Display panel, driving method thereof and display device

Abstract

The application discloses a display panel, a driving method thereof and a display device. The display panel comprises a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting units on the substrate. The light-emitting unit comprises a first light-emitting element, a peep-proof control switch and a second light-emitting element. The peep-proof control switch is connected in series with the first light-emitting element. The second light-emitting element is connected in parallel with a branch of the peep-proof control switch and the first light-emitting element. The display mode of the display panel comprises a non-peep-proof display mode and a peep-proof display mode. In the non-peep-proof display mode, the peep-proof control switch is turned on, and the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light. In the peep-proof display mode, the peep-proof control switch is turned off, and only the second light-emitting element emits light. Therefore, the display panel can be switched between the non-peep-proof display mode and the peep-proof display mode by controlling the on or off of the peep-proof control switch, and the display effect of the display panel in the non-peep-proof display mode can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of display technology, the viewing angles of display panels are becoming increasingly wider, meaning that people at different angles can see the user's personal information displayed on the screen, compromising the security of that information. Therefore, the privacy features of display panels are receiving increasing attention. While privacy films can be applied to display panels to achieve a privacy effect, this only enables the display to maintain a privacy mode; it doesn't allow switching between privacy and non-privacy modes, limiting the application of display panels in various scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses a display panel, its driving method, and a display device to enable the display panel to switch between a privacy display mode and a non-privacy display mode.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a display panel, comprising a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting units located on the substrate; each light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting element, a privacy control switch, and a second light-emitting element; the privacy control switch is connected in series with the first light-emitting element; the second light-emitting element is connected in parallel with the branch containing the privacy control switch and the first light-emitting element; the display mode of the display panel includes a non-privacy display mode and a privacy display mode; in the non-privacy display mode, the privacy control switch is turned on, and both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light; in the privacy display mode, the privacy control switch is turned off, and only the second light-emitting element emits light; the light-emitting angle of the second light-emitting element is smaller than that of the first light-emitting element.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first end of the privacy control switch is connected to the first end of the second light-emitting element and is used to receive a light-emitting driving signal; the light-emitting driving signal is used to drive the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element to emit light; the second end of the privacy control switch is connected to the first end of the first light-emitting element; the control end of the privacy control switch is used to receive a privacy control signal; the privacy control signal is used to control the privacy control switch to be turned on or off; the second ends of the second light-emitting element and the first light-emitting element are connected to a second power signal end.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit in the non-peeping mode is twice the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit in the peeping mode.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the display panel further includes a first light-shielding layer; the first light-shielding layer is located on the side of the light-emitting unit away from the substrate; the first light-shielding layer includes a plurality of first openings, a plurality of second openings, and a first light-shielding portion; the first light-shielding portion is located at least between adjacent first openings and second openings; the orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element on the substrate; the orthographic projection of the second opening on the substrate overlaps with the middle region of the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element on the substrate; and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second opening on the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the display panel further includes a second light-shielding layer; the second light-shielding layer is located on the side of the first light-shielding layer opposite to the substrate; the second light-shielding layer includes a plurality of third openings, a plurality of fourth openings, and a second light-shielding portion; the second light-shielding portion is located at least between adjacent third openings and fourth openings; the orthographic projection of the third opening on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element on the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the fourth opening on the substrate overlaps with the middle region of the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element on the substrate; and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third opening on the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the fourth opening on the substrate; the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third opening on the substrate.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting unit further includes a pixel circuit; the pixel circuit is connected in series with the second light-emitting element, and the pixel circuit and the privacy control switch are connected in series with the branch where the first light-emitting element is located.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pixel circuit includes a data writing module, a storage module, a threshold compensation module, a first initialization module, a second initialization module, a first light emission control module, a driving module, and a second light emission control module. The data writing module receives a second scan signal and a data signal, and in response to the second scan signal, writes the data signal to a first terminal of the driving module. The storage module connects the control terminal of the driving module to a first power signal terminal and stores the voltage of the control terminal of the driving module. The threshold compensation module receives a third scan signal and, in response to the third scan signal, connects the control terminal of the driving module to a second terminal of the driving module. The first initialization module receives the first scan signal and, in response to the first scan signal, initializes the control terminal of the driving module. The system performs initialization; the second initialization module receives a fourth scan signal and, in response to the fourth scan signal, initializes the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; the driving module is connected in series with the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element, and is used to drive the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element to emit light in non-peeping display mode, and to drive the second light-emitting element to emit light in the peeping display mode; the first light-emitting control module receives a light-emitting control signal and, in response to the light-emitting control signal, connects the first power signal terminal to the first terminal of the driving module; the second light-emitting control module receives the light-emitting control signal and, in response to the light-emitting control signal, connects the second terminal of the driving module to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the non-peeping display mode, the data signal received by the pixel circuit is a first data signal; in the peeping display mode, the data signal received by the pixel circuit is a second data signal; at any gray level, the first data signal and the second data signal are different; or, within a first gray level range, the first data signal and the second data signal are the same, and within a second gray level range, the first data signal and the second data signal are different, and any gray level within the second gray level range is greater than any gray level within the first gray level range.

