Viewing angle control device and display device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an angle control device and a display device, which can switch the angle of view without the need for assembly or disassembly, and can further improve the brightness under the front viewpoint. The angle control device (1) comprises: a driving layer (20), in which light-transmitting areas (21) for light transmission and switching areas (22) for switching the orientation of liquid crystals are alternately arranged in one direction; and a plurality of optical component layers (10A, 10B) stacked with the driving layer (20). The optical component layers (10A, 10B) comprise: a substrate (11) for light transmission; and a light-shielding portion (12) provided at a position overlapping with the switching area (22) to shield light. The light-shielding portion (12) is arranged on the surface of the substrate (11) on the side away from the driving layer (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a viewing angle control device and a display device. Background Art

[0002] There is known a structure in which a viewing angle is narrowed by providing micro louvers (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-107404 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] As shown in Patent Document 1, if a diffusion layer is placed above the micro-louvers used to narrow the viewing angle, the diffusion of light by the diffusion layer can easily lead to insufficient brightness even when viewed from the front, where the image can be visually recognized. In such a structure, to ensure brightness, the brightness of the light from the light source must be further increased, which is inefficient. Furthermore, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, switching between narrow and wide viewing angles is achieved by attaching and detaching components with the micro-louver structure, making the switching process complicated.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a viewing angle control device and a display device that can switch the viewing angle without attachment or detachment and can further improve the brightness in the front viewpoint.

[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] A viewing angle control device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a driving layer, in which light-transmitting areas and switching areas capable of switching between light transmission and light shielding by switching the orientation of the liquid crystal are alternately arranged in one direction; and a plurality of optical component layers stacked with the driving layer, the optical component layers comprising: a substrate, through which light is transmitted; and a shading portion, which is provided at a position overlapping with the switching area and shields light, the shading portion being arranged on a surface of the substrate on a side away from the driving layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0012] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the propagation of light when the switching region exhibits light transmissivity.

[0013] Figure 3Schematic diagram showing the progression of light when the switching region exhibits light-shielding properties.

[0014] Figure 4 Graphs showing the viewing angle performance and relative brightness of the viewing angle control device and the comparative example.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a display device.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a display panel.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between pixels and sub-pixels provided in a display panel and a light shielding portion provided in a viewing angle control device.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the drive layer.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a specific structural example of an independent electrode.

[0020] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the drive layer.

[0021] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example of the shape of an independent electrode layer in a plan view.

[0022] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a display device.

[0023] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a display device.

[0024] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0025] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0026] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0027] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0028] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0029] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a viewing angle control device.

[0030] Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H…viewing angle control device; 10A, 10B…optical component layer; 11…substrate; 12…light-shielding portion; 20…driving layer; 21…light-transmitting region; 22…switching region; 41, 42, 95…polarizing layer; 90, 90B, 90C…display panel; 100, 100B, 100C…display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate changes that maintain the gist of the invention and are easily conceivable to those skilled in the art are of course included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the drawings schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual method, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, the same elements as those described in the drawings that have already appeared are marked with the same figure numbers, and detailed descriptions are sometimes appropriately omitted.

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a structural example of the viewing angle control device 1. The viewing angle control device 1 includes optical member layers 10A, 10B, a drive layer 20, substrates 31, 32, and polarizing layers 41, 42. Figure 1 As shown, the viewing angle control device 1 is a structure formed by stacking a polarizing layer 41, a substrate 31, an optical component layer 10B, an optical component layer 10B, a driving layer 20, an optical component layer 10A, an optical component layer 10A, a substrate 32, and a polarizing layer 42 in sequence from one side (the light incident side) toward the other side (the light emitting side).

[0034] In the following description, the direction in which the multiple structures, including the drive layer 20, are stacked is referred to as the third direction Dz (stacking direction). Furthermore, one of the two directions orthogonal to the third direction Dz is referred to as the first direction Dx, and the other is referred to as the second direction Dy. The first direction Dx is orthogonal to the second direction Dy. The optical component layer 10A, the optical component layer 10B, the drive layer 20, the substrate 31, the substrate 32, the polarizing layer 41, and the polarizing layer 42 extend in a direction orthogonal to the third direction Dz.

[0035] The optical component layer 10A and the optical component layer 10B have a substrate 11 and a light-shielding portion 12. The substrate 11 is a film-shaped light-transmitting component. Specifically, the substrate 11 is, for example, a light-transmitting synthetic resin that is cured by ultraviolet irradiation or thermal changes (heating, cooling, or both). More specifically, the substrate 11 is, for example, an acrylic resin film. The substrate 11 is formed through a manufacturing process including a slit coating process, a spin coating process, or a process including both (slit & spin). The light-shielding portion 12 is a component that indicates light-shielding properties. Specifically, the light-shielding portion 12 is a black synthetic resin or chromium (Cr) processed in a manner to reduce the reflectivity of light based on the outer peripheral surface.

[0036] The light shielding portion 12 is provided on one surface of the substrate 11. Figure 1 As shown, the light shielding portion 12 of the optical member layer 10A is located on the other side of the substrate 11 of the optical member layer 10A. Furthermore, the light shielding portion 12 of the optical member layer 10B is located on one side of the substrate 11 of the optical member layer 10B. In other words, the light shielding portion 12 is provided on the side of the substrate 11 that is farther from the drive layer 20, of the front and back surfaces.

[0037] The light shielding portion 12 is provided on the substrate 11 in plurality. Figure 1 and the following Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of light shielding portions 12 are arranged along the first direction Dx. Each of the plurality of light shielding portions 12 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction Dx when viewed from above. The above viewpoint refers to a viewpoint from which a plane perpendicular to the third direction Dz is viewed from the front.

