Display panel

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a display panel capable of decreasing influence on display color by installing a spacer.SOLUTION: A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of pixel structures, a plurality of color filter patterns, a plurality of spacers and a liquid crystal layer. The plurality of pixel structures installed on the first substrate include reflection electrodes, respectively; the plurality of color filter patterns overlap with the plurality of reflection electrodes of the pixel structures, respectively; the plurality of spacers and the liquid crystal layer are installed between the first and second substrates; the pixel structures include a first pixel structure; the spacers include a first spacer; the color filter patterns include a first color filter pattern; the reflection electrode of the first pixel structure in the pixel structures overlaps with the first spacer in the spacers and the first color filter pattern in the color filter patterns; and at least a part of the first spacer does not overlap with the first color filter pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel, and more particularly to a display panel provided with spacers. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, most LCD panels use spacers to create a specific distance between the upper and lower substrates to create a space for filling with liquid crystal material. In reflective LCD panels, one current approach is to place the spacers on the color filter pattern to prevent the surface flatness of the coating layer supporting the spacers on the substrate from being compromised. However, this design significantly affects the light transmittance of the color filter pattern, resulting in poor color performance of the reflective LCD panel, such as color shift and a narrower color gamut. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a display panel that can reduce the influence of the spacer on the display color. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The display panel of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of pixel structures, a plurality of color filter patterns, a plurality of spacers, and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate and the second substrate are disposed on top of each other. The plurality of pixel structures are disposed on the first substrate, each including a reflective electrode. The plurality of color filter patterns overlap the plurality of reflective electrodes of the pixel structures. The plurality of spacers are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pixel structures include a first pixel structure, the spacers include a first spacer, and the color filter patterns include a first color filter pattern. The reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first spacer and the first color filter pattern, and at least a portion of the first spacer does not overlap the first color filter pattern.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a plurality of light-transmitting patterns, each overlapping the plurality of reflective electrodes of the pixel structures, including a first light-transmitting pattern, a reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlapping the first light-transmitting pattern, and a first spacer overlapping the first light-transmitting pattern.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the orthogonal projection of the first spacer on the substrate surface of the second substrate of the above-mentioned display panel is located within the orthogonal projection of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure on the substrate surface of the second substrate.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pixel structures of the display panel described above further include a second pixel structure, the color filter patterns further include a second color filter pattern, the light-transmitting patterns further include a second light-transmitting pattern, and the spacers further include a second spacer. The reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern, the second light-transmitting pattern, and the second spacer. The second spacer overlaps the second light-transmitting pattern, and the orthogonal projection of the second spacer on the substrate surface of the second substrate is located within the orthogonal projection of the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure on the substrate surface of the second substrate.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. The first alignment layer has a first alignment direction, and the second alignment layer has a second alignment direction. The orthogonal projection profile of the first spacer on the surface of the second substrate is in the shape of a long strip, and the extension direction of the first spacer is parallel to the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pixel structures of the above-mentioned display panel further include a second pixel structure, the color filter patterns further include a second color filter pattern, the light-transmitting patterns further include a second light-transmitting pattern, and the spacers further include a second spacer. The reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern, the second light-transmitting pattern, and the second spacer, and the second spacer overlaps the second color filter pattern. The orthogonal projection of the second spacer on the substrate surface of the second substrate is located within the orthogonal projection of the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure on the substrate surface.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the orthogonal projection area of the first spacer on the substrate surface of the above-mentioned display panel is different from the orthogonal projection area of the second spacer on the substrate surface.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer of the above-mentioned display panel has a first height along the normal direction of the substrate surface, and the second spacer has a second height along the normal direction of the substrate surface, and the first height is different from the second height.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pixel structures of the display panel described above further include a second pixel structure adjacent to the first pixel structure. The color filter patterns further include a second color filter pattern. The reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern. The orthogonal projection outline of the first spacer on the surface of the second substrate is in the shape of a long strip or a dot, and the first spacer partially overlaps the region between the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure and the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. The first alignment layer has a first alignment direction, and the second alignment layer has a second alignment direction. The orthogonal projection profile of the first spacer on the surface of the second substrate is a long strip, the extension direction of the first spacer is parallel to the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction, and the width of the end of the first spacer gradually decreases toward the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. The first alignment layer has a first alignment direction, and the second alignment layer has a second alignment direction. The pixel structures further include a second pixel structure adjacent to the first pixel structure. The color filter patterns further include a second color filter pattern, and the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern. The orthogonal projection outline of the first spacer on the surface of the second substrate is a diamond, and the extension directions of virtual connecting lines at two opposing corners of the diamond are parallel to the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction. The first spacer partially overlaps the region between the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure and the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure of the above-mentioned display panel overlaps the color filter pattern but does not overlap the first spacer, and a second portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first spacer but does not overlap the first color filter pattern.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a plurality of light-transmitting patterns respectively overlapping the plurality of reflective electrodes of the pixel structures, the light-transmitting patterns including a first light-transmitting pattern, a first portion and a second portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure not overlapping the first light-transmitting pattern, and a third portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlapping the first light-transmitting pattern but not overlapping the first color filter pattern and the first spacer.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pixel structure of the display panel described above further includes an insulating layer and an active element. These spacers further include a second spacer. The active element is disposed on a first substrate, and the insulating layer is disposed on the active element and has an opening overlapping the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure. The reflective electrode of the first pixel structure is disposed on the insulating layer and extends into the opening to be electrically connected to the active element, and the opening in the insulating layer overlaps the second spacer.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pixel structures of the above-mentioned display panel further include a second pixel structure, the color filter patterns further include a second color filter pattern, and the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern, and the area of the orthogonal projection of the first color filter pattern on the substrate surface of the second substrate is different from the area of the orthogonal projection of the second color filter pattern on the substrate surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, in one embodiment of the display panel of the present invention, a plurality of spacers are disposed between the first and second substrates to control the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and at least some of the spacers are disposed without overlapping with the plurality of color filter patterns, thereby effectively reducing the influence of the color filter patterns on the light transmittance and ensuring the color performance of the display panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a portion of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic front view of one alternative embodiment of the coating layer of the portion of the display panel of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a schematic front view of another modified embodiment of the coating layer of the portion of the display panel of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a coating layer of a part of a display panel according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The above and other technical contents, features, and advantages of the present invention will be clearly expressed in the following detailed description of each embodiment, taken in conjunction with the reference drawings. Directional terms, such as up, down, left, right, front, or rear, used in the following embodiments are merely referenced to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for explanation purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] The ordinal numbers used in the specification and claims, such as "first," "second," etc., are used to modify elements, but do not themselves imply or represent that the element(s) have a previous ordinal number, nor do they represent the order or manufacturing process of one element relative to another. The use of these ordinal numbers is used only to clearly distinguish an element having a particular name from other elements having the same name. The same terms do not need to be used in the claims and the specification; thus, a first element in the specification may be a second element in the claim.

