Display panel and display device

Abstract

The display panel and the display device provided by the embodiment of the present application comprise a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element with the same color in one pixel unit. The first light-emitting element is covered by a first light-transmitting structure, and the second light-emitting element is covered by a second light-transmitting structure. The refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure is different from that of the second light-transmitting structure, so that the light rays with the same color emitted by the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are emitted in different directions after passing through the light-transmitting structures. Then, a viewer under the main viewing angle can see the content displayed by the light rays emitted by the first light-emitting element, and a viewer under the side viewing angle can see the content displayed by the light rays emitted by the second light-emitting element, which is beneficial to protecting the content privacy under the main viewing angle and also beneficial to enabling the viewers under other viewing angles to use the screen simultaneously, thereby meeting the screen use needs under multiple viewing angles.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Display devices have privacy requirements in certain situations, such as in-vehicle displays and privacy protection scenarios. One solution to meet these privacy requirements is to reduce lateral light emission through a blocking structure. However, this approach only allows the user at the primary viewing angle to see the display, failing to meet the needs of multiple users simultaneously viewing the screen. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a display panel and a display device to help solve the above problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a display panel, the display panel comprising: A pixel layer comprises multiple pixel units; each pixel unit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element that emit the same color. The light-transmitting structure is located on the side of the pixel layer away from the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel; The light-transmitting structure includes a first light-transmitting structure and a second light-transmitting structure; in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the display panel is located, the orthogonal projection of the first light-transmitting structure covers the first light-emitting element, and the orthogonal projection of the second light-transmitting structure covers the second light-emitting element; the refractive indices of the first light-transmitting structure and the second light-transmitting structure are different.

[0005] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a display device, including a display panel as provided in the first aspect.

[0006] In this embodiment, the first and second light-transmitting structures have different refractive indices. Light-transmitting structures with different refractive indices have different light-processing capabilities. This manifests as different angles at which light is refracted when passing through the first and second light-transmitting structures. Consequently, light of the same color emitted by the first and second light-emitting elements is emitted in different directions after passing through the light-transmitting structures. Therefore, viewers at different viewing angles will see light emitted from different light-emitting elements. For example, the first light-transmitting structure directs the light emitted by the first light-emitting element towards the main viewing angle, while the second light-transmitting structure directs the light emitted by the second light-emitting element towards other viewing angles, such as to the side. Thus, a viewer at the main viewing angle will see the content displayed by the light emitted by the first light-emitting element, while a viewer at the side viewing angle will see the content displayed by the light emitted by the second light-emitting element. By combining the aforementioned electrical insulation between the first and second light-emitting elements with the same emitted light color in the same pixel unit, it is advantageous to ensure that the content viewed from the main viewing angle differs from the content viewed from the side viewing angle. This helps protect the privacy of the content viewed from the main viewing angle and allows viewers from other viewing angles to use the screen simultaneously, satisfying the screen usage needs from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, the light emitted from both the first and second light-emitting elements proposed in this application can be emitted outside the display panel, which helps improve the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the pixel layer, reduce power consumption waste, and improve screen utilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0008] Figure 1 A plan view of a display panel provided in this application; Figure 2 A method provided for this application Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the central region E1; Figure 3 A method provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 4 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 5 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 6 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 7 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 8 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A partial planar schematic diagram of the central region E2; Figure 9 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A partial planar schematic diagram of the central region E2; Figure 10 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 11 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 12 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line A-A'; Figure 13 Another one provided for this application Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the central region E3; Figure 14 A plan view of yet another display panel provided in this application; Figure 15 A plan view of yet another display panel provided in this application; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0009] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort, including new embodiments obtained by combining the various embodiments mentioned in this application without technical conflict, are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0011] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0012] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0013] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "substantially", "approximately", "about", "about", "generally", "largely" used in the claims and embodiments of this application refer to values ​​that can be generally agreed upon within a reasonable range of process operations or tolerances, rather than a precise value.

[0014] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe light-transmitting structures, light-emitting elements, directions, etc., in the embodiments of this application, these should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish light-transmitting structures, light-emitting elements, directions, etc., from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application, a first light-emitting element may also be referred to as a second light-emitting element, and similarly, a second light-emitting element may also be referred to as a first light-emitting element. Through meticulous and in-depth research, the applicant of this application has provided a solution to the problems existing in the prior art.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display panel provided in this application. Figure 2 A method provided for this application Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the central region E1. Figure 3 A method provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0016] This application provides a display panel 100, combined with... Figures 1-3 As shown, the display panel 100 includes a pixel layer 10, which includes multiple pixel units A1. The light emission of the pixel layer 10 enables the display of content on the display panel 100. In this embodiment, the display panel 100 is described as being used in a display device with privacy requirements. In related technologies, methods for achieving privacy protection on the display panel 100 typically restrict the light emitted from the pixel layer to a wide viewing angle or a viewing angle other than the main viewing angle, thus preventing the screen's display content from being effectively viewed from angles other than the main viewing angle. Such methods include setting a light-shielding layer or other light-shielding structure to block lateral light emission, ensuring that most light is transmitted towards the main viewing angle, with little or no light transmitted laterally.