[0038] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the positions of the light-shielding portions 12 of the optical component layer 10A and the optical component layer 10B provided in the viewing angle control device 1 overlap in the third direction Dz. In addition, the position of the switching area 22 in the drive layer 20 overlaps in the third direction Dz with the positions of the light-shielding portions 12 of the optical component layer 10A and the optical component layer 10B provided in the viewing angle control device 1. That is, the light-shielding portions 12 of the stacked optical component layer 10A and the optical component layer 10B overlap with the switching area 22 of the drive layer 20 when viewed from above. Therefore, between adjacent light-shielding portions 12, the substrate 11 and the light-transmitting area 21 form a range Da1 for light to pass through. The range Da1 between the two light-shielding portions 12 is, for example, a range of 10 micrometers (μm) or 14.5 μm in the first direction Dx. In addition, the range Da3 of the light-shielding portion 12 and the switching area 22 in the first direction Dx is, for example, a range of 4.5 μm in the first direction Dx.

[0039] The thickness Da2 of the substrate 11 in the third direction Dz is, for example, 6.5 μm. Because the light shielding portion 12 functions as a light shielding portion having an OD (Optical Density) value of 3 or greater, it is formed to have a thickness Da4 of 1.5 μm or greater. Therefore, the distance between overlapping light shielding portions 12 in the third direction Dz is 5 μm.

[0040] The drive layer 20 includes a light-transmitting region 21 and a switching region 22. The light-transmitting region 21 maintains constant light transmittance during operation. The switching region 22 can switch between light-transmitting and light-blocking during operation. A specific structural example for achieving this operation of the drive layer 20 will be described later. The thickness Z1 of the drive layer 20 in the third direction Dz is, for example, 3 μm.

[0041] The substrates 31 and 32 are light-transmitting substrates. Specifically, the substrates 31 and 32 are made of glass or transparent resin. In the viewing angle control device 1, two optical component layers 10B are laminated on the other side of the substrate 31. Furthermore, two optical component layers 10A are laminated on one side of the substrate 32. A portion functioning as the drive layer 20 is formed between the substrate 31 having the two optical component layers 10B and the substrate 32 having the two optical component layers 10A.

[0042] The polarizing layers 41 and 42 transmit light in a specific deflection direction and block light in other deflection directions. Examples of the deflection directions of light transmitted through the polarizing layers 41 and 42 will be described later.

[0043] In fact, the viewing angle control device 1 is provided with either the polarizing layer 41 or the polarizing layer 42, and the other is omitted. The omitted other is provided on a display panel (for example, a display panel described later) stacked with the viewing angle control device 1. Figure 5 90 is shown). That is, the polarizing layer provided in the display panel also serves as the polarizing layer of the viewing angle control device 1. Hereinafter, viewing angle control device 1A refers to the viewing angle control device 1 without polarizing layer 42. Furthermore, viewing angle control device 1B refers to the viewing angle control device 1 without polarizing layer 41.

[0044] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The effects of switching between light transmission and light shielding in the switching area 22 during operation of the viewing angle control device 1 will be described.

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the progress of light LL1 , LL2 , LL3 , and LL4 when the switching region 22 exhibits light transmissivity. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram illustrating the path of light beams LL1, LL2, LL3, and LL4 when the switching region 22 exhibits light-blocking properties. Within an area 125 enclosed by end vertices 121 and 122 on one side of two adjacent light-blocking portions 12 in the optical component layer 10B closest to the substrate 31, and end vertices 123 and 124 on one side of two adjacent light-blocking portions 12 in the optical component layer 10A closest to the substrate 32, light is transmitted regardless of whether the switching region 22 allows or blocks light. Therefore, light beam LL1 passing through end vertices 121 and 124, light beam LL2 passing through end vertices 122 and 123, and light beams traveling within the angular range formed by light beams LL1 and LL2 all pass through the viewing angle control device 1, regardless of the state of the switching region 22.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, when the switching region 22 exhibits light transmissivity, light (eg, light LL3 , LL4 ) incident in an oblique direction in the range 125 and reaching the switching region 22 of the drive layer 20 also passes through the viewing angle control device 1 .

[0047] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, when the switching region 22 exhibits light-blocking properties, light (eg, light LL3 , LL4 ) incident in an oblique direction in the range 125 and reaching the switching region 22 of the drive layer 20 is blocked by the switching region 22 and cannot pass through the viewing angle control device 1 .

[0048] Therefore, when a user (human) visually recognizes an image structure based on light such as light LL1, LL2, LL3, and LL4 passing through the viewing angle control device 1, the viewing angle in the first direction Dx becomes narrower when the switching region 22 exhibits light-blocking properties than when the switching region 22 exhibits light-transmitting properties. This is because the light LL3 and LL4 that are visually recognized by the user when the switching region 22 exhibits light-transmitting properties cannot be visually recognized by the user when the switching region 22 exhibits light-blocking properties.