[0012] Secondly, the present invention discloses a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel as described in any of the preceding claims, the driving method comprising: in a non-peeping display mode, controlling the peeping control switch to turn on so as to control both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element to emit light; and in the peeping display mode, controlling the peeping control switch to turn off so as to control the second light-emitting element to emit light.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention discloses a display device comprising a display panel as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0014] The present invention discloses a display panel, its driving method, and a display device, comprising a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting units located on the substrate. Each light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting element, a privacy control switch, and a second light-emitting element. The privacy control switch is connected in series with the first light-emitting element, and the second light-emitting element is connected in parallel with the branch containing the privacy control switch and the first light-emitting element. The display panel has two display modes: a non-privacy display mode and a privacy display mode. In the non-privacy display mode, the privacy control switch is turned on, and both the first and second light-emitting elements emit light. In the privacy display mode, the privacy control switch is turned off, and only the second light-emitting element emits light. The light-emitting angle of the second light-emitting element is smaller than that of the first light-emitting element. Thus, the display panel can be switched between the non-privacy display mode and the privacy display mode by controlling the privacy control switch to be on or off. Furthermore, in the non-privacy display mode, the display brightness of the display panel can be guaranteed by controlling both the first and second light-emitting elements to emit light, thereby ensuring the display effect of the display panel in the non-privacy display mode. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention or the background art will be described below.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a pixel circuit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8This is a circuit diagram of a pixel circuit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a display panel driving method disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] As an optional implementation of the disclosure of this invention, an embodiment of this invention discloses a display panel, such as... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The display panel includes a substrate 10 and a plurality of light-emitting units 11 located on the substrate 10, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units 11 are arranged in an array.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The light-emitting unit includes a privacy control switch 110, a first light-emitting element 111, and a second light-emitting element 112. The privacy control switch 110 is connected in series with the first light-emitting element 111, and the second light-emitting element 112 is connected in parallel with the branch where the privacy control switch 110 and the first light-emitting element 111 are located.

[0031] Furthermore, the display panel includes a non-peeping display mode and a peeping display mode. In the non-peeping display mode, the peeping control switch 110 is turned on, and both the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 emit light. In the peeping display mode, the peeping control switch 110 is turned off, and only the second light-emitting element 112 emits light. The light-emitting angle of the second light-emitting element 112 is smaller than that of the first light-emitting element 111, thus achieving a peeping effect when only the second light-emitting element 112 is emitting light.

