Display device

Abstract

An embodiment discloses a display device including: a backlight unit; a display panel disposed on the backlight unit and including a first display area and a second display area; and a sensor disposed below the second display area, in which the backlight unit includes: a light guide plate disposed below the first display area and the second display area; a light source configured to irradiate light to the light guide plate; and a reflector disposed between the second display area and the sensor and reflecting incident visible light to the second display area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiment relates to a display device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing in various forms, and recently, various display devices such as liquid crystal display devices (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), and organic light emitting display devices (OLEDs) have been used.

[0003] Recently, the multimedia functions of electronic devices such as mobile terminals have been improved. For example, a camera is embedded in a mobile terminal as a basic function, and the resolution of the camera has been increased to the level of a conventional digital camera. However, the front camera of the mobile terminal limits the screen design, making it difficult to design the screen. In order to reduce the space occupied by the camera, a screen design including a notch or a perforation has been adopted for the mobile terminal, but the screen size is still limited by the camera, which makes it difficult to achieve a full-screen display.

[0004] In order to achieve a full-screen display, a method has been proposed in which an imaging area provided with low-resolution pixels is provided in the screen of a display panel, and a camera and / or various sensors are provided in the imaging area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiment aims to provide a display device in which the imaging area is not visible from the outside.

[0006] In addition, the embodiment aims to provide a display device that improves the dark area phenomenon through a reflector while maintaining the performance of the camera.

[0007] In addition, the embodiment aims to provide a display device that can be easily miniaturized through an extension part.

[0008] The object of the embodiment is not limited thereto, and may also include objects or effects that can be identified from the following configurations or embodiments.

[0009] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a backlight unit; a display panel disposed on the backlight unit and including a first display area and a second display area; and a sensor disposed below the second display area, wherein the backlight unit includes: a light guide plate disposed below the first display area and the second display area; a light source configured to irradiate light onto the light guide plate; and a reflector disposed between the second display area and the sensor and reflecting incident visible light to the second display area.

[0010] Light emitted from the sensor can pass through the reflector.

[0011] Light emitted from the sensor can be emitted to the outside through the display panel, reflected from an external object, and received by the sensor.

[0012] The sensor may include an infrared camera.

[0013] The display device may further include an optical sheet disposed on the backlight unit, wherein the optical sheet may include an opening corresponding to the second display area.

[0014] The light source may be disposed on one side of the light guide plate, and the reflector may be disposed on the other side of the light guide plate facing the one side.

[0015] The light guide plate may include a ramp surface disposed on its other side, and the reflector may be disposed on the ramp surface.

[0016] The ramp surface may be disposed in an area overlapping with the sensor.

[0017] The reflector may reflect the light incident on the light guide plate to the second display area.

[0018] The light guide plate may include an upper surface and a lower surface connected to the ramp surface.

[0019] The ramp surface may not overlap with the lower surface.

[0020] The thickness of the light guide plate may increase toward the other side.

[0021] The light guide plate may include a flat surface extending to the side opposite to the light source, and the flat surface may overlap with the second display area.

[0022] The thickness of the light guide plate on the flat surface may be less than or equal to the thickness of the light guide plate on the ramp surface.

[0023] The display device may further include a first prism disposed between the ramp surface and the sensor.

[0024] The ramp surface may not overlap with the upper surface, and the display device may further include a light emitting unit disposed on the other side of the light guide plate.

[0025] The thickness of the light guide plate may decrease toward its other side.

[0026] The display device may further include a second prism disposed between the ramp surface and the display panel.

[0027] The display device may further include a light emitting unit disposed on the other side of the light guide plate, and the second prism may be disposed between the reflector and the light emitting unit.

[0028] The reflector can reflect the light output from the light source to the sensor, and the reflector can reflect the light output from the light-emitting unit to the display panel.

[0029] The light guide plate may include a patterned area that overlaps with the first display area and has a pattern, and an unpatterned area that overlaps with the second display area.

[0030] The optical sheet may overlap with the patterned area and the unpatterned area.

[0031] The optical sheet may be aligned with the unpatterned area.