[0049] Figure 4 Graphs showing the viewing angle performance and relative brightness of the viewing angle control device 1 and the comparative example. Figure 4 The curve G1 shown in FIG. Figure 2 When the switching area 22 is light-transmissive, the user can visually confirm the viewing angle performance in the first direction Dx of the light passing through the viewing angle control device 1 . Figure 4 The curve G2 shown in FIG. Figure 3 When the switching area 22 exhibits light-shielding properties, the user can visually confirm the viewing angle performance in the first direction Dx of the light passing through the viewing angle control device 1 . Figure 4The curve G3 shown here indicates that the user can visually confirm the viewing angle performance in the first direction Dx of the light passing through the structure for viewing angle control (micro-louvers and diffusion layer) of the comparative example. Figure 4 The angle of 0 degrees (°) on the horizontal axis in the diagram refers to a situation where the positional relationship between the viewing angle control device 1 and the user is such that the user's line of sight can visually confirm the positional relationship of the light traveling along the third direction Dz. More specifically, the angle of 0° indicates a state where the user's line of sight is aligned with the normal direction of the viewing angle control device 1. The absolute value of the angle indicates the angle of the user's line of sight relative to the normal direction. As the absolute value of the angle increases, it means that the user is observing the viewing angle control device 1 from an oblique direction. In addition, Figure 4 In the figure, the luminance at an angle of 0° on the curve G1, i.e., the front luminance when the switching region 22 is translucent, is set to 100. The relative luminance at each position on each curve is shown with this front luminance as the reference. The angle +n° represents the angle when the user visually perceives light from the viewing angle control device 1 from one side of the first direction Dx at a viewing angle that intersects the third direction Dz with 0° as the reference. The angle -n° represents the angle when the user visually perceives light from the viewing angle control device 1 from the other side of the first direction Dx at a viewing angle that intersects the third direction Dz with 0° as the reference.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown by curves G1 and G2, at an angle of 0°, the brightness of light visually recognized by the user is the highest (100), regardless of whether the switching region 22 transmits light or blocks light. In other words, even when the switching region 22 is light-transmitting, at an angle of 0°, the same brightness as when the switching region 22 is light-blocking can be ensured.

[0051] Taking an angle of ±20° as an example, when the switching region 22 is light-transmissive, as shown by curve G1, the viewing angle control device 1 allows 75% of light to pass through compared to an angle of 0°. On the other hand, when the switching region 22 is light-blocking, as shown by curve G2, the viewing angle control device 1 allows only 40% of light to pass through compared to an angle of 0°.

[0052] Taking an angle of ±40° as an example, when the switching region 22 is light-transmissive, as shown by curve G1, the viewing angle control device 1 allows 20% more light to pass through compared to an angle of 0°. On the other hand, when the switching region 22 is light-blocking, as shown by curve G2, virtually no light is allowed to pass through. Thus, by switching the state of the switching region 22, the viewing angle performance of the viewing angle control device 1 and the structure in which it is installed can be controlled.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Patent Document 1, in a structure with a diffusion layer above the micro-louvers, as shown by curve G3, the overall visually perceptible brightness of light decreases. In particular, in the comparative example, the brightness of light at an angle of 0° is only approximately 60% of that of the viewing angle control device 1. Furthermore, the structure according to the present disclosure and the comparative example differ in no other way except for the structure used to control the viewing angle.

[0054] Assuming that in the comparative example, in order to allow the user to visually perceive a brightness equivalent to that obtained by the configuration of the present disclosure, further measures such as increasing the brightness of the light output from the light source are required. In contrast, according to the present disclosure, the user can visually perceive light of higher brightness regardless of the conditions compared to the comparative example.

[0055] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 7 A configuration example of a display device 100 provided with the viewing angle control device 1 will be described.

[0056] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a display device 100. Display device 100 includes a viewing angle control device 1A, a backlight 70, an adhesive layer 80, and a display panel 90. In display device 100, backlight 70, viewing angle control device 1A, adhesive layer 80, and display panel 90 are stacked in this order.

[0057] The backlight 70 emits light L from one side of the viewing angle control device 1A toward the other side. Specifically, the backlight 70 includes an optical element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The backlight 70 emits light L by lighting the optical element.

[0058] The adhesive layer 80 bonds the viewing angle control device 1A to the display panel 90. Specifically, the adhesive layer 80 is a light-transmitting functional film having double-sided adhesive properties such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive).

[0059] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a display panel 90. The display panel 90 is a transmissive liquid crystal display panel and includes a first substrate 91, a second substrate 92, liquid crystals 93, a polarizing layer 42, and a polarizing layer 95.

[0060] The first substrate 91 is provided with a plurality of sub-pixels (eg, Figure 7The first and second substrates 91 and 92 are light-transmitting substrates that contain switching elements, pixel electrodes, and other components of the first, second, and third subpixels Rpix, Gpix, and Bpix, respectively. The second substrate 92 is a light-transmitting substrate on which color filters, etc., are disposed for each of the subpixels. The liquid crystal 93 comprises liquid crystal molecules sealed between the first and second substrates 91 and 92, and whose alignment is controlled by voltages applied to each of the subpixels.

[0061] Polarizing layer 42 has the same structure as polarizing layer 42 of viewing angle control device 1 described above. Specifically, in display device 100, the polarizing layer on the other side of viewing angle control device 1A and the polarizing layer on one side of display panel 90 are combined to form polarizing layer 42. Polarizing layer 95 transmits light deflected in a direction that, when viewed from a top viewpoint, intersects by 90 degrees with the deflection direction of light transmitted through polarizing layer 42. Display panel 90 controls the degree of light transmission through each of the multiple sub-pixels and outputs an image by combining the deflection direction of light transmitted through polarizing layer 42, the deflection direction of light transmitted through polarizing layer 95, and the orientation of liquid crystal molecules arranged at the respective positions of the multiple sub-pixels.

[0062] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the pixel Pix and sub-pixels provided in the display panel 90 and the light shielding portion 12 provided in the viewing angle control device 1. Figure 7 In the example shown, in both Example 1 and Example 2, the pixel Pix includes a first sub-pixel Rpix, a second sub-pixel Gpix, and a third sub-pixel Bpix. The first sub-pixel Rpix is ​​configured to allow red light to pass through. The second sub-pixel Gpix is ​​configured to allow green light to pass through. The third sub-pixel Bpix is ​​configured to allow blue light to pass through. The shape of the first sub-pixel Rpix, the second sub-pixel Gpix, and the third sub-pixel Bpix when viewed from above is a rectangular shape whose width in the second direction Dy is longer than its width in the first direction Dx. Hereinafter, when a sub-pixel is described, it refers to any one of the first sub-pixel Rpix, the second sub-pixel Gpix, and the third sub-pixel Bpix.