[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, not only can the switching between the non-peeping display mode and the peeping display mode be controlled by turning the peeping control switch 110 on or off, but also the display brightness of the display panel can be guaranteed by controlling the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 to emit light in the non-peeping display mode, thereby ensuring the display effect of the display panel in the non-peeping display mode.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110 is connected to the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112, and is used to receive the light-emitting drive signal Vled. The light-emitting drive signal Vled is used to drive the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 to emit light. The second terminal of the privacy control switch 110 is connected to the first terminal of the first light-emitting element 111. The control terminal of the privacy control switch 110 is used to receive the privacy control signal Vf, and the privacy control signal Vf is used to control the privacy control switch 110 to be turned on or off. The second terminals of the second light-emitting element 112 and the first light-emitting element 111 are connected to the second power signal terminal Vss.

[0034] Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto; in other embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The first end of the first light-emitting element 111 is connected to the first end of the second light-emitting element 112, and is used to receive a light-emitting driving signal Vled. The second end of the first light-emitting element 111 is connected to the first end of a privacy control switch 110, and the control terminal of the privacy control switch 110 is used to receive a privacy control signal Vf. The second ends of the second light-emitting element 112 and the second end of the privacy control switch 110 are connected to a second power signal terminal Vss.

[0035] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings of this embodiment of the invention only illustrate the use of a PMOS transistor as an example of a privacy control switch 110, but this is not the only possibility. In other embodiments, the privacy control switch 110 may also be an NMOS transistor or a triode, etc. It should also be noted that the privacy control signal Vf may be provided by the display panel's driver chip or printed circuit board.

[0036] Taking the privacy control switch 110 as a PMOS transistor as an example, in the non-privacy display mode, the privacy control signal Vf is a low-level signal, which is used to control the privacy control switch 110 to be turned on, thereby controlling the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 to emit light; in the privacy display mode, the privacy control signal Vf is a high-level signal, which is used to control the privacy control switch 110 to be turned off, thereby controlling the first light-emitting element 111 to not emit light and the second light-emitting element 112 to emit light.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit 11 in the non-peeping mode is twice the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit 11 in the peeping mode, that is, the light-emitting area of ​​the first light-emitting element 111 is equal to the light-emitting area of ​​the second light-emitting element 112. Based on this, one light-emitting element can be divided into two light-emitting elements, namely the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112, and in the non-peeping display mode, both the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 are controlled to emit light. This not only ensures the display brightness of the display panel in the non-peeping display mode, but also ensures the resolution of the display panel in the non-peeping display mode, thereby ensuring the display effect of the display panel in the non-peeping display mode.

[0038] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit 11 in non-peeping mode may be 1.5 times that of the light-emitting unit 11 in peeping mode, that is, the light-emitting area of ​​the second light-emitting element 112 is twice that of the first light-emitting element 111, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The display panel includes a driving circuit layer 20 and a light-emitting functional layer 30 sequentially located on a substrate 10. A privacy control switch 110 is located on the driving circuit layer 20, and a first light-emitting element 111 and a second light-emitting element 112 are located on the light-emitting functional layer 30. Furthermore, both the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 include a first electrode 301, a second electrode 302, and a light-emitting layer 300 located between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302.

[0040] It should be noted that the light-emitting unit 11 in the embodiment of the present invention includes a pixel circuit, which is located in the driving circuit layer 20. The pixel circuit includes a driving transistor or a light-emitting control transistor T1, which is used to provide a light-emitting driving signal Vled to the second light-emitting element 112 and the first light-emitting element 111 or the privacy control switch 110.

[0041] It should also be noted that the first end of the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 can be the first electrode 301 of the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112, and the second end of the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 can be the second electrode 302 of the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112. Furthermore, the first electrode 301 can be the anode, and the second electrode 302 can be the cathode.

[0042] Based on this, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the source of the privacy control switch 110 can be directly connected to the first electrode 301 of the second light-emitting element 112. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In some other embodiments, the source of the privacy control switch 110 can also be directly connected to the drain of the driving transistor or the light-emitting control transistor T1, which will not be described in detail here.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The light-emitting unit includes a pixel circuit, which is connected in series with the second light-emitting element 112, and the pixel circuit is connected in series with the branch where the privacy control switch 110 and the first light-emitting element 111 are located. Specifically, the pixel circuit is connected to the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110 and the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112, the second terminal of the privacy control switch 110 is connected to the first terminal of the first light-emitting element 111, and the second terminals of the second light-emitting element 112 and the first light-emitting element 111 are connected to the second power signal terminal Vss.