[0017] This study found that although this light-blocking structure effectively protects privacy in the privacy mode of the display panel, when the display panel needs to display content from multiple viewing angles, the limitations of the blocking structure prevent multiple viewing angles from using the screen properly, thus failing to meet the needs of multi-view screen use.

[0018] To address the aforementioned problems, this application proposes including a first light-emitting element 101 and a second light-emitting element 102 with the same emitting color in pixel unit A1 of pixel layer 10, and electrically insulating the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102. This facilitates achieving different light emission brightness between the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102, thereby providing conditions for displaying different content by the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 in pixel unit A1. For example, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the pixel unit A1 in this application includes a red light-emitting element R, a green light-emitting element G, and a blue light-emitting element B. Each color light-emitting element includes a first light-emitting element 101 and a second light-emitting element 102. The display panel 100 also includes a light-transmitting structure 20, which is located on the side of the pixel layer 10 away from the substrate 30 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. Light emitted from the light-emitting elements can pass through the light-transmitting structure 20 and then exit the display panel 100. Combined with... Figure 3 As shown, the light-transmitting structure 20 includes a first light-transmitting structure 201 and a second light-transmitting structure 202. In a plane perpendicular to the display panel 100, the orthographic projection of the first light-transmitting structure 201 covers the first light-emitting element 101, and the orthographic projection of the second light-transmitting structure 202 covers the second light-emitting element 102, so that the first light-transmitting structure 201 can process the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101, and the second light-transmitting structure 202 can be used to process the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first light-transmitting structure 201 and the second light-transmitting structure 202 have different refractive indices. The different refractive indices result in different light-processing capabilities, meaning the angle at which light is refracted when passing through the first light-transmitting structure 201 differs from the angle at which light is refracted when passing through the second light-transmitting structure 202. This causes light of the same color emitted by the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 to be emitted in different directions after passing through the light-transmitting structure 20. Therefore, viewers at different viewing angles can see light emitted from different light-emitting elements. For example, the first light-transmitting structure 201 directs the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 101 towards the main viewing angle, while the second light-transmitting structure 202 directs the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 102 towards other viewing angles, such as to the side. Thus, a viewer at the main viewing angle can see the content displayed by the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 101, while a viewer at the side viewing angle can see the content displayed by the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 102. By combining the aforementioned electrical insulation between the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102, which emit the same light color in the same pixel unit A1, it is advantageous to ensure that the content viewed from the main viewing angle is different from the content viewed from the side viewing angle. This helps protect the privacy of the content viewed from the main viewing angle and also allows viewers from other viewing angles to use the screen simultaneously, satisfying the screen usage needs from multiple viewing angles. Furthermore, the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 proposed in this application can both be emitted outside the display panel 100, which helps improve the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the pixel layer 10, reduce power consumption waste, and improve screen utilization efficiency.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, reference continues to be made to... Figures 1-3 As shown, the display panel 100 also includes a first protective layer 40, which is adjacent to the light-transmitting structure 20. The first protective layer 40 is located on the side of the light-transmitting structure 20 away from the pixel layer 10 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. The first protective layer 40 can be used to protect the light-transmitting structure 20.

[0021] In this embodiment, the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure 201 is set to be equal to that of the first protective layer 40, and the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40. Light emitted from the pixel layer 10 passes through the light-transmitting structure 20 and then through the first protective layer 40. When the refractive indices of the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40 are different, the light will be refracted at the interface between the light-transmitting structure and the first protective layer 40, thereby changing the light path. Figure 3As shown in the light path L1, when the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 passes through the first light-transmitting structure 201 and reaches the first protective layer 40, the refractive indices of the first light-transmitting structure 201 and the first protective layer 40 are equal. This ensures that the light path of the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 remains essentially unchanged, making it easier for this portion of the light to be received by the viewer at the primary viewing angle, thus enabling the first light-emitting element 101 to display content corresponding to the primary viewing angle. However, when the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 passes through the second light-transmitting structure 202 and reaches the interface between the second light-transmitting structure 202 and the first protective layer 40, the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40. According to the principle of light refraction, this increases the exit angle of the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102, causing the light to emit laterally. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 is mostly received by the viewer at the side viewing angle, enabling the second light-emitting element 102 to display content corresponding to the side viewing angle. In summary, this application proposes that the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure 201 is equal to that of the first protective layer 40, and the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40. This is beneficial for the display panel 100 to emit light to both the main viewing angle and the side viewing angle at the same time, and provides conditions for the content displayed to the main viewing angle and the content displayed to the side viewing angle to be different.