[0063] In both Examples 1 and 2, multiple light shielding portions 12 (or light shielding portions 12A) are arranged along the first direction Dx at a pitch equal to or closer than the pitch of the pixel electrodes of the subpixels. In Example 1, the longitudinal direction of the light shielding portions 12 is along the second direction Dy. However, as in Example 2, the longitudinal direction of the light shielding portions 12 may be along a straight line intersecting the first and second directions Dx and Dy. The light shielding portions 12A have the same structure as the light shielding portions 12, except for their longitudinal direction, and can be provided on the substrate 11 in place of the light shielding portions 12. Furthermore, the angle of the longitudinal direction of the light shielding portions 12A relative to the second direction Dy can be set to any angle within the range of 5° to 20°, but this is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate. By aligning the longitudinal direction of the light shielding portions of the viewing angle control device 1 with the longitudinal direction of the subpixels, as in Example 12A, the generation of moiré fringes caused by interference between light passing through the subpixels and the arrangement pattern of the light shielding portions 12A can be more reliably suppressed.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 An example configuration of the drive layer 20 of the viewing angle control device 1 will be described.

[0065] Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the drive layer 20. The drive layer 20 includes, for example, a common electrode 911, an insulating layer 912, individual electrodes 950, alignment films 914 and 921, and a liquid crystal layer 930, provided between the optical member layer 10A on one side and the optical member layer 10B on the other side.

[0066] The common electrode 911 is a thin-film electrode that is assigned a constant potential. This constant potential is, for example, ground potential, but is not limited thereto and can be changed as appropriate. The viewing angle control device 1 includes an active area AA corresponding to a display area in which a plurality of sub-pixels are arranged in the stacked display panel 90, but the common electrode 911 is provided throughout this active area AA. An insulating layer 912 is stacked on the common electrode 911 to insulate it from the independent electrode 950. The independent electrode 950 is an electrode that is provided so that the potential can be independently controlled in the light-transmitting area 21 and the switching area 22.

[0067] Figure 9 950 is a diagram showing a specific structural example of the independent electrode 950. Figure 9As shown, the independent electrode 950 includes a first electrode 951 corresponding to the light-transmitting region 21 and a second electrode 952 corresponding to the switching region 22. The first electrode 951 includes a dry electrode 9510, branch electrodes 9512, and a connecting electrode 9513. The second electrode 952 includes a dry electrode 9520, branch electrodes 9521, and a connecting electrode 9522. The dry electrode 9510 and the connecting electrode 9513 of the first electrode 951 are located outside the active area AA. Similarly, the dry electrode 9520 of the second electrode 952 is located outside the active area AA. The dry electrodes 9510 and 9520 are aligned along the first direction Dx. The dry electrodes 9510 and 9520 face each other across the display area when viewed from above.

[0068] The branch electrodes 9512 extend from the main electrode 9510. In a plan view, the branch electrodes 9512 extend within a range Da1 corresponding to the light-transmitting region 21. Within the range Da1, the plurality of branch electrodes 9512 are arranged along the first direction Dx. The branch electrodes 9521 extend from the main electrode 9520. In a plan view, the branch electrodes 9521 extend within a range Da3 corresponding to the switching region 22. Within the range Da3, the plurality of branch electrodes 9521 are arranged along the first direction Dx. The branch electrodes 9512 and 9521 extend at an angle relative to the second direction Dy. Specifically, the extension directions of the branch electrodes 9512 and 9521 intersect, for example, the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy. Furthermore, the arrangement pitch of the plurality of branch electrodes 9512 of the first electrode 951 is the same as the arrangement pitch of the plurality of branch electrodes 9521 of the second electrode 952. Furthermore, the arrangement pitch of the branch electrodes 9521 adjacent to the branch electrodes 9512 is also the same as the above-described arrangement pitch. Furthermore, as described above, since both the branch electrodes 9512 and 9521 extend obliquely with respect to the second direction Dy, the extended end portion of the outermost branch electrode 9512 of the first electrode 951 is not connected to the connecting electrode 9513 and is located within the active area AA.

[0069] A branch electrode 9512 is provided between adjacent switching regions 22 in the first direction Dx. Furthermore, the branch electrode 9512 and the branch electrode 9521 extend within the display region of the display panel 90 .

[0070] The connecting electrode 9513 extends in the first direction Dx to connect the extending ends of the plurality of branch electrodes 9512 extending from the main electrode 9510 within a range Da1. The connecting electrode 9522 extends in the first direction Dx to connect the extending ends of the plurality of branch electrodes 9521 extending from the main electrode 9520 within a range Da3.

[0071] return Figure 8, the orientation film 914 and the orientation film 921 determine the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 930. In this embodiment, since the branch electrodes 9512 and the branch electrodes 9521 are arranged at an angle relative to the second direction Dy, the orientation directions of the orientation films 914 and 921 can be set to directions parallel to the second direction Dy. On the other hand, a structure can also be adopted in which the branch electrodes 9512 and the branch electrodes 9521 are arranged parallel to the second direction Dy. In this case, the orientation directions of the orientation films 914 and 921 are set to have an angle relative to the second direction Dy. In this way, the extension direction of the branch electrodes is not completely consistent with the orientation direction of the orientation film, and it is preferable to set the angle between them to be greater than 0° and less than 10°. The common electrode 911, the insulating layer 912, the independent electrode 950, and the alignment film 914 are stacked in this order from one side toward the other side on the other side of the optical member layer 10A that faces the optical member layer 10B with the drive layer 20 interposed therebetween. The alignment film 921 is stacked on one side of the optical member layer 10B that faces the optical member layer 10A with the drive layer 20 interposed therebetween.

