Display devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device including a display panel and a light control layer on a light-transmitting side of the display panel, wherein the light control layer includes a plurality of light absorption patterns spaced apart from each other, wherein a reflective pattern is arranged under the light absorption pattern and reflects light traveling toward the light absorption pattern.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application is a patent application submitted to the China Patent Office on November 21, 2019, with application number 201911147076.6, and the name of the invention is "Display Device".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0149490, filed in Korea on November 28, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a display device with a restricted viewing angle. Background Art

[0005] Recently, as the information age has matured, there has been increasing interest in information displays that process and display massive amounts of information. In response to this, various flat panel display devices have been developed and have attracted attention.

[0006] Specific examples of flat panel display devices include liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices, field emission display (FED) devices, electroluminescent display (ELD) devices, and organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. Flat panel display devices exhibit excellent performance such as thinness, light weight, and low power consumption, and have rapidly replaced cathode ray tubes (CRTs).

[0007] These display devices have no limitation on viewing angles. However, recently, there is a need to limit viewing angles for reasons of privacy protection and information protection.

[0008] For example, devices such as ATMs at financial institutions, car navigation systems, personal laptop computers, and personal tablet computers require that the viewing angle be restricted in the left-right or up-down directions to protect privacy.

[0009] Therefore, in recent years, structures that apply light-control films to limit viewing angles have been proposed. However, since these films are expensive, the manufacturing cost of display devices increases, and the addition of these films also increases the thickness of the display devices. This makes it difficult to achieve the lightweight and thin display devices that are currently demanded. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a display device that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device with a limited viewing angle.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display panel with reduced cost and simplified structure.

[0013] Additional features and aspects will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concepts provided herein. Other features and aspects of the inventive concepts may be realized and obtained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description or structure derived therefrom, the claims thereof, and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] To achieve these and other aspects of the present inventive concept, as embodied and broadly described herein, a display device includes: a display panel; and a light control layer on a light-transmitting side of the display panel, the light control layer including a plurality of light absorption patterns spaced apart from each other, wherein a reflective pattern is disposed below the light absorption pattern and reflects light traveling toward the light absorption pattern.

[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the inventive concepts as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate aspects of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the various principles of the disclosure.

[0017] In the attached figure:

[0018] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating the arrangement of some pixels and sub-pixels of a display device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display device including a light management layer according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figures 3A to 3C are plan views schematically showing the shapes of light absorption patterns formed in various manners in the light control layer.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 , and schematically illustrates the path of light passing through the light control layer 200 to achieve a narrow viewing angle; and

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display device according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating the arrangement of some pixels and sub-pixels of a display device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the display device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pixels P, and one unit pixel P includes three sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP to implement full color.

[0026] The three sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP include a red sub-pixel R-SP, a green sub-pixel G-SP, and a blue sub-pixel B-SP.

[0027] Here, since the blue sub-pixel B-SP has lower luminous efficiency than the red sub-pixel R-SP and the green sub-pixel G-SP, the blue sub-pixel B-SP may have a larger area than the red sub-pixel R-SP and the green sub-pixel G-SP. However, the sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP of the display device 100 are not limited thereto.

[0028] That is, the display device 100 may include red, green, and blue sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP having the same area, or may further include a white sub-pixel W-SP in addition to the red sub-pixel R-SP, green sub-pixel G-SP, and blue sub-pixel B-SP.

[0029] In addition, the display device 100 may include two green sub-pixels G-SP having the highest luminance weight among the three primary colors of R, G, and B.

[0030] In addition, each of the sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP is shown as a polygon, but is not limited thereto. Each of the sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP may have various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, and a semi-ellipse.

[0031] Each of the sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP includes an emission area EA, and a bank 117 (see Figure 2 ) is arranged along the edge of the emission area EA, thereby forming a non-emission area NEA.

[0032] Here, the display apparatus 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that at least one light absorption pattern 230 is provided across each of the sub-pixels R-SP, G-SP, and B-SP in one direction.

