided, with reference to... Figure 11 As shown, the manufacturing method can be used to manufacture the above-mentioned display panel. The manufacturing method may include the following steps: forming TFT devices 11 on a substrate 1; forming scan lines 112 and data lines 113 connecting multiple TFT devices 11 on the substrate 1; forming a first light-shielding layer 12 on the substrate 1, and covering at least a portion of the TFT devices 11 with the first light-shielding layer 12; forming a second light-shielding layer 13 on the substrate 1, and covering at least a portion of the TFT devices 11 with the second light-shielding layer 13; and forming a light filter layer 14 on the substrate 1.

[0040] First, a second light-shielding layer 13 needs to be formed on the substrate 1. Then, a TFT device 11, scan lines 112, and data lines 113 are formed. The fabrication of the TFT device 11, scan lines 112, and data lines 113 includes: sequentially forming a gate electrode 115, scan lines 112, an insulating layer 116, an active layer 111, a source electrode 117, a drain electrode 118, data lines 113, and an insulating protective layer 119. Next, a first light-shielding layer 12 is formed, and finally, a filter layer 14 is formed. This ensures contact between the first and second light-shielding layers 12 and the TFT device 11 and corresponding traces, guaranteeing effective light shielding.

[0041] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an image generator is provided, which may include the aforementioned display panel. Therefore, this image generator possesses all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned display panel, which will not be elaborated upon further in this disclosure.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a head-up display device is provided, which may include the image generator described above.

[0043] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that may include the aforementioned head-up display device.

[0044] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0045] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel for an image generator of a head-up display device, characterized in that, The display panel includes a substrate, a cover plate, and a light-shielding structure. A TFT device is disposed on the substrate, and the light-shielding structure includes a first light-shielding layer. At least a portion of the TFT device is covered with the first light-shielding layer on the side facing the cover plate.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-shielding structure includes a second light-shielding layer, and at least a portion of the TFT device is covered with the second light-shielding layer on the side facing away from the cover plate.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the active layer of the TFT device, and / or the second light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the active layer of the TFT device.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display panel includes scan lines and data lines electrically connected to a plurality of TFT devices, the first light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the scan lines and the data lines, and / or the second light-shielding layer is configured to at least cover the scan lines and the data lines.

5. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light-shielding structure further includes a third light-shielding layer, which is connected between the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer, and together with the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer, encapsulates the TFT device.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-shielding structure is at least partially made of polyimide with light-shielding properties.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a light filter layer, which is connected to the substrate and is arranged offset from the light-shielding structure.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-shielding structure includes a fourth light-shielding layer, which is connected to the cover plate. The projection of the fourth light-shielding layer in the thickness direction of the cover plate falls into the projection of the first light-shielding layer in the thickness direction of the cover plate.

9. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, The manufacturing method is used to manufacture a display panel according to any one of claims 1-8, and the manufacturing method includes the following steps: Forming TFT devices on a substrate; Scan lines and data lines connecting multiple TFT devices are formed on the substrate; A first light-shielding layer is formed on a substrate, and the first light-shielding layer covers at least a portion of the TFT device; A second light-shielding layer is formed on the substrate, and the second light-shielding layer covers at least a portion of the TFT device; A filter layer is formed on the substrate.

10. An image generator, characterized in that, The image generator includes a display panel according to any one of claims 1-8.

11. A head-up display device, characterized in that, The head-up display device includes the image generator according to claim 10.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a head-up display as claimed in claim 11.

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