Display panel and display device

Provided are a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes rows of pixels and a gate driver circuit; where a pixel among the plurality of rows of pixels includes a pixel circuit and the pixel circuit includes a light emission control terminal and a first scan drive terminal; the gate driver circuit includes stages of light emission drive devices, where each of the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices is disposed in correspondence to at least one row of pixel circuits and configured to provide a light emission control signal to the light emission control terminal of the pixel circuit; and the gate driver circuit further includes at least one stage of first scan drive device, where an input terminal of the first scan drive device is connected to an output terminal of the light emission drive device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110891830.8 filed Aug. 4, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of display technology and, in particular, to a display panel and a display device.

BACKGROUND

With the progress and development of science and technology and the improvement of people's standard of living, a display panel has been deeply used in various electronic products. Therefore, the display panel is manufactured in large quantity and an increasingly high requirement is imposed on the display of the display panel.

In the current manufacturing process of the display panel, how to improve the screen-to-body ratio of the display panel becomes a primary requirement for improving a display effect.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel and a display device to achieve a narrow bezel.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel which includes rows of pixels and a gate driver circuit.

A pixel among the plurality of rows of pixels includes a pixel circuit and the pixel circuit includes a light emission control terminal and a first scan drive terminal.

The gate driver circuit includes stages of light emission drive devices, where each of the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices is disposed in correspondence to at least one row of pixel circuits and configured to provide a light emission control signal to the light emission control terminal of the pixel circuit.

The gate driver circuit further includes at least one stage of first scan drive device, where an input terminal of the first scan drive device is connected to an output terminal of the light emission drive device, an output terminal of the first scan drive device is connected to the first scan drive terminal of the pixel circuit, and the first scan drive device is driven by the light emission control signal to provide a first scan drive signal to a row of pixels; and the output terminal of the light emission drive device is connected to the light emission control terminal.

Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a display device. The display device includes the preceding display panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to drawings of embodiments of the present disclosure and in conjunction with implementations. The embodiments described herein are some embodiments, not all embodiments, of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1,FIG.1is a schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display panel according to the present embodiment includes rows of pixels and a gate driver circuit100. A pixel among the plurality of rows of pixels includes a pixel circuit200and the pixel circuit200includes a light emission control terminal EM and a first scan drive terminal S1. The gate driver circuit100includes stages of light emission drive devices110, and each of the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110is disposed in correspondence to at least one row of pixel circuits200and provides a light emission control signal to the light emission control terminal EM of the pixel circuit200. The gate driver circuit100further includes at least one stage of first scan drive device120, where an input terminal of the first scan drive device120is connected to an output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110, an output terminal of the first scan drive device120is connected to the first scan drive terminal S1of the pixel circuit200, and the first scan drive device120is driven by the light emission control signal to provide a first scan drive signal to a row of pixels; and the output terminal of the light emission drive device110is connected to the light emission control terminal EM of the pixel circuit200.

In the present embodiment, the display panel includes a display region and a non-display region. The plurality of rows of pixels are arranged in the display region of the display panel, each pixel includes the pixel circuit200and a light-emitting unit (not shown) electrically connected to each other, and the pixel circuit200drives the corresponding light-emitting unit to emit light or not. The gate driver circuit100is disposed in the non-display region of the display panel and drives rows of pixel circuits200in the display region to control light-emitting units in the display region to perform display.

The gate driver circuit100includes the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110and each light emission drive device110is disposed in correspondence to at least one row of pixels. The plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110are sequentially marked as a light emission drive device111, a light emission drive device112, a light emission drive device113and so on. In an embodiment, the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110is electrically connected to the light emission control terminal EM of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding at least one row of pixels and the light emission drive device110is configured to provide the light emission control signal to the light emission control terminal EM of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding row.

It is to be noted that the correspondence between the light emission drive device and the number of rows of pixel circuits is different in different display panels. For example, one light emission drive device drives two or more rows of pixel circuits in some display panels, and one light emission drive device drives one row of pixel circuits in other display panels. The correspondence between the light emission drive device and the number of rows of pixel circuits is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in the following embodiments and the drawings, an operating principle is described only using an example in which one light emission drive device drives one row of pixel circuits.

The gate driver circuit100further includes the at least one stage of first scan drive device120. The first scan drive device120is electrically connected to the light emission drive device110. In an embodiment, the input terminal of the first scan drive device120is connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110and the first scan drive device120is disposed in correspondence to a row of pixels. The output terminal of the first scan drive device120is electrically connected to the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding row of pixels and the first scan drive device120is configured to provide the first scan drive signal to the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit200in the row.

The pixel circuit200controls the light-emitting unit to emit light or not according to the light emission control signal and the first scan drive signal. It is to be understood that an input signal of the pixel circuit200for controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light or not includes, but is not limited to, the light emission control signal and the first scan drive signal. Generally, the input signal of the pixel circuit200further includes other drive signals, such as a scan_p scan drive signal, a data voltage signal and a power supply voltage signal. The details are not repeated here.

As shown inFIG.1, the gate driver circuit100may include only one stage of first scan drive device120. The input terminal of the first scan drive device120is electrically connected to the output terminal OUT of one of the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110and the first scan drive device120provides the first scan drive signal to the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding at least one row. For other rows of pixels, the gate driver circuit100further includes scan1drive devices120′ and the plurality of scan1drive devices120′ are sequentially marked as a scan1drive device120′1, a scan1drive device120′2and so on. The scan1drive device120′ is disposed in correspondence to the light emission drive device110and provides the first scan drive signal to the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding at least one row.