[0033] Thus, the display apparatus 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure has a limited viewing angle by blocking light incident thereon at an angle greater than a certain angle.

[0034] That is, the display device 100 is used to display information desired by the user as an image, and generally has a wide viewing angle so that the user can view the image from various angles. However, in each individual product to which the display device 100 is applied, there may be cases where a wide viewing angle has an adverse effect on the product characteristics, or there may be cases where the user requires a narrow viewing angle.

[0035] As an example, in the case of an ATM at a bank, the viewing angle of the display device 100 may need to be narrow because it is required to prevent other people around the user from seeing the personal information when the user enters the personal information.

[0036] As another example, in the case of vehicle navigation, when the viewing angle of the display device 100 is wide, the image displayed on the display device 100 may reduce the driver's concentration and interfere with driving. In addition, when driving at night, the image displayed on the display device 100 may be reflected on the windshield of the vehicle and may have an adverse effect on the driver's safe driving.

[0037] As another example, in the case of a computer or portable electronic device, when the user does not want to expose personal privacy, the wide viewing angle of the display device 100 may go against the user's needs.

[0038] As such, the display device 100 is generally manufactured to have a wide viewing angle, but the display device 100 is required to have a narrow viewing angle depending on an applied product.

[0039] Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture the display device 100 by adjusting the viewing angle to match the product to which the display device 100 is to be applied, but if the display device 100 is individually manufactured according to the product, productivity is reduced.

[0040] Therefore, a method for narrowing the viewing angle of the display device 100 manufactured to have a wide viewing angle is needed. The display device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be formed by further forming a light control layer 200 having a light absorption pattern 230 (such as Figure 2 shown) and has a narrow viewing angle.

[0041] Thus, the display apparatus 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure can protect privacy and does not require the addition of a separate film to limit a viewing angle, thereby achieving light weight and thin thickness of the display apparatus 100 .

[0042] In particular, the viewing angle can be limited at low cost, and the structure can be simplified, thereby improving the efficiency of the process.

[0043] This will refer to Figure 2 Describe in more detail.

[0044] Figure 2FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a display device including a light control layer according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a display panel 110 capable of implementing an image and a light control layer 200 located at a surface of the display device 110 that transmits light.

[0046] Here, the display device 110 that implements the image may be one of the following: a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a plasma display panel (PDP) device, a field emission display (FED) device, an electroluminescent display (ELD) device, and an organic light emitting diode display (OLED) device. An OLED device may be used, which represents a flexible display device that can maintain display performance even when bent like paper.

[0047] Since the OLED device is a self-luminous device and does not require a backlight used in a liquid crystal display device, it can be lightweight and thin.

[0048] Compared to LCDs, OLED devices offer wide viewing angles and high contrast, as well as power consumption advantages. They are also driven by low direct current (DC) voltages and have fast response times. Furthermore, because OLED devices are solid, they are highly resistant to external impacts and can be used over a wide temperature range.

[0049] In particular, since the manufacturing process is simple, it has an advantage of reducing production costs more than a liquid crystal display device.

[0050] In the display panel 110 formed of the OLED device, a driving thin film transistor DTr and a light emitting diode E are provided in each sub-pixel SP on a substrate 101 , and the substrate 101 is encapsulated by a protective film 102 .

[0051] The display panel 110 formed by the OLED device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be a top emission type or a bottom emission type according to a light transmission direction. In the present disclosure, the top emission type will be described as an example.

[0052] In addition, for convenience of explanation, one subpixel SP includes an emission area EA and a non-emission area NEA, a region where the light emitting diode E is formed is defined as the emission area EA, and a region where the driving thin film transistor DTr is formed in the non-emission area NEA is defined as a switching area TrA.

[0053] In the display panel 110, a semiconductor layer 103 is provided in a switching region TrA of a non-emission area NEA of a sub-pixel SP on a substrate 101. The semiconductor layer 103 is formed of polycrystalline silicon and includes an active region 103a constituting a channel, and source and drain regions 103b and 103c doped with high-concentration impurities on both sides of the active region 103a.