[0072] The liquid crystal layer 930 is sealed between the alignment film 914 and the alignment film 921. Figure 9 The spacer 9530 shown is provided in such a manner as to maintain the distance between the alignment film 914 and the alignment film 921. Figure 9 As shown, it is desirable to arrange the spacer 9530 within the range Da1. This ensures more reliable light shielding performance when the switching region 22 is used to shield light within the range Da3. Furthermore, if the size of the spacer 9530 in a plan view exceeds the range Da1, it is desirable to arrange the spacer 9530 so that the end of the spacer 9530 is located within a larger portion of the range Da1.

[0073] In the following description, when the viewing angle control device 1 is not in operation, the independent electrode 950 is given the same potential as the common electrode 911 (for example, the ground potential). However, this is merely an example of control of the viewing angle control device 1 and is not limited thereto and can be changed appropriately.

[0074] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The structure of the driving layer 20 described above is an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) liquid crystal panel. The initial alignment direction DE of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 930 based on the alignment films 914 and 921 is along the second direction Dy.

[0075] In the FFS mode driving layer 20, in the case of the normally black mode in which light does not pass through the driving layer 20 when not in operation, the deflection direction of the light that can pass through the polarizing layer 41 and the polarizing layer 95 is along the second direction Dy. In addition, in the case of the normally black mode, the deflection direction of the light that can pass through the polarizing layer 42 is along the first direction Dx. In the case of the normally black mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation, an ON potential is given to the dry electrode 9510 of the first electrode 951. The ON potential is a potential different from the potential given to the common electrode 911, and is a potential that can control the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the range Da1 in such a way that the degree of light transmission in the range Da1 becomes the highest. In the case where the potential applied to the common electrode 911 is a constant potential as described above, the ON potential is preferably an AC potential that sets the constant potential to an intermediate potential. In addition, a structure in which the AC potential is applied to the common electrode 911 and the ON potential is set to a constant potential can also be adopted. Furthermore, in the normally black mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and light is transmitted through the switching region 22, an ON potential is also applied to the dry electrode 9520 of the second electrode 952. Furthermore, in the normally black mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and the switching region 22 is shielded from light, an OFF potential is applied to the dry electrode 9520. The OFF potential is the same potential as that of the common electrode 911.

[0076] In the FFS drive layer 20, in the case of a normally white mode in which light passes through the drive layer 20 when not in operation, the deflection direction of light that can pass through the polarizing layer 95 is along the second direction Dy. Furthermore, in the case of the normally white mode, the deflection direction of light that can pass through the polarizing layer 41 and the polarizing layer 42 is along the first direction Dx. In the normally white mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation, an OFF potential is applied to the dry electrode 9510 of the first electrode 951. Furthermore, in the case of the normally white mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and light passes through the switching region 22, an OFF potential is also applied to the dry electrode 9520 of the second electrode 952. Furthermore, in the case of the normally white mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and the switching region 22 is shielded from light, an ON potential is applied to the dry electrode 9520 of the second electrode 952.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 Pair and Reference Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The following describes an example of a structure of a drive layer 20A that is different from the structure of the drive layer 20 described above. Instead of the drive layer 20, the drive layer 20A may be provided.

[0078] Figure 10The driving layer 20A includes, for example, a common electrode 911A, branch electrodes 9612 and 9621, alignment films 914A and 921A, and a liquid crystal layer 930A, provided between the optical member layer 10A on one side and the optical member layer 10B on the other side.

[0079] The liquid crystal layer 930A is the same as the liquid crystal layer 930 except that it is a TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal. The alignment film 921A is the same as the alignment film 921 except that it is provided so that the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 930A is along the first direction Dx. The common electrode 911A is the same as the common electrode 911 described above except that it is provided between the optical component layer 10A and the alignment film 921A. The alignment film 914A is the same as the alignment film 914 described above except that it is provided between the optical component layer 10B and forms an independent electrode layer. This independent electrode layer includes branch electrodes 9612, 9621 and the following described electrodes. Figure 11 The dry electrodes 9610, 9620 are shown. Figure 10 In the illustrated structure, an independent electrode layer and an alignment film 914A are stacked in this order from one surface side toward the other surface side of the optical member layer 10A that faces the optical member layer 10B with the drive layer 20 interposed therebetween.

[0080] Figure 11 : is a diagram showing an example of the shape of an independent electrode layer from a top viewpoint. Figure 11 As shown, the independent electrode layer includes a first electrode 961 composed of branch electrodes 9612 and a dry electrode 9610, and a second electrode 962 composed of branch electrodes 9621 and a dry electrode 9620. One end of the branch electrodes 9612 of the first electrode 961, in the second direction Dy, is connected to the dry electrode 9610. Furthermore, one end of the branch electrodes 9621 of the second electrode 962, in the second direction Dy, is connected to the dry electrode 9620. The dry electrodes 9610 and 9620 are located outside the active area AA. They are oriented along the first direction Dx. The dry electrodes 9610 and 9620 face each other across the display area when viewed from above.

[0081] Branch electrodes 9612 are provided between adjacent switching regions 22 in the first direction Dx. Furthermore, the branch electrodes 9612 and 9621 extend within the display area of ​​the display panel 90. The branch electrodes 9612 extend within an area Da1 when viewed from above. The branch electrodes 9621 extend within an area Da3 when viewed from above. The branch electrodes 9612 have a width corresponding to the area Da1 in the first direction Dx. The branch electrodes 9621 have a width corresponding to the area Da3 in the first direction Dx.