[0044] Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto; in other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another light-emitting unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The pixel circuit can also be connected to the first end of the first light-emitting element 111 and the first end of the second light-emitting element 112. The second end of the first light-emitting element 111 is connected to the first end of the privacy control switch 110. The second ends of the second light-emitting element 112 and the privacy control switch 110 are connected to the second power signal terminal Vss.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a pixel circuit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The pixel circuit includes a data writing module 700, a storage module 701, a threshold compensation module 702, a first initialization module 703, a second initialization module 704, a first light emission control module 705, a driving module 706, and a second light emission control module 707.

[0046] The data writing module 700 is used to receive the second scan signal S2 and the data signal VData, and write the data signal VData to the first terminal of the drive module 706 in response to the second scan signal S2.

[0047] The storage module 701 connects the control terminal of the drive module 706 to the first power signal terminal Ddd, and is used to store the voltage of the control terminal of the drive module 706.

[0048] The threshold compensation module 702 is used to receive the third scan signal S3 and, in response to the third scan signal S3, connect the control terminal of the drive module 706 to the second terminal of the drive module 706.

[0049] The first initialization module 703 is used to receive the first scan signal S1 and initialize the control terminal of the drive module 706 in response to the first scan signal S1.

[0050] The second initialization module 704 is used to receive the fourth scan signal S4 and, in response to the fourth scan signal S4, initialize the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112.

[0051] The driving module 706 is connected in series with the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112. The driving module 706 is used to drive the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 to emit light in the non-peeping display mode, and to drive the second light-emitting element 112 to emit light in the peeping display mode.

[0052] The first light-emitting control module 705 is used to receive the light-emitting control signal and, in response to the light-emitting control signal, connect the first power signal terminal to the first terminal of the drive module 706.

[0053] The second light-emitting control module 707 is used to receive the light-emitting control signal and, in response to the light-emitting control signal, to connect the second end of the driving module 706 with the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The present invention discloses a pixel circuit schematic diagram. The data writing module 700 includes a second transistor M2, the storage module 701 includes a storage capacitor Cst, the threshold compensation module 702 includes a third transistor M3, the first initialization module 703 includes a fourth transistor M4, the second initialization module 704 includes a seventh transistor M7, the first light emission control module 705 includes a fifth transistor M5, the driving module 706 includes a first transistor M1, and the second light emission control module 707 includes a sixth transistor M6.

[0055] In this configuration, the first terminal of the second transistor M2 receives a data signal, the control terminal of the second transistor M2 receives a second scan signal, and the second terminal of the second transistor M2 is connected to the first terminal of the first transistor M1. The second transistor M2 is turned on in response to the second scan signal S2, writing the data signal VData to the first terminal of the first transistor M1.

[0056] The storage capacitor Cst is connected to the control terminal of the first transistor M1 and the first power signal terminal Ddd, and is used to store the voltage at the control terminal of the first transistor M1.

[0057] The first terminal of the third transistor M3 is connected to the control terminal of the first transistor M1, and the second terminal of the third transistor M3 is connected to the second terminal of the first transistor M1. The control terminal of the third transistor M3 receives the third scan signal S3. The third transistor M3 turns on in response to the third scan signal S3, thereby connecting the control terminal of the first transistor M1 with the second terminal of the first transistor M1.

[0058] The control terminal of the fourth transistor M4 receives the first scan signal S1, the first terminal of the fourth transistor M4 receives the first initialization signal Vref1, and the second terminal of the fourth transistor M4 is connected to the control terminal of the first transistor M1. In response to the first scan signal S1, the fourth transistor M4 turns on and transmits the first initialization signal Vref1 to the control terminal of the first transistor M1, thus initializing the control terminal of the first transistor M1.

