Display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device comprising: a display panel including a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; an illumination device for illuminating the display panel, the illumination device comprising: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating member located between the first light source and the second light source and the display panel, the separating member comprising: a first side surface surrounding the first light source; a second side surface surrounding the second light source; and a connecting portion connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, the connecting portion being formed by any one of a curved surface, two or more planes, or a combination of a curved surface and a plane.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on May 17, 2017, with application number 201710350245.0 and entitled "Display Device".

[0002] Cross-reference of related applications

[0003] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-099879, filed on May 18, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices. Background Technology

[0005] As a type of display device, the configuration including a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight with a light source directly below it is being practically applied. In one example, a technique has been proposed to make the total intensity of the illumination light approximately uniform when adjacent light sources in the backlight are all lit. Furthermore, in other examples, a technique has been proposed in head-up displays to determine the range of the displayed image and illuminate the light source in the corresponding area, thereby reducing power consumption and suppressing heat generation. In yet another example, a technique has been proposed in direct-lit backlights where the pyramidal aperture of the support is formed in a stepped shape that expands from the light-emitting element side to the light-emitting surface side, thereby reducing brightness unevenness.

[0006] It is anticipated that when driving a light source array consisting of multiple light sources arranged at predetermined intervals, brightness unevenness, such as low-brightness dark lines or high-brightness bright lines, between adjacent light sources, will be suppressed. Furthermore, it is anticipated that in display devices including such lighting devices, degradation in display quality caused by brightness unevenness of the lighting device will be suppressed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel including a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; an illumination device for illuminating the display panel, the illumination device including: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating member located between the first light source and the second light source and the display panel, the separating member including: a first side surface surrounding the first light source and a second side surface surrounding the second light source; and a connecting portion connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, the connecting portion being formed by any one of a curved surface, two or more planes, and a combination of a curved surface and a plane.

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel including a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; and an illumination device for illuminating the display panel, the illumination device including: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating member located between the first light source and the second light source and the display panel, the separating member including: a side surface respectively surrounding the first light source and the second light source; a top surface opposite to the display panel; and a dimming portion located on the top surface and having light diffusing or light absorbing properties.

[0009] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel including a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; and an illumination device for illuminating the display panel, the illumination device including: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating member located between the first light source, the second light source, and the display panel, the separating member including: a first ridge and a third ridge extending along a first direction when viewed from above; and a second ridge extending along a second direction and intersecting the first ridge and the third ridge, having recesses at a first intersection of the first ridge and the second ridge, and at a second intersection of the third ridge and the second ridge, and having a protrusion between the first intersection and the second intersection.

[0010] This embodiment can provide a display device that can suppress the degradation of display quality. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a lighting device and display panel applicable to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a display device to which local backlight adjustment control is applicable.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the display device according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It shows that it is applicable to Figure 4 A top view of one configuration example of the partition components of the lighting device shown.

[0016] Figure 6 (a) to (c) are diagrams used to illustrate the brightness distribution when adjacent light sources are lit simultaneously in a lighting device.

[0017] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of one component of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0018] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of one component of the partition after the AC line is cut open.

[0019] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0020] Figure 10A It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0021] Figure 10B It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0022] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0023] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing other configuration examples of the partition components.

[0024] Figure 13 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of one configuration of the partition component after being cut along the DE line.

[0025] Figure 14 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0026] Figure 15 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0027] Figure 16 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition after being cut along line AB.

[0028] Figure 17 (a) and (b) are top views showing an example of the configuration of the dimming unit on the ridge.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a top view showing other configuration examples of the dimming section on the ridge.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a top view showing other configuration examples of the dimming section on the ridge.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a top view showing other configuration examples of the dimming section on the ridge.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an applicable example of the display device according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that will readily conceive by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention are of course included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the drawings sometimes schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc., of various parts compared to the actual form in order to make the explanation clearer; these are merely examples and not intended to limit the interpretation of the invention. Additionally, in this specification and the drawings, for components that perform the same or similar functions as those described in previously generated drawings, repeated detailed descriptions are sometimes appropriately omitted.

[0034] First, the display device involved in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device DSP according to this embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the display device DSP includes: a control unit 10, a display panel PNL, and an illumination device IL for illuminating the display panel PNL. The control unit 10 includes a signal processing unit 20, a display panel driving unit 40 for controlling the driving of the display panel PNL, and an illumination device control unit 60 for controlling the driving of the illumination device IL.

[0037] The signal processing unit 20 receives an input signal SGI from the image output unit 11 and sends an output signal SGO to various parts of the display device DSP, thereby controlling the operation of the display device DSP. The signal processing unit 20 is connected to the display panel driver unit 40 and the lighting device control unit 60. Here, the signal processing unit 20 functions as an arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the display panel PNL and the lighting device IL. The signal processing unit 20 processes the input signal SGI and generates the output signal SGO and the lighting device control signal SGIL. The signal processing unit 20 outputs the generated output signal SGO to the display panel driver unit 40 and outputs the generated lighting device control signal SGIL to the lighting device control unit 60.

[0038] The display panel PNL displays an image based on the output signal SGO output from the signal processing unit 20. The display panel PNL has a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix. As will be described later, each pixel PX is composed of a plurality of sub-pixels, and each sub-pixel is provided with switching elements, etc.