[0022] Figure 4 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the display panel 100 also includes a first protective layer 40, which is adjacent to the light-transmitting structure 20 and is located on the side of the light-transmitting structure 20 away from the pixel layer 10 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100.

[0024] In this embodiment, the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure 201 is less than that of the first protective layer 40, and the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40. Light emitted from the pixel layer 10 passes through the light-transmitting structure 20 and then through the first protective layer 40. When the refractive indices of the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40 are different, the light will be refracted at the interface between the light-transmitting structure and the first protective layer 40, thereby changing the light path. Figure 4As shown in the light path L1, when the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 reaches the first protective layer 40 after passing through the first light-transmitting structure 201, the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure 201 is less than that of the first protective layer 40. According to the principle of light refraction, the emission angle of the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 will decrease, achieving a light-gathering effect. This results in most of the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 emitting light towards the main viewing angle range. This allows most of the light path emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 to be received by the main viewing angle viewer, while a small amount or no light is received by the side viewing angle viewer. This is beneficial for the first light-emitting element 101 to achieve the content display corresponding to the main viewing angle and is not easily received by the side viewing angle viewer, which helps to improve the privacy protection effect of the display panel 100. When the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 passes through the second light-transmitting structure 202 and reaches the interface between the second light-transmitting structure 202 and the first protective layer 40, the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40. According to the principle of light refraction, this increases the emission angle of the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102, resulting in a diverging effect and causing the light to emit laterally. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 is mostly received by viewers at the side viewing angle, enabling the second light-emitting element 102 to display content at the corresponding side viewing angle. In summary, this application proposes that the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure 201 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40, and the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 is greater than that of the first protective layer 40. This is beneficial for the display panel 100 to emit light simultaneously to both the main viewing angle and the side viewing angle, so that the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 101 is focused within the main viewing angle range. This can reduce the degree of interference between the content displayed by the first light-emitting element 101 and the content displayed by the second light-emitting element 102, which is beneficial for improving the visual effect for both the main viewing angle viewer and the side viewing angle viewer. While achieving the privacy protection effect, it further improves the feasibility of using the screen simultaneously from both the main viewing angle and the side viewing angle.

[0025] Figure 5 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 5As shown, at least part of the light-transmitting structure 20 includes a protrusion 50 on the surface away from the pixel layer 10 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. This helps to make the interface between the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40 have a certain degree of uniform interface undulation effect, avoiding the presence of a planar interface between two film layers with different refractive indices. This helps to avoid the significant Fresnel reflection effect caused by light encountering a sudden change in refractive index at the interface, thereby reducing the risk of light emitted from the pixel layer 10 being reflected at the interface between the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40, and improving the light emission efficiency of the display panel 100.

[0027] In this embodiment, it is proposed that at least the surface of the second light-transmitting structure 202 away from the pixel layer 10 includes a plurality of protrusions 50. This is beneficial to make the interface between the second light-transmitting structure 202 and the first protective layer 40 have a certain undulating effect, reducing the degree of reflection of the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 102 and improving the visual effect of viewing the display panel 100 from the side view. It is also beneficial to improve the uniformity of the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 102, improve the light transmission efficiency, further improve the viewing effect of the display panel 100 from the side view, and increase the degree of attraction of the content displayed by the second light-emitting element 102 to the viewer from the side view, thereby reducing the degree of attention of the content displayed from the side view to the main view and improving the privacy protection effect.

[0028] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the surface of the first protective layer 40 facing the light-transmitting structure 20 follows the surface shape of the light-transmitting structure 20, and the surface of the first protective layer 40 away from the light-transmitting structure 20 is flat, which is beneficial to improving the surface flatness of the display panel 100.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, reference continues to be made to... Figure 5 As shown, the surface of the first light-transmitting structure 201 away from the pixel layer 10 does not include the protrusion 50. After the light passes through the protrusion 50, it will produce a certain diffusion effect. The fact that the first light-transmitting structure 201 does not include the protrusion 50 is beneficial to ensure that most of the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 101 can be received by the main viewing angle viewer, reducing the risk that the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 101 will be received by the side viewing angle viewer, reducing the degree to which the side viewing angle viewer can see the content displayed at the main viewing angle, and improving the privacy protection effect.