[0023] 1 and 2 are schematic front views of some coating layers of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 corresponds to the section line A-A' in FIGS. 1 and 2. For clarity, FIG. 1 shows only some coating layers on the first substrate 101 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 2 shows only some coating layers on the second substrate 102 of FIG. 3.

[0024] 1 to 3, the display panel 10 includes a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of scan lines GL, a plurality of pixel structures PX, and a liquid crystal layer LCL. The first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 are disposed overlapping each other, and the liquid crystal layer LCL is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102. The overlapping relationship here refers to, for example, the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 overlapping each other along a normal direction (e.g., direction D3) of the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the overlapping relationship between the two structures is defined in this manner, and the overlapping direction will not be described again.

[0025] In this embodiment, the plurality of data lines DL are arranged at intervals on the first substrate 101 along, for example, the direction D1 and extend in the direction D2, while the plurality of scanning lines GL are arranged at intervals on the first substrate 101 along, for example, the direction D2 and extend in the direction D1. More specifically, the scanning lines GL intersect with the data lines DL to define a plurality of pixel regions of the display panel 10.

[0026] A plurality of pixel structures PX are disposed in the pixel regions, respectively, and are electrically connected to one scan line GL and one data line DL. For example, the plurality of pixel structures PX can be arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows along the direction D1 and the direction D2, respectively. That is, the pixel structures PX are arranged in an array on the first substrate 101.

[0027] More specifically, each pixel structure PX includes an active element T and a reflective electrode RE electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the method for forming the active element T includes the following steps: sequentially forming a gate GE, a gate insulating layer 110, a semiconductor pattern SC, a source SE, and a drain DE on a first substrate 101; placing the semiconductor pattern SC over the gate GE; and placing the source SE and drain DE over the semiconductor pattern SC and electrically contacting two different regions of the semiconductor pattern SC. In this embodiment, the gate GE of the active element T may be selectively placed below the semiconductor pattern SC to form a bottom-gate thin film transistor (bottom-gate TFT), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the gate of the active element may be selectively placed above the semiconductor pattern to form a top-gate thin film transistor (top-gate TFT).

[0028] To further explain, the active element T may be covered in order by an insulating layer 120 and an insulating layer 130. In this embodiment, the insulating layer 120 is, for example, a passivation layer, and the insulating layer 130 is, for example, a planarization layer. For example, in this embodiment, the pixel structure PX may further include a common electrode CE, a capacitor electrode CPE, and a conductive pattern CP that overlap each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The common electrode CE is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the gate insulating layer 110. The capacitor electrode CPE is disposed between the gate insulating layer 110 and the insulating layer 120. Therefore, the capacitor electrode CPE, the common electrode CE, and the gate insulating layer 110 sandwiched therebetween may form a storage capacitance. In some other embodiments, the pixel structure PX may not include a common electrode CE and a capacitor electrode CPE that overlap each other. The conductive pattern CP is disposed between the insulating layer 120 and the insulating layer 130.

[0029] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 130 has an opening OP, which exposes a portion of the surface of the conductive pattern CP. The reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX is disposed on the surface of the insulating layer 130 and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern CP through the opening OP of the insulating layer 130. The conductive pattern CP is electrically connected to the capacitor electrode CPE through a contact hole TH in the insulating layer 120. The capacitor electrode CPE may extend from the drain DE of the active element T (i.e., the drain DE and the capacitor electrode CPE are coupled to each other), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the pixel structure PX may not include the conductive pattern CP, and the reflective electrode RE is electrically connected to the drain DE of the active element T through a through-hole penetrating the insulating layer 130 and the insulating layer 120.

[0030] It should be noted that the gate GE, source SE, drain DE, semiconductor pattern SC, gate insulating layer 110, passivation layer (i.e., insulating layer 120), and planarization layer (i.e., insulating layer 130) can be realized by any gate, any source, any drain, any semiconductor pattern, any gate insulating layer, any passivation layer, and any planarization layer for a reflective display panel that are well known to those skilled in the art, and the gate GE, source SE, drain DE, semiconductor pattern SC, gate insulating layer 110, passivation layer, and planarization layer can be formed by any method that is well known to those skilled in the art, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0031] The display panel 10 further includes a plurality of color filter patterns disposed on the second substrate 102 and overlapping the reflective electrodes RE of the pixel structures PX, respectively. In this embodiment, the color filter patterns include, for example, a color filter pattern CFP1, a color filter pattern CFP2, and a color filter pattern CFP3, and the filter colors of these three color filter patterns are all different. For example, the color filter pattern CFP1 is suitable for passing red light, the color filter pattern CFP2 is suitable for passing green light, and the color filter pattern CFP3 is suitable for passing blue light (i.e., the color filter pattern CFP1 may include a red color resist, the color filter pattern CFP2 may include a green color resist, and the color filter pattern CFP3 may include a blue color resist).