[0039] The display panel driving unit 40 includes a signal output circuit 41 and a scanning circuit 42. The signal output circuit 41 is electrically connected to the display panel PNL via a signal line SL. The scanning circuit 42 is electrically connected to the display panel PNL via a scan line GL. The display panel driving unit 40 holds the image signal through the signal output circuit 41 and outputs it sequentially to the display panel PNL. In addition, the display panel driving unit 40 selects the sub-pixels of the display panel PNL through the scanning circuit 42 and controls the switching elements used to control the operation (light transmittance) of the sub-pixels to be turned on and off.

[0040] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a configuration example of the lighting device IL and the display panel PNL applicable to this embodiment. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z in the diagram are orthogonal to each other, but may intersect at angles other than 90 degrees. The XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y is parallel to the main surfaces of optical components such as the display panel PNL and the lighting device IL. The third direction Z corresponds to the stacking direction of the lighting device IL and the display panel PNL, or the direction of light propagation emitted from the lighting device IL.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the display panel PNL is a liquid crystal display panel, which includes: a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and a liquid crystal layer LC held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. A polarizing plate PL1 is located on the back side of the first substrate SUB1. A polarizing plate PL2 is located on the front side of the second substrate SUB2. For example, the absorption axes of polarizing plates PL1 and PL2 are orthogonal in the XY plane. It should be noted that, here, the side where the illumination device IL is located when viewed from the display panel PNL is defined as the back side, and the side opposite to the back side of the display panel PNL is defined as the front side.

[0042] The display panel PNL includes a display area DA for displaying images. The display panel PNL has a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix along a first direction X and a second direction Y within the display area DA. Each pixel PX includes, for example, a first sub-pixel SPX1, a second sub-pixel SPX2, and a third sub-pixel SPX3. In the first sub-pixel SPX1, a color filter, for example, red, is configured, so the first sub-pixel SPX1 displays red. In the second sub-pixel SPX2, a color filter, for example, green, is configured, so the second sub-pixel SPX2 displays green. In the third sub-pixel SPX3, a color filter, for example, blue, is configured, so the third sub-pixel SPX3 displays blue.

[0043] The first substrate SUB1 includes multiple scan lines GL (also called gate lines) and multiple signal lines SL (also called data lines or source lines) intersecting the scan lines GL. Each scan line GL extends outward from the display area DA, thereby connecting to the scan circuit 42. Each signal line SL extends outward from the display area DA, thereby connecting to the signal output circuit 41. The scan circuit 42 and the signal output circuit 41 are controlled based on image data for displaying an image in the display area DA.

[0044] Each sub-pixel includes a switching element SW (e.g., a thin-film transistor), a pixel electrode PE, and a common electrode CE. The switching element SW is electrically connected to the scan line GL and the signal line SL. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. The common electrode CE is opposite to multiple pixel electrodes PE. The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE function as driving electrodes for the liquid crystal layer LC. The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are formed using transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0045] An illumination device IL is disposed on the back of a display panel PNL and illuminates the display panel PNL. The illumination device IL includes an illumination area IA opposite to the display area DA. The illumination device IL has light sources LS arranged in a matrix within the illumination area IA. The light sources LS are, for example, light-emitting diodes emitting white light, but are not limited to this. As a white light-emitting light source LS, materials that integrate light-emitting diodes emitting red, green, and blue light onto a single chip, or materials that combine light-emitting diodes emitting blue or near-ultraviolet light with phosphors, are suitable. The brightness of such a light source LS can be controlled according to the magnitude of the supplied current.

[0046] In one example, a light source LS is configured opposite a sub-display area consisting of m*n pixels PX. However, m and n are positive integers, and m corresponds to the number of pixels PX arranged along the first direction X, and n corresponds to the number of pixels PX arranged along the second direction Y. The lighting and extinguishing of each light source LS can be controlled independently. Therefore, the lighting device IL can form sub-lighting areas within the lighting area IA that can be controlled to be lit and extinguished independently. Each sub-lighting area includes at least one light source LS. The sub-lighting area can be formed in the XY plane in various shapes, such as a strip extending along the first direction, a strip extending along the second direction Y, or a matrix arranged along both the first and second directions Y.

[0047] Next, we will explain the local backlight adjustment control.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a display device DSP suitable for local backlight adjustment control. The illumination device IL includes a plurality of sub-illumination areas IA11, IA12… arranged in a matrix within an illumination area IA. The display panel PNL includes a plurality of sub-display areas DA11, DA12… arranged in a matrix within a display area DA. (See reference...) Figure 2 As described, each sub-illumination area includes one or more light sources. Each sub-display area is opposite to a sub-illumination area and includes m*n pixels (PX). The brightness of each sub-illumination area can be controlled based on the current supplied to the light source. Therefore, by changing the current value of each light source in the sub-illumination area, the brightness of each sub-illumination area can be changed. The light emitted from each sub-illumination area illuminates the corresponding sub-display area. Therefore, in the display area DA, by setting the brightness of the sub-illumination areas illuminating sub-display areas containing a large number of low grayscale pixels to a lower level, and setting the brightness of the sub-illumination areas illuminating sub-display areas containing a large number of high grayscale pixels to a higher level, the contrast of the image displayed in the display area DA can be improved.