[0059] The control terminal of the seventh transistor M7 receives the fourth scan signal S4, the first terminal of the seventh transistor M7 receives the second initialization signal Vref2, and the second terminal of the seventh transistor M7 is connected to the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112 and the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110. In response to the fourth scan signal S4, the seventh transistor M7 is turned on, transmitting the second initialization signal Vref2 to the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112 and the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110, thus initializing the second light-emitting element 112 and the first light-emitting element 111. It should be noted that when initializing the first light-emitting element 111, the privacy control switch 110 needs to be turned on.

[0060] The first terminal of the fifth transistor M5 is connected to the first power supply signal terminal Vdd. The control terminal of the fifth transistor M5 receives the light emission control signal EM. The second terminal of the fifth transistor M5 is connected to the first terminal of the first transistor M1. The fifth transistor M5 turns on in response to the light emission control signal EM, thereby connecting the first power supply signal terminal Vdd to the first terminal of the first transistor M1.

[0061] The first terminal of the sixth transistor M6 is connected to the second terminal of the first transistor M1. The control terminal of the sixth transistor M6 receives the light emission control signal EM. The second terminal of the sixth transistor M6 is connected to the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112 and the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110. The sixth transistor M6 turns on in response to the light emission control signal EM, thereby connecting the second terminal of the first transistor M1 with the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112 and the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110.

[0062] In non-peeping display mode, the first transistor M1 is turned on, the peeping control switch 110 is turned on in response to the peeping control signal Vf, and the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 emit light; in peeping display mode, the first transistor M1 is turned on, the peeping control switch 110 is turned off, and only the second light-emitting element 112 emits light.

[0063] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention only use a pixel circuit including 7 transistors and 1 capacitor as an example for illustration, but are not limited to this. In other embodiments, the pixel circuit may also include 8 transistors and 1 capacitor, or 9 transistors and 1 capacitor, or 9 transistors and 2 capacitors, etc., which will not be elaborated here. It should also be noted that the voltage of the first power supply signal terminal Vdd is greater than the voltage of the second power supply signal terminal Vss.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the non-peeping display mode, the data signal VData received by the pixel circuit is a first data signal, and in the peeping display mode, the data signal VData received by the pixel circuit is a second data signal. Furthermore, at any grayscale level, the first data signal and the second data signal are different. For example, at any grayscale level from 0 to 256, the first data signal and the second data signal are different. Preferably, at any grayscale level, the voltage of the first data signal is less than the voltage of the second data signal, thereby improving the display brightness in the peeping display mode.

[0065] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, within the first grayscale range, the first data signal and the second data signal are the same, and within the second grayscale range, the first data signal and the second data signal are different. Wherein, any grayscale level within the second grayscale range is greater than any grayscale level within the first grayscale range. For example, in grayscale levels 0–125, the first data signal and the second data signal are the same, and in grayscale levels 126–256, the first data signal and the second data signal are different. Preferably, within the second grayscale range, the voltage of the first data signal is less than the voltage of the second data signal to improve the display brightness in the privacy display mode. In other embodiments, in both the non-privacy display mode and the non-privacy display mode, the data signal VData received by the pixel circuit can also be the same.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The display panel further includes a first light-shielding layer 50, which is located on the side of the film layer containing the light-emitting unit, i.e., the light-emitting functional layer 30, away from the substrate 10. A planarization layer and an encapsulation layer may be included between the first light-shielding layer 50 and the light-emitting functional layer 30. Furthermore, the first light-shielding layer 50 includes a plurality of first openings 501, a plurality of second openings 502, and a first light-shielding portion 500.