[0032] The color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 overlap the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 of the plurality of pixel structures PX, respectively. In this embodiment, each pixel unit P includes three pixel structures PX, namely, pixel structure PX1, pixel structure PX2, and pixel structure PX3, and the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 overlap the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 of different colors, respectively, to display different colors, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each pixel structure PX may be a pixel structure of one subpixel, and each pixel unit P may be a pixel structure of one pixel including three subpixel pixel structures. In some other embodiments, the number of pixel structures PX in each pixel unit P may be more or less than three. It should be noted that Fig. 1 only shows a schematic front view of one pixel unit P, and the display panel 10 may have a plurality of pixel units P arranged along directions D1 and D2. For the schematic front view of each pixel unit P, refer to Fig. 1, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. In order to meet specific color performance requirements, the orthogonal projection area of the reflective surface RS (i.e., the first reflective surface) of the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX1 of the color filter pattern CFP1 and the percentage of the area of the first reflective surface (also referred to as the first percentage value), the orthogonal projection area of the reflective surface RS (i.e., the second reflective surface) of the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX2 of the color filter pattern CFP2 and the percentage of the area of the second reflective surface (also referred to as the second percentage value), and the orthogonal projection area of the reflective surface RS (i.e., the third reflective surface) of the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX3 of the color filter pattern CFP3 and the percentage of the area of the third reflective surface (also referred to as the third percentage value) may be different from each other, or two of the first to third percentage values may be the same and different from the remaining one.From another perspective, the orthogonal projection areas of the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 may be different from each other, or two of the orthogonal projection areas of the color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 may be the same and the orthogonal projection area of the remaining one may be different.

[0033] For example, in this embodiment, when the color filter patterns are ranked based on the size of their orthogonal projection areas on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102, the order is color filter pattern CFP3, color filter pattern CFP1, and color filter pattern CFP2, in descending order, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in some other embodiments, the orthogonal projection area of color filter pattern CFP1 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 may be equal to the orthogonal projection area of color filter pattern CFP2 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102, and the orthogonal projection area of color filter pattern CFP3 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 may be larger than the orthogonal projection areas of color filter patterns CFP1 and CFP2 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display panel 10 may further include a plurality of light-transmitting patterns disposed on the second substrate 102. These light-transmitting patterns may overlap the reflective electrodes RE of the pixel structures PX, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the plurality of light-transmitting patterns may include, for example, light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3, which overlap the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 of the pixel structures PX, respectively. In one pixel structure PX overlapping a color filter pattern and a light-transmitting pattern, a portion of the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX overlaps the color filter pattern but not the light-transmitting pattern, and another portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps the light-transmitting pattern but not the color filter pattern. It should be noted that the light-transmitting patterns are suitable for transmitting light of multiple colors; for example, red light, green light, and blue light can all pass through the light-transmitting patterns. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting pattern may include, for example, a transparent resist, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, each pixel structure PX in one pixel unit P has a corresponding light-transmitting pattern. That is, pixel structure PX1, pixel structure PX2, and pixel structure PX3 overlap light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, one or two of pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 in one pixel unit P have corresponding light-transmitting patterns, while the remaining do not. For example, pixel structure PX1 and pixel structure PX2 may overlap light-transmitting patterns, but pixel structure PX3 does not. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting patterns are ordered based on the size of their orthogonal projection areas on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102, in descending order, as the light-transmitting pattern TP2, the light-transmitting pattern TP1, and the light-transmitting pattern TP3, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] It should be particularly noted that, although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the color filter pattern and the light-transmitting pattern are both disposed on the second substrate 102 and located between the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 and the liquid crystal layer LCL, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the color filter pattern and the light-transmitting pattern may be disposed on the second substrate 102 and located on the substrate surface of the second substrate 102 opposite the liquid crystal layer LCL (i.e., on another substrate surface opposite to the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the color filter pattern and the light-transmitting pattern may be disposed on the first substrate 101 and located between the reflective electrode RE of the pixel structure PX and the liquid crystal layer LCL.

[0036] In this specification, one, another, and the remaining one of pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 may be referred to as the first pixel structure, the second pixel structure, and the third pixel structure, respectively; one, another, and the remaining one of color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 may be referred to as the first color filter pattern, the second color filter pattern, and the third color filter pattern, respectively; and one, another, and the remaining one of light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3 may be referred to as the first light-transmitting pattern, the second light-transmitting pattern, and the third light-transmitting pattern, respectively. Also, while FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3 are arranged in order along direction D1, and light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3 are arranged in order along direction D1, the arrangement order of color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, CFP3 and light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3 in this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0037] To ensure a space between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 to accommodate the liquid crystal layer LCL, the display panel 10 further includes a plurality of spacers SP. In this embodiment, these spacers SP are disposed on the second substrate 102 (i.e., the spacers SP are located between the second substrate 102 and the second alignment layer AL2) and may overlap the plurality of reflective electrodes RE (i.e., the orthogonal projections of these spacers SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 are located within the orthogonal projections of the plurality of reflective electrodes RE on the substrate surface 102s). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacers SP may be disposed on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the spacers SP are located between the first substrate 101 and the first alignment layer AL1).

[0038] In this embodiment, the spacers SP are disposed so as to overlap the light-transmitting patterns (e.g., light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3), respectively. More specifically, the orthogonal projections of the spacers SP on the surface 102s of the second substrate 102 are located within the orthogonal projections of the light-transmitting patterns on the surface 102s. That is, each spacer SP can completely overlap a corresponding light-transmitting pattern (as shown in FIG. 2). In this way, the provision of the spacers SP can avoid the problem of reduced light transmittance of the color filter patterns, thereby ensuring the color performance of the display panel 10.