[0032] The reflector can reflect light in the visible band and transmit light in the infrared band.

[0033] The reflector may overlap with the area that overlaps with the relative incident light portions of the first display area and the second display area. Description of the Drawings

[0034] By describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, where:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to the first embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting the cross-section and function of a reflector in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a light guide plate in a display device according to the first embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a panel in a display device according to the first embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a variant example of;

[0043] Figure 8 is a view depicting the function of a sensor in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 9 Shows another structure of the light guide plate in a display device according to an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 10 And Figure 11 Is a diagram depicting the thickness variation of a light guide plate in terms of the field of view and structure of the light guide plate in a display device;

[0046] Figure 12 Is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment;

[0047] Figure 13 Is a diagram showing the light guide plate, reflector, and first prism in a display device according to a second embodiment;

[0048] Figure 14 Is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment;

[0049] Figure 15 Is a diagram showing the light guide plate, reflector, and second prism in a display device according to a third embodiment;

[0050] Figure 16 Is a plan view of a display device according to a variant example;

[0051] Figure 17 Is along Figure 16 Cross-sectional view taken along the center line AA';

[0052] Figure 18 Is along Figure 16 Cross-sectional view taken along the center line BB';

[0053] Figure 19 Is a view showing the light guide plate and reflector in a display device according to a variant example;

[0054] Figure 20 Is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another variant example; and

[0055] Figure 21 Is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another variant example. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0056] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to some of the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms, and one or more components among these embodiments can be used by selectively coupling or replacing them without departing from the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0058] In addition, unless specifically defined and described clearly, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be interpreted as meanings generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, and the meanings of common terms (e.g., terms defined in a dictionary) can be interpreted in consideration of the context of the related technology.

[0059] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0060] In the specification, unless otherwise specified in a phrase, the singular form may include the plural form, and when described as “at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C”, it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0061] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe components of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and the nature, order, sequence, etc. of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms.

[0063] In addition, when the first component is described as “connected”, “coupled”, or “joined” to the second component, it may include the case where the first component is directly connected, coupled, or joined to the second component, and may also include the case where the first component is “connected”, “coupled”, or “joined” to the second component through other components existing between the first component and the second component.

[0064] In addition, when a certain component is described as being formed or provided “above (over)” or “below (under)” another component, the terms “above (over)” or “below (under)” may include not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or provided between the two components. In addition, when described as “above (over) or below (under)”, it may include not only the meaning of the upward direction relative to one component, but also the meaning of the downward direction relative to one component.

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device 10 according to an embodiment may include a display panel 100 for displaying an image and a sensor CM for capturing an image. The display device 10 of the embodiment can be applied to various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, smart tablets, televisions, and monitors.

[0067] The display panel 100 may include a display area DA including a plurality of sub-pixels and a non-display area NDA located on at least one side of the display area DA. As shown, the non-display area NDA is provided on a part of the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. A plurality of pixels in the first display area DA1 may emit light and may display an image through the emitted light. The second display area DA2 may overlap with the sensor CM. The second display area DA2 may include a sensing area CA overlapping with the sensor CM and a surrounding area SA adjacent to the sensing area CA.

[0069] The sensor CM may be disposed under the display panel 100. The sensor CM may be arranged to be spaced apart from the display panel 100. In addition, the area of the second display area DA2 is formed to be larger than the area of the sensor CM, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second display area DA2 and the sensor CM may be formed to have substantially the same area, or the second display area DA2 may be formed to be smaller than the sensor CM.

[0070] In addition, the sensor CM is formed to overlap with the upper area of the display area DA, but is not limited thereto. The position of the sensor CM may vary under the display panel 100 according to the electronic device to which the display device 10 is applied. For example, the sensor CM may overlap with the upper left area or the upper central area of the display area DA. Corresponding to the position of the sensor CM, the second display area DA2 may also be provided in the upper central area.

[0071] Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to an embodiment, the display device 10 may include a backlight unit 300, a display panel 100, and a housing member.