[0049] The following is a simple illustration of a control example. Figure 1 As shown, in the signal processing unit 20, the input signal SGI, which serves as information for displaying the image, is input from the external image output unit 11. The signal processing unit 20 includes: a timing generation unit 21, an image processing unit 22, an image analysis unit 23, and a light source drive value determination unit 24.

[0050] The timing generation unit 21 synchronizes the image displayed on the display panel PNL with the driving of the lighting device IL. That is, by processing the input signal SGI, the timing generation unit 21 sends a signal used to synchronize the timing of the display panel PNL with the lighting device control unit 60 during each frame to the display panel driving unit 40 and the lighting device control unit 60.

[0051] The image processing unit 22 performs processing for displaying an image on the display panel PNL based on the driving of the illumination device IL. Specifically, the image processing unit 22 processes the display data output to the display panel driving unit 40 by processing the input signal SGI to generate output signals for determining the display grayscale of each of the first to third sub-pixels, and displays the image according to the light source driving. The image analysis unit 23 analyzes the image displayed in each sub-illumination area IA11, IA12… by processing the input signal SGI. The light source driving value determination unit 24 determines the driving value of each light source based on the data analyzed by the image analysis unit 23, sends the brightness information of each sub-pixel to the image processing unit 22, and controls the illumination device control unit 60.

[0052] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the display device DSP of this embodiment.

[0053] The illumination device IL is located on the back side of the display panel PNL. The illumination device IL includes multiple light sources LS, a separating component PT located between the multiple light sources LS and the display panel PNL, and a light diffusion layer DP located between the separating component PT and the display panel PNL. The multiple light sources LS are arranged in a matrix along a first direction X and a second direction Y. These light sources LS are respectively mounted on the circuit board LFPC.

[0054] The separating component PT includes a light guide section LG that guides the emitted light from each light source LS to the light diffusion layer DP. The light guide section LG is opposite to each light source LS and is arranged in a matrix along the first direction X and the second direction Y. One light guide section LG is opposite to one light source LS. Here, one light source LS includes at least one light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0055] The following section focuses on the structure of a light guide unit LG.

[0056] The light guide LG includes an opening OP1 opposite to the light source LS, an opening OP2 opposite to the light diffusion layer DP, and side surfaces P10 surrounding the light source LS. In the illustrated example, the light guide LG includes four side surfaces P10 surrounding one light source LS. Furthermore, both openings OP1 and OP2 are quadrilaterals, and the area of ​​opening OP1 is smaller than the area of ​​opening OP2. It should be noted that in one example, the area of ​​opening OP1 is equal to or greater than the area of ​​the light source LS. Moreover, the shape of opening OP1 is appropriately determined according to the shape of the light source LS, which is embedded within opening OP1. This light guide LG is formed as a frustum-shaped pyramid extending from the light source LS toward the light diffusion layer DP.

[0057] It should be noted that although the case where the number of sides P10 surrounding a light source LS is 4 has been described here, it is not limited to this example. Furthermore, although the case where the openings OP1 and OP2 are quadrilaterals has been described, they can also be any shape such as circles, ellipses, or other polygons.

[0058] Figure 5 To show applicable Figure 4 A top view of one configuration example of the partition component PT of the lighting device IL shown.

[0059] Here, focusing on the light guides LG1 and LG2 corresponding to light sources LS1 and LS2 respectively, the structure of the separating member PT will be described. The separating member PT includes sides P11 to P14 surrounding light source LS1, sides P21 to P24 surrounding light source LS2, and a connecting part P3 connecting sides P11 and P21. Sides P11 and P21 are arranged along the second direction Y. In summary, the connecting part P3 here refers to the component connecting P11 and P21, where P11 is one of the four sides P11 to P14, and P21 is one of the four sides P21 to P24.

[0060] The separating member PT includes a ridge RG1 extending along a first direction X and a ridge RG2 extending along a second direction Y when viewed from above. One ridge RG1 extends continuously along the first direction X from one end of the separating member PT to the other. Furthermore, one ridge RG2 extends continuously along the second direction Y from one end of the separating member PT to the other. These ridges RG1 and RG2 intersect each other and form a lattice structure. The aforementioned connecting portion P3 is located at the ridge RG1.

[0061] When considering a portion of each of the ridges RG1 and RG2 surrounding the light source LS1, the portion of the light source LS1 corresponding to the ridge RG1 has a length L1, and the portion of the light source LS2 corresponding to the ridge RG2 has a length L2. Lengths L1 and L2 can be equal or different. In the illustrated example, length L1 is greater than length L2, but length L2 can also be greater than length L1.

[0062] It should be noted that, here, light sources LS1 and LS2 are respectively connected to... Figure 3 The sub-display areas DA11 and DA12 are shown. At this time, the light sources LS1 and LS2 are synchronized with the images displayed in the sub-display areas DA11 and DA12, respectively, and are turned on or off according to the brightness of the grayscale values ​​of the image data used to drive the sub-display areas DA11 and DA12, respectively.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the brightness distribution when adjacent light sources in a lighting device IL are lit simultaneously. Figure 6(a) is a simplified cross-sectional view including light sources LS1 and LS2, the separator PT, and the light diffusion layer DP. Figure 6 (b) is a simplified cross-sectional view including light sources LS1 and LS2 and the separating component PT. Figure 6 (c) is a diagram that briefly shows the brightness distribution of light passing through the light diffusion layer DP when light sources LS1 and LS2 are lit simultaneously.