[0039] For example, in this embodiment, a common electrode layer CEL and a covering layer 150 may be further provided on the second substrate 102, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the common electrode layer may be provided on the first substrate 101, i.e., between the first substrate 101 and the liquid crystal layer LCL. The common electrode layer CEL may be a transparent conductive layer containing a transparent conductive material. For example, the common electrode layer CEL may include indium oxide, e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The covering layer 150 covers the color filter patterns and the translucent patterns, and the common electrode layer CEL is provided on the covering layer 150. An electric field generated between the common electrode layer CEL and the reflective electrode RE is suitable for rotating the liquid crystal molecules (not shown) in the liquid crystal layer LCL to form an alignment state corresponding to the direction and strength of the electric field. Changing the alignment state of these liquid crystal molecules changes the polarization state of light passing through the liquid crystal layer LCL, thereby forming the brightness of the emitted light corresponding to the alignment state.

[0040] To align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LCL in their natural state (i.e., when no external force is applied), a first alignment layer AL1 covering the reflective electrodes RE may be further provided on the first substrate 101, and a second alignment layer AL2 covering the common electrode layer CEL may be further provided on the second substrate 102. The liquid crystal layer LCL is sandwiched between the first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2. For example, in this embodiment, the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1 may be parallel to and opposite the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2, so that the liquid crystal layer LCL can be driven in an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first alignment direction AD1 may be perpendicular to the second alignment direction AD2, so that the liquid crystal layer LCL can be driven in a twisted nematic (TN) mode.

[0041] In this embodiment, the display panel 10 may be a reflective display panel, and the reflective electrode RE can reflect ambient light or light from a front light module to display a corresponding image. Incident light and reflected light each pass through the common electrode layer CEL once, resulting in a yellowish image. For example, when the common electrode layer CEL contains indium tin oxide and has a thickness of 1200 Å to 1700 Å, the b* value of the color coordinates of the light passing through the common electrode layer CEL is approximately 2 to 11, resulting in a yellowish image. The problem of yellowish color can be solved by combining the area arrangement of the color filter pattern and the complementary color of the transmissive pattern. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacer SP is placed over the transmissive pattern, thereby avoiding any impact on the transmission area of the color filter pattern and thereby maintaining the NTSC (National Television System Committee) range for the display panel 10.

[0042] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to several embodiments, but the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the same technical content will not be described again. The omitted parts can be referred to in the above-described embodiments, so they will not be described again below.

[0043] 4 and 5 are schematic front views of some coating layers of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 corresponds to the cut lines B-B' and C-C' in FIGS. 4 and 5. For clarity, FIG. 4 shows only some coating layers on the first substrate 101 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 5 shows only some coating layers on the second substrate 102 of FIG. 6.

[0044] 4 to 6, the display panel 11 of this embodiment differs from the display panels 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the arrangement of the spacers. For example, in this embodiment, some spacers of the display panel 11 may be arranged to overlap the color filter pattern, and other spacers of the display panel 11 may be arranged to overlap the light-transmitting pattern. More specifically, the spacers of the display panel 11 may include spacers SP1, SP2, and SP3 that overlap pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3, respectively. One or two of the spacers SP1, SP2, and SP3 in one pixel unit P overlap the light-transmitting pattern, and the remaining spacers SP1, SP2, and SP3 in that pixel unit overlap the color filter pattern.

[0045] It should be noted that the following arrangement is taken as an example in this embodiment. That is, the spacer SP1 and the spacer SP3 are arranged to overlap the light-transmitting patterns TP1 and TP3, respectively, but do not overlap the color filter patterns CFP1 and CFP3. However, the spacer SP2 is arranged to overlap the color filter pattern CFP2, but does not overlap the light-transmitting pattern TP2. The positional arrangement of the spacers in this embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] Furthermore, the orthogonal projection areas of at least two of the spacers SP1, SP2, and SP3 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 may be different from each other. It should be particularly noted that the present embodiment exemplifies the following arrangement: The orthogonal projection areas of the spacer SP1 on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102, the orthogonal projection areas of the spacer SP2 on the substrate surface 102s, and the orthogonal projection areas of the spacer SP3 on the substrate surface 102s may be different from each other. For example, in this embodiment, the spacer SP2 is disposed overlapping the second color filter pattern CFP2. Therefore, in order to reduce the effect of the spacer SP2 on the light transmittance of the second color filter pattern CFP2, the orthogonal projection area of the spacer SP2 on the substrate surface 102s may be smaller than the orthogonal projection areas of the spacer SP1 and the spacer SP3 on the substrate surface 102s. Furthermore, by making the orthogonal projection area of the spacer SP1 on the substrate surface 102s larger than the orthogonal projection area of the spacer SP3 on the substrate surface 102s, it is possible to adjust the color gamut of the display panel 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The area arrangement of the spacers in this embodiment is not limited to the above description.

[0047] Furthermore, the heights of at least two of the spacers SP1, SP2, and SP3 along the normal direction (e.g., direction D3) to the substrate surface 102s may be different from each other. It should be particularly noted that the present embodiment illustrates the following arrangement as an example. The first height H1 of the spacer SP1 along the normal direction (e.g., direction D3) to the substrate surface 102s may be different from the second height H2 of the spacer SP3 along the normal direction to the substrate surface 102s. For example, the first height H1 of the spacer SP1 may be higher than the second height H2 of the spacer SP2. The height arrangement of the spacers in this embodiment is not limited to the above description. By designing at least two of the spacers SP1, SP2, and SP3 to have different heights, a slight difference in the cell gaps of the areas of the spacers with different heights may be created, thereby further adjusting the color gamut of the display panel 11.

[0048] The above-mentioned designs of different heights, areas, and locations of the spacers increase the flexibility of adjusting the color gamut performance of the display panel 11, and can adjust the optimal NTSC range and light transmittance of the display panel 11 to meet the requirements of different product applications.

