Display panel

Abstract

To provide a display panel having superior display luminance uniformity.SOLUTION: A display panel 10 includes a first substrate 101, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a plurality of central display units cDU, a plurality of first end part display units eDU1, and a plurality of spacers. The first substrate includes a substrate end part 101e, in which a central display region cDA and an end part display region eDA are disposed. The end part display region exists between the central display region and the substrate end part. The liquid crystal layer and the spacers are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The central display unit is disposed in the central display region. The first end part display unit is disposed in the end part display region. The spacers include a plurality of central spacers cSP overlapping with the central display unit, and a plurality of first end part spacers eSP1 overlapping with the first end part display unit. The number of first end part spacers in the first end part display unit is more than the number of the plurality of central spacers in the central display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel, and more particularly to a display panel having a plurality of spacers. [Background technology]

[0002] Reflective display panels utilize natural or ambient light as a light source for display, eliminating the need for a backlight or frontlight, and offering excellent energy savings. However, as reflective display panels become larger, the brightness of the light reflected toward the viewer becomes more pronounced between the center and edges of the display panel, resulting in uneven brightness in the displayed image seen by the viewer. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a display panel with better display brightness uniformity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The display panel of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a plurality of central display units, a plurality of first edge display units, and a plurality of spacers. The first substrate has substrate edges, and a central display region and an edge display region are disposed therein. The edge display region is located between the central display region and the substrate edges. The second substrate is disposed over the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The central display units are disposed within the central display region. The first edge display units are disposed within the edge display region. A plurality of spacers are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and are distributed among the central display units and the first edge display units. These spacers include a plurality of central spacers and a plurality of first edge spacers. The central spacers are disposed over each of the central display units. The first edge spacers are disposed over each of the first edge display units. The number of the first edge spacers in each first edge display unit is greater than the number of the central spacers in each of the central display units.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a plurality of second edge display units arranged within the edge display area. The plurality of first edge display units and the plurality of second edge display units are arranged alternately along at least one direction. The plurality of spacers further includes a plurality of second edge spacers arranged on top of each second edge display unit, and the number of the plurality of second edge spacers in each second edge display unit is different from the number of the plurality of first edge spacers in each first edge display unit.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of second edge spacers in each second edge display unit of the above-mentioned display panel is equal to the number of the plurality of central spacers in each central display unit.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of second edge spacers in each second edge display unit of the above-mentioned display panel is greater than the number of the plurality of central spacers in each central display unit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of second edge spacers in each second edge display unit of the above-mentioned display panel is less than the number of the plurality of first edge spacers in each first edge display unit.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, each central display unit of the above-mentioned display panel includes a first pixel structure and a second pixel structure arranged along a first direction, and each of a plurality of central spacers overlapping the first pixel structure is offset along the first direction from each of the central spacers overlapping the second pixel structure.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, each first end display unit of the above-mentioned display panel includes a first pixel structure and a second pixel structure arranged along a first direction, and each of the first end spacers overlapping with the first pixel structure is offset along the first direction from each of the first end spacers overlapping with the second pixel structure.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a plurality of second edge display units arranged within the edge display area. The plurality of first edge display units and the plurality of second edge display units are arranged alternately along at least one direction. The plurality of spacers further includes a plurality of second edge spacers arranged on top of each second edge display unit, and the number of the plurality of second edge spacers in each second edge display unit is different from the number of the plurality of first edge spacers in each first edge display unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, each second end display unit of the above-mentioned display panel includes a further first pixel structure and a further second pixel structure arranged along a first direction, and each of the plurality of second end spacers overlapping with the further first pixel structure is offset along the first direction from each of the second end spacers overlapping with the further second pixel structure.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, each first edge display unit of the display panel includes a first pixel structure and a second pixel structure arranged along a first direction. The substrate edge includes a first edge extending in a second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. The second pixel structure is located between the first pixel structure and the first edge. The number of portions of the plurality of first edge spacers overlapping with the second pixel structure is greater than the number of other portions of the first edge spacers overlapping with the first pixel structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Based on the above, in one embodiment of the display panel, a liquid crystal layer and a plurality of spacers are disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. These spacers are distributed among a plurality of central display units in the central display region and a plurality of edge display units in the edge display region. Since the number of spacers in each edge display unit is greater than the number of spacers in each central display unit, the difference in display brightness between the edge display region and the central display region of the display panel is effectively reduced, contributing to improving the uniformity of the display brightness of the display panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of one display unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the central display unit or the second end display unit of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the central display unit or the second end display unit of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the first end display unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first end display unit of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of a film layer of another first end display unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the first end display unit of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the second end display unit of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 11] 9 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of another second end display unit of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the central display unit of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the first end display unit of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of another first end display unit of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The above and other technical contents, features, and advantages of the present invention will be clearly apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back used in the following embodiments refer solely to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention.