[0067] The first light-shielding portion 500 is located at least between adjacent first openings 501 and second openings 502. For example, the first light-shielding portion 500 may be located between adjacent first openings 501 and second openings 502, between adjacent first openings 501, or between adjacent second openings 502. The orthographic projection of the first opening 501 on the substrate 10 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element 111 on the substrate 10, and the orthographic projection of the second opening 502 on the substrate 10 overlaps with the middle region of the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element 112 on the substrate 10. Furthermore, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second opening 502 on the substrate 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first opening 501 on the substrate 10.

[0068] Based on this, the first light-shielding part 500 can block the surrounding area of ​​the second light-emitting element 112 to reduce the wide-angle light emitted by the second light-emitting element 112, thereby reducing the light-emitting angle of the second light-emitting element 112 and achieving the privacy protection effect.

[0069] Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto; in other embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The display panel further includes a second light-shielding layer 70, which is located on the side of the first light-shielding layer 50 facing away from the substrate 10. A padding layer 60 is also provided between the second light-shielding layer 70 and the first light-shielding layer 50. Furthermore, the second light-shielding layer 70 includes a plurality of third openings 71, a plurality of fourth openings 72, and a second light-shielding portion 73.

[0070] The second light-shielding portion 73 is located at least between adjacent third openings 71 and fourth openings 72. For example, the second light-shielding portion 73 may be located between adjacent third openings 71 and fourth openings 72, between adjacent third openings 71, or between adjacent third openings 71. The orthographic projection of the third opening 71 on the substrate 10 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element 111 on the substrate 10. The orthographic projection of the fourth opening 72 on the substrate 10 overlaps with the middle region of the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element 112 on the substrate 10. Furthermore, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third opening 71 on the substrate 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the fourth opening 72 on the substrate 10, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first opening 501 on the substrate 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third opening 71 on the substrate 10.

[0071] Based on this, the surrounding area of ​​the second light-emitting element 112 can be blocked by the first light-blocking part 500 and the second light-blocking part 73, so as to more effectively reduce the wide-angle light in the light emitted by the second light-emitting element 112, thereby more effectively reducing the light-emitting angle of the second light-emitting element 112 and more effectively achieving the anti-peeping effect.

[0072] As another optional implementation of the disclosure of this invention, embodiments of this invention also disclose a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel disclosed in any of the above embodiments, such as... Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a driving method for a display panel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The driving method includes:

[0073] S101: In non-peeping display mode, control the peeping control switch to turn on, so that both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light.

[0074] refer to Figure 2 Taking the privacy control switch 110 as a PMOS transistor as an example, a low-level signal is written to the control terminal of the privacy control switch 110 to control the privacy control switch 110 to be turned on, so that the first light-emitting element 111 and the second light-emitting element 112 both emit light, so that the display mode of the display panel is the non-privacy display mode.

[0075] S102: In privacy display mode, control the privacy control switch to turn off, so that only the second light-emitting element emits light.

[0076] Taking the privacy control switch 110 as an example of a PMOS transistor, a high-level signal is written to the control terminal of the privacy control switch 110 to control the privacy control switch 110 to turn off, so that only the second light-emitting element 112 emits light, and the display mode of the display panel is the privacy display mode.

[0077] It should be noted that in both privacy display mode and non-privacy display mode, the pixel circuit works normally, providing a light-emitting drive signal Vled to the first terminal of the privacy control switch 110 and the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112, or providing a light-emitting drive signal Vled to the first terminal of the first light-emitting element 111 and the first terminal of the second light-emitting element 112.

[0078] As another optional implementation of the disclosure of this invention, embodiments of this invention also disclose a display device, which includes a display panel as disclosed in any of the above embodiments. Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The display device includes a smartphone. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the display device may also include wearable display devices such as digital cameras, tablet computers, and smart glasses.