[0030] Figure 6 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 6As shown, the surface of the first light-transmitting structure 201 away from the pixel layer 10 also includes multiple protrusions 50. This helps to ensure that the interface between the first light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40 has a certain degree of uniformity in terms of interface undulation. This avoids the presence of a planar interface between two film layers with different refractive indices, thereby helping to avoid significant Fresnel reflection when light encounters a sudden change in refractive index at the interface. This, in turn, helps to reduce the risk of light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 being reflected at the interface between the first light-transmitting structure 201 and the first protective layer 40, and improves the visual effect of viewing the display panel 100 from the main viewing angle.

[0032] In this embodiment, the surfaces of the first light-transmitting structure 201 and the second light-transmitting structure 202 that are away from the pixel layer 10 both include multiple protrusions 50, which is beneficial to improving the visual effect when viewing the display panel 100 from multiple angles at the same time and improving the display effect of the display panel 100.

[0033] Figure 7 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, reference continues to be made to... Figures 5-7 As shown, the cross-section of the protrusion 50 is one of the following: serrated, convex, or trapezoidal. These different types of protrusions 50 all have a certain light-diverging effect, which is beneficial to the uniformity of emitted light and improves display uniformity. For example, as... Figures 5-6 As shown, the cross-section of the protrusion 50 in the A-A' direction is serrated, or, exemplarily, as... Figure 7 As shown, the cross-section of the protrusion 50 in the A-A' direction is convex-hull shaped, which helps to make the interface between the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40 inclined, reducing the degree of horizontal interface between the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40, reducing the degree of reflection of the light emitted from the pixel layer 10, and improving the light utilization rate.

[0035] Figure 8 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A partial planar schematic diagram of the central region E2.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 8 As shown, multiple protrusions 50 on the same light-transmitting structure 20 extend in a first direction X1 and are arranged in a second direction X2. The first direction X1 and the second direction X2 intersect and are both parallel to the plane of the display panel 100. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the surface of the second light-transmitting structure 202 away from the pixel layer 10 includes a plurality of protrusions 50, while the surface of the first light-transmitting structure 201 away from the pixel layer 10 does not include a plurality of protrusions 50.

[0037] In this embodiment, a grid structure composed of multiple protrusions 50 arranged along the second direction X2 is provided. This facilitates the refraction of light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 primarily towards both sides in the second direction X2, allowing the display panel 100 to be used simultaneously from a wide viewing angle in the second direction X2. This is beneficial for scenarios where the display panel 100 needs to be privacy-protected in the second direction X2, such as in automotive displays where the passenger's entertainment content needs to be privacy-protected from the driver. The second light-emitting element 102 in the display panel 100 used by the passenger can display driving information to the driver, improving driving safety. Furthermore, the grid structure composed of multiple protrusions 50 arranged along the second direction X2 also helps reduce the degree of light dispersion from the light-emitting element, facilitating scenarios where the display panel needs to be viewed from multiple angles in the second direction X2.

[0038] Figure 9 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A partial planar schematic diagram of the central region E2.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, multiple protrusions 50 on the same light-transmitting structure 20 are arranged in an array in the first direction X1 and the second direction X2. The first direction X1 and the second direction X2 intersect and are both parallel to the plane where the display panel 100 is located.

[0040] In this embodiment, multiple protrusions 50 are arranged in an array in the first direction X1 and the second direction X2, which helps to improve the uniformity of light emitted from the light-emitting layer 10A and improve the uniformity of visual effect.

[0041] Figure 10 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 10 As shown, the light-transmitting structure 20 is set as an electro-sensitive grating 203. The electro-sensitive grating 203 has different refractive indices depending on the voltage signal it receives, which is beneficial for more flexible adjustment of the refractive index of the light-transmitting structure 20. It is also beneficial for using the characteristics of the electro-sensitive grating 203 to make the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure 201 greater than or equal to that of the first protective layer 40, and for using the characteristics of the electro-sensitive grating 203 to make the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure 202 less than that of the first protective layer 40, thus meeting the needs of viewing the display panel 100 from multiple angles simultaneously and the need for privacy protection.

[0043] In one embodiment of this application, reference continues to be made to... Figure 9As shown, the electrosensitive grating 203 includes a first substrate layer C1 and a liquid crystal layer C2. The liquid crystal layer C2 is located on the side of the first substrate layer C1 away from the pixel layer 10 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. The liquid crystal layer C2 is fabricated based on the first substrate layer C1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer C2 includes liquid crystal C21, and the first substrate layer C1 includes a driving electrode C11. The driving electrode C11 provides an electric field to the liquid crystal layer C2, driving the liquid crystal C21 to deflect. In this embodiment, taking the driving electrode C11 in the first substrate layer C1 as having a positive and a negative electrode as an example, the positive and negative electrodes in the driving electrode C11 provide an electric field to the liquid crystal layer C2. The liquid crystal C21 molecules are anisotropic, elongated rod-shaped molecules, and their refractive index varies with the relative angle between the polarization direction of light and the long axis of the molecules. When an external electric field is provided by the driving electrode C11, the external electric field causes the liquid crystal C21 to deflect, changing the relative angle between the polarization direction of light and the long axis of the molecules, thereby adjusting the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer C2.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, reference continues to be made to... Figure 10 As shown, the liquid crystal layer C2 also includes a liquid crystal polymer C22. Liquid crystal C21 is located on the side of the liquid crystal polymer C22 facing the first substrate layer C1 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. Liquid crystal C21 can be confined between the first substrate layer C1 and the liquid crystal polymer C22. Exemplarily, the liquid crystal polymer C22 comprises liquid crystal monomers. The liquid crystal polymer C22 is obtained by curing the liquid crystal monomers and other materials, thus forming a solid substrate framework used to encapsulate, support, and fix the small molecule liquid crystal C21.