[0073] The display panel 100 may include a lower substrate 110, an upper substrate 120, and a liquid crystal layer 130 interposed between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120. The lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120 may be formed of glass or plastic.

[0074] Signal lines and pixels can be disposed on the display panel 100. The signal lines can include data lines and gate lines intersecting with each other, a common line for supplying a common voltage to a common electrode, and a gate control signal line for supplying a control signal to a gate driving circuit. Pixels can be disposed in the intersecting regions of the data lines and the gate lines. Each pixel can include a thin film transistor (TFT), a pixel electrode, and a common electrode. The thin film transistor can supply the data voltage of the data line to the pixel electrode in response to a gate signal of the gate line.

[0075] The liquid crystals of the liquid crystal layer 130 can be driven by an electric field generated by a potential difference between the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrode and the common voltage supplied to the common electrode, thereby adjusting the amount of light transmitted from the backlight unit. The liquid crystal display panel can be applied to various conventional panel structures without limitation.

[0076] The black matrix and the color filter can be disposed on the upper substrate 120 of the display panel 100. The lower surface of the upper substrate 120 can be the surface facing the lower substrate 110. As described below, the display panel 100 can have a flip-type structure in which the black matrix and the color filter are disposed on the upper substrate 120.

[0077] In addition, the common electrode can be disposed on the lower surface of the upper substrate 120 by a vertical electric field driving method such as a twisted nematic (TN) mode and a vertical alignment (VA) mode, and on the upper surface of the lower substrate by a horizontal electric field driving method such as an in-plane switching (IPS) mode and a fringe field switching (FFS) mode.

[0078] Since the black matrix is formed of a light-blocking material in a matrix structure, light leakage to regions other than the pixel region can be blocked. The color filter can be located between the black matrices in the pixel region. The color filter can include a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter.

[0079] The upper polarizing plate 142 can be located on the upper substrate 120 of the display panel 100. In addition, the lower polarizing plate 141 can be located on the lower substrate 110 of the display panel 100. The transmission axis of the upper polarizing plate 142 can intersect or be orthogonal to the transmission axis of the lower polarizing plate 141. In addition, an alignment layer for setting a pretilt angle of the liquid crystal can be disposed on the inner surfaces of the upper substrate 120 and the lower substrate 110 in contact with the liquid crystal.

[0080] The backlight unit 300 may include a light source 310, a light guide plate 320, a reflective sheet RF, an optical sheet 330, a reflector 340, etc. The backlight unit 300 may convert the light emitted from the light source 310 into a uniform surface light source through the light guide plate 320 and the optical sheet 330, and supply the light to the display panel 100. The backlight unit 300 is described as being implemented in an edge type, but is not limited thereto, and may also be implemented in a direct type.

[0081] The light source 310 may be single or multiple. The light source 310 may be implemented as a light emitting diode (LED). In this case, the light emitting diode may output light of various bands. For example, the light emitting diode may include at least one of a blue light emitting diode that outputs blue light, a red light emitting diode that outputs red light, and a magenta light emitting diode that outputs magenta light which is a mixture of red light and blue light. The light source 310 may include a wavelength conversion layer that converts the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting diode. Therefore, the light incident on the light guide plate from the light source may be converted into white light.

[0082] The light guide plate 320 may convert the light emitted from the light source 310 into a surface light source, and supply the light to the display panel 100. The reflective sheet RF may be disposed on the lower surface of the light guide plate 320 to reflect the light guided downward from the light guide plate 320.

[0083] The optical sheet 330 may be disposed between the light guide plate 320 and the display panel 100. The optical sheet 330 may include at least one prism sheet or at least one diffuser sheet. The optical sheet 330 may diffuse the light incident from the light guide plate 320 and refract the light path so that the light is incident at an angle substantially perpendicular to the light incident surface of the display panel 100.