In other embodiments, the gate driver circuit may further include two or more stages of first scan drive devices, where the number of stages of the first scan drive devices is lower than or equal to the number of stages of the light emission drive devices, and the first scan drive device provides the first scan drive signal to the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit in the corresponding at least one row. For other rows of pixels, the gate driver circuit further includes at least one scan1drive device and the scan1drive device provides the first scan drive signal to the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding row.

Referring toFIG.2,FIG.2is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, the gate driver circuit100may include stages of first scan drive devices120, where each of the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120is disposed in correspondence to a respective one of the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110and the input terminal of the first scan drive device120is connected to the output terminal OUT of the corresponding light emission drive device110. Therefore, the first scan drive terminal S1of each pixel circuit200in each row receives the first scan drive signal provided by the corresponding stage of first scan drive device120. The plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120are sequentially marked as a first scan drive device1201, a first scan drive device1202, a first scan drive device1203and so on.

It is to be noted that in the display panel according to the present embodiment, the transmission of the first scan drive devices120stage by stage depends on the light emission drive devices110, to save a bezel. Referring toFIG.3,FIG.3is a timing diagram of a gate driver circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.3, the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110in the gate driver circuit100output the light emission control signals emit stage by stage to the light emission control terminal EM of the pixel circuit200. The light emission control signals emit outputted stage by stage by the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices are sequentially marked as emit(i), emit(i+1), emit(i+2) and so on. It is to be noted that “i” here denotes the number of rows and “i” is a positive integer.

In the present embodiment, the input terminal of the first scan drive device120is connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110. The output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110outputs the light emission control signal emit and the first scan drive device120receives the corresponding light emission control signal emit. If one stage of light emission drive device110is electrically connected to the corresponding one stage of first scan drive device120, the light emission control signals emit outputted stage by stage by the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110control the corresponding first scan drive devices120to operate stage by stage. The first scan drive signals (using the first scan drive signal scan_n as an example) outputted by the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120stage by stage to the first scan drive terminal S1of the pixel circuit200are sequentially marked as scan_n(i), scan_n(i+1), scan_n(i+2) and so on. It is to be noted that “i” here denotes the number of rows and “i” is a positive integer. The transmission of the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120stage by stage is controlled by the light emission control signals emit outputted stage by stage by the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices110and structures such as signal lines for controlling the transmission of the first scan drive devices120stage by stage are not required to be arranged in the non-display region additionally, to save the bezel.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, an output signal of the light emission drive device, the light emission control signal, serves as an input signal of the first scan drive device and the first scan drive device generates the first scan drive signal according to the light emission control signal and transmits the first scan drive signal to the pixel circuits to drive the pixels for display. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the input terminal of the first scan drive device is electrically connected to the output terminal of the light emission drive device and the output terminal of the light emission drive device outputs the light emission control signal stably and the first scan drive device has relatively good stability, wires for driving the transmission of the first scan drive devices stage by stage separately are not required, a circuit structure is relatively simple, the bezel occupies a relatively small area, and a narrow bezel can be achieved.

Referring toFIG.4,FIG.4is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4, in an embodiment, the gate driver circuit100further includes stages of cascaded second scan drive devices130and the plurality of stages of cascaded second scan drive devices130provide second scan drive signals to the plurality of rows of pixels.

In the present embodiment, the pixel circuit200further includes a second scan drive terminal S2.

The gate driver circuit100further includes the plurality of stages of cascaded second scan drive devices130. Only the plurality of stages of second scan drive devices130are shown inFIG.4and a manner in which the plurality of stages of second scan drive devices130are cascaded is not shown. The second scan drive devices with different scanning manners in different display panels may be cascaded in different manners, which is not specifically illustrated here. One stage of second scan drive device130is disposed in correspondence to a row of pixels. An output terminal of the second scan drive device130is electrically connected to the second scan drive terminal S2of each pixel circuit200in the corresponding row of pixels and the second scan drive device130is configured to provide the second scan drive signal to each pixel circuit200in the corresponding at least one row of pixels. The plurality of stages of second scan drive devices130are sequentially marked as a second scan drive device1301, a second scan drive device1302, a second scan drive device1303and so on.

In an embodiment, an enable scan signal in the first scan drive signal is greater than 0 V and an enable scan signal in the second scan drive signal is less than or equal to 0 V; or an enable scan signal in the first scan drive signal is less than or equal to 0 V and an enable scan signal in the second scan drive signal is greater than 0 V.

Referring toFIG.5,FIG.5is a schematic diagram of a pixel circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5, in an embodiment, the input signal of the pixel circuit200at least includes a pulse signal scan_n (such as scan_n1and scan_n2) containing a high potential enable scan signal and a pulse signal scan_p containing a low potential enable scan signal. Then, in an embodiment, the first scan drive device120may provide the pixel circuit200with the pulse signal scan_n containing the high potential enable scan signal and the second scan drive device130may provide the pixel circuit200with the pulse signal scan_p containing the low potential enable scan signal. In other embodiments, the first scan drive device may provide the pixel circuit with the pulse signal scan_p containing the low potential enable scan signal and the second scan drive device may provide the pixel circuit with the pulse signal scan_n containing the high potential enable scan signal.