[0082] In the TN drive layer 20A, in the case of a normally white mode in which light passes through the drive layer 20A when not in operation, the deflection direction of light that can pass through the polarizing layer 41 and the polarizing layer 95 is along the second direction Dy. Furthermore, in the case of a normally white mode, the deflection direction of light that can pass through the polarizing layer 42 is along the first direction Dx. In the case of the normally white mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation, an OFF potential is applied to the dry electrode 9610 of the first electrode 961. Furthermore, in the case of the normally white mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and light passes through the switching region 22, an OFF potential is also applied to the dry electrode 9620 of the second electrode 962. Furthermore, in the case of the normally white mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and the switching region 22 is shielded from light, an ON potential is applied to the dry electrode 9620.

[0083] In the TN drive layer 20A, in a normally black mode where light does not pass through the drive layer 20A when not in operation, light that can pass through the polarizing layer 95 is deflected in the second direction Dy. Furthermore, in the normally black mode, light that can pass through the polarizing layers 41 and 42 is deflected in the first direction Dx. In the normally black mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation, the dry electrode 9610 of the first electrode 961 is given an ON potential. Furthermore, in the normally black mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and light passes through the switching region 22, the dry electrode 9620 of the second electrode 962 is also given an ON potential. Furthermore, in the normally black mode, when the viewing angle control device 1 is in operation and the switching region 22 is shielded from light, the dry electrode 9620 of the second electrode 962 is given an OFF potential.

[0084] Although not shown, the viewing angle control device 1 includes a power supply circuit that supplies power corresponding to at least the potential applied to the dry electrode 9520 (or the dry electrode 9620); and a control circuit that controls the potentials of the dry electrodes 9510 and 9520 (or the dry electrodes 9520 and 9620). The control of the potential (ON potential or OFF potential) by the control circuit is as described above.

[0085] In addition, it indicates Figure 9 as well as Figure 11 The dashed line of the boundary between the range Da1 and the range Da3 is along the second direction Dy, but in the absence of Figure 7 In the case of the light shielding portion 12A shown, the boundary between the range Da1 and the range Da3 also extends along a direction intersecting the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy at the same angle as the light shielding portion 12A. Furthermore, the extension direction and extension length of the branch electrodes 9512, 9521, 9612, and 9621 are also appropriately adjusted based on the inclination of the boundary between the range Da1 and the range Da3.

[0086] In addition, Figure 11 In the figure, the arrangement of spacers such as the spacer 9530 is omitted from the illustration, but even in the TN method, the concept of the arrangement of spacers can be the same as that of FFS.

[0087] The above is based on reference Figures 5 to 7 The structure of the display device 100 is described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 , the structure example of the driving layer 20 (or driving layer 20A) used in the viewing angle control device 1A is described, but the structure of the driving layer 20 (or driving layer 20A) is not limited to that used in the display device 100 and the viewing angle control device 1A. Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 An example of a display device different from the display device 100 will be described.

[0088] Figure 12 Schematic diagram showing an example structure of a display device 100B. Display device 100B includes a viewing angle control device 1B, a backlight 70, an adhesive layer 80, and a display panel 90B. Display device 100B comprises backlight 70, display panel 90B, adhesive layer 80, and viewing angle control device 1B stacked in this order from one side toward the other.

[0089] The display panel 90B will refer to Figure 6 The polarizing layer 42 of the display panel 90 described above is a structure unique to the display panel 90B. Figure 6 The display panel 90 has the same structure as the display panel 90 except that the polarizing layer 95 of the display panel 90 also serves as the polarizing layer 41 of the viewing angle control device 1B. The display device 100B has the same structure as the display device 100 except for the points mentioned above.

[0090] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a display device 100C. The display device 100C includes a viewing angle control device 1B, a polarizing layer 41, an adhesive layer 80, and a display panel 90C. The display device 100B includes the display panel 90C, the polarizing layer 41, the adhesive layer 80, and the viewing angle control device 1B in this order, from one side toward the other.

[0091] The display panel 90C is a self-luminous display panel. Specifically, the display panel 90C is, for example, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel or a micro-LED image display panel, but is not limited to any one of them and may also be a self-luminous display panel based on other methods. The adhesive layer 80 of the display device 100C adheres the polarizing layer 41 provided on the display panel 90C to the viewing angle control device 1B. In addition, since the display panel 90C in the display device 100C is a self-luminous display panel, the backlight 70 is omitted. In addition, the polarizing layer 41 serves as both a polarizing layer provided on the display panel 90C composed of OLED and a polarizing layer on the lower surface side of the viewing angle control device 1B. More specifically, a structure is adopted in which a polarizing layer having an absorption axis in the first direction Dx or the second direction Dy is stacked on a λ / 4 polarizing layer. As described above, whether the absorption axis of the polarizing layer has the first direction or the second direction changes depending on whether the viewing angle control device 1B adopts the normally black method or the normally white method. As described above, the display device 100C is the same as the display device 100 except for the points specifically described.

[0092] The above description has been made of the viewing angle control device 1 (see FIG. 1 ) in which two optical member layers 10B are provided on one side and two optical member layers 10A are provided on the other side with the drive layer 20 interposed therebetween. Figure 1 ) is described above, but the viewing angle control device 1 may be replaced with a structure in which the number of at least one of the optical member layers 10A and the optical member layers 10B is different from that of the viewing angle control device 1. Figures 14 to 19 A configuration in which the number of at least one of the optical member layers 10A and the optical member layers 10B is different from that of the viewing angle control device 1 will be described.

[0093] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of a viewing angle control device 1C. The viewing angle control device 1C includes three optical component layers 10A between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 32. In the viewing angle control device 1C, for example, the range Da1 is 18 μm. Except for any other points noted above, the viewing angle control device 1C is identical to the viewing angle control device 1.