[0049] 7 is a schematic front view of some coating layers of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. First, it should be noted that, except for the coating layers shown in FIG. 7, the coating layer structure on the first substrate of the display panel 12 and the remaining coating layer structure on the second substrate are similar to those of the display panel 10 in FIG. 1. Therefore, for illustrations and descriptions of these coating layer structures, please refer to the relevant paragraphs and corresponding drawings of the preceding embodiments.

[0050] 1, 3, and 7, the display panel 12 of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of FIG. 2 in the structural contour of the spacers. For example, in this embodiment, the orthogonal projection contour of each of the spacers SP-A on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 is a long strip, and the extension direction of each spacer SP-A is parallel to the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2. This configuration of the spacers SP-A in this embodiment effectively reduces poor alignment areas of the second alignment layer AL2 caused by the installation of the spacers SP-A (e.g., weak alignment areas formed near the spacers during friction alignment). This helps reduce light leakage in the dark state of the display panel 12, thereby improving the display contrast and NTSC of the display panel 12. 1, 3, and 7 illustrate an example in which the spacers SP-A are disposed on the second substrate 102 (i.e., the spacers SP-A are located between the second substrate 102 and the second alignment layer AL2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacers SP-A may be disposed on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the spacers SP-A are located between the first substrate 101 and the first alignment layer AL1). The orthogonal projection outline of each of the spacers SP-A on the surface of the first substrate 101 facing the liquid crystal layer LCL has a long strip shape, and the extension direction of each spacer SP-A is parallel to the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1. This effectively reduces the alignment error area of the first alignment layer AL1 caused by the spacers.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a schematic front view of some coating layers of a display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of one modified embodiment of some coating layers of the display panel of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of another modified embodiment of some coating layers of the display panel of Fig. 8. First, it should be noted that, except for the coating layers shown in Fig. 8, the coating layer structure on the first substrate and the remaining coating layer structure on the second substrate of the display panel 13 are both similar to those of the display panel 10 of Fig. 1. Therefore, for illustrations and descriptions of these coating layer structures, please refer to the relevant paragraphs and corresponding drawings of the preceding embodiments.

[0052] 1, 3, and 8, the display panel 13 of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of FIG. 2 in the structural contours and positions of the spacers. For example, in this embodiment, the orthogonal projection contour of each of the spacers SP-B on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 is a long strip. It should be noted that each of the spacers SP-B is partially disposed between two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of each of the pixel structures PX (i.e., the spacer SP-B partially overlaps the region between two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of each of the pixel structures PX in the direction D3), and each of the spacers SP-B further overlaps at least one reflective electrode RE of each of the pixel structures PX (FIGS. 1 and 8 show an example in which each of the spacers SP-B overlaps two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of each of the pixel structures PX). More specifically, a portion of one spacer SP-B is disposed between the reflective electrodes RE of two adjacent pixel structures PX, and another portion of the spacer SP-B overlaps the reflective electrode RE of at least one of the two adjacent pixel structures PX. Furthermore, the other portion of the spacer SP-B further overlaps at least one of two adjacent color filters (e.g., color filters CFP1 to CFP3) and at least one of two adjacent light-transmitting patterns (e.g., light-transmitting patterns TP1 to TP3). (FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the other portion of the spacer SP-B overlaps both adjacent color filters and both adjacent light-transmitting patterns.) This effectively reduces the influence on the light transmittance of the color filters, thereby ensuring the color performance of the display panel 13.

[0053] For example, the alignment of at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer LCL in the region between two adjacent pixel structures PX (i.e., the region between two adjacent reflective electrodes RE) cannot be controlled by the reflective electrode RE, resulting in light leakage in the dark state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two adjacent reflective electrodes RE arranged along the direction D1 may have opposite voltage polarities within the same frame period. That is, although the reflective display panel 13 is driven using, for example, a row-inversion or dot-inversion electrical structure, the present invention is not limited thereto. A liquid crystal layer LCL driven based on the above-described electrical structure is prone to alignment inversion of liquid crystal molecules in the region between two adjacent pixel structures PX, resulting in light leakage in the dark state. Therefore, by providing spacers SP-B between adjacent pixel structures PX, the light leakage phenomenon when the reflective display panel 13 is operated in the dark state can be significantly reduced, thereby improving its display contrast. From another perspective, the flexibility in selecting the driving electrical structure of the reflective display panel 13 can be increased.

[0054] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the extension direction of each spacer SP-B is parallel to the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2. Therefore, the alignment error region of the second alignment layer AL2 caused by the installation of the spacers SP-B can also be effectively reduced, which helps reduce light leakage in the dark state of the display panel 13 and thereby improves display contrast. It should be noted that although FIGS. 1, 3, and 8 illustrate an example in which the spacers SP-B are installed on the second substrate 102 (i.e., the spacers SP-B are located between the second substrate 102 and the second alignment layer AL2), the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacers SP-B may be installed on the first substrate 101 (i.e., the spacers SP-B are located between the first substrate 101 and the first alignment layer AL1), and the extension direction of each spacer SP-B is parallel to the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1. This effectively reduces the alignment error region of the first alignment layer AL1 caused by the installation of the spacers.

[0055] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 9, in a display panel 13A according to one modified embodiment, the spacers SP-C extend parallel to the second alignment direction AD2. The width W of at least one end SPe of the spacers SP-C in the extension direction gradually decreases toward the second alignment direction AD2 or toward the direction opposite to the second alignment direction AD2. In FIG. 9, the widths W of the two opposite ends SPe of the spacers SP-C in the extension direction gradually decrease toward the second alignment direction AD2 and toward the direction opposite to the second alignment direction AD2. This further reduces the alignment defect region of the second alignment layer AL2 caused by the spacers SP-C, thereby reducing light leakage in the dark state of the display panel 13A and improving the display contrast. It should be noted that although FIGS. 1, 3, and 9 illustrate the case where the spacers SP-C are disposed on the second substrate 102, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, spacers SP-C may be disposed on the first substrate 101, with the extension direction of each spacer SP-C parallel to the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1, and the widths of the two opposite ends of the spacer SP-C in the extension direction gradually decrease toward the first alignment direction AD1 and gradually decrease toward the opposite direction parallel to the first alignment direction AD1, thereby effectively reducing the alignment defect area of the first alignment layer AL1 caused by the installation of the spacers.