[0046] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal polymer C22 includes a protrusion 50 that protrudes toward the side away from the pixel layer 10 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. The liquid crystal polymer C22 is cured and molded to form the protrusion 50, which helps to make the interface between the liquid crystal layer C2 and the first protective layer 40 have a certain uniform undulation, thus reducing the risk of light being reflected at the interface between the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40. Optionally, setting the refractive index of the liquid crystal polymer C22 to be equal to the refractive index of the first protective layer 40 helps to refract and change the path of light emitted from the pixel layer 10 at the interface where the liquid crystal polymer C22 is located.

[0047] Furthermore, at least a portion of the liquid crystal C21 in the liquid crystal layer C2 is enclosed in the protrusion 50, which has a hollow structure, so that the liquid crystal C21 is also included in the protrusion 50. This is beneficial to achieve the refractive index difference between the light-transmitting structure 20 and the first protective layer 40 in the protrusion 50, thereby changing the path of light.

[0048] Figure 11 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0049] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 10 As shown, the display panel 100 also includes a light-shielding layer 60, which includes a cutout portion 601. The cutout portion 601 overlaps with the light-emitting element in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100, allowing light emitted from the light-emitting element to exit through the cutout portion 601. The light-shielding layer 60 can block the position between two adjacent light-emitting elements, which helps to avoid crosstalk between the light emitted from adjacent light-emitting elements, and also helps to block ambient light from entering the interior of the display panel 100 and causing reflection.

[0050] In this embodiment, a light-shielding layer 60 is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting structure 20 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. The light-transmitting structure 20 is positioned above the light-shielding layer 60, so that light emitted from the pixel layer 10 first passes through the light-shielding layer 60 and then through the light-transmitting structure 20. This helps prevent light diffused by the light-transmitting structure 20 from being blocked by the light-shielding layer 60, thereby facilitating the smooth emission of light whose path has been altered by the refraction of the light-transmitting structure 20 to the outside of the display panel 100, enabling simultaneous use of the panel from multiple viewing angles.

[0051] In one embodiment of this application, the driving electrode C11 comprises a non-transparent metallic material.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 11 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the projection of the driving electrode C1 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100 is located between two adjacent light-emitting elements, which helps to avoid the driving electrode C1 from overlapping with the light-emitting elements, thereby helping to avoid the driving electrode C1 from blocking the light emitted by the light-emitting elements.

[0053] Figure 12 Another one provided for this application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line A-A'.

[0054] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 12 As shown, the driving electrode C11 comprises an ITO metal oxide material. In this case, the driving electrode is a transparent electrode, which minimizes the obstruction of light emission and helps prevent the driving electrode C1 from affecting light emission. For example, as... Figure 12As shown, the driving electrode C11 includes a positive electrode ITO1 and a negative electrode ITO2. The positive electrode ITO1 and the negative electrode ITO2 are located on opposite sides of the liquid crystal layer C2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. Optionally, the positive electrode ITO1 is located in the first substrate layer C1. Furthermore, the planar shape of the positive electrode ITO1 is the same as that of the light-transmitting structure to be driven, and the planar shape of the negative electrode ITO2 is also the same as that of the light-transmitting structure to be driven. This facilitates a more uniform distribution of the electric field formed by the positive electrode ITO1 and the negative electrode ITO2 to the liquid crystal layer C2, improves the refractive index consistency at more than 20 locations of the light-transmitting structure, enhances the light processing effect of the light-transmitting structure, and thus improves the visual effect of viewing the display panel simultaneously from multiple viewing angles.

[0055] Figure 13 Another one provided for this application Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the central region E3.