[0054] A gate insulating layer 105 is formed on the semiconductor layer 103, and a gate electrode 107 and a gate line (not shown) are formed on the gate insulating layer 105. The gate electrode 107 corresponds to the active region 103a of the semiconductor layer 103, and the gate line extends in one direction.

[0055] A first insulating layer 106a, which may be referred to as an interlayer insulating layer, is formed on the gate electrode 107 and the gate line. Here, the first insulating layer 106a and the gate insulating layer 105 thereunder have first and second semiconductor contact holes 109a and 109b exposing the source and drain regions 103b and 103c, respectively.

[0056] Next, a source electrode 108a and a drain electrode 108b are formed on the first insulating layer 106a including the first semiconductor contact hole 109a and the second semiconductor contact hole 109b. The source electrode 108a and the drain electrode 108b are separated from each other and contact the source region 103b and the drain region 103c exposed by the first semiconductor contact hole 109a and the second semiconductor contact hole 109b, respectively.

[0057] The second insulating layer 106 b is formed on the source electrode 108 a and the drain electrode 108 b , and the first insulating layer 106 a is exposed between the source electrode 108 a and the drain electrode 108 b .

[0058] In this case, the source and drain electrodes 108a and 108b, the semiconductor layer 103 including the source and drain regions 103b and 103c in contact with the source and drain electrodes 108a and 108b, the gate insulating layer 105 on the semiconductor layer 103, and the gate electrode 107 constitute the driving thin film transistor DTr.

[0059] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the data line crosses the gate line to define each sub-pixel SP, and a switching thin film transistor having the same structure as the driving thin film transistor DTr is connected to the driving thin film transistor DTr.

[0060] Here, the switching thin film transistor and the driving thin film transistor DTr may be polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors (p-Si TFTs) in which the semiconductor layer 103 is formed of polycrystalline silicon. Alternatively, depending on the material of the semiconductor layer 103, the switching thin film transistor and the driving thin film transistor DTr may be amorphous silicon thin film transistors (a-Si TFTs), single crystal silicon thin film transistors (c-Si TFTs), or oxide thin film transistors (oxide TFTs). In the figure, the driving thin film transistor DTr has a top gate structure in which the gate electrode 107 is provided above the semiconductor layer 103. However, as a modified example, the driving thin film transistor may have a bottom gate structure in which the gate electrode is provided below the semiconductor layer, and in this case, the semiconductor layer may include an active layer of intrinsic amorphous silicon and an ohmic contact layer of impurity-doped amorphous silicon.

[0061] The first insulating layer 106 a and the second insulating layer 106 b have a drain contact hole PH exposing the drain electrode 108 b .

[0062] The first electrode 111 is formed on the second insulating layer 106b. The first electrode 111 is connected to the drain electrode 108b of the driving thin film transistor DTr through the drain contact hole PH. The first electrode 111 is formed of a conductive material having a relatively high work function. The first electrode 111 serves as the anode of the light emitting diode E.

[0063] For example, the first electrode 111 may be formed of a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO); a mixture of a metal and an oxide such as ZnO:Al or SnO2:Sb; a conductive polymer such as poly(3-methylthiophene), poly[3,4-(ethylene-1,2-dioxy)thiophene] (PEDT), polypyrrole, or polyaniline. Alternatively, the first electrode 111 may be formed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, silver nanowires, or the like.

[0064] The first electrode 111 is provided in each sub-pixel SP, and the bank 117 is provided between the first electrodes 111 of adjacent sub-pixels SP. That is, the first electrode 111 is separated for each sub-pixel SP by using the bank 117 as a boundary of each sub-pixel SP.

[0065] The light-emitting layer 113 is formed on the first electrode 111. The light-emitting layer 113 may be a single layer of a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may be organic. Alternatively, the light-emitting layer 113 may include a multilayer structure consisting of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting material layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer.