It is to be understood that the pulse signal scan_n containing the high potential enable scan signal means that the pulse signal includes a high potential and a low potential, where a high potential pulse is the enable scan signal and a low potential pulse is a non-enable scan signal, that is, the high potential pulse in the pulse signal scan_n can control an electrically connected transistor to turn on and the low potential pulse in the pulse signal scan_n can control the electrically connected transistor to turn off. The pulse signal scan_p containing the low potential enable scan signal means that the pulse signal includes the high potential and the low potential, where the high potential pulse is the non-enable scan signal and the low potential pulse is the enable scan signal, that is, the high potential pulse in the pulse signal scan_p can control an electrically connected transistor to turn off and the low potential pulse in the pulse signal scan_p can control the electrically connected transistor to turn on.

It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the first scan drive device120inFIGS.1to4may provide the first scan drive terminal S1of the pixel circuit200with a pulse signal scan_n1containing a positive high potential enable scan signal, that is, the first scan drive device120may transmit the pulse signal through the first scan drive terminal S1to control a transistor M4in the pixel circuit200to turn on or off. In some other embodiments, the first scan drive device120inFIGS.1to4may provide the first scan drive terminal S1of the pixel circuit200with a pulse signal scan_n2containing the positive high potential enable scan signal, that is, the first scan drive device120may transmit the pulse signal through the first scan drive terminal S1to control a transistor M5in the pixel circuit200to turn on or off.

It is to be further noted that in some other embodiments, the signal scan_n required by the pixel circuit200includes scan_n1and scan_n2. It is to be understood that scan_n1and scan_n2are from different scan_n signal lines. When adjacent rows of pixel circuits share a scan signal line, in conjunction withFIG.3, assuming that a row of pixel circuits200is electrically connected to a first scan drive device120, scan_n1received by the row of pixel circuits200is from scan_n outputted by the corresponding first scan drive device120and scan_n2received by the row of pixel circuits200is from scan_n1outputted by the first scan drive device120in a next stage.

For example, the first scan drive device120provides the pixel circuit200with the pulse signal scan_n containing the high potential enable scan signal. In the related art, a scan1drive device for providing the pulse signal scan_n to pixels needs to be specially designed in the non-display region and the wire, the structure and the like of the scan1drive device need to be separately designed, which is complicated in structure and occupies a large area of the bezel. Alternatively, in the related art, an inverter may be added after the second scan drive device and the pulse signal scan_p outputted by the second scan drive device is outputted as the pulse signal scan_n containing the high potential enable scan signal through the inverter. Although the bezel is saved, the inverter has very poor operating stability and the pixel circuit is easy to operate abnormally, affecting a display effect.

In the present embodiment, the input terminal of the first scan drive device120is electrically connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110and the light emission control signal outputted by the light emission drive device110is used as the input signal of the first scan drive device120. Therefore, separate structures such as wires are not required to be disposed for the first scan drive device120, a driver circuit for providing the pulse signal scan_n is simplified, the area of the bezel occupied by the first scan drive device120is reduced, and the narrow bezel is achieved. Moreover, the light emission drive device110outputs the light emission control signal stably, improving the stability of the first scan drive device120, preventing the pixel circuit200from operating abnormally, and ensuring the display effect of the display panel.

It is to be understood that the pixel circuit shown inFIG.5is only an example of the pixel circuit. In actual production, a structure of the pixel circuit varies according to a type of the display panel and pixel circuits with different structures may be used in the same type of display panel. The preceding example is only an example of the pixel circuit, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, a working process of the light emission drive device includes a luminescence stage and a non-luminescence stage and the non-luminescence stage includes a first non-luminescence stage and a second non-luminescence stage; in the first non-luminescence stage, the first scan drive device provides the non-enable sc an signal to the row of pixels; and in the second non-luminescence stage, the first scan drive device provides the enable scan signal to the row of pixels.

In the present embodiment, the working process of the light emission drive device includes the luminescence stage and the non-luminescence stage. When the light emission drive device is in the luminescence stage, the light emission control signal provided by the light emission drive device to the light emission control terminal of the pixel circuit may cause the light-emitting unit to emit light. When the light emission drive device is in the non-luminescence stage, the light emission control signal provided by the light emission drive device to the light emission control terminal of the pixel circuit will not cause the light-emitting unit to emit light.

Within some time periods of the non-luminescence stage, the first scan drive device provides the enable scan signal to each pixel circuit in the row of pixels. Within other time periods of the non-luminescence stage, the first scan drive device provides the non-enable scan signal to each pixel circuit in the row of pixels. It is to be understood that the first scan drive signal outputted by the first scan drive device includes the high potential pulse and the low potential pulse. A pulse in the first scan drive signal, which can turn on a corresponding switch in the pixel circuit, is the enable scan signal and a pulse in the first scan drive signal, which can turn off the corresponding switch in the pixel circuit, is the non-enable scan signal.