[0064] The brightness distribution when only light source LS1 is lit is shown by the diagonal line in the lower right of the figure. The brightness is roughly uniform near the central portion directly above light source LS1, gradually decreasing towards the boundary B with light source LS2. In the example shown, with the brightness near the central portion as 100%, the brightness near boundary B is 50%. The brightness distribution when only light source LS2 is lit is the same as that of light source LS1, as shown by the diagonal line in the lower left of the figure. Therefore, the brightness distribution when both light sources LS1 and LS2 are lit simultaneously is shown by the portion enclosed by the solid line in the figure. Approximately 100% brightness can be obtained not only near the areas directly above each light source LS1 and LS2, but also at boundary B, and the brightness distribution is uniform. Therefore, when both light sources LS1 and LS2 are lit simultaneously, the brightness distribution shown in the figure is expected.

[0065] On the other hand, regarding the brightness distribution of light sources LS1 and LS2, when the brightness near boundary B is less than 50%, when light sources LS2 and LS2 are lit simultaneously, the brightness at boundary B is less than 100%, resulting in a dark line with low brightness at boundary B.

[0066] Furthermore, regarding the brightness distribution of light sources LS1 and LS2, when the brightness near boundary B is higher than 50%, the brightness at boundary B is higher than 100% when light sources LS1 and LS2 are lit simultaneously, resulting in a bright line with high brightness at boundary B.

[0067] The brightness distribution of each light source varies depending on factors such as the emission angle of the light emitted from the light source, the position and height of each light guide LG, and its aspect ratio in the XY plane. Furthermore, in a light source array with multiple light sources LS arranged in a row, the brightness near the boundary of adjacent light sources LS varies not only due to the brightness distribution of each light source but also due to factors such as the spacing between adjacent light sources LS and the spacing between adjacent light guide LGs. Therefore, in order to obtain a uniform brightness distribution of the lighting device IL in the XY plane, or to obtain 50% brightness near the boundary B, the lighting device IL is designed and subject to various constraints.

[0068] In one example, Figure 5In the lighting device IL shown, there may be situations where there is a dark line or a bright line directly above both ridges RG1 and RG2, or a dark line directly above one of ridges RG1 and RG2 and a bright line directly above the other. To suppress such uneven brightness, this embodiment may employ various configuration examples described below.

[0069] Figure 7 To show along Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of the separating component PT after being cut along line AB. The configuration example shown corresponds to the case where the connecting part P3 is formed as a curved surface. It should be noted that the curved surface here can be any type of elliptical surface, parabolic surface, spherical surface, or aspherical surface. Both side surfaces P11 and P21 are planes. Here, when the plane parallel to the XY plane containing the emission surfaces E1 and E2 of the light sources LS1 and LS2 is taken as the reference plane Rf1, both side surfaces P11 and P21 are inclined surfaces relative to the reference plane. For example, the inclination angle θ11 of side surface P11 is the angle between side surface P11 and the reference plane Rf1, which is an acute angle. On the other hand, the inclination angle θ3 of connecting part P3 is the angle between the tangent of connecting part P3 and the reference plane Rf1, which is an acute angle. The inclination angles θ11 and θ3 are different. In the example shown by the solid line in the figure, the inclination angle θ11 of side surface P11 is greater than the inclination angle θ31 of connecting part P3. Furthermore, in the example represented by the dashed line in the figure, the tilt angle θ11 of side surface P11 is smaller than the tilt angle θ32 of connecting part P3. Here, the angle θ0 formed by the line segment L connecting the top T of side surface P11 and the bottom C of side surface P13 with the reference plane Rf1 is smaller than the tilt angle θ11. In addition, angle θ0 is greater than the tilt angle θ31, but smaller than the tilt angle θ32.

[0070] In the illustrated example, sides P11 and P21 and the connecting portion P3 are integrally formed. These sides P11 and P21 and the connecting portion P3 are formed from the same material and each has a reflective surface with the same reflectivity. Such reflective surfaces can be formed from a metal layer, a resin layer of a high-reflectivity color such as white, etc. It should be noted that in one example, there is a hollow space between sides P11 and P21, but this is not a limitation. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the wall portion can also have the sides P11 and P21 and the connecting portion P3 shown in the illustration. In this case, the wall portion itself can be made of a high-reflectivity metal or resin, or a metal layer or resin layer can be provided only on the surface of the wall portion. Furthermore, sides P11 and P21 and the connecting portion P3 can also be formed from different materials, in which case the reflectivity of sides P11 and P21 and the connecting portion P3 can also be different.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the connecting portion P3, which connects adjacent sides P11 and P21, has a different tilt angle than side P11. For example, compared to the pattern where a dark line is generated directly above the ridge RG1 where the connecting portion P3 is located, a configuration in which the tilt angle θ31 is smaller than the tilt angle θ11 is effective. In this configuration, light emitted from almost the entire area of ​​the exit surface E1 can be directed directly above the ridge RG1. In particular, light emitted from the position near the bottom C of side P13 in the exit surface E1, as shown by line segment L in the figure, is not blocked by the connecting portion P3 and is directed directly above it. Therefore, the generation of a dark line directly above the ridge RG1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the connecting portion P3, with its small tilt angle θ31, becomes a curved surface approximately parallel to the reference plane Rf1. Therefore, in the light diffused by the light diffusion layer DP, the light diffused toward the connecting portion P3 is reflected back toward the light diffusion layer DP by the connecting portion P3. Thus, the generation of dark lines can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, compared to the configuration where a bright line is generated directly above the ridge RG1 where the connecting part P3 is located, the configuration with a tilt angle θ32 greater than the tilt angle θ11 is effective. In this configuration, the connecting part P3 can block a portion of the light emitted from the exit surface E1. Therefore, the amount of light entering directly above the ridge RG1 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the generation of bright lines. Furthermore, the shape of the connecting part P3 with a large tilt angle θ32 causes light diffused in the light diffusion layer DP to scatter. This reduces the amount of light that re-enters the light diffusion layer DP, thereby suppressing the generation of bright lines.