[0084] The reflector 340 may be disposed obliquely in the second display area DA2. Specifically, the reflector 340 may be disposed obliquely with respect to the direction from the light source 310 toward the light guide plate. In addition, the reflector 340 may be disposed obliquely with respect to the upper surface and the lower surface of the light guide plate 320. For example, the reflector 340 may be disposed on a ramp surface formed at an end of the light guide plate 320. The reflector 340 and the ramp surface of the light guide plate 320 may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle other than a right angle with respect to the upper surface and the lower surface of the light guide plate 320.

[0085] The light guide plate 320 may have a chamfered portion CH1 formed in a region overlapping with the second display area DA2 so that the reflector 340 is disposed thereon. The chamfered portion CH1 may be formed at an end of the light guide plate 320, and may have a ramp surface SS1.

[0086] The reflector 340 may not be parallel to the direction (X-axis direction) from the light source 310 toward the light guide plate 320. That is, the reflector 340 may have a surface (lower surface or the surface in contact with the ramp surface) that is not aligned with the direction from the light source 310 toward the light guide plate 320. In addition, the reflective surface of the reflector 340 may form a predetermined angle by intersecting with the direction from the light source 310 toward the light guide plate 320.

[0087] The optical sheet 330 may include an opening 331 formed in a region corresponding to the sensor or the second display area DA2. Thus, the opening 331 of the optical sheet 330 may overlap with the chamfered portion CH1 of the light guide plate 320. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the opening may not be formed in the optical sheet 330. That is, the optical sheet 330 may also be present in a region overlapping with the sensor (or the second display area), thereby allowing the optical sheet 330 to overlap with the sensor (or the second display area).

[0088] The sensor CM may include a transmitting unit Tx and a receiving unit Rx. The sensor CM may be referred to as a "camera module", "camera sensor", "camera unit", etc. For example, the sensor CM may be an infrared camera. Alternatively, the sensor CM may be an infrared sensor (IR sensor).

[0089] The transmitting unit Tx of the sensor CM may radiate infrared rays (IR). The receiving unit Rx may receive the reflected light of the radiated infrared rays reflected from an object (e.g., a person, etc.). Thus, the sensor CM may adjust the light amount according to the intended use or the distance from the user. The light amount of the sensor CM may have an optimal light amount based on the intended use or the distance from the user. The sensor CM according to various embodiments may be operated using a preset optimal light amount corresponding to the intended use or the distance from the user.

[0090] In addition, the sensor CM may extract characteristics of an object. According to various embodiments, the sensor CM may generate image data or the like that can recognize the object as the face of the user when the object is the face of the user by receiving the reflected light. In addition, the sensor CM may generate data for distinguishing the direction and position of the face. For example, the sensor CM may generate or extract data to recognize the shape of the face and recognize the positions of the eyes, nose, mouth, forehead, etc. of the face. In addition, the recognition, extraction, and generation of the object, etc. may be performed in the display device or the electronic device provided with the sensor CM instead of in the sensor CM. In the above description, the object is described as the face of the user, but it is not limited thereto. In addition, the sensor CM may not only extract the characteristics of the object, but also extract the heart rate, iris information, etc., and extract various other object information.

[0091] The housing member may include a bottom cover 410, a support frame, and a top cover 420.

[0092] The bottom cover 410 may have a structure surrounding the backlight unit 300 or the display panel 100. For example, the bottom cover 410 may be a quadrilateral frame. In addition, the bottom cover 410 may be formed of various materials. For example, the bottom cover 410 may be formed of metal. Accordingly, the reliability of the display device can be improved.

[0093] The support frame may support the lower surface of the lower substrate of the display panel 100. The support frame may also be referred to as a guide plate or a guide frame. The support frame may be shown as "G" in Figure 3 . The support frame may be fixed by being coupled with the bottom cover 410 and a fixing member. The support frame may be made of a quadrilateral frame mixed with glass fiber in a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, made of plastic, etc., or made of stainless steel. Meanwhile, a buffer member may be located between the lower substrate and the support frame. Accordingly, the support frame can protect the lower substrate of the display panel 100 from impact.

[0094] The top cover 420 may surround the edge of the display panel 100, the upper surface and the side surfaces of the support frame, and the side surface of the bottom cover 410. However, the sizes of the top cover and the bottom cover may be changed in various ways.