Referring toFIG.5, the first scan drive device provides the first scan drive signal scan_n to each pixel circuit200in the corresponding row of pixels. The enable scan signal refers to a pulse in the first scan drive signal scan_n, which enables the corresponding transistor to turn on. The non-enable scan signal refers to a pulse in the first scan drive signal scan_n, which enables the corresponding transistor to turn off. In an embodiment, the transistor controlled by the first scan drive signal scan_n in the pixel circuit200is a Negative channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) transistor. Apparently, the high potential pulse in the first scan drive signal scan_n is the enable scan signal and the low potential pulse in the first scan drive signal scan_n is the non-enable scan signal.

Referring toFIG.6,FIG.6is a partial schematic diagram of a gate driver circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.6, in an embodiment, the first scan drive device120includes a control device121, a first output device122, a second output device123and a voltage regulation device124; where a first capacitor C1is coupled between a control terminal of the control device121and a first signal terminal CKA and the control device121is connected between a first voltage terminal VGH and a first node N1; a control terminal of the first output device122is connected to the control terminal of the control device121and the first output device122is connected between a second voltage terminal VGL and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120; a control terminal of the second output device123is connected to the first node N1and the second output device123is connected between a second signal terminal CKB and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120; and the voltage regulation device124has a first terminal PIN1connected to a third signal terminal CKC, a second terminal PIN2connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110, a third terminal PIN3connected to a fourth signal terminal CKD, a fourth terminal PIN4connected to the control terminal of the control device121and a fifth terminal PIN5connected to the first node N1.

In the present embodiment, if the control terminal of the control device121is a second node N2, the control terminal of the control device121, the control terminal of the first output device122and the fourth terminal PIN4of the voltage regulation device124are all connected to the second node N2. The first capacitor C1is coupled between the second node N2and the first signal terminal CKA. The first capacitor C1is coupled between the control terminal of the control device121and the first signal terminal CKA and the control device121is connected between the first voltage terminal VGH and the first node N1. A first clock signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA includes a high potential pulse signal and a low potential pulse signal.

In the present embodiment, the first scan drive device120further includes the voltage regulation device124, where the voltage regulation device124has the first terminal PIN1connected to the third signal terminal CKC, the second terminal PIN2connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110, the third terminal PIN3connected to the fourth signal terminal CKD, the fourth terminal PIN4connected to the control terminal of the control device121(the second node N2) and the fifth terminal PIN5connected to the first node N1. The voltage regulation device124is configured to adjust potentials of the first node N1and the second node N2.

The potential of the first node N1controls the second output device123to turn on or off and the potential of the second node N2controls the first output device122to turn on or off.

The potential of the second node N2is determined by the voltage regulation device124and a first clock terminal CKA. The following cases are included.

In case (1), if the voltage regulation device124is turned on, the light emission control signal outputted from the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110is written to the second node N2through the voltage regulation device124that is on. When the light emission control signal outputted by the light emission drive device110is a low potential signal, the potential of the second node N2is the low potential. When the light emission control signal outputted by the light emission drive device110is a high potential signal, the potential of the second node N2is the high potential.

In case (2), if the voltage regulation device124is turned off, a jump of the first clock signal provided by the first clock terminal CKA affects the potential of the second node N2. If an original potential of the second node N2is the low potential after the voltage regulation device124is turned off, when the first clock signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA is the low potential pulse signal, the potential of the second node N2is pulled down through coupling of the first capacitor C1and thus is further decreased; when the first clock signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA is the high potential pulse signal, the potential of the second node N2is pulled up through the coupling of the first capacitor C1. Typically, the potential of the second node N2is pulled up to a relatively small degree and the potential of the second node N2after pulled up is a low potential close to the original low potential of the second node N2. If the original potential of the second node N2is the high potential after the voltage regulation device124is turned off, when the first clock signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA is the high potential pulse signal, the potential of the second node N2is pulled up through the coupling of the first capacitor C1; when the first clock signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA is the low potential pulse signal, the potential of the second node N2is pulled down through the coupling of the first capacitor C1and thus is slightly decreased. It is to be understood that the potential of the second node N2after pulled down is a high potential close to the original high potential of the second node N2.

The potential of the first node N1is determined by the voltage regulation device124, the control device121and a second clock terminal CKB. The second node N2is used for controlling an on or off state of the control device121. The potential of the first node N1includes cases described below.

In case (1), if the second node N2causes the control device121to be in the on state, the control device121receives a first voltage signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH and transmits the first voltage signal to the first node N1.

In case (2), if the voltage regulation device124is turned on, a fourth clock signal provided by the fourth signal terminal CKD is written to the first node N1.

In case (3), if both the control device121and the voltage regulation device124are in the off state, the potential of the first node N1is controlled by the second signal terminal CKB. Assuming that an original potential of the first node N1is the low potential, when a second clock signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is the low potential pulse signal, the potential of the first node N1is pulled down through coupling and the potential of the first node N1is lower than the original low potential of the first node N1; when the second clock signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is the high potential pulse signal, the potential of the first node N1is pulled up through coupling and the potential of the first node N1after pulled up is a low potential close to the original low potential of the first node N1. Assuming that the original potential of the first node N1is the high potential, when the second clock signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is the high potential pulse signal, the potential of the first node N1is pulled up through coupling and the potential of the first node N1after pulled up is a high potential slightly higher than the original high potential; when the second clock signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is the low potential pulse signal, the potential of the first node N1is pulled down through coupling and the potential of the first node N1after pulled down is a high potential close to the original high potential of the first node N1.