[0056] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100, the orthogonal projection of the first light-transmitting structure 201 covers at least two first light-emitting elements 101. This facilitates the simultaneous processing of light emitted from multiple first light-emitting elements 101 by the same first light-transmitting structure 201, increases the planar area of ​​the entire first light-transmitting structure 201, increases the amount of light that the first light-transmitting structure 201 can handle, reduces the amount of light that is not handled, and helps reduce the number of first light-transmitting structures 201 that need to be fabricated, thus improving the working efficiency of the first light-transmitting structure 201. Similarly, in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100, the orthogonal projection of the second light-transmitting structure 202 covers at least two second light-emitting elements 102. This facilitates the simultaneous processing of light emitted from multiple first light-emitting elements 101 by the same second light-transmitting structure 202, increases the planar area of ​​the entire second light-transmitting structure 202, increases the amount of light that the second light-transmitting structure 202 can handle, reduces the amount of light that is not handled, and helps reduce the number of second light-transmitting structures 202 that need to be fabricated, thus improving the working efficiency of the first light-transmitting structure 201.

[0057] Figure 14 A plan view of yet another display panel provided in this application.

[0058] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 14 As shown, the same pixel unit A1 includes first light-emitting elements 101 with different emitting colors, and also includes second light-emitting elements 102 with different emitting colors. For example, the same pixel unit A1 includes a red first light-emitting element 101, a green first light-emitting element 101, and a blue first light-emitting element 101, and also includes a red second light-emitting element 102, a green second light-emitting element 102, and a blue second light-emitting element 102.

[0059] In this embodiment, a first light-transmitting structure 201 is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the display panel. The orthographic projection of a first light-transmitting structure 201 covers multiple first light-emitting elements 101 in the same pixel unit A1, and the orthographic projection of a second light-transmitting structure 202 covers multiple second light-emitting elements 102 in the same pixel unit A1. This allows the first light-emitting elements 101 in the same pixel unit A1 to overlap with the same first light-transmitting structure 201. This is beneficial because the light emitted from the first light-emitting elements 101 in the same pixel unit A1 is processed by the same first light-transmitting structure 201, which improves the uniformity of light emission from multiple first light-emitting elements 101 in the same pixel unit A1 and enhances the visual effect from the main viewing angle. Furthermore, the overlap between the second light-emitting element 102 and the second light-transmitting structure 202 in the same pixel unit A1 is beneficial to ensure that the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 in the same pixel unit A1 is processed by the same second light-transmitting structure 202. This is beneficial to improve the consistency of the degree of refraction of the light emitted from multiple second light-emitting elements 102 in the same pixel unit A1, thereby improving the uniformity of light emitted from the pixel unit A1 to a wide viewing angle and improving the visual effect under side viewing angle.

[0060] Figure 15 A plan view of yet another display panel provided in this application.

[0061] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 15 As shown, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the display panel 100 is located, the orthographic projection of a first light-transmitting structure 201 covers a first light-emitting element 101, and the orthographic projection of a second light-transmitting structure 202 covers a second light-emitting element 102.

[0062] In this embodiment, a first light-transmitting structure 201 is set to correspond one-to-one with a first light-emitting element 101, and a second light-transmitting structure 202 is set to correspond one-to-one with a second light-emitting element 102. This is beneficial to improve the refractive index diversity of the multiple light-transmitting structures, thereby improving the diversity of the light emission angles emitted from the pixel layer, and further improving the effect of using the display panel 100 under multiple viewing angles.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, the light-transmitting structure 20 is an electro-sensitive grating 203, and the electro-sensitive grating 203 has a different refractive index depending on the voltage signal it receives.

[0064] In this embodiment, the plurality of first light-transmitting structures 201 are electrically insulated from each other, and the plurality of second light-transmitting structures 202 are electrically insulated from each other. This is beneficial to improving the flexibility of adjusting the refractive index of the plurality of first light-transmitting structures 201 and the flexibility of adjusting the refractive index of the plurality of second light-transmitting structures 202.

[0065] In one embodiment of this application, the light-transmitting structure 20 is an electro-sensitive grating 203, and the electro-sensitive grating 203 has a different refractive index depending on the voltage signal it receives.

[0066] In this embodiment, multiple first light-transmitting structures 201 are electrically connected to each other, and multiple second light-transmitting structures 202 are electrically connected to each other. This helps to reduce the difficulty of controlling multiple light-transmitting structures 20, improve the uniformity of the refractive index of multiple first light-transmitting structures 201, improve the uniformity of the light processing by multiple first light-transmitting structures 201, and improve the effect of light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 in the positive viewing direction.

[0067] In one embodiment of this application, reference continues to be made to... Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the display panel 100 also includes a driving circuit 70, which is electrically connected to the light-emitting element. For example, as... Figures 10-11 As shown, the driving circuit 70 is located on the side of the pixel layer 10 away from the light-transmitting structure 20 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 100. The driving circuit 70 transmits light-emitting driving signals to the light-emitting element and drives the light-emitting element to emit light.