[0017] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this specification and claims are used to modify elements, and do not themselves imply or represent that the element (or elements) have a preceding ordinal number, nor do they imply an order of elements relative to other elements or an order of manufacturing methods, but are used solely to clearly distinguish an element having a specific name from another element having the same name. The claims and the specification do not necessarily use the same terminology, and therefore, the first element in the specification may be the second element in the claims.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of one display unit of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the central display unit or the second end display unit of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the central display unit or the second end display unit of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the first end display unit of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first end display unit of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of another first end display unit of Figure 1.

[0019] For clarity, Figures 1, 2, and 3 each show only a portion of the film layer in Figure 4. Figure 4 corresponds to the cross-sectional line A-A' in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 6 corresponds to the cross-sectional line B-B' in Figures 2 and 5.

[0020] 1 to 4, 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 on top of 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) to the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the overlapping relationship between the two components is limited in this manner, and the overlapping direction will not be described again.

[0021] In this embodiment, a plurality of data lines DL are spaced apart along a direction D1 on the first substrate 101 and extend in a direction D2. A plurality of scanning lines GL are spaced apart along a direction D2 on the first substrate 101 and extend in a 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.

[0022] A plurality of pixel structures PX are arranged in each pixel region, and are electrically connected to one scan line GL and one data line DL. For example, the pixel structures PX may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns 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. Each of the pixel structures PX may include an active element T and a reflective electrode RE electrically connected to each other. More specifically, the display panel 10 of this embodiment may be, but is not limited to, a reflective liquid crystal display panel. In other embodiments, the display panel may be a transflective liquid crystal display panel or a micro transflective liquid crystal display panel.

[0023] In this embodiment, the method for forming the active element T may include the following steps: 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 in this order; the semiconductor pattern SC is disposed over the gate GE; the source SE and drain DE overlap the semiconductor pattern SC and are in electrical contact with two different regions of the semiconductor pattern SC; in this embodiment, the gate GE of the active element T may be optionally disposed below the semiconductor pattern SC to form a bottom-gate thin film transistor (bottom-gate TFT), but this is not limiting; in other embodiments, the gate of the active element may be optionally disposed above the semiconductor pattern to form a top-gate thin film transistor (top-gate TFT).

[0024] Furthermore, the active element T may be covered by an insulating layer 120 and an insulating layer 130 in sequence. 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, but is not limited to, a common electrode CE, a capacitive electrode CPE, and a conductive pattern CP that overlap each other. The common electrode CE is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the gate insulating layer 110. The capacitive electrode CPE is disposed between the gate insulating layer 110 and the insulating layer 120. Therefore, the capacitive electrode CPE, the common electrode CE, and the gate insulating layer 110 sandwiched therebetween may form a storage capacitor. In other embodiments, the pixel structure PX may not include the common electrode CE and the capacitive electrode CPE that overlap each other. The conductive pattern CP is disposed between the insulating layer 120 and the insulating layer 130.

[0025] 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 capacitive electrode CPE through a contact hole TH in the insulating layer 120, and the capacitive electrode CPE may extend from the drain DE of the active element T (i.e., the drain DE and the capacitive electrode CPE are coupled to each other), but this is not limitative. In 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 via hole penetrating the insulating layer 130 and the insulating layer 120.