[0094] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of a viewing angle control device 1D. The viewing angle control device 1D includes four optical component layers 10A between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 32. In the viewing angle control device 1D, for example, the range Da1 is 22 μm. Except for the points noted above, the viewing angle control device 1C is identical to the viewing angle control device 1.

[0095] As reference Figure 14 as well as Figure 15As described above, the larger the number of optical member layers 10A, the larger the range Da1 can be. This allows the viewing angle control device 1C and the viewing angle control device 1D to have a higher aperture ratio than the viewing angle control device 1.

[0096] In addition, there is also a method for further increasing the aperture ratio without increasing the number of optical component layers 10A. For example, imagine that the thickness Da2 of the optical component layer 10A close to the drive layer 20 of the two optical component layers 10A in the viewing angle control device 1 is set to 7.5 μm, and the thickness Da2 of the optical component layer 10A close to the substrate 32 is set to 10.5 μm. In this case, the range Da1 can be increased by 20%. In this way, by making the thickness of the substrate 11 located farther from the backlight 70 thicker, the aperture ratio can be increased.

[0097] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of a viewing angle control device 1E. The viewing angle control device 1E includes one optical component layer 10A between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 32, and three optical component layers 10B between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 31. Except for any points noted above, the viewing angle control device 1E is identical to the viewing angle control device 1.

[0098] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of a viewing angle control device 1F. The viewing angle control device 1F includes three optical component layers 10A between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 32, and one optical component layer 10B between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 31. Except for any points noted above, the viewing angle control device 1F is identical to the viewing angle control device 1.

[0099] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of a viewing angle control device 1G. The viewing angle control device 1G includes an optical component layer 10A between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 32, and an optical component layer 10B between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 31. In the viewing angle control device 1G, for example, the range Da1 is 8 μm. Except for any other points noted above, the viewing angle control device 1G is identical to the viewing angle control device 1.

[0100] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing an example structure of a viewing angle control device 1H. The viewing angle control device 1H includes two optical component layers 10A between the drive layer 20 and the substrate 32, with the drive layer 20 and the substrate 31 stacked. In other words, the viewing angle control device 1H does not include an optical component layer 10B. In the viewing angle control device 1H, for example, the range Da1 is 8 μm. Except for any other points noted above, the viewing angle control device 1H is identical to the viewing angle control device 1.

[0101] In addition, in reference Figures 14 to 19In any of the described structures, either one of the polarizing layers 41 and 42 may be omitted, as in the viewing angle control device 1A or the viewing angle control device 1B of the viewing angle control device 1 described above.

[0102] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the viewing angle control device (e.g., viewing angle control device 1, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H) includes a drive layer (e.g., drive layer 20 or drive layer 20A) in which light-transmitting regions 21 for transmitting light and switching regions 22 for switching the orientation of liquid crystal (e.g., liquid crystal layer 930 or liquid crystal layer 930A) are alternately arranged in one direction; and a plurality of optical component layers (optical component layer 10A or optical component layer 10A and optical component layer 10B) stacked with the drive layer. The optical component layer includes: a substrate 11 for transmitting light; and a light-shielding portion 12, which is provided at a position overlapping with the switching region 22 to block light. The light-shielding portion 12 is arranged on a surface of the substrate 11 that is away from the drive layer.

[0103] Thus, by switching the light transmission and shielding in the switching area 22, it is possible to switch between a relatively narrow viewing angle and a relatively wide viewing angle without attaching or detaching components. Figure 4 As described above, the brightness at the frontal viewpoint can be further improved compared to the comparative example.

[0104] In the viewing angle control devices 1 , 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, two of the plurality of optical member layers (optical member layers 10A and 10B) face each other with a drive layer (e.g., drive layer 20 or drive layer 20A) interposed therebetween. This further limits the viewing angle.

[0105] Furthermore, in the viewing angle control devices 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1H, two or more optical member layers 10A or 10B are stacked on at least one side of the drive layer (e.g., the drive layer 20 or the drive layer 20A). This further limits the viewing angle.

[0106] Furthermore, the viewing angle control device (e.g., viewing angle control devices 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, and 1H) is provided with a polarizing layer (at least one of polarizing layers 41 and 42) on at least one side. Therefore, the viewing angle can be switched based on the drive layer (e.g., drive layer 20 or drive layer 20A).

[0107] In addition, the display device (e.g., display device 100, 100B, 100C) includes the above-mentioned viewing angle control device (e.g., any one of viewing angle control devices 1, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H) and a display panel (e.g., any one of display panels 90, 90B, 90C) that outputs an image by overlapping the viewing angle control device. Thus, the viewing angle of the image output by the display device can be switched by the viewing angle control device. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a relatively narrow viewing angle and a relatively wide viewing angle without attaching or detaching components. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As described above, the brightness at the frontal viewpoint can be further improved compared to the comparative example.

[0108] Furthermore, a polarizing layer (one of polarizing layers 41 and 42) is provided on at least the viewing angle control device (e.g., one of viewing angle control devices 1A and 1B) side of the display panel (e.g., any one of display panels 90, 90B, and 90C), and the viewing angle control device is provided with a polarizing layer (the other of polarizing layers 41 and 42) on the side opposite to the display panel side. Thus, the viewing angle can be switched using the viewing angle control device using the polarizing layer of the display panel.

[0109] Furthermore, the viewing angle control device (e.g., viewing angle control device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H) does not necessarily need to be integrated with the display device as with the display devices 100, 100B, 100C. In the case where the viewing angle control device is provided separately, both the polarizing layer 41 and the polarizing layer 42 may be provided in the viewing angle control device.