[0068] In this embodiment, the driving circuit 70 includes a first driving circuit 701 and a second driving circuit 702. The first driving circuit 701 is electrically connected to the first light-emitting element 101, and the second driving circuit 702 is electrically connected to the second light-emitting element 102. The first driving circuit 701 and the second driving circuit 702 control the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 respectively, which is beneficial to make the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 different. This makes the content displayed by the multiple first light-emitting elements 101 and the content displayed by the multiple second light-emitting elements 102 different, so that the content of the display panel 100 viewed from a frontal view is different from the content viewed from a side view, thus realizing the privacy protection performance of the display panel 100.

[0069] For example, such as Figures 10-11 As shown, the display panel 100 also includes a pixel definition layer (PDL), which includes multiple pixel openings, with multiple light-emitting elements respectively fabricated in one pixel opening. The pixel layer 10 includes a light-emitting layer 10A, an anode layer 10B, and a cathode layer 10C. The light-emitting layer 10A includes a light-emitting material, wherein the light-emitting material is different for light-emitting elements of different colors. The anode layer 10B includes anodes corresponding to the multiple light-emitting elements, which can be electrically connected to the driving circuit 70 to receive the light-emitting driving signal output by the driving circuit 70. In this embodiment, multiple light-emitting elements share a common cathode as an example; the cathode layer 10C includes a continuous cathode, allowing multiple light-emitting elements to share the same cathode.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, the display panel 100 includes a shared working mode M1 and a privacy working mode M2. The shared working mode M1 is applicable to scenarios where there is no privacy requirement, and the privacy working mode M2 ​​is applicable to scenarios where there is a privacy requirement.

[0071] In this embodiment, under the shared working mode M1, both the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 are turned on, and the first driving circuit 701 and the second driving circuit 702 output the same driving signal. This ensures that the first light-emitting elements 101 and the second light-emitting elements 102 of the same color have the same luminous brightness, which is beneficial for ensuring that the content displayed by the light emitted by multiple first light-emitting elements 101 and the content displayed by the light emitted by multiple second light-emitting elements 102 are the same, making it suitable for seeing the same content when viewing the display panel 100 from multiple viewing angles.

[0072] In the privacy protection mode M2, both the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 are turned on, and the first driving circuit 701 and the second driving circuit 702 output different driving signals. This results in different brightness levels for the first light-emitting elements 101 and 102 of the same color, which helps to ensure that the content displayed by the light emitted by multiple first light-emitting elements 101 is different from the content displayed by the light emitted by multiple second light-emitting elements 102. This is suitable for viewing the display panel 100 from multiple angles, at least the content seen from the main viewing angle and the side viewing angle is different, thus achieving the privacy protection performance of the display panel 100.

[0073] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in this application.

[0074] This application provides a display device 200, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the display device 200 includes a display panel 100 as provided in any of the above embodiments. Exemplarily, the display device 200 includes a vehicle display panel, a mobile phone, a computer, or other device used for display.

[0075] In the display device 200, the first light-transmitting structure 201 and the second light-transmitting structure 202 have different refractive indices. The different refractive indices result in different light-processing capabilities. This manifests as different angles at which light is refracted when passing through the first light-transmitting structure 201 and when passing through the second light-transmitting structure 202. Consequently, light of the same color emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 is emitted in different directions after passing through the light-transmitting structure 20. Therefore, viewers at different viewing angles can see light emitted from different light-emitting elements. For example, the first light-transmitting structure 201 directs the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 towards the main viewing angle, while the second light-transmitting structure 202 directs the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102 towards other viewing angles, such as to the side. Thus, a viewer at the main viewing angle can see the content displayed by the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101, while a viewer at the side viewing angle can see the content displayed by the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 102. By combining the aforementioned electrical insulation between the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102, which emit the same light color in the same pixel unit A1, it is advantageous to ensure that the content viewed from the main viewing angle is different from the content viewed from the side viewing angle. This helps protect the privacy of the content viewed from the main viewing angle and also allows viewers from other viewing angles to use the screen simultaneously, satisfying the screen usage needs from multiple viewing angles. Furthermore, the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 101 and the second light-emitting element 102 proposed in this application can both be emitted outside the display panel 100, which helps improve the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the pixel layer 10, reduce power consumption waste, and improve screen utilization efficiency.

[0076] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized by, include: A pixel layer consists of multiple pixel units; The pixel unit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element with the same light-emitting color, and the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are electrically insulated from each other; A light-transmitting structure, wherein the light-transmitting structure is located on the side of the pixel layer away from the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel; The light-transmitting structure includes a first light-transmitting structure and a second light-transmitting structure; in a plane perpendicular to the display panel, the orthographic projection of the first light-transmitting structure covers the first light-emitting element, and the orthographic projection of the second light-transmitting structure covers the second light-emitting element; the refractive indices of the first light-transmitting structure and the second light-transmitting structure are different.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes a first protective layer, which is adjacent to the light-transmitting structure and is located on the side of the light-transmitting structure away from the pixel layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel. Wherein, the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure is equal to the refractive index of the first protective layer, and the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure is greater than the refractive index of the first protective layer.

3. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes a first protective layer, which is adjacent to the light-transmitting structure and is located on the side of the light-transmitting structure away from the pixel layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel. Wherein, the refractive index of the first light-transmitting structure is less than the refractive index of the first protective layer, and the refractive index of the second light-transmitting structure is greater than the refractive index of the first protective layer.

4. The display panel of claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least a portion of the light-transmitting structure includes protrusions on the surface of the surface away from the pixel layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel; Wherein, at least the surface of the second light-transmitting structure away from the pixel layer includes a plurality of protrusions.

5. The display panel of claim 4, wherein, The surface of the first light-transmitting structure away from the pixel layer does not include the protrusion.

6. The display panel of claim 4, wherein, The surface of the first light-transmitting structure away from the pixel layer also includes a plurality of the protrusions.

7. The display panel of claim 4, wherein, The cross-section of the protrusion is one of the following: serrated, convex, or trapezoidal.

8. The display panel of claim 4, wherein, The protrusions on the same light-transmitting structure extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction intersect and are both parallel to the plane of the display panel.

9. The display panel of claim 4, wherein, Multiple protrusions on the same light-transmitting structure are arranged in an array in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and the second direction intersecting and both parallel to the plane of the display panel.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting structure is an electro-sensitive grating, and the refractive index of the electro-sensitive grating varies depending on the voltage signal it receives.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electrosensitive grating includes a first substrate layer and a liquid crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer is located on the side of the first substrate layer away from the pixel layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel; The liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal, and the first substrate layer includes a driving electrode, which provides an electric field to drive the liquid crystal to deflect.

12. The display panel of claim 11, wherein, The liquid crystal layer further includes a liquid crystal polymer, wherein the liquid crystal is located on the side of the liquid crystal polymer facing the first substrate layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel; The liquid crystal polymer includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the side away from the pixel layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel, and at least a portion of the liquid crystal is enclosed in the protrusion.

13. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes a light-shielding layer, which includes a cutout portion that overlaps with the light-emitting element in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel. The light-shielding layer is located between the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting structure in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel.

14. The display panel of claim 11, wherein, The driving electrode comprises a non-transparent metallic material; The projection of the driving electrode in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display panel is located between two adjacent light-emitting elements.

15. The display panel of claim 11, wherein, The driving electrode comprises a metal oxide material.

16. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, In a plane perpendicular to the display panel, the orthogonal projection of the first light-transmitting structure covers at least two of the first light-emitting elements; in a plane perpendicular to the display panel, the orthogonal projection of the second light-transmitting structure covers at least two of the second light-emitting elements.

17. The display panel of claim 16, wherein, The same pixel unit includes a first light-emitting element with a different emission color, and also includes a second light-emitting element with a different emission color; In a plane perpendicular to the display panel, the orthographic projection of one of the first light-transmitting structures covers multiple first light-emitting elements in the same pixel unit, and the orthographic projection of one of the second light-transmitting structures covers multiple second light-emitting elements in the same pixel unit.

18. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a plane perpendicular to the display panel, the orthographic projection of one of the first light-transmitting structures covers one of the first light-emitting elements, and the orthographic projection of one of the second light-transmitting structures covers one of the second light-emitting elements.

19. The display panel of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The light-transmitting structure is an electro-sensitive grating, and the refractive index of the electro-sensitive grating varies depending on the voltage signal it receives. The plurality of first light-transmitting structures are electrically insulated from each other, and the plurality of second light-transmitting structures are electrically insulated from each other.

20. The display panel of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The light-transmitting structure is an electro-sensitive grating, and the refractive index of the electro-sensitive grating varies depending on the voltage signal it receives. The plurality of first light-transmitting structures are electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of second light-transmitting structures are electrically connected to each other.

21. The display panel of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The display panel further includes a driving circuit, which is electrically connected to the light-emitting element; The driving circuit includes a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit. The first driving circuit is electrically connected to the first light-emitting element, and the second driving circuit is electrically connected to the second light-emitting element.

22. The display panel of claim 21, wherein, The display panel includes a shared working mode and a privacy-protected working mode; In the shared working mode, both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are turned on, and the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit output the same driving signal. In the privacy protection mode, both the first and second light-emitting elements are turned on, and the first and second driving circuits output different driving signals.

23. A display device comprising: Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-22.

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