[0066] The second electrode 115 is formed on the light emitting layer 113 substantially over the entire substrate 101. The second electrode 115 functions as a cathode of the light emitting diode E.

[0067] The second electrode 115 may be formed of a material having a relatively low work function value. In this case, the second electrode 115 may be a single layer of an alloy composed of a first metal having a relatively low work function, such as silver (Ag), and a second metal, such as manganese (Mg), in a predetermined ratio. Alternatively, the second electrode 115 may be a double layer or a multilayer.

[0068] In the OLED display device 100, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 115 according to a selected signal, holes injected from the first electrode 111 and electrons provided from the second electrode 115 are transferred to the organic light-emitting layer 113 to form excitons. Then, when the excitons transition from an excited state to a ground state, light is generated and emitted in the form of visible light.

[0069] Light emitted from the light emitting diode E is output to the outside through the transparent second electrode 115 , and the display panel 110 displays an arbitrary image.

[0070] Here, a wavelength conversion layer (not shown) may be provided corresponding to each emission area EA of each sub-pixel SP. The wavelength conversion layer may include a color filter that transmits only a specific color wavelength of the white light emitted from the light emitting diode E toward the substrate 101 for each sub-pixel SP.

[0071] The wavelength conversion layer can transmit only red, green or blue wavelengths. Figure 1 The wavelength conversion layer in the red sub-pixel R-SP may include a red color filter disposed at Figure 1 The wavelength conversion layer in the green sub-pixel G-SP may include a green color filter and is provided at Figure 1 The wavelength conversion layer in the blue sub-pixel B-SP may include a blue color filter.

[0072] Alternatively, the wavelength conversion layer may be omitted, and red, green, and blue lights may be directly emitted for the corresponding sub-pixels SP.

[0073] Therefore, the display panel 110 according to an aspect of the present disclosure emits R, G, and B colors for corresponding sub-pixels SP, thereby achieving full color with high brightness.

[0074] Then, a protective film 102 having a thin film shape is placed over the driving thin film transistor DTr and the light emitting diode E and a face seal 104 formed of an organic or inorganic material having transparent and adhesive properties, and is inserted between the protective film 102 and the substrate 101, thereby attaching the protective film 102 and the substrate 101 and encapsulating the OLED display device 100.

[0075] Here, the display device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that the light control layer 200 is further provided outside the light-transmitting protection film 102 of the display panel 110 .

[0076] The light-control layer 200 includes a plurality of light-absorbing patterns 230 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, thereby limiting the viewing angle of the display device 100. That is, each of the plurality of light-absorbing patterns 230 selectively blocks a propagation path of incident light (e.g., light incident from the display panel 110), thereby controlling the wide viewing angle of the display panel 110 to a narrow viewing angle.

[0077] The light control layer 200 further includes a transparent resin layer 210 in which a plurality of light absorption patterns 230 are spaced apart from each other. The resin layer 210 between adjacent light absorption patterns 230 becomes a light transmission portion. The light absorption patterns 230 and the light transmission portions are alternately arranged.

[0078] The transparent resin layer 210 may be formed of an optically isotropic material having a relatively high transmittance. The resin layer 210 may be formed of polyimide (PI), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polynorbornene (PNB), polyethersulfone (PES), etc.

[0079] The light absorption pattern 230 in the resin layer 210 may be formed of a black resin or a dye that absorbs light. When the light absorption pattern 230 is formed of a dye, the light absorption pattern 230 may include at least four to five dyes that absorb light of different colors.

[0080] Here, each of the light absorption patterns 230 may have widths d1 and d2 that increase along a propagation direction of light (see Figure 4 ), which will be described in detail later.

[0081] The reflective patterns 220 are disposed below the light absorption patterns 230, respectively. Each reflective pattern 220 may be formed of a light-reflective material including a metal such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag). The reflective patterns 220 block light incident from the display panel 110 at a predetermined angle or greater, that is, reflect the light toward the display panel 110, thereby minimizing light loss in the light absorption patterns 230. At the same time, the light efficiency of the display panel 110 is improved by recycling the reflected light.