[0095] In addition, the top cover 420 may be made of electro-galvanized iron (EGI), stainless steel, etc. The top cover 420 may be fixed to the support frame with a hook or a screw. In addition, a buffer member may be located between the upper substrate and the top cover. Accordingly, the top cover 420 can protect the upper substrate of the display panel 100 from impact.

[0096] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to the first embodiment, Figure 4 is a diagram describing the cross-section and function of a reflector in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a diagram showing a light guide plate in a display device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a panel in a display device according to the first embodiment.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , as described above, the light guide plate 320 may include an upper surface US1, a lower surface BS1, and a ramp surface SS1. The upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1 may be flat surfaces and may be surfaces facing each other in the stacking direction.

[0098] In the light guide plate 320, the upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1 may be spaced apart from each other and may be connected by side surfaces and ramp surfaces SS1. The ramp surfaces SS1 may be located in a partial area of the light guide plate 320. In addition, the ramp surfaces SS1 may be located inside the light guide plate 320 or at the edge of the light guide plate 320, and may be located between the upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320 or outside the upper surface US1 or the lower surface BS1.

[0099] The ramp surfaces SS1 may be surfaces that are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1. The ramp surfaces SS1 may be located on the light guide plate 320, specifically on the opposite light portion or the opposite incident light portion that is opposite to the incident light portion facing the light source 310. Therefore, by reflecting the visible light emitted to the opposite light portion, the dark area phenomenon generated by the sensor CM can be easily improved.

[0100] In addition, corresponding to the position of the ramp surfaces SS1, the reflector 340 may be positioned to face the light source provided on one side of the light guide plate 320. For example, the reflector 340 may be provided on the other side of the light guide plate 320. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one side of the light guide plate 320 may correspond to the incident light portion adjacent to the light source, and the other side of the light guide plate 320 may correspond to the opposite light portion or the opposite incident light portion opposite to the incident light portion. In other words, the reflector 340 may also be positioned closer to the opposite light portion or the opposite incident light portion than the incident light portion. The reflector 340 may be joined to the ramp surfaces SS1 by the first adhesive member AD1.

[0101] The optical sheet 330 may be located on the upper surface of the light guide plate 320. The optical sheet 330 may not be located in the area of the upper surface US1 that overlaps with the sensor CM. Therefore, the brightness of the light reflected by the reflector 340 can be maintained high.

[0102] The lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320 may be positioned adjacent to the bottom cover 410. The lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320 may be positioned closer to the bottom cover 410 than the upper surface US1. In addition, the first reflective sheet RF1 may be provided on the lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320. The first reflective sheet RF1 may reflect the light guided downward from the light guide plate 320 in the light guide plate 320.

[0103] The first reflective sheet RF1 may not overlap with the ramp surfaces SS1. That is, the first reflective sheet RF1 may be provided so as not to be aligned with the ramp surfaces SS1 in the stacking direction. The first reflective sheet RF1 may be provided to be spaced apart from the sensor CM. The first reflective sheet RF1 may correspond to the above-mentioned "reflective sheet".

[0104] The inclined surface SS1 can be connected to the upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1. For example, the inclined surface SS1 can be located between the upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1. In addition, the inclined surface SS1 can be formed on the chamfered portion CH1 of the light guide plate 320.

[0105] The inclined surface SS1 may not be aligned with the lower surface BS1 in the stacking direction. In other words, the inclined surface SS1 may not overlap with the lower surface BS1 in the stacking direction. In addition, due to the presence of the inclined surface SS1, the width W of the light guide plate 320 can increase along the stacking direction (or the first direction) with the inclined surface SS1.

[0106] For example, one end of the upper surface US1 can be in contact with one end of the inclined surface SS1, and one end of the lower surface BS1 can be in contact with the other end of the inclined surface SS1. In this case, the thickness d2 of the light guide plate 320 can decrease from the other end of the inclined surface SS1 to this one end. Except for the inclined surface SS1, the upper surface US1 and the lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320 can be flat, but it is not limited thereto. The thickness d2 of the light guide plate 320 at the inclined surface SS1 can be less than or equal to the thickness d1 of the light guide plate 320 in the region other than the inclined surface SS1.