The control terminal of the first output device122is connected to the control terminal of the control device121, that is, the second node N2, and the first output device122is connected between the second voltage terminal VGL and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. The potential of the second node N2controls the on or off state of the first output device122. If the potential of the second node N2controls the first output device122to be in the on state, a potential of the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is pulled down to be the same as that of a second voltage signal from the second voltage terminal VGL. If the potential of the second node N2controls the first output device122to be in the off state, the potential of the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is controlled by the second output device123.

The control terminal of the second output device123is connected to the first node N1and the second output device123is connected between the second signal terminal CKB and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. The potential of the first node N1controls the on or off state of the second output device123. If the potential of the first node N1controls the second output device123to be in the on state, the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is determined by the second clock signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB. If the potential of the first node N1controls the second output device123to be in the off state, the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is controlled by the first output device122. It is to be understood that the second clock signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB includes the high potential pulse signal and the low potential pulse signal. When the second output device123is in the on state, the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is the second clock signal.

Referring toFIG.7,FIG.7is another partial schematic diagram of a gate driver circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, in an embodiment, the control device121includes a first transistor T1; where the first capacitor C1is coupled between a control terminal of the first transistor T1and the first signal terminal CKA and the first transistor T1is connected between the first voltage terminal VGH and the first node N1. In an embodiment, the first output device122includes a second transistor T2; where a control terminal of the second transistor T2is connected to the control terminal N2of the control device121and the second transistor T2is connected between the second voltage terminal VGL and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. In an embodiment, the second output device123includes a third transistor T3and a second capacitor C2; where a control terminal of the third transistor T3is connected to the first node N1and the third transistor T3is connected between the second signal terminal CKB and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120; and the second capacitor C2is coupled between the second signal terminal CKB and the first node N1. In an embodiment, the voltage regulation device124includes a fourth transistor T4, a fifth transistor T5and a third capacitor C3; where a control terminal of the fourth transistor T4is connected to the third signal terminal CKC and the fourth transistor T4is connected between the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110and the control terminal N2of the control device121; the third capacitor C3is coupled between a control terminal of the fifth transistor T5and the control terminal of the fourth transistor T4; and the fifth transistor T5is connected between the first node N1and the fourth signal terminal CKD.

In an embodiment, the first scan drive device120includes at least one transistor which is a Positive channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (PMOS) transistor. It is to be understood that each transistor in the first scan drive device120may be the PMOS transistor, but in other embodiments, the transistors in the first scan drive device may be of different types, for example, may include the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor. Proper selection of the type of the transistor in the first scan drive device according to product requirements. In the present embodiment, an example in which each transistor in the first scan drive device120is the PMOS transistor is used.

In an embodiment, the first voltage terminal VGH provides the high potential signal and the second voltage terminal VGL provides the low potential signal. It is to be understood that the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal provide the first scan drive device120with the high potential signal and the low potential signal, respectively. According to circuit design requirements, the first voltage terminal VGH provides the high potential signal and the second voltage terminal VGL provides the low potential signal. It is to be noted that the high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH affects the potential of the first node N1and the potential of the first node N1controls the on or off state of the second output device123and the high potential signal needs to meet a requirement for controlling the on or off state of the second output device123. Within at least some time periods, the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120through the first output device122that is on and the low potential signal needs to meet a requirement for the low potential of the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. Based on this, amplitudes of the voltage signals provided by the first voltage terminal VGH and the second voltage terminal VGL are not specifically repeated here. Design the amplitudes of the voltage signals provided by the first voltage terminal VGH and the second voltage terminal VGL according to product requirements.

In an embodiment, the second signal terminal CKB provides a first high potential signal and a first low potential signal, where the first high potential signal is the same as the high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH and the first low potential signal is the same as the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL.

Referring toFIG.8,FIG.8is another timing diagram of a gate driver circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In conjunction withFIGS.7and8, the working process of the gate driver circuit includes the luminescence stage Lum and the non-luminescence stage Non-Lum; in the first non-luminescence stage ta, the first scan drive device120provides the non-enable scan signal to the row of pixels; and in the second non-luminescence stage tb, the first scan drive device120provides the enable scan signal to the row of pixels. In the present embodiment, for example, the first scan drive device120provides the first scan drive signal scan_n; then, the non-enable scan signal in the first scan drive signal scan_n has the low potential to control the subsequent corresponding transistor to turn off and the enable scan signal in the first scan drive signal scan_n has the high potential to control the subsequent corresponding transistor to turn on.

In an embodiment, in the luminescence stage Lum, the light emission control signal emit outputted by the light emission drive device110has the low potential; in the non-luminescence stage Non-Lum, the light emission control signal emit outputted by the light emission drive device110has the high potential. In the luminescence stage Lum, if the third signal terminal CKC outputs the low potential signal, the voltage regulation device124is turned on and the low potential of the light emission control signal emit is written to the second node N2; if the third signal terminal CKC outputs the high potential signal, the voltage regulation device124is turned off and the second node N2maintains the low potential.