[0082] That is, in the display device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wide viewing angle of the display device 100 can be narrowed by further disposing a light control layer 200 including a light absorption pattern 230 and a reflective pattern 220 on the outside of the light-transmitting protective film 102 of the display panel 110.

[0083] Thus, the display device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure can protect privacy and does not require the addition of a separate film to limit a viewing angle, thereby achieving light weight and thinness of the display device 100 .

[0084] In particular, the viewing angle can be limited at low cost, and the structure can also be simplified, thereby improving the efficiency of processing.

[0085] In addition, by recycling light traveling toward the light absorption pattern 230 at a predetermined angle or more using the reflective pattern 220, light efficiency of the display panel 110 may be improved.

[0086] Figures 3A to 3C are plan views schematically showing the shapes of light absorption patterns formed in various manners in the light control layer.

[0087] like Figure 3A As shown, in the light control layer 200, the light absorption pattern 230 can be formed in the resin layer 210, so that the light absorption pattern 230 has a strip shape parallel to the first length direction Y of the resin layer 210 and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance W in the second length direction X of the resin layer 210 intersecting the first length direction Y.

[0088] In this case, according to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 The display device 100 may control the left and right viewing angles (or horizontal viewing angles) of the display panel 110 corresponding to the second length direction X of the light control layer 200 .

[0089] In addition, if Figure 3B As shown, the light absorption pattern 230 may be formed in the resin layer 210 so that the light absorption pattern 230 has a stripe shape parallel to the second length direction X of the resin layer 210 and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance W in the first length direction Y of the resin layer 210. In this case, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 2 The display device 100 may control the up and down viewing angles (or vertical viewing angles) of the display panel 110 corresponding to the first length direction Y of the light control layer 200 .

[0090] In addition, if Figure 3C As shown, the light absorption pattern 230 may be arranged in a grid shape along the first and second length directions Y and X. In this case, according to the present disclosure Figure 2 The display device 100 can control Figure 2 The vertical viewing angle and the left and right viewing angle of the display panel 110 are shown in FIG.

[0091] The light absorption pattern 230 may be formed by a printing process or a patterning process. For example, the printing process may include roll printing, screen printing, gravure printing, gravure offset printing, or flexographic printing. The light absorption pattern 230 may be formed by an etching process that selectively etches the resin layer 210 after placing a mask on the resin layer 210. The etching process may be a wet etching process, a dry etching process, or a laser scribing process.

[0092] As described above, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 In the display device 100 , the light control layer 200 includes a plurality of light absorption patterns 230 , such that the light control layer 200 has light blocking areas N corresponding to the light absorption patterns 230 and light transmitting areas T between the light absorption patterns 230 .

[0093] Therefore, at a predetermined angle or greater from Figure 2 The light incident on the display panel 110 is blocked by the plurality of light absorption patterns 230 and is emitted from the display panel 110 at an angle smaller than a predetermined angle. Figure 2 The light incident on the display panel 110 is transmitted through the light transmission area T between the light absorption patterns 230, so that Figure 2 The up and down and / or left and right viewing angles of the display panel 110 may be controlled to be narrow viewing angles.

[0094] In addition, by further Figure 2 The light reflecting patterns 220 are respectively disposed under the light absorbing patterns 230, and light traveling at a predetermined angle or greater is reflected by the light absorbing patterns 230. Figure 2 The reflection pattern 220 is recycled, and Figure 2 The light efficiency of the display panel 110 may also be improved.

[0095] That is, at a predetermined angle or greater from Figure 2 The light incident on the display panel 110 can be absorbed and removed by each light absorption pattern 230. However, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 2 In the display device 100, the image is viewed from a predetermined angle or greater. Figure 2 Some of the light incident on the display panel 110 may be reflected and recycled, and the amount of light absorbed by the light absorption pattern 230 may be greatly reduced.