[0079] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0080] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods described in detail, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this specification, and these all fall within the protection scope of this specification. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, Includes a substrate and multiple light-emitting units located on the substrate; The light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting element, a privacy control switch, and a second light-emitting element; the privacy control switch is connected in series with the first light-emitting element; the second light-emitting element is connected in parallel with the branch containing the privacy control switch and the first light-emitting element. The display panel has two display modes: a non-peeping display mode and a peeping display mode. In the non-peeping display mode, the peeping control switch is turned on, and both the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element emit light. In the privacy display mode, the privacy control switch is turned off, and only the second light-emitting element emits light; the light-emitting angle of the second light-emitting element is smaller than that of the first light-emitting element.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal of the privacy control switch is connected to the first terminal of the second light-emitting element, and is used to receive a light-emitting drive signal; the light-emitting drive signal is used to drive the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element to emit light. The second terminal of the privacy control switch is connected to the first terminal of the first light-emitting element; the control terminal of the privacy control switch is used to receive a privacy control signal; the privacy control signal is used to control the privacy control switch to be turned on or off. The second light-emitting element and the second end of the first light-emitting element are connected to the second power signal terminal.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit in the non-peeping mode is twice the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit in the peeping mode.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a first light-shielding layer; the first light-shielding layer is located on the side of the light-emitting unit opposite to the substrate; The first light-shielding layer includes a plurality of first openings, a plurality of second openings, and a first light-shielding portion; the first light-shielding portion is located at least between adjacent first openings and second openings; The orthographic projection of the first opening on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element on the substrate; The orthographic projection of the second opening onto the substrate overlaps with the middle region of the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element onto the substrate; Furthermore, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second opening onto the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first opening onto the substrate.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a second light-shielding layer; the second light-shielding layer is located on the side of the first light-shielding layer away from the substrate; the second light-shielding layer includes a plurality of third openings, a plurality of fourth openings, and a second light-shielding portion; the second light-shielding portion is located at least between adjacent third openings and fourth openings. The orthographic projection of the third opening on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element on the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the fourth opening on the substrate overlaps with the middle region of the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element on the substrate. Furthermore, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third opening onto the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the fourth opening onto the substrate; the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first opening onto the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third opening onto the substrate.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting unit includes a pixel circuit; the pixel circuit is connected in series with the second light-emitting element, and the pixel circuit and the privacy control switch are connected in series with the branch where the first light-emitting element is located.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pixel circuit includes a data writing module, a storage module, a threshold compensation module, a first initialization module, a second initialization module, a first light emission control module, a driving module, and a second light emission control module. The data writing module is used to receive a second scan signal and a data signal, and in response to the second scan signal, write the data signal to the first end of the driving module; The storage module is connected to the control terminal of the drive module and the first power signal terminal, and is used to store the voltage of the control terminal of the drive module; The threshold compensation module is used to receive the third scan signal and, in response to the third scan signal, realize the connection between the control terminal of the drive module and the second terminal of the drive module; The first initialization module is used to receive the first scan signal and, in response to the first scan signal, initialize the control terminal of the drive module; The second initialization module is used to receive the fourth scan signal and, in response to the fourth scan signal, initialize the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element; The driving module is connected in series with the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element. The driving module is used to drive the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element to emit light in the non-peeping display mode, and to drive the second light-emitting element to emit light in the peeping display mode. The first light-emitting control module is used to receive a light-emitting control signal and, in response to the light-emitting control signal, connect the first power signal terminal to the first terminal of the driving module; The second light-emitting control module is used to receive the light-emitting control signal and, in response to the light-emitting control signal, connect the second end of the driving module to the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element.

8. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the non-peeping display mode, the data signal received by the pixel circuit is a first data signal; in the peeping display mode, the data signal received by the pixel circuit is a second data signal. At any gray level, the first data signal is different from the second data signal; or, within the first gray level range, the first data signal is the same as the second data signal, and within the second gray level range, the first data signal is different from the second data signal, and any gray level within the second gray level range is greater than any gray level within the first gray level range.

9. A driving method for a display panel, characterized in that, The driving method for driving the display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8 includes: In non-peeping display mode, the privacy control switch is turned on to control both the first and second light-emitting elements to emit light; In the privacy display mode, the privacy control switch is turned off to control the second light-emitting element to emit light.

10. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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