[0110] Furthermore, other effects and benefits brought about by the means described in the above embodiments and which are clear from the description of this specification, or contents that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, are naturally understood to be contents brought about by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A viewing angle control device, characterized in that: have: The driving layer has light-transmitting areas for light transmission and switching areas that can switch between light transmission and light shielding by switching the orientation of the liquid crystal, which are alternately arranged in one direction; a plurality of optical component layers stacked on the driving layer; as well as A pair of polarizing layers are opposed to each other with the driving layer interposed therebetween, The driving layer includes a liquid crystal layer, and includes a common electrode provided on one of an upper side and a lower side of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from the stacking direction, extending over the light-transmitting region and the switching region, an insulating film covering the common electrode, and a plurality of branch electrodes extending on the insulating film in an extending direction of the switching region. The optical member layer has: substrate, for light to pass through; as well as a light shielding portion provided at a position overlapping with the switching region to shield light; The light shielding portion is arranged on a surface of the substrate that is away from the driving layer. The polarization direction of light that can pass through the pair of polarizing layers intersects with the extension direction of the switching region. In the driving layer, an OFF potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the light-transmitting region, and an ON potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the switching region, thereby setting the switching region to a light-shielding state.

2. A viewing angle control device, characterized in that: have: The driving layer has light-transmitting areas for light transmission and switching areas that can switch between light transmission and light shielding by switching the orientation of the liquid crystal, which are alternately arranged in one direction; a plurality of optical member layers stacked on the drive layer in a stacking direction; as well as A pair of polarizing layers are opposed to each other with the driving layer interposed therebetween, The driving layer includes a liquid crystal layer, and includes a common electrode provided on one of an upper side and a lower side of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from the stacking direction, extending over the light-transmitting region and the switching region, an insulating film covering the common electrode, and a plurality of branch electrodes extending on the insulating film in an extending direction of the switching region. The optical member layer has: substrate, for light to pass through; as well as a light shielding portion provided at a position overlapping with the switching region to shield light; The light shielding portion is opposed to the switching region of the driving layer via the substrate. The polarization direction of light that can pass through the pair of polarizing layers intersects with the extension direction of the switching region. In the driving layer, an OFF potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the light-transmitting region, and an ON potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the switching region, thereby setting the switching region to a light-shielding state.

3. The viewing angle control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Two of the plurality of optical member layers face each other with the drive layer interposed therebetween.

4. The viewing angle control device according to claim 3, wherein: Two or more optical member layers are stacked on at least one side of the drive layer.

5. The viewing angle control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the viewing angle control device, a polarizing layer is provided on at least one side.

6. The viewing angle control device according to claim 2, wherein: The branch electrodes are smaller than the widths of the light-transmitting area and the switching area. At least two branch electrodes are provided in each area. The branch electrodes in the switching area are connected to each other, and the branch electrodes in the light-transmitting area are connected to each other.

7. The viewing angle control device according to claim 6, wherein: The driving layer includes a pair of alignment films sandwiching the liquid crystal layer, and an angle formed between an alignment direction of the alignment films and an extending direction of the branch electrodes is larger than 0° and smaller than 10°.

8. The viewing angle control device according to claim 7, wherein: The viewing angle control device includes a pair of polarizing layers facing each other with the driving layer interposed therebetween. The polarization direction of light that can pass through the pair of polarizing layers is set to be along the extending direction of the switching region. In the driving layer, an on potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the light-transmitting region, and an off potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the switching region, thereby setting the switching region to a light-shielding state.

9. The viewing angle control device according to claim 2, wherein: The driving layer includes a liquid crystal layer, and includes a plurality of branch electrodes extending along the extension direction of the switching region on one of the upper side and the lower side of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from the stacking direction, and a common electrode provided across the light-transmitting region and the switching region on the other of the upper side and the lower side of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from the stacking direction. The branch electrodes have: The first electrode is disposed in the light-transmitting area and has a width corresponding to the light-transmitting area; as well as The second electrode is disposed in the switching region and has a width corresponding to the switching region. The second branch electrodes located in the switching area are connected to each other, and the first branch electrodes located in the light-transmitting area are connected to each other.

10. The viewing angle control device according to claim 9, wherein: The driving layer has: A first alignment film is provided between the liquid crystal layer and the first branch electrode and the second branch electrode; and A second alignment film is provided between the liquid crystal layer and the common electrode. An alignment direction of the first alignment film and an alignment direction of the second alignment film intersect with each other.

11. The viewing angle control device according to claim 10, wherein: The alignment direction of the first alignment film is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the second alignment film.

12. The viewing angle control device according to claim 10, wherein: The viewing angle control device includes a pair of polarizing layers facing each other with the driving layer interposed therebetween. The polarization directions of light that can pass through the pair of polarizing layers cross each other, the polarization direction of the polarizing layer located on the first branch electrode and the second branch electrode side is parallel to the orientation direction of the first alignment film, and the polarization direction of the polarizing layer located on the common electrode side is parallel to the orientation direction of the second alignment film. In the driving layer, an OFF potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the light-transmitting region, and an ON potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the switching region, thereby setting the switching region to a light-shielding state.

13. The viewing angle control device according to claim 10, wherein: The viewing angle control device includes a pair of polarizing layers facing each other with the driving layer interposed therebetween. The polarization direction of light that can pass through the pair of polarizing layers is parallel to the alignment direction of the first alignment film. In the driving layer, an on potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the light-transmitting region, and an off potential is applied to the branch electrodes provided in the switching region, thereby setting the switching region to a light-shielding state.

14. A display device, characterized in that: have: The viewing angle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and The display panel overlaps with the viewing angle control device to output an image.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: On the display panel, a polarizing layer is provided at least on the side of the viewing angle control device. On the viewing angle control device, a polarizing layer is provided on the opposite side of the display panel.

Images