[0096] therefore, Figure 2 The light efficiency of the display panel 110 can be improved.

[0097] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 2 is a partially enlarged view and schematically shows the path of light passing through the light control layer 200 to achieve a narrow viewing angle.

[0098] exist Figure 4, light emitted from the light emitting layer 113 of the sub-pixel is transmitted to the outside through the second electrode 115. At this time, among the light emitted from the light emitting layer 113, light L1 vertically emitted toward the front surface of the display panel 110 is transmitted through the light transmission area T actually formed only by the resin layer 210 of the light control layer 200, and is emitted to the outside.

[0099] On the other hand, among the light emitted from the light emitting layer 113 , some light L2 incident on the light control layer 200 at a predetermined angle or greater is absorbed by the light absorption pattern 230 and dissipated.

[0100] In addition, among the light emitted from the light emitting layer 113 , other light L3 incident on the light control layer 200 at a predetermined angle or greater is reflected by the reflective pattern 220 and incident inside the display panel 110 .

[0101] The light L3 incident inside the display panel 110 is reflected again in the display panel 110, so that some light L3-1 can be transmitted through the light transmission area T of the light control layer 200 and output to the outside, other light L3-2 can be reflected again by the reflective pattern 220, or other light L3-3 can be absorbed and removed by the light absorption pattern 230.

[0102] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 The display device 100 can narrow the viewing angle and protect privacy, and since there is no need to add a separate film, it can be achieved Figure 1 The display device 100 is light in weight and thin in size.

[0103] In particular, the viewing angle can be limited at low cost, and the structure can also be simplified, thereby improving the efficiency of the process.

[0104] In addition, by recycling some of the light L3 traveling toward the light absorption pattern 230 at a predetermined angle or more using the reflective pattern 220, the light efficiency of the display panel 110 may be improved.

[0105] Here, each light absorption pattern 230 may have a width that increases as light travels toward the light travel direction. That is, when the side of the light control layer 200 facing the display panel 110 is defined as the lower surface and the opposite side is defined as the upper surface, the width of the light absorption pattern 230 increases from the lower surface to the upper surface. Here, the width d1 of the light absorption pattern 230 on the lower surface is smaller than the width d2 of the light absorption pattern 230 on the upper surface.

[0106] Alternatively, the light absorption pattern 230 may have the same width at the upper and lower surfaces of the light control layer 200 .

[0107] Meanwhile, as the width of the light absorption pattern 230 increases from the upper surface to the lower surface of the light control layer 200 , the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110 becomes narrower, and thus, a limitation occurs in controlling the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110 .

[0108] In the light absorption patterns 230 having different widths d1 and d2 at the upper and lower surfaces of the light control layer 200, the distance W between adjacent light absorption patterns 230 can be defined and divided into a first distance W1 at the lower surface of the light control layer 200 and a second distance W2 at the upper surface of the light control layer 200.

[0109] A value obtained by adding the first distance W1 and the second distance W2 and then dividing it by half corresponds to the average width D. This is shown by Equation 1.

[0110] Equation 1

[0111]

[0112] Here, when the height of the light absorption pattern 230 is defined as H, the light absorption pattern 230 may control the angle of light incident on the light control layer 200 , ie, the viewing angle θ, according to values ​​of H and D as shown in Equation 2 below.

[0113] Equation 2

[0114]

[0115] When H and D are the same, the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110 is 45°.

[0116] As described above, the viewing angle θ may be further narrowed or widened by adjusting the height H of the light absorption patterns 230 and the distance W between the light absorption patterns 230 or the width D of the light absorption patterns 230 .

[0117] That is, each light absorption pattern 230 may have a predetermined height H according to the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110. For example, each light absorption pattern 230 may have a height H of 10 μm or greater, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, each light absorption pattern 230 may have a height H that can block light from the display panel 110 that travels at an angle of ±30 degrees up and down and / or left and right relative to a surface perpendicular to the display device 110.