[0026] 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) may be realized by any gate, any source, any drain, any semiconductor pattern, any gate insulating layer, any passivation layer, and any planarization layer for any display panel 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 known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0027] The display panel 10 also includes a filter layer FL disposed on the second substrate 102. The filter layer FL includes a plurality of filter patterns, each overlapping with a plurality of reflective electrodes RE of a plurality of pixel structures PX. In this embodiment, the plurality of filter patterns include, for example, filter pattern FP1, filter pattern FP2, and filter pattern FP3, and the filter colors of the three filter patterns are all different. For example, filter pattern FP1 is suitable for passing red light, filter pattern FP2 is suitable for passing green light, and filter pattern FP3 is suitable for passing blue light.

[0028] In this embodiment, the display panel 10 may include multiple display units DU. Each display unit DU may include three pixel structures PX, such as pixel structure PX1, pixel structure PX2, and pixel structure PX3. The pixel structures PX1, PX2, and PX3 overlap with filter patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3, respectively, which have different filter colors, to display different colors (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). From another perspective, each pixel structure PX can be considered as the pixel structure of one subpixel, and the display unit DU can be considered as the pixel structure of one pixel. In other embodiments, the number of pixel structures PX in each display unit DU may be more or less than three, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0029] In this embodiment, a common electrode layer CEL and a covering layer 150 may be further disposed on the second substrate 102, but are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the common electrode layer may be disposed 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, but is not limited to, an indium-containing oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The covering layer 150 covers the plurality of filter patterns, and the common electrode layer CEL is disposed on the covering layer 150. An electric field generated between the common electrode layer CEL and the reflective electrode RE is suitable for driving and rotating a plurality of liquid crystal molecules (not shown) in the liquid crystal layer LCL to form an alignment state corresponding to the direction and intensity 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 an emission brightness corresponding to the alignment state.

[0030] The display panel 10 further includes a plurality of spacers SP disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 to provide a cavity between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 that can accommodate a liquid crystal layer LCL. In this embodiment, the spacers SP may be disposed on the second substrate 102 and overlap the reflective electrodes RE and the filter patterns. That is, the orthogonal projection of the spacers SP on the substrate surface 102s of the second substrate 102 is located within the orthogonal projection of the reflective electrodes RE or the filter patterns on the substrate surface 102s. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the spacers SP may be disposed on the first substrate 101.

[0031] The first substrate 101 also has a substrate edge 101e and is equipped with a central display area cDA and an edge display area eDA. The edge display area eDA is located between the central display area cDA and the substrate edge 101e. In this embodiment, the edge display area eDA may be arranged around the central display area cDA. The above-mentioned multiple display units DU may include multiple central display units cDU arranged in the central display area cDA and multiple first edge display units eDU1 and multiple second edge display units eDU2 arranged in the edge display area eDA.

[0032] From another perspective, the distribution area of ​​the plurality of central display units cDU defines the central display area cDA, and the distribution areas of the plurality of first edge display units eDU1 and the plurality of second edge display units eDU2 define the edge display area eDA. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the distribution number of edge display units along a direction perpendicular to the substrate edge 101e (e.g., direction D2 or direction D1) is explained using, for example, one example. That is, the width of the edge display area eDA in the direction perpendicular to the substrate edge 101e (e.g., direction D2 or direction D1) is, for example, the width of one display unit DU (i.e., one edge display unit eDU1 or one edge display unit eDU2) in the direction, and the display unit DU located on the side opposite the substrate edge 101e of each edge display unit is defined as the central display unit cDU. In other words, the display unit DU of one edge display unit is arranged between the substrate edge 101e and is defined as the central display unit cDU.

[0033] However, the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the width of the end display area eDA in a direction perpendicular to the substrate edge 101e (for example, direction D2 or direction D1) may be the width of two or more display units (i.e., two or more end display units) in the same direction, and the display unit DU located on the side opposite the substrate edge 101e of these two or more end display units is defined as the central display unit cDU. In other words, the display unit DU of the two end display units is arranged between the substrate edge 101e and is defined as the central display unit cDU.