[0056] 1, 3, and 10, in a display panel 13B according to another modified embodiment, the orthogonal projection contours of each of the spacers SP-D on the second substrate 102 are dot-shaped. These spacers SP-D are each partially disposed between the reflective electrodes RE of two adjacent pixel structures PX (i.e., the spacers SP-D partially overlap the region between the reflective electrodes RE of two adjacent pixel structures PX in the direction D3), and each further overlaps the reflective electrode RE of at least one of the adjacent pixel structures PX (FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which these spacers SP-D further overlap the reflective electrodes RE of two adjacent pixel structures PX). More specifically, a portion of each spacer SP-D is disposed between the reflective electrodes RE of two adjacent pixel structures PX, and another portion of each spacer SP-D overlaps the reflective electrode RE of at least one of the adjacent pixel structures PX. A portion of each of the spacers SP-D disposed between adjacent pixel structures PX overlaps at least one of adjacent color filters (e.g., color filters CFP1 to CFP3), and another portion overlaps at least one of adjacent light-transmitting patterns (e.g., light-transmitting patterns TP1 to TP3) (FIG. 10 shows an example in which a portion of each of the spacers SP-D disposed between adjacent pixel structures PX overlaps at least one of adjacent color filters, and another portion overlaps at least one of adjacent light-transmitting patterns). This effectively reduces the effect on the light transmittance of the color filters, thereby ensuring the color performance of the display panel 13B.

[0057] 11 and 12 are schematic front views of some coating layers of a display panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 corresponds to the section line D-D' in Figs. 11 and 12. For clarity, Fig. 11 shows only some coating layers on the first substrate 101 of Fig. 13, and Fig. 12 shows only some coating layers on the second substrate 102 of Fig. 13.

[0058] 11 to 13, the display panel 14 of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3 in the arrangement of the spacers. For example, in this embodiment, the display panel 14 may include a plurality of spacers SP″ in addition to the plurality of spacers SP arranged on the light-transmitting pattern. It is particularly noteworthy that these spacers SP″ may overlap the openings OP of the insulating layer 130 in the direction D3. More specifically, the orthogonal projection of the openings OP on the first substrate 101 overlaps the orthogonal projection of the spacers SP″ on the first substrate 101, or the orthogonal projection of the openings OP on the second substrate 102 overlaps the orthogonal projection of the spacers SP″ on the second substrate 102. The first alignment layer AL1 has a recess near the opening OP due to the shape of the opening OP. This causes the first alignment layer AL1 to be weakly aligned near the opening OP during the alignment process, resulting in light leakage in the dark state. Furthermore, the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer LCL near the opening OP is affected by the surface topography of the insulating layer 130 that defines the opening OP, which makes it easy for the liquid crystal molecules to be misaligned, resulting in light leakage in the dark state. Therefore, by providing the spacers SP'', the light leakage area of the display panel 14 can be reduced. Furthermore, by providing these spacers SP'', the distribution density of the spacers can be further increased, thereby improving the voltage resistance of the display panel 14. It should be noted that the spacers SP'' of this embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment. For example, FIG. 5 can further include spacers SP'', the position of which corresponds to the opening OP of FIG. 4.

[0059] 14 is a schematic front view of some coating layers of a display panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. First, it should be noted that, except for the coating layers shown in FIG. 14, the coating layer structure on the first substrate of the display panel 15 and the remaining coating layer structure on the second substrate are similar to those of the display panel 10 in FIG. 1. Therefore, for illustrations and descriptions of these coating layer structures, please refer to the relevant paragraphs and corresponding drawings of the preceding embodiments.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 14, the display panel 15 of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of Figures 1 to 3 in the structural contours and positions of the spacers. In this embodiment, the spacers SP-E overlap the reflective electrodes RE but do not overlap the color filter patterns and the translucent patterns. In this embodiment, the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 of one pixel unit P have color filter patterns CFP1, CFP2, and CFP3, respectively, and at least one of the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 further has non-overlapping spacers SP-E and translucent patterns. More specifically, these spacers SP-E can be used in place of some of the translucent patterns in Figure 2 to form the layout of the color filter patterns, translucent patterns, and spacers shown in Figure 14. It should be noted that this embodiment uses the following layout method as an example. For example, the areas where the translucent patterns TP1 and TP3 are provided in Figure 2 can be modified to include the spacers SP-E of this embodiment, resulting in the layout shown in Figure 14. That is, the pixel structure PX1 has a non-overlapping color filter pattern CFP1, a light-transmitting pattern TP1-A, and spacers SP-E, and the pixel structure PX3 has a non-overlapping color filter pattern CFP3, a light-transmitting pattern TP3-A, and spacers SP-E, but the present invention is not limited to this. From another perspective, the reflective electrode RE of one pixel structure PX has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that do not overlap each other, the first portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps the color filter pattern in the direction D3 but does not overlap the light-transmitting pattern and the spacers SP-E, the second portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps the spacers SP-E in the direction D3 but does not overlap the color filter pattern and the light-transmitting pattern, and the third portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps the light-transmitting pattern in the direction D3 but does not overlap the color filter pattern and the spacers SP-E.This not only improves the brightness by solving the problem of the light transmittance of the transparent pattern being reduced due to the installation of spacers, but also improves the NTSC and color performance of the display panel 15 .