[0073] Therefore, the lighting device IL according to this embodiment can suppress the generation of brightness unevenness. Furthermore, the display device DSP according to the lighting device IL of this embodiment can suppress the degradation of display quality caused by brightness unevenness of the lighting device IL.

[0074] Figure 8 To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a configuration example of the separator PT after the AC line is cut open. The illustrated configuration example corresponds to the case where the ridges RG1 and RG2 have different cross-sectional shapes. In the illustrated example, ridge RG1 has a cross-sectional shape formed by the connecting portion P3 connecting sides P11 and P21, and ridge RG2 has a cross-sectional shape formed by the connecting portion P4 connecting sides P22 and P41. The height H1 of ridge RG1 from the reference plane Rf1 is different from the height H2 of ridge RG2 from the reference plane Rf1; in the illustrated example, height H1 is greater than height H2. Furthermore, the connecting portion P3 forming ridge RG1 is as follows... Figure 7 As shown by the dashed line, this corresponds to the case where the tilt angle θ32 is greater than the tilt angle θ11, forming the connecting part P4 of the ridge RG2 as shown. Figure 7The solid line represents the case where the tilt angle θ31 is less than the tilt angle θ11. Furthermore, the ratio of the lengths L1 and L2 of the light guide LG, the curvature of the connecting parts P3 and P4 according to the shape of the light guide LG, and the heights of the ridges RG1 and RG2 can also be appropriately set.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, in configurations where the lengths of the ridges RG1 and RG2 surrounding each light source differ, the following pattern occurs: the degree to which the light emitted from the light source expands in the first direction X differs from the degree to which it expands in the second direction Y. A dark line is produced on one side of the boundary between adjacent light sources in the first direction X and the boundary between adjacent light sources in the second direction Y, while a bright line is produced on the other side. Regarding this pattern, Figure 8 The configuration example shown is effective. For example, compared to the pattern where a bright line is generated directly above the ridge RG1 and a dark line is generated directly above the ridge RG2, the connecting portion P3 forming the ridge RG1 suppresses the bright line by blocking and diffusing the light emitted from the light source LS2. Furthermore, the connecting portion P4 forming the ridge RG2 can suppress the dark line by guiding the light emitted from the light source LS2 directly above it. Therefore, the generation of brightness unevenness can be suppressed.

[0076] Figure 9 To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 7 Compared to the example shown, Figure 9 The connection P3 is formed by more than two planes, which is different.

[0077] In the illustrated configuration example, the connecting portion P3 has a first surface P31, a second surface P32, and a third surface P33. The first surface P31, second surface P32, and third surface P33 are planar. The first surface P31 is connected to the side surface P11 and is a plane with a different angle of inclination than the side surface P11. The third surface P33 is connected to the side surface P21 and is a plane with a different angle of inclination than the side surface P21. The second surface P32 is connected to both the first surface P31 and the third surface P33. These sides P11 and P21, as well as the connecting portion P3, are formed of the same material and each forms a reflective surface with the same reflectivity. It should be noted that the connecting portion P3 can be formed of a different material than the sides P11 and P21, or it can have a different reflectivity than the sides P11 and P21.

[0078] In such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

[0079] Figure 10A To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 7 Compared to the example shown, Figure 10A The connecting part P3 is formed by a combination of curved and flat surfaces, which is different.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the first surface P31 and the third surface P33 are curved surfaces, while the second surface P32 is a plane. It should be noted that, as will be described later, the first surface P31 and the third surface P33 can be concave surfaces pointing downwards, or they can be convex surfaces pointing upwards. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the second surface P32 connects the first surface P31 and the third surface P33, but the second surface P32 can also be omitted, allowing the first surface P31 and the third surface P33 to be directly connected.

[0081] In such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

[0082] Figure 10B To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 10A Compared to the example shown, Figure 10B The first surface P31 and the third surface P33 are convex surfaces that protrude upwards, which is different.

[0083] and Figure 10A Similarly, in the illustrated example, the first surface P31 and the third surface P33 are curved surfaces, and the second surface P32 is a plane. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the second surface P32 connects the first surface P31 and the third surface P33, but P32 can also be omitted, allowing the first surface P31 and the third surface P33 to be directly connected.

[0084] In such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be achieved.