In the first non-luminescence stage ta, if the third signal terminal CKC outputs the high potential signal, both the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5are turned off. At this time, the original potential of the second node N2is the low potential, the first signal terminal CKA outputs the low potential signal and the potential of the second node N2is pulled down through the coupling of the first capacitor C1and the potential of the second node N2is pulled down to be lower than the original low potential of the second node N2, ensuring that both the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned on. If the first transistor T1is turned on, the high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH is transmitted to the first node N1and the third transistor T3is turned off. Meanwhile, the second transistor T2is turned on and the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. The low potential signal is the non-enable scan signal and the subsequent corresponding transistor can be controlled to turn off.

In the second non-luminescence stage tb, if the third signal terminal CKC outputs the low potential signal, both the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5are turned on. If the fourth transistor T4is turned on, the light emission control signal emit is inputted to the second node N2. In conjunction with the pixel circuit inFIG.5, in the non-luminescence stage Non-Lum, the light emission control signal is the high potential signal and the second node N2has the high potential and both the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned off. Meanwhile, the fifth transistor T5is turned on and the fourth signal terminal CKD outputs the low potential signal and the low potential of the fourth signal terminal CKD is written to the first node N1. If the potential of the first node N1is the low potential, the third transistor T3is turned on and the signal from the second signal terminal CKB is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. At the current time, if the second signal terminal CKB outputs the high potential signal, the high potential signal is the enable scan signal and the subsequent corresponding transistor can be controlled to turn on.

It is to be noted that in the first non-luminescence stage ta, the fifth transistor T5is turned off and the potential of the signal outputted by the fourth signal terminal CKD does not affect the potential of the first node N1. Therefore, the potential of the signal outputted by the fourth signal terminal CKD is not limited in the first non-luminescence stage ta and may be the high potential or the low potential. However, it is to be understood that if the fourth signal terminal CKD shares a common signal line with another signal terminal, the driving manner of the common signal line prevails. As shown inFIG.8, in an embodiment, the potential of the signal outputted by the fourth signal terminal CKD is the high potential, but it is not limited thereto.

It is to be understood that the drive timing diagram shown inFIG.8is only an example. In an actual situation, an interval may exist between waveforms of a timing drive signal according to signal transmission.

Referring toFIG.9,FIG.9is another timing diagram of a gate driver circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In conjunction withFIGS.7and9, the working process of the gate driver circuit includes the luminescence stage Lum and the non-luminescence stage Non-Lum. The non-luminescence stage Non-Lum further includes a third non-luminescence stage tc. The first non-luminescence stage ta, the third non-luminescence stage tc and the second non-luminescence stage tb are executed in sequence. In the third non-luminescence stage tc, the second output device123is turned on and the non-enable scan signal is provided to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120.

In the present embodiment, for example, the first scan drive device120provides the first scan drive signal scan_n; then, the non-enable scan signal in the first scan drive signal scan_n has the low potential to control the subsequent corresponding transistor to turn off and the enable scan signal in the first scan drive signal scan_n has the high potential to control the subsequent corresponding transistor to turn on. The working process in the first non-luminescence stage ta and the second non-luminescence stage tb is similar to that inFIG.8and not specifically repeated here.

The third non-luminescence stage tc is executed after the first non-luminescence stage ta. If the output of the third signal terminal CKC remains to be the high potential signal, the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5are off. The output of the first signal terminal CKA jumps to the high potential signal, the potential of the second node N2is pulled up through the coupling of the first capacitor C1, and a degree to which the potential of the second node N2is pulled up can almost offset a degree to which the potential of the second node N2is pulled down in the first non-luminescence stage ta. Therefore, the potential of the second node N2is restored to be equal to or close to the original low potential of the second node N2in the first non-luminescence stage ta and both the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned on. If the first node N1maintains the high potential, the third transistor T3is turned off. Meanwhile, the second transistor T2is turned on and the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. The low potential signal is the non-enable scan signal and the subsequent corresponding transistor can be controlled to turn off.

After the second non-luminescence stage tb, the gate driver circuit further includes a first driving stage td and a second driving stage te. In the first driving stage td, the second signal terminal CKB jumps from the high potential to the low potential. At this time, the first node N1has the low potential and the potential of the first node N1is pulled down through the coupling of the second capacitor C2and the third transistor T3remains on and the low potential signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. The low potential signal is the non-enable scan signal and the subsequent corresponding transistor can be controlled to turn off.

Next, in the second driving stage te, within a period after the second signal terminal CKB jumps from the low potential to the high potential, the third signal terminal CKC controls the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5to turn on and then turn off and the light emission control signal emit of the low potential is written to the second node N2for the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2to be turned on. The second transistor T2is turned on and the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120. Meanwhile, the first transistor T1is turned on and the high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH is written to the first node N1and the third transistor T3is turned off.

In the present embodiment, the first scan drive signal outputted from the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is used for driving the corresponding row of pixel circuits. In the first non-luminescence stage to and the third non-luminescence stage tc, the second node N2maintains the low potential to turn on the second transistor T2and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120outputs the low potential signal of the second voltage terminal VGL. In the second non-luminescence stage tb, the first node N1jumps to the low potential to turn on the third transistor T3and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120outputs the high potential, which depends on the third transistor T3that is on and the high potential pulse of the second signal terminal CKB. Then, the output from the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120changes from the high potential to the low potential, which depends on the second signal terminal CKB jumping to the low potential. The second signal terminal CKB jumps to the low potential and the potential of the first node N1is further pulled down to ensure that the third transistor T3is turned on and the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120maintains the output of the low potential signal of the second signal terminal CKB.