[0118] Here, as the height H of the light absorption pattern 230 increases, the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110 becomes narrower, so the height H of the light absorption pattern 230 may be determined to a thickness of 10 μm or more according to the narrow viewing angle θ set in the display panel 110 .

[0119] In addition, the width D (d1, d2) of the light absorption pattern 230 may be advantageously set to be 10% or more and 50% or less of the distance W (W1, W2) between adjacent light absorption patterns 230. When the width D (d1, d2) of the light absorption pattern 230 is less than 10% of the distance W (W1, W2) between adjacent light absorption patterns 230, the amount of light passing through the light transmission area T between the light absorption patterns 230 is relatively large, and there is a limit to narrowing the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110.

[0120] When the width D (d1, d2) of the light absorption pattern 230 is greater than 50% of the distance W (W1, W2) between adjacent light absorption patterns 230, the amount of light passing through the light transmission area T between the light absorption patterns 230 is relatively small, thereby reducing the brightness of the display panel 110 itself.

[0121] As described above, by disposing the light control layer 200 including the light absorption pattern 230 on the light-transmitting side of the display panel 110 (i.e., outside the protective film 102), the display device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure can narrow the wide viewing angle, thereby protecting privacy. Since there is no need to add a separate film to limit the viewing angle, the display device 100 can be lightweight and thin.

[0122] In particular, the viewing angle can be limited at low cost, and the structure can also be simplified, thereby improving the efficiency of the process.

[0123] In addition, by using the reflective pattern 220 Figure 4 Some of the light L3 traveling toward the light absorption pattern 230 at a predetermined angle or greater is recycled to improve light efficiency of the display panel 110.

[0124] Meanwhile, although the light control layer 200 is described and illustrated as a single layer above, the light control layer 200 may be formed to have a double layer according to the viewing angle θ of the display panel 110 to be achieved, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0125] That is, the second resin layer 240 including the second light absorption pattern 250 may be further disposed on the first resin layer 210 including the reflective pattern 220 and the first light absorption pattern 230 .

[0126] When the light control layer 200 is formed to be divided into two layers, the efficiency of a process of forming the light control layer 200 of the display device 100 according to the viewing angle θ to be achieved may be improved.

[0127] In particular, in order to further improve the convenience of the process, the first light absorption pattern 230 and the second light absorption pattern 250 are formed to have the same Figure 4The same widths d1 and d2 allow the second light absorption pattern 250 to be formed by the same process as that of forming the first light absorption pattern 230 .

[0128] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the reflective pattern 220 disposed under the first light absorption pattern 230 may be provided as a separate component and may serve to improve light efficiency of the display panel 110 while serving as a touch electrode.

[0129] As described above, by providing a light-control layer including a light-absorbing pattern on the light-transmitting side of a display panel, a display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can narrow a wide viewing angle and thereby protect privacy. Since a separate film need not be added to limit the viewing angle, the display device can be made lightweight and thin.

[0130] In particular, the viewing angle can be limited at low cost, and the structure can also be simplified to thereby improve the efficiency of the process.

[0131] In addition, by recycling some of the light traveling toward the light absorption pattern at a predetermined angle or greater using the reflection pattern, the light efficiency of the display panel may be improved.

[0132] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the scrollable display device of the present disclosure without departing from the technical concept or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; a light control layer disposed on a light transmitting side of the display panel, wherein the light control layer includes a plurality of light absorption patterns spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of reflective patterns disposed below the plurality of light absorption patterns and reflecting light traveling toward the plurality of light absorption patterns, The display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels, each sub-pixel has an emission area and a non-emission area, and at least one of the plurality of light absorption patterns overlaps with the emission area. wherein the width of each of the reflective patterns is greater than the width of the lower surface of each of the light absorbing patterns and smaller than the width of the upper surface of each of the light absorbing patterns; and Wherein, a width of a lower surface of each of the reflective patterns is greater than a width of the lower surface of each of the light absorbing patterns, and smaller than a width of the upper surface of each of the light absorbing patterns.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light control layer is formed of a transparent resin, and the plurality of light absorption patterns are provided in the light control layer, and Herein, the light control layer has a light blocking region in which the plurality of light absorption patterns are disposed and a light transmitting region in which the plurality of light absorption patterns are not disposed.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The transparent resin includes one of the following: polyimide (PI), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polynorbornene (PNB), and polyethersulfone (PES).