[0061] Figure 15 is a schematic front view of some coating layers of a display panel according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. First, it should be noted that, except for the coating layers shown in Figure 15, the coating layer structure on the first substrate of the display panel 16 and the remaining coating layer structure on the second substrate are similar to those of the display panel 10 in Figure 1. Therefore, for illustrations and descriptions of these coating layer structures, please refer to the relevant paragraphs and corresponding drawings of the preceding embodiments.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 15, the display panel 16 of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3 in that at least one of the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 of the display panel 10 has a corresponding light-transmitting pattern, whereas none of the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 of the display panel 16 has a corresponding light-transmitting pattern. Spacers are provided in the areas of the pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 of the display panel 16 that do not correspond to the color filter patterns. In this embodiment, the pixel structures have color filter patterns but no light-transmitting patterns, and the spacers overlap the reflective electrodes RE but do not overlap the color filter patterns. More specifically, these spacers can be used in place of all the light-transmitting patterns of the first embodiment. For example, the light-transmitting patterns TP1, TP2, and TP3 of FIG. 2 can be replaced with the spacers SP1-F, SP2-F, and SP3-F of this embodiment, respectively. From another perspective, the reflective electrode RE of one pixel structure PX has a first portion and a second portion that do not overlap each other, the first portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps the color filter pattern in the direction D3 but does not overlap the spacer, and the second portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps the spacer in the direction D3 but does not overlap the color filter pattern, thereby solving the problem of the light transmittance of the transparent pattern being reduced due to the installation of the spacer, and not only increasing the brightness but also improving the NTSC and color performance of the display panel 16.

[0063] 16 is a schematic front view of some coating layers of a display panel according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. First, it should be noted that, except for the coating layers shown in FIG. 16, the coating layer structure on the first substrate of the display panel 17 and the remaining coating layer structure on the second substrate are similar to those of the display panel 10 in FIG. 1. Therefore, for illustrations and descriptions of these coating layer structures, please refer to the relevant paragraphs and corresponding drawings of the preceding embodiments.

[0064] 1, 3, and 16, the display panel 17 of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3 in the structural contours and positions of the spacers. For example, in this embodiment, the orthogonal projection contour of each of the spacers SP-G on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 is diamond-shaped. It should be noted that each of the spacers SP-G is partially disposed between two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of each of the pixel structures PX (i.e., the spacer SP-G partially overlaps the region between two adjacent reflective electrodes RE of each of the pixel structures PX in the direction D3), and each further overlaps the reflective electrode RE of at least one of the two adjacent pixel structures PX (FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which each of the spacers SP-G further overlaps the reflective electrode RE of both adjacent pixel structures PX). More specifically, a portion of each spacer SP-G is disposed between two adjacent pixel structures PX, and another portion of each spacer SP-G overlaps the reflective electrode RE of at least one of the two adjacent pixel structures PX. Furthermore, at least a portion of the spacers SP-G disposed between adjacent pixel structures PX may overlap at least one of adjacent color filters (e.g., color filters CFP1 to CFP3) or at least one of adjacent light-transmitting patterns (e.g., light-transmitting patterns TP1 to TP3). (FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which at least a portion of the spacers SP-G disposed between adjacent pixel structures PX overlaps at least one of adjacent color filters or at least one of adjacent light-transmitting patterns.) This effectively reduces the effect on the light transmittance of the color filters, increasing brightness and thereby improving the NTSC and color performance of the display panel 17.

[0065] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the extension directions of the virtual connecting lines VC at two opposing corners of the orthogonal projection outline (i.e., diamond shape) of each spacer SP-G on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 are parallel to the second alignment direction AD2 of the second alignment layer AL2. Therefore, the alignment defect area of the second alignment layer AL2 caused by the installation of the spacers SP-G can be effectively reduced, which helps reduce light leakage in the dark state of the display panel 17 and thereby improves the display contrast. It should be noted that although FIGS. 1, 3, and 16 illustrate the case where the spacers SP-G are installed on the second substrate 102, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacers SP-G may be installed on the first substrate 101, and the extension directions of the virtual connecting lines at two opposing corners of the orthogonal projection outline (i.e., diamond shape) of each spacer SP-G on the substrate surface of the first substrate 101 are parallel to the first alignment direction AD1 of the first alignment layer AL1. This effectively reduces the alignment defect area of the first alignment layer AL1 caused by the provision of the spacers.

[0066] It should be particularly noted that the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner. For example, the spacer SP-B in FIG. 8, the spacer SP-C in FIG. 9, the spacer SP-D in FIG. 10, or the spacer SP-G in FIG. 16 may be applied to the embodiments in FIG. 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, or 15, and the spacer SP″ in FIG. 12 may be applied to the embodiments in FIG. 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, or 16.

[0067] In each of the above-described embodiments, the display panels 10 to 17 may be reflective display panels, and the reflective electrode RE defines a reflective area of the reflective display panel. It should be particularly noted that the reflective display panel of the present invention may be a fully reflective display panel having only a reflective area, or a semi-reflective transflective display panel having a reflective area and a transmissive area (not shown).