[0085] Figure 11 To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 7 Compared to the example shown, Figure 11 The dividing component PT includes a dimming section DM1, which is different in this respect.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the separating component PT has a top surface US connecting sides P11 and P21. The top surface US is a plane along the XY plane and faces the display panel PNL and the light diffusion layer DP. The dimming unit DM1 is located on the top surface US. In the illustrated example, the dimming unit DM1 covers the entire surface of the top surface US. In this case, the connecting part P3 corresponds to the side of the dimming unit DM1 opposite to the display panel PNL, connecting sides P11 and P21. In the illustrated example, the connecting part P3 corresponds to the curved surface of the dimming unit BM. It should be noted that the dimming unit DM1 may also be located on a portion of the top surface US.

[0087] exist Figure 11 In the illustrated configuration example, the dimming section DM1 is a light-diffusing component with light-diffusing properties. For example, the dimming section DM1 is formed from a translucent resin material or a resin material in which scattering agents are dispersed on a transparent substrate. In summary, the connecting section P3 is formed from a light-diffusing component. That is, the side surfaces P11 and P21 are formed from a different material than the connecting section P3, and the reflectivity of the side surfaces P11 and P21 is different from that of the connecting section P3. Furthermore, the haze value of the dimming section DM1, which is a light-diffusing component, is lower than the haze value of the light-diffusing layer DP.

[0088] Thus, by placing the dimming unit DM1 on the upper US, the emitted light from the light source LS is moderately diffused by incident on the dimming unit DM1, suppressing the generation of bright lines caused by localized light concentration. Furthermore, light diffused by the light diffusion layer DP is moderately scattered upon incident on the dimming unit DM1. This suppresses positive reflection on the upper US, reduces the amount of light returning to the light diffusion layer DP, and suppresses the generation of bright lines. It should be noted that the connecting portion P3 may also be formed with a rough surface to facilitate light diffusion.

[0089] Figure 12 An exploded perspective view showing other configuration examples of the partition component PT.

[0090] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, ridges RG1 and RG2 have a concave portion CC and a convex portion CV, respectively. The concave portion CC of ridges RG1 and RG2 is located at the intersection of ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0091] Figure 13 To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line DE. The partition member PT is... Figure 12 In the case of the shape shown, Figure 13 This is equivalent to a cross-section of the ridge RG2 after cutting along line DE through the separator PT. However, to show the relative positional relationships, the light sources LS1 and LS2, and the sides P11 and P13 of the light guide are illustrated with dashed lines. As shown, the ridge RG2 has a concave portion CC and a convex portion CV. In one example, the convex portion CV is most prominent in the middle position between itself and the adjacent concave portion CC, and is close to the light diffusion layer DP. It should be noted that the cross-section of the ridge RG2 is described here, but the cross-section of the ridge RG1 is the same as the example shown.

[0092] Thus, by forming a recess CC at the intersection of ridges RG1 and RG2, the generation of dark lines at the intersection can be suppressed because the emitted light from each light source reaches the position directly above the intersection.

[0093] Figure 14 To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 11 Compared to the example shown, Figure 14 The dimming unit DM2 is different.

[0094] The dimming unit DM2 is located at the top US. In the illustrated example, the dimming unit DM2 is a thin sheet extending from the top US towards a position opposite to the light sources LS1 and LS2. Figure 14 In the configuration example shown, the dimming unit DM2 is a light-diffusing component with light-diffusing properties. Furthermore, the haze value of the dimming unit DM2, which is a light-diffusing component, is less than the haze value of the light-diffusing layer DP.

[0095] Thus, by configuring the dimming unit DM2 as a thin-film component, the emitted light from the light source LS is transmitted into the dimming unit DM2 and diffused onto the upper US of the separating component PT. In short, light is introduced at locations where dark lines will occur, and light is diffused at locations where bright lines will occur. Furthermore, by having the dimming unit DM2 have a haze value lower than the haze value of the light diffusion layer DP, positive reflections on the upper US can be suppressed. Therefore, brightness unevenness at the ridges RG1 and RG2 can be suppressed.

[0096] Figure 15 To show along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 11 Compared to the example shown, Figure 15 The dimming unit is different from that of DM3.

[0097] The dimming unit DM3 is located at the top US and does not extend towards the position opposite to the light sources LS1 and LS2. Figure 15 In the illustrated configuration example, the dimming unit DM3 is a light-diffusing component with light-diffusing properties. Here, the dimming unit DM3, as a connecting part P3, has a first surface P31, a second surface P32, and a third surface P33, but it is connected to... Figure 11 Similarly, the connecting portion P3 of the dimming unit DM1 shown can also be curved. That is, the connecting portion P3 is formed by a light diffusion component. That is, the side surfaces P11 and P21 are formed with different materials from the connecting portion P3, and the reflectivity of the side surfaces P11 and P21 is different from that of the connecting portion P3. In addition, the haze value of the dimming unit DM3, which is a light diffusion component, is lower than the haze value of the light diffusion layer DP.

[0098] By becoming such a composition, one can obtain and Figure 14 The same effect is shown.

[0099] Figure 16 To show along Figure 5A cross-sectional view of other components of the partition member PT after being cut along line AB. (Compared to...) Figure 15 Compared to the example shown, Figure 16 The dimming unit is different from that of DM4.