[0034] In this embodiment, the plurality of first end display units eDU1 and the plurality of second end display units eDU2 are alternately arranged along the direction D1 and the direction D2, respectively. For example, the plurality of first end display units eDU1 may include a plurality of first end display units eDU1a and a plurality of first end display units eDU1b. Here, some of the plurality of first end display units eDU1a and some of the plurality of second end display units eDU2 are alternately arranged along the direction D1, and another portion of the plurality of first end display units eDU1b and some of the plurality of second end display units eDU2 are alternately arranged along the direction D2.

[0035] 1, 3, 5, and 7, the aforementioned plurality of spacers SP may include a plurality of central spacers cSP, a plurality of first edge spacers eSP1, and a plurality of second edge spacers eSP2. The plurality of central spacers cSP are arranged to overlap each central display unit cDU. The plurality of first edge spacers eSP1 are arranged to overlap each first edge display unit eDU1. The plurality of second edge spacers eSP2 are arranged to overlap each second edge display unit eDU2.

[0036] Of particular note is that the number of first end spacers eSP1 in each first end display unit eDU1 (e.g., eight as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7, but not limited thereto) is greater than the number of central spacers cSP in each central display unit cDU (e.g., six as shown in FIG. 3, but not limited thereto). The number of second end spacers eSP2 in each second end display unit eDU2 (e.g., six as shown in FIG. 3) is different from the number of first end spacers eSP1 in each first end display unit eDU1 (e.g., eight as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7), and is equal to, but not limited to, the number of central spacers cSP in each central display unit cDU (e.g., six as shown in FIG. 3).

[0037] Overall, in this embodiment, the average number of edge spacers in a single edge display unit in the edge display area eDA is one more than the average number of central spacers in a single central display unit in the central display area cDA. The spacers SP are arranged to overlap the reflective electrodes RE and have the property of attenuating reflected light. Therefore, by making the average number of spacers in the display units DU in the edge display area eDA greater than the average number of spacers in the display units DU in the central display area cDA, the difference in light reflectivity between the edge display area eDA and the central display area cDA can be reduced, and the problem of non-uniformity in display brightness of the display panel 10 can be improved.

[0038] On the other hand, within the end display area eDA, any one first end display unit eDU1, which has two more spacers than the central display unit cDU, is separated from another first end display unit eDU1 by one second end display unit eDU2 in either direction D1 or direction D2. That is, the first end display units eDU1 (or second end display units eDU2) are arranged in a skipped arrangement within the end display area eDA. In other words, the multiple first end display units eDU1 and the multiple second end display units eDU2 are arranged alternately along direction D1 or direction D2. In this way, the arrangement regularity of the end spacers within the end display area eDA can be relaxed, and the distribution uniformity of reflected light can be improved.

[0039] However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of second end display units eDU2 disposed between any two adjacent first end display units eDU1 may be two or three or more, or the number of first end display units eDU1 disposed between any two adjacent second end display units eDU2 may be two or three or more.

[0040] In this embodiment, two central spacers cSP are arranged on each filter pattern of the central display unit cDU, and second edge spacers eSP2 are arranged on each filter pattern of the second edge display unit eDU2 (as shown in FIG. 3). Three first edge spacers eSP1 are arranged on each of the filter patterns FP1 and FP3 of the first edge display unit eDU1a, and two first edge spacers eSP1 are arranged on its filter pattern FP2 (as shown in FIG. 5), but this is not limited to this. In other embodiments, three first edge spacers eSP1 may be arranged on one of the filter patterns FP1 and FP3 of the first edge display unit eDU1a and on the filter pattern FP2, and two first edge spacers eSP1 may be arranged on the other of the filter patterns FP1 and FP3.