[0068] As described above, in one embodiment of the display panel of the present invention, a plurality of spacers are disposed between the first and second substrates to control the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and at least some of the spacers are disposed without overlapping with the plurality of color filter patterns, thereby effectively reducing the influence of the color filter patterns on the light transmittance and ensuring the color performance of the display panel. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The layout relationship between the spacers and the color filter pattern of the present invention can be applied to the structural design of a display panel having a liquid crystal layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10, 11, 12, 13, 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 16, 17 Display panel 101 First board 102 Second board 102s board surface 110 Gate insulating layer 120, 130 Insulation layer 150 Covering layer AD1 First alignment direction AD2 Second alignment direction AL1 First alignment layer AL2 Second alignment layer CE common electrode CEL common electrode layer CFP1~CFP3 color filter pattern CP conductive pattern CPE capacitor electrode D1, D2, D3 direction DE Drain DL data line GE Gate GL scanline H1 First height H2 Second height LCL liquid crystal layer OP Opening RE reflective electrode P pixel unit PX, PX1, PX2, PX3 pixel structure RS reflective surface SC semiconductor pattern SE Source SP, SP1~SP3, SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, SP-D, SP-E, SP1-F, SP2-F, SP3-F, SP-G, SP” Spacer SPe end T active element TH contact hole TP1, TP1-A, TP2, TP3, TP3-A light-transmitting patterns VC Virtual Connection W width A-A', B-B', C-C', D-D' section line

Claims

1. a first substrate and a second substrate disposed on top of each other; a plurality of pixel structures disposed on the first substrate, each pixel structure including a reflective electrode; a plurality of color filter patterns respectively overlapping the plurality of reflective electrodes of the pixel structure; a plurality of spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; Including, the pixel structure includes a first pixel structure; the spacer comprises a first spacer, the color filter pattern includes a first color filter pattern; the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first spacer and the first color filter pattern; At least a portion of the first spacer does not overlap the first color filter pattern. Display panel.

2. The pixel structure further includes a plurality of light-transmitting patterns respectively overlapping the plurality of reflective electrodes, the light-transmitting pattern includes a first light-transmitting pattern; the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first light-transmitting pattern; the first spacer overlaps the first light-transmitting pattern; The display panel according to claim 1 .

3. an orthogonal projection of the first spacer on a substrate surface of the second substrate is located within an orthogonal projection of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure on the substrate surface; The display panel according to claim 2 .

4. the pixel structure further includes a second pixel structure; the color filter pattern further includes a second color filter pattern; the light-transmitting pattern further includes a second light-transmitting pattern; the spacer further comprises a second spacer; the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern, the second light-transmitting pattern, and the second spacer; the second spacer overlaps the second light-transmitting pattern; an orthogonal projection of the second spacer on the substrate surface is located within an orthogonal projection of the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure on the substrate surface; The display panel according to claim 3 .

5. The liquid crystal display device further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, and sandwiching the liquid crystal layer therebetween; the first alignment layer has a first alignment direction; the second alignment layer has a second alignment direction; an orthogonal projection profile of the first spacer on the substrate surface has a long strip shape; the stretching direction of the first spacer is parallel to the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction; The display panel according to claim 3 .

6. the pixel structure further includes a second pixel structure; the color filter pattern further includes a second color filter pattern; the light-transmitting pattern further includes a second light-transmitting pattern; the spacer further comprises a second spacer; the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern, the second light-transmitting pattern, and the second spacer; the second spacer overlaps the second color filter pattern; an orthogonal projection of the second spacer on the substrate surface is located within an orthogonal projection of the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure on the substrate surface; The display panel according to claim 3 .

7. an orthogonal projection area of the first spacer on the substrate surface is different from an orthogonal projection area of the second spacer on the substrate surface; The display panel according to claim 6 .

8. the first spacer has a first height along a direction normal to the surface of the substrate; the second spacer has a second height along the normal direction of the substrate surface; the first height is different from the second height; The display panel according to claim 6 .

9. the pixel structure further includes a second pixel structure; the second pixel structure is adjacent to the first pixel structure; the color filter pattern further includes a second color filter pattern; the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern; an orthogonal projection profile of the first spacer on the surface of the second substrate has a long strip shape or a dot shape; the first spacer partially overlaps a region between the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure and the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure; The display panel according to claim 1 .

10. The liquid crystal display device further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, and sandwiching the liquid crystal layer therebetween; the first alignment layer has a first alignment direction; the second alignment layer has a second alignment direction; an orthogonal projection profile of the first spacer on the substrate surface has a long strip shape; the stretching direction of the first spacer is parallel to the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction, a width of an end of the first spacer gradually decreases in the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction; The display panel according to claim 9 .

11. The liquid crystal display device further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, and sandwiching the liquid crystal layer therebetween; the first alignment layer has a first alignment direction; the second alignment layer has a second alignment direction; the pixel structure further includes a second pixel structure; the second pixel structure is adjacent to the first pixel structure; the color filter pattern further includes a second color filter pattern; the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern; an orthogonal projection outline of the first spacer on the surface of the second substrate is a rhombus; the extension direction of virtual connecting lines between two opposing corners of the four corners of the rhombus is parallel to the first alignment direction or the second alignment direction; the first spacer partially overlaps a region between the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure and the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure; The display panel according to claim 1 .

12. a first portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first color filter pattern but does not overlap the first spacer; a second portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first spacer but does not overlap the first color filter pattern; The display panel according to claim 1 .

13. The pixel structure further includes a plurality of light-transmitting patterns respectively overlapping the plurality of reflective electrodes, the light-transmitting pattern includes a first light-transmitting pattern; the first portion and the second portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure do not overlap the first light-transmitting pattern; a third portion of the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure overlaps the first light-transmitting pattern but does not overlap the first color filter pattern and the first spacer; The display panel according to claim 12.

14. the first pixel structure further includes an insulating layer and an active element; the spacer further comprises a second spacer; the active element is disposed on the first substrate; the insulating layer is disposed on the active element and has an opening overlapping the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure; the reflective electrode of the first pixel structure is disposed on the insulating layer and extends into the opening to be electrically connected to the active element; the opening in the insulating layer overlaps the second spacer; The display panel according to claim 1 .

15. the pixel structure further includes a second pixel structure; the color filter pattern further includes a second color filter pattern; the reflective electrode of the second pixel structure overlaps the second color filter pattern; an area of the first color filter pattern when orthogonally projected onto the surface of the second substrate is different from an area of the second color filter pattern when orthogonally projected onto the surface of the second substrate; The display panel according to claim 1 .

Images