[0100] exist Figure 16 In the illustrated configuration example, the dimming unit DM4 is a light-absorbing component. For example, the dimming unit DM4 can be formed using a black resin material, but it can be formed using any material with a lower reflectivity than the surface US. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the dimming unit DM4 is located on the entire surface US, but it could also be located on a portion of the surface US. Additionally, the dimming unit DM4, as a connecting part P3, has a first surface P31, a second surface P32, and a third surface P33, but it could also be connected to... Figure 11 Similarly, the connecting part P3 of the dimming unit DM1 shown is curved. In summary, the connecting part P3 is formed by a light-absorbing component. That is, the sides P11 and P21 are formed with different materials from the connecting part P3, and the reflectivity of the sides P11 and P21 is different from that of the connecting part P3.

[0101] Thus, by placing the dimming unit DM4, which serves as a light-absorbing component, on the upper US, the dimming unit DM4 absorbs light, thereby suppressing the generation of bright lines on the ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0102] Figure 17 This is a top view showing another configuration example of the dimming unit DM4 for the ridges RG1 and RG2. Figure 17 In the configuration example shown, the dimming unit DM4 is formed as a dot.

[0103] When viewed from above, the upper part US of the separating component PT includes a ridge RG1 extending along a first direction and a ridge RG2 extending along a second direction Y. These ridges RG1 and RG2 intersect each other to form a lattice.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the dimming unit DM4 is configured as a dot pattern on the upper US. Figure 17 In the example shown in (a), the dots of the dimming unit DM4 are arranged at a substantially uniform density in the ridges RG1 and RG2. Figure 17 In the example shown in (b), the dimming part DM4 is configured such that the density of the ridge RG2 is higher than that of the ridge RG1 and the intersection of the ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0105] Such as using Figure 16 As illustrated in the configuration example, since the dimming unit DM4 is formed by the light-absorbing component, it is preferable to arrange a higher density of dot-shaped dimming units DM4 in locations where bright lines will occur, while it is preferable not to arrange dimming units DM4 in locations where dark lines will occur. Assuming this is the case, the dot-shaped dimming units DM4 may also be arranged on at least one of the ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0106] For example, in Figure 17 In the example shown in (b), the ridge RG2 located between adjacent light sources LS in the first direction X is more likely to produce bright lines than the ridge RG1 located between adjacent light sources LS in the second direction Y, and the ridge RG2 is configured with a higher density than the ridge RG1.

[0107] Furthermore, when the brightness distribution of the ridges RG1 and RG2 results in stratification, it is best to arrange the density of the dimming unit DM4 dots in a continuously varying manner. In short, the dimming unit DM4, which is formed as dots, can also have periodically different densities.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 17 As shown in (b), when focusing on the point density on the ridge RG2 along the second direction Y, the point density at the intersection with the ridge RG1 is sparse, while the point density between adjacent light sources LS in the first direction X is dense.

[0109] In such a configuration example, it is also possible to obtain the reference. Figure 16 The same effect described.

[0110] Figure 18 A top view showing other configuration examples of the dimming unit DM4 in the ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the dimming unit DM4 is configured in a striped pattern. The dimming unit DM4 has a first striped portion DM41 and a second striped portion DM42. The first portion DM41 extends along a first direction X and is disposed at a ridge RG1. The second portion DM42 extends along a second direction Y and is disposed at a ridge RG2. In the illustrated example, the width W11 of the first portion DM41 along the second direction Y is less than the width W12 of the ridge RG1 along the second direction Y, as long as they are equal to or less than the width W12 of the ridge RG1. Similarly, the width W21 of the second portion DM42 along the first direction X is less than the width W22 of the ridge RG2 along the first direction X, as long as they are equal to or less than the width W22 of the ridge RG2. The first portion DM41 and the second portion DM42 intersect at the intersection of ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0112] It should be noted that a striped dimming section DM4 may be arranged on at least one of the ridges RG1 and RG2. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, one dimming section DM4 is arranged on each of the ridges RG1 and RG2, but multiple dimming sections DM4 may also be arranged. Additionally, the first portion DM41 and the second portion DM42 extend parallel to the ridges RG1 and RG2, respectively, but they may also extend in directions different from the first and second directions. The area, number, and extension direction of the dimming sections DM4 arranged on the ridges RG1 and RG2 can be appropriately changed according to the desired suppression effect of bright lines. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, one dimming section is arranged on each ridge, but multiple dimming sections may also be arranged on each ridge.

[0113] Figure 19 A top view showing other configuration examples of the dimming unit DM4 in the ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0114] In the illustrated example, the dimming unit DM4 is disposed over the entire surface of the ridges RG1 and RG2. This allows for the suppression of bright lines across the entire surface of the ridges RG1 and RG2.

[0115] Figure 20 This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of dimming units DM3 and DM4 in ridges RG1 and RG2. Dimming unit DM3 is indicated by a diagonal line in the lower left of the figure, and dimming unit DM4 is indicated by a diagonal line in the lower right of the figure.

[0116] Dimming unit DM3 is disposed on ridge RG2. Dimming unit DM4 is disposed on ridge RG1. Thus, different dimming units can be disposed on ridge RG1 and RG2 according to the purpose of suppressing bright lines or suppressing dark lines in ridge RG1 and RG2.