[0041] Meanwhile, the substrate end portion 101e includes a first end portion e1 extending in the direction D2, and the plurality of first end portion display units eDU1b and the plurality of second end portion display units eDU2 are alternately arranged along the first end portion e1. With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 7, it is particularly noteworthy that within the first end portion display unit eDU1b, sorting is performed according to the distance between the filter patterns (or pixel structures PX) and the first end portion e1, with the filter patterns being, from farthest to nearest, filter pattern FP1 (or pixel structure PX1), filter pattern FP2 (or pixel structure PX2), and filter pattern FP3 (or pixel structure PX3).

[0042] 1 and 7, the number of first edge spacers eSP1 overlapping with the filter pattern FP1 and pixel structure PX1 is smaller than the number of first edge spacers eSP1 overlapping with the filter pattern FP2 and pixel structure PX2 and the number of first edge spacers eSP1 overlapping with the filter pattern FP3 and pixel structure PX3. More specifically, compared with the second edge display unit eDU2 also arranged at the first edge e1, the two additional spacers SP (i.e., the two first edge spacers eSP1) of the first edge display unit eDU1b are preferentially arranged on the filter pattern FP3 closest to the first edge e1 and the filter pattern FP2 next closest to the first edge e1.

[0043] Furthermore, when the first end display unit eDU1b is located on another side of the display panel 10 relative to the first end e1, the two additional spacers SP are preferentially arranged on the filter pattern FP1 closest to the other side end (not shown) and the filter pattern FP2 next closest to the other side end.

[0044] By arranging the spacers in the edge display area eDA so that their distribution density gradually increases toward the substrate edge 101e, it is possible to further improve the luminance uniformity of the display panel 10 when displaying an image.

[0045] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to other embodiments. In the following embodiments, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same technical content will not be described again. For the omitted parts, please refer to the above-described embodiments.

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of a first end display unit of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of a second end display unit of Figure 8. Figure 11 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of another second end display unit of Figure 8.

[0047] 8 to 11, the display panel 10A of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of Fig. 1 in the number and arrangement of edge spacers. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of second edge spacers eSP2 of the second edge display unit eDU2 is less than the number of first edge spacers eSP1 of the first edge display unit eDU1, and is greater than the number of central spacers cSP of the central display unit cDU.

[0048] For example, the number of central spacers cSP of the central display unit cDU is, for example, six. The number of first edge spacers eSP1 of the first edge display unit eDU1 is, for example, nine. The number of second edge spacers eSP2 of the second edge display unit eDU2 is, for example, seven. In this embodiment, three filter patterns FP1 to FP3 (or three pixel structures PX1 to PX3) in the first edge display unit eDU1 overlap three first edge spacers eSP1 (as shown in FIG. 9). That is, compared to the central display unit cDU, the additional three spacers SP (i.e., first edge spacers eSP1) of the first edge display unit eDU1 are arranged to overlap three filter patterns (or three pixel structures), respectively.

[0049] Overall, in this embodiment, the average number of edge spacers in a single edge display unit in the edge display area eDA is 2 more than the average number of central spacers in a single central display unit in the central display area cDA. Because the spacers SP are arranged overlapping the reflective electrode RE and have the property of attenuating reflected light, by making the average number of spacers in the display units DU in the edge display area eDA greater than the average number of spacers in the display units DU in the central display area cDA, it is possible to reduce the difference in light reflectivity between the edge display area eDA and the central display area cDA and improve the problem of non-uniformity in display brightness of the display panel 10.

[0050] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the plurality of second end display units eDU2 may include a plurality of second end display units eDU2a and a plurality of second end display units eDU2b. Here, the plurality of second end display units eDU2a and a portion of the first end display unit eDU1 are alternately arranged along direction D2, and the plurality of second end display units eDU2b and another portion of the first end display units eDU1 are alternately arranged along direction D1. That is, the first end display units eDU1 (or the second end display units eDU2) are arranged in a skipped arrangement within the end display area eDA. In other words, the plurality of first end display units eDU1 and the plurality of second end display units eDU2 are alternately arranged along direction D1 or direction D2. In this way, the arrangement regularity of the end spacers within the end display area eDA can be relaxed, and the distribution uniformity of reflected light can be improved.