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of light absorption patterns include a black resin or a dye that absorbs light.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of light absorption patterns have cross-sectional widths that increase as the plurality of light absorption patterns move away from the display panel. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The plurality of light absorption patterns have a height that blocks light traveling at ±30 degrees up, down, and left, right from the display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of light absorption patterns have a width that is 10% to 50% of a distance between two adjacent light absorption patterns.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of light absorption patterns have a stripe shape parallel to a first length direction of the light control layer or a second length direction perpendicular to the first length direction.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of light absorption patterns have a grid shape formed along a first length direction of the light control layer and a second length direction perpendicular to the first length direction.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of reflective patterns include a light reflective material and serve as touch electrodes.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display panel includes a driving thin film transistor and a light emitting diode for each sub-pixel, The thin film transistor includes a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer on the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer, an interlayer insulating layer on the gate electrode, and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the interlayer insulating layer, and The light emitting diode includes a first electrode connected to the driving thin film transistor, a light emitting layer located on the first electrode, and a second electrode located on the light emitting layer.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The light emitting diode and the driving thin film transistor are encapsulated by a protective film, and Wherein, the light control layer is arranged on the outer surface of the protective film.

13. A display device comprising: Display panel; a plurality of reflective patterns disposed on the display panel and blocking light incident from the display panel at a predetermined angle and reflecting the light toward the display panel; a first light control layer disposed on the display panel; as well as a plurality of first light absorption patterns spaced apart from each other, the plurality of first light absorption patterns being disposed in the first light control layer and being disposed above the plurality of reflective patterns and selectively blocking a propagation path of incident light from the display panel, wherein the plurality of first light absorption patterns have widths that increase from a lower surface of the light control layer to an upper surface of the light control layer, The display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels, each sub-pixel has an emission area and a non-emission area, and at least one of the plurality of first light absorption patterns overlaps with the emission area. wherein the width of each of the reflective patterns is greater than the width of the lower surface of each of the first light absorption patterns and smaller than the width of the upper surface of each of the first light absorption patterns, and Wherein, a width of a lower surface of each of the reflective patterns is greater than a width of the lower surface of each of the light absorbing patterns, and smaller than a width of the upper surface of each of the light absorbing patterns.

14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: a second light control layer, disposed on the first light control layer; as well as a plurality of second light absorption patterns spaced apart from each other, the plurality of second light absorption patterns being disposed in the second light control layer and selectively blocking a propagation path of incident light from the first light control layer, Herein, the plurality of first light absorption patterns and the plurality of second light absorption patterns are formed to have the same width.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The plurality of first light absorption patterns have a width that is 10% to 50% of a distance between two adjacent first light absorption patterns.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The plurality of light absorption patterns have a stripe shape parallel to a first length direction of the first light control layer or a second length direction perpendicular to the first length direction.

17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The plurality of first light absorption patterns have a grid shape formed along a first length direction of the first light control layer and a second length direction perpendicular to the first length direction.

18. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The plurality of reflective patterns include a light reflective material and serve as touch electrodes.

19. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The display panel includes a driving thin film transistor and a light emitting diode for each sub-pixel, The thin film transistor includes a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer on the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer, an interlayer insulating layer on the gate electrode, and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the interlayer insulating layer, and The light emitting diode includes a first electrode connected to the driving thin film transistor, a light emitting layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the light emitting layer.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The light emitting diode and the driving thin film transistor are encapsulated by a protective film.

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