[0117] It should be noted that the dimming units DM1 to DM3 mentioned above are located in at least a portion of the ridges RG1 and RG2, just like the dimming unit DM4.

[0118] In addition, such as Figure 11 , Figures 14 to 20 As shown, in the configuration example of the dimming unit in the upper US, the dimming unit can be either attached to the upper US or placed on the upper US. For example, when the dimming unit is a thin sheet component, the side of the thin sheet component opposite to the display panel PNL can be a rough surface, and the thin sheet component can also have an open structure. In addition, the dimming unit can also be formed on the upper US using methods such as coating, vapor deposition, or plating.

[0119] Figure 21This diagram illustrates an applicable example of the display device DSP according to this embodiment. The illustrated applicable example of the display device DSP is a head-up display that utilizes a projection surface (screen) SCR (Surface Mount Technology) that uses the windshield of a vehicle or similar object for projection. It should be noted that the projection surface SCR is not limited to the windshield, and other combinations may also be used.

[0120] The display device DSP includes the lighting unit IL, the display panel PNL, the optical unit OP, and the projection unit PJ.

[0121] As described above, the lighting device IL includes multiple light sources disposed inside the display panel PNL, thereby illuminating the display panel PNL. Details of both the lighting device IL and the display panel PNL are as described above, and therefore will not be further elaborated.

[0122] An optical OP includes one or more mirrors that guide light (display light) emitted from the display panel PNL to the projection unit PJ. The projection unit PJ projects the light guided by the optical OP onto the projection surface SCR. Such a projection unit PJ can be, for example, a concave mirror.

[0123] As described above, the control unit 10 drives the display panel PNL based on image data and displays the image on the display area DA. Simultaneously, it determines the required brightness for each sub-illumination area, thereby illuminating the light source of the corresponding sub-illumination area at a predetermined brightness. Thus, the user 200 using the display device DSP can visually identify the virtual image 201 in front of the projection surface SCR.

[0124] As explained above, this embodiment can provide a display device that can suppress the degradation of display quality.

[0125] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In fact, the novel embodiments described herein can be implemented in a wide variety of other forms, with various omissions, substitutions, and modifications possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and likewise within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The display panel includes a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; and The lighting device illuminates the display panel. The lighting device includes: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating component located between the first light source, the second light source, and the display panel. The separating component includes: sides respectively surrounding the first light source and the second light source; an upper surface opposite the display panel; and a dimming section located on the upper surface that has light diffusing or light absorbing properties. When viewed from above, the above includes: a first ridge extending along a first direction; a second ridge extending along a second direction; and a junction where the first ridge and the second ridge intersect. The dimming portion is formed in the first ridge, the second ridge, and the intersection, respectively. The dimming density of the dimming section in the second ridge is higher than that of the dimming section in the first ridge and the dimming density of the dimming section in the intersection. The display device includes a light diffusion layer located between the separating component and the display panel. The haze value of the dimming section is less than the haze value of the light diffusion layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimming section is formed in the form of dots.

3. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The display panel includes a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; and The lighting device illuminates the display panel. The lighting device includes: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating component located between the first light source, the second light source, and the display panel. The separating component includes: sides respectively surrounding the first light source and the second light source; an upper surface opposite the display panel; and a dimming section located on the upper surface that has light diffusing or light absorbing properties. When viewed from above, the above includes: a first ridge extending along a first direction; a second ridge extending along a second direction; and a junction where the first ridge and the second ridge intersect. The dimming portion is formed in the first ridge, the second ridge, and the intersection, respectively. The dimming section in the first ridge has a light-absorbing component. The dimming section in the second ridge has a light diffusion component. The display device includes a light diffusion layer located between the separating component and the display panel. The haze value of the dimming section is less than the haze value of the light diffusion layer.

4. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The display panel includes a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; and The lighting device illuminates the display panel. The lighting device includes: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a separating component located between the first light source, the second light source, and the display panel. The separating component includes: a first side surface surrounding the first light source; a second side surface surrounding the second light source; and a connecting portion connecting the first side surface and the second side surface. In a cross-section along a first direction in which the first light source and the second light source are arranged, the connecting portion has: a planar first surface connected to the first side surface; a planar second surface connected to the second side surface; and a planar third surface connected to the first surface and the second surface. The tilt of the first surface is gentler than that of the first side surface, the tilt of the second surface is gentler than that of the second side surface, and the third surface is parallel to the display panel. The separating component includes a dimming unit. The display device includes a light diffusion layer located between the separating component and the display panel. The haze value of the dimming section is less than the haze value of the light diffusion layer.

5. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The display panel includes a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area; and The lighting device illuminates the display panel. The lighting device includes: a first light source opposite to the first sub-display area; a second light source opposite to the second sub-display area; and a first separating member and a second separating member located in the normal direction of the display panel between the first light source and the second light source and the display panel. The first separating component is located between the first light source and the second light source. The second separating component is located on the opposite side of the first separating component relative to the second light source. In the normal direction of the display panel, the heights of the first separating member and the second separating member are different. The first separating component and the second separating component are equipped with dimming units. The display device includes a light diffusion layer located between the first separating member and the second separating member and the display panel. The haze value of the dimming section is less than the haze value of the light diffusion layer.

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