[0051] However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of second end display units eDU2 disposed between any two adjacent first end display units eDU1 may be two or three or more, or the number of first end display units eDU1 disposed between any two adjacent second end display units eDU2 may be two or three or more.

[0052] In addition, each of the plurality of second edge display units eDU2a arranged at intervals along the first edge e1 has three second edge spacers eSP2 arranged on the filter pattern FP3 (or pixel structure PX3) closest to the first edge e1, and two second edge spacers eSP2 arranged on the filter pattern FP2 (or pixel structure PX2) next closest to the first edge e1 and the filter pattern FP1 (or pixel structure PX1) farthest from the first edge e1 (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10). This further improves the brightness uniformity of the display panel 10A when displaying an image.

[0053] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, two second edge spacers eSP2 are arranged on each of the filter patterns FP1 and FP3 of the second end display unit eDU2b, and three second edge spacers eSP2 are arranged on the filter pattern FP2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, three second edge spacers eSP2 may be arranged on one of the filter patterns FP1 and FP3 of the second end display unit eDU2b, and two second edge spacers eSP2 may be arranged on each of the other of the filter patterns FP1 and FP3 of the second end display unit eDU2b and the filter pattern FP2.

[0054] Fig. 12 is a schematic front view of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the central display unit of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of the first end display unit of Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the film layer of another first end display unit of Fig. 12.

[0055] 12 to 15, the display panel 10B of this embodiment differs from the display panel 10 of FIG. 1 in the arrangement of the spacers. Specifically, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the spacer is located in one display unit DU in the central display area cDA or the edge display area eDA, any spacer arranged on any one pixel structure PX is offset from any spacer arranged on another pixel structure PX adjacent to it along the direction D1.

[0056] 12 and 13, in the central display unit cDU, each central spacer cSP overlapping the filter pattern FP2 (or pixel structure PX2) is offset along the direction D1 from each central spacer cSP overlapping the filter pattern FP1 (or pixel structure PX1) or the filter pattern FP3 (or pixel structure PX3). Similarly, in the second edge display unit eDU2, each second edge spacer eSP2 overlapping the filter pattern FP2 (or pixel structure PX2) is offset along the direction D1 from each second edge spacer eSP2 overlapping the filter pattern FP1 (or pixel structure PX1) or the filter pattern FP3 (or pixel structure PX3).

[0057] 12 and 14, in the first end display unit eDU1a, each first end spacer eSP1 overlapping the filter pattern FP2 (or pixel structure PX2) is offset along the direction D1 from each first end spacer eSP1 overlapping the filter pattern FP1 (or pixel structure PX1) or filter pattern FP3 (or pixel structure PX3). As shown in Figures 12 and 15, in the first end display unit eDU1b, each first end spacer eSP1 overlapping the filter pattern FP2 (or pixel structure PX2) is offset along the direction D1 from each first end spacer eSP1 overlapping the filter pattern FP1 (or pixel structure PX1) or filter pattern FP3 (or pixel structure PX3).

[0058] Through the above-mentioned offset design, the light reflection effect of the display panel 10B can be made more uniform, which helps to meet various visual effect design requirements.