It is to be understood that the drive timing diagram shown inFIG.9is only an example. In the actual situation, an interval may exist between the waveforms of the timing drive signal according to the signal transmission.

Referring toFIG.10,FIG.10is another partial schematic diagram of a gate driver circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.11,FIG.11is a timing diagram of two adjacent rows of pixel circuits according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.10and11, in an embodiment, the first scan drive device120further includes a turn-off device125; where a control terminal of the turn-off device125is connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110and the turn-off device125is connected between the first voltage terminal VGH and the control terminal of the fifth transistor T5. In an embodiment, the turn-off device125includes a sixth transistor T6; where a control terminal of the sixth transistor T6is connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110and the sixth transistor T6is connected between the first voltage terminal VGH and the control terminal of the fifth transistor T5.

In the present embodiment, the control terminal of the turn-off device125is connected to the output terminal OUT of the light emission drive device110, that is, for receiving the light emission control signal emit. In conjunction with the timing diagram inFIG.11, assuming that outputs of two adjacent stages of first scan drive devices are OUTa and OUTb, respectively, a light emission control signal emit1and OUTa outputted by the corresponding first scan drive device are used for driving a first row of pixels, and a light emission control signal emit2and OUTb outputted by the corresponding first scan drive device are used for driving a second row of pixels.

Using the first row of pixels as an example, in the non-luminescence stage (including t1to t4), the light emission control signal emit1is the high potential signal; in the luminescence stage (including t5and later stages), the light emission control signal emit1is the low potential signal. In the non-luminescence stage, the light emission control signal emit1is the high potential signal and the sixth transistor T6is turned off and the potential of the control terminal of the fifth transistor T5is not affected and thus the potential of the first node N1is not affected. The potential of an output signal of the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is determined by the first output device122and the second output device123. In the luminescence stage, the light emission control signal emit1is the low potential signal and the sixth transistor T6is turned on and the turn-off device125controls the fifth transistor T5to turn off.

In an embodiment, in the luminescence stage, the sixth transistor T6is turned on, the high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH is transmitted to the control terminal of the fifth transistor T5, and the potential of the control terminal of the fifth transistor T5is stabilized to be the high potential and the fifth transistor T5is turned off and the voltage regulation device124does not affect the potential of the first node N1. At this time, the potential of the first node N1is determined by the second node N2, the control device121and the second signal terminal CKB. The output signal of the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120is determined by the first output device122and the second output device123.

A driving process of the first row of pixels is analyzed below in conjunction withFIGS.10and11.

In a stage t1, the light emission control signal emit1has the high potential, and the sixth transistor T6is turned off; and the high potential signal provided by the third signal terminal CKC makes the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5turned off. At this time, the original potential of the second node N2is the low potential. The potential of the second node N2may be pulled down by the low potential signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA, to ensure that the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned on. The first transistor T1is turned on and the potential of the first node N1is the high potential and the third transistor T3is turned off. Meanwhile, the second transistor T2is turned on, and the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120, where a first scan signal scan_n provided to the first row of pixels is the non-enable scan signal.

In a stage t2, the sixth transistor T6, the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5off, and the potential of the second node N2may be pulled up by the high potential signal provided by the first signal terminal CKA to a degree which can almost offset a degree to which the potential of the second node N2is pulled down in the stage t1. Therefore, the potential of the second node N2is close to the original low potential thereof in the stage t1, to ensure that the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned on. The first node N1maintains the high potential, the third transistor T3is turned off, and the first scan signal scan_n provided to the first row of pixels remains to be the non-enable scan signal.

In a stage t3, the sixth transistor T6is off and the third signal terminal CKC provides the low potential signal and then the high potential signal. The low potential signal provided by the third signal terminal CKC makes the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5turned on. At this time, the light emission control signal emit1is written to the second node N2and has the high potential and the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned off. The fifth transistor T5is turned on, the low potential signal provided by the fourth signal terminal CKD is written to the first node N1for the third transistor T3to be turned on, and the high potential signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120, where the first scan signal scan_n provided to the first row of pixels is the enable scan signal.

In a stage t4, the sixth transistor T6is off, the high potential signal provided by the third signal terminal CKC makes the fourth transistor T4and the fifth transistor T5turned off. At this time, the second node N2maintains the high potential and the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned off. The second signal terminal CKB jumps to the low potential signal, and the potential of the first node N1is pulled down to be a low potential lower, to ensure that the third transistor T3is turned on. The low potential signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120, where the first scan signal scan_n provided to the first row of pixels is the non-enable scan signal.

In a stage t5, the light emission control signal emit1has the low potential, the sixth transistor T6is turned on, the high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH makes the fifth transistor T5turned off, the high potential signal provided by the third signal terminal CKC makes the fourth transistor T4turned off, and a jump of the potential provided by the first signal terminal CKA stabilizes the second node N2at the high potential and the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned off. The potential of the first node N1remains to be the low potential, to ensure that the third transistor T3is turned on, and the low potential signal provided by the second signal terminal CKB is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120, where the first scan signal scan_n provided to the first row of pixels is the non-enable scan signal.

In a stage t6, the sixth transistor T6is on and the fifth transistor T5is off. The low potential signal provided by the third signal terminal CKC makes the fourth transistor T4turned on and the low potential signal of the light emission control signal emit1is written to the second node N2. The potential of the second node N2is stabilized to be the low potential and the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2are turned on. The high potential signal provided by the first voltage terminal VGH is written to the first node N1and the first node N1is stabilized at the high potential and the third transistor T3is turned off. Meanwhile, the low potential signal provided by the second voltage terminal VGL is transmitted to the output terminal OUTa of the first scan drive device120, where the first scan signal scan_n provided to the first row of pixels is the non-enable scan signal.

Referring toFIG.12,FIG.12is a schematic diagram of two adjacent stages of first scan drive devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.12, in an embodiment, the gate driver circuit includes the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120and each of the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120is disposed in correspondence to a row of pixels; the display panel further includes a first signal line CKL1and a second signal line CKL2; and for two adjacent stages of the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120, a first signal terminal CKA in a first scan drive device120/1in a current stage is connected to the first signal line CKL1and a first signal terminal CKA in a first scan drive device120/2in a next stage is connected to the second signal line CKL2, and a third signal terminal CKC in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage is connected to the second signal line CKL2and a third signal terminal CKC in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage is connected to the first signal line CKL1.

In the present embodiment, it is to be understood that the two adjacent stages of first scan drive devices120are configured to drive two adjacent rows of pixels. It can be known in conjunction withFIG.11that among the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120, the first signal terminal CKA in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage and the third signal terminal CKC in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage have the same drive timing and thus may be connected to the same signal line, in an embodiment, the first signal line CKL1. The third signal terminal CKC in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage and the first signal terminal CKA in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage have the same drive timing and thus may be connected to the same signal line, in an embodiment, the second signal line CKL2. In this manner, the number of wires required by the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120is reduced, the area of the bezel is saved, and the narrow bezel is achieved.

Referring toFIG.13,FIG.13is another schematic diagram of two adjacent stages of first scan drive devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.13, in an embodiment, the gate driver circuit includes the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120and each of the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120is disposed in correspondence to a row of pixels; the display panel further includes a third signal line CKL3and a fourth signal line CKL4; and for the two adjacent stages of the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120, a fourth signal terminal CKD in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage is connected to the fourth signal line CKL4and a fourth signal terminal CKD in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage is connected to the third signal line CKL3, and a second signal terminal CKB in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage is connected to the third signal line CKL3and a second signal terminal CKB in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage is connected to the fourth signal line CKL4.

In the present embodiment, it is to be understood that the two adjacent stages of first scan drive devices120are configured to drive two adjacent rows of pixels. It can be known in conjunction withFIG.11that among the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120, the fourth signal terminal CKD in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage and the second signal terminal CKB in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage have the same drive timing and thus may be connected to the same signal line, in an embodiment, the fourth signal line CKL4. The second signal terminal CKB in the first scan drive device120/1in the current stage and the fourth signal terminal CKD in the first scan drive device120/2in the next stage have the same drive timing and thus may be connected to the same signal line, in an embodiment, the third signal line CKL3. In this manner, the number of wires required by the plurality of stages of first scan drive devices120is reduced, the area of the bezel is saved, and the narrow bezel is achieved.

Referring toFIG.14,FIG.14is a schematic diagram of a first scan drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.14, in an embodiment, the second voltage terminal VGL also serves as the fourth signal terminal CKD.FIG.14differs fromFIG.10in that the second voltage terminal VGL and the fourth signal terminal CKD are connected to the same signal line, second signal terminals CKB in first scan drive devices in odd-numbered stages are connected to the same signal line, and second signal terminals CKB in first scan drive devices in even-numbered stages are connected to another signal line.

Based on the same concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a display device including the display panel according to any one of the embodiments described above. In an embodiment, the display panel is, but not limited to, an organic light-emitting display panel. In an embodiment, the display device may be applied to smart devices such as a smartphone. Referring toFIG.15,FIG.15is a schematic diagram of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A smart device300includes the display panel according to any one of the embodiments described above.

In the present embodiment, a bezel of the display panel is provided with a gate driver circuit. The gate driver circuit includes stages of light emission drive devices, each of the plurality of stages of light emission drive devices provides a light emission control signal to a corresponding row of pixels, and the light emission control signal is a light emission control signal emit required by a pixel circuit. The gate driver circuit further includes at least one stage of first scan drive device and the first scan drive device provides a first scan drive signal to a corresponding row of pixels. In an embodiment, the first scan drive signal is a scan drive signal “scan_n” required by the pixel circuit.

The gate driver circuit further includes stages of cascaded second scan drive devices and each of stages of cascaded second scan drive devices provides a second scan drive signal to a corresponding row of pixels. In an embodiment, the second scan drive signal is a scan drive signal “scan_p” required by the pixel circuit.

It is to be noted that an input terminal of the first scan drive device is connected to an output terminal of the light emission drive device and it is known that the output terminal of the light emission drive device outputs the light emission control signal. Therefore, as an input signal of the first scan drive device, the light emission control signal is used for driving the first scan drive device to generate the first scan drive signal and a separate wire of the input signal is not required to be disposed for the first scan drive device and a bezel can be saved. Moreover, the first scan drive device generates the first scan drive signal according to the light emission control signal, which has a simple circuit structure, good operating stability and a more flexible and adjustable circuit design.