[0059] In summary, in one embodiment of the present invention, a display panel includes a liquid crystal layer and a plurality of spacers disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. These spacers are distributed among a plurality of central display units in the central display region and a plurality of edge display units in the edge display region. Since the number of spacers in each edge display unit is greater than the number of spacers in each central display unit, the difference in display brightness between the edge display region and the central display region of the display panel is effectively reduced, contributing to improving the uniformity of the display brightness of the display panel. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] The layout relationship of various display units in the spacer of the present invention can be applied to the structural design of a display panel having a liquid crystal layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10, 10A, 10B: Display panel 101: First substrate 101e: Board edge 102: Second board 102s: Substrate surface 110: Gate insulating layer 120, 130: insulating layer 150: Covering layer cDA: Central display area cDU: Central Display Unit CE: Common electrode CEL: Common electrode layer CPE: capacitive electrode cSP: Center spacer D1, D2, D3: Direction DE: Drain DL: Data line DU: Display Unit e1: 1st end eDA: Edge display area eDU1, eDU1a, eDU1b: First end display unit eDU2, eDU2a, eDU2b: Second end display unit eSP1: First end spacer eSP2: second end spacer FL: Filter layer FP1, FP2, FP3: Filter patterns GE: Gate GL:Scanline LCL: Liquid crystal layer OP: Opening PX, PX1, PX2, PX3: pixel structure RE:Reflecting electrode SC: Semiconductor pattern SE: Source SP: Spacer T: Active element TH: Contact hole A-A', B-B': Section line

Claims

1. a first substrate having substrate edges, in which a central display region and an edge display region are arranged, the edge display region being located between the central display region and the substrate edges; a second substrate disposed on top of the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; A plurality of display units, each of which is provided with a plurality of pixel structures, a plurality of central display units arranged within the central display area; a plurality of first end display units arranged within the end display area; a plurality of second end display units arranged in the end display area, wherein the plurality of first end display units and the plurality of second end display units are arranged alternately along at least one direction; the display unit including: a plurality of spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and distributed among the plurality of central display units and the plurality of first end display units, a plurality of central spacers disposed on top of each of the plurality of central display units; a plurality of first end spacers arranged to overlap each of the plurality of first end display units, the number of the plurality of first end spacers in each of the plurality of first end display units being greater than the number of the plurality of central spacers in each of the plurality of central display units; a plurality of second end spacers arranged on top of each of the plurality of second end marking units, the number of the plurality of second end spacers in each of the plurality of second end marking units being different from the number of the plurality of first end spacers in each of the plurality of first end marking units; the plurality of spacers including: A display panel including:

2. the number of the second end spacers in each of the second end display units is equal to the number of central spacers in each of the central display units; The display panel according to claim 1 .

3. the number of the second end spacers in each of the second end display units is greater than the number of central spacers in each of the central display units; The display panel according to claim 1 .

4. the number of the second end spacers in each of the second end indicating units is less than the number of the first end spacers in each of the first end indicating units; The display panel according to claim 3 .

5. Each of the plurality of central display units includes a first pixel structure and a second pixel structure arranged along a first direction, and each of the plurality of central spacers overlapping the first pixel structure is offset along the first direction from each of the plurality of central spacers overlapping the second pixel structure. The display panel according to claim 1 .

6. Each of the plurality of first end display units includes another of the first pixel structures and another of the second pixel structures arranged along the first direction, and each of the plurality of first end spacers overlapping with the other of the first pixel structures is offset along the first direction from each of the plurality of first end spacers overlapping with the other of the second pixel structures. The display panel according to claim 5 .

7. Further comprising a plurality of second end display units arranged within the end display area; the plurality of first end display units and the plurality of second end display units are arranged alternately along at least one direction, the plurality of spacers further include a plurality of second end spacers arranged on top of each of the plurality of second end display units, and the number of the plurality of second end spacers in each of the plurality of second end display units is different from the number of the plurality of first end spacers in each of the plurality of first end display units; The display panel according to claim 6 .

8. each of the plurality of second end display units includes a further one of the first pixel structures and a further one of the second pixel structures arranged along the first direction, and each of the plurality of second end spacers overlapping the further one of the first pixel structures is offset along the first direction from each of the plurality of second end spacers overlapping the further one of the second pixel structures; The display panel according to claim 7 .

9. each of the plurality of first end display units includes a first pixel structure and a second pixel structure arranged along a first direction, the substrate end includes a first end extending in a second direction, the second direction intersects with the first direction, the second pixel structure is located between the first pixel structure and the first end, and the number of portions of the plurality of first end spacers overlapping with the second pixel structure is greater than the number of other portions of the plurality of first end spacers overlapping with the first pixel structure; The display panel according to claim 1 .

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