[0107] The reflector 340 can be located on the inclined surface SS1 to reflect the light guided along the light guide plate 320 to the second display area DA2. In other words, the reflector 340 can be configured to reflect the light output from the light source to the display panel 100. With this configuration, since the sensor CM is located below the display panel 100, the dark area phenomenon generated in the second display area can be improved.

[0108] The reflector 340 can transmit the light (e.g., infrared rays) emitted from the transmitting unit of the sensor CM. Therefore, the sensing performed by the sensor CM can be smoothly executed.

[0109] The reflector 340 can be referred to as a "filter" or a "reflective member". The reflector 340 can be formed of a material and structure that reflect light in the visible band and transmit light in the infrared band. For example, the reflector 340 can be a dichroic filter, but it is not limited thereto, and various filters can be applied.

[0110] In addition, the inclined surface SS1 can have various optical patterns for diffusion. Therefore, the light reflected from the reflector 340 provided on the inclined surface SS1 can be diffused toward the display panel 100. Therefore, the dark area in the second display area can be improved, and the appearance of bright lines and the like caused by the reflected light can be suppressed. That is, the light uniformity can be improved.

[0111] Refer to Figure 4, the reflector 340 may include a light-transmissive substrate 341 and a plurality of layers 342. For example, the light-transmissive substrate 341 may be formed of a light-transmissive material such as glass.

[0112] The plurality of layers 342 may be located on the light-transmissive substrate 341. For example, the plurality of layers 342 may include a first layer L1 and a second layer L2. The first layer L1 may be located between the second layer L2 and the light-transmissive substrate 341.

[0113] The first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be formed of materials having different refractive indices. For example, compared with the second layer L2, the first layer L1 may have a high refractive index characteristic. In addition, compared with the first layer L1, the second layer L2 may have a low refractive index characteristic. That is, the first layer L1 may be a high refractive index layer, and the second layer L2 may be a low refractive index layer.

[0114] In this case, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may have a predetermined refractive index according to the light wavelength required for transmission and reflection. In addition, each of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be formed of multiple layers instead of a single layer, and a plurality of first layers L1 and a plurality of second layers L2 may be alternately stacked. With this configuration, the reflector 340 can reflect the light LG1 in the visible band and transmit the light LG2 and LG3 in the infrared band. Therefore, the light LG3 reflected from the object among the light LG2 emitted from the transmission unit of the sensor CM can be provided to the reception unit. For example, with respect to the incident light IL in the entire band, the reflected light RL may be the light in the visible band. In addition, the transmitted light TL may be the light in the infrared band.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the sensor CM may be located below the reflector 340, and the light from the backlight can be emitted through the reflector 340, thereby reducing the dark area around the sensor. In addition, a thin border can be manufactured.

[0116] The light guide plate 320 may include a patterned area PT and an unpatterned area NPT. For example, the upper surface US1 of the light guide plate 320 may be divided into a patterned area PT and an unpatterned area NPT. In addition, the optical sheet 330 may overlap the patterned area PT in the stacking direction.

[0117] In an embodiment, the patterned area PT may have a predetermined optical pattern (e.g., dots, prism structures, concavo-convex structures, etc.). The optical pattern may be manufactured in a printed form, a non-printed form (non-print form), etc. The optical pattern may have various shapes. In addition, the light can be diffused upward through the optical pattern to the light guide plate 320, thereby providing uniform light to the panel. The patterned area PT may overlap the first display area DA1 in the stacking direction.

[0118] Alternatively, the non-patterned region NPT may overlap with the second display region DA2 in the stacking direction. In addition, the non-patterned region NPT may overlap with the ramp surface SS1 in the stacking direction. In addition, at least a part of the optical sheet 330 may not overlap with the non-patterned region NPT in the stacking direction. In other words, at least a part of the optical sheet 330 may not be aligned with the non-patterned region NPT in the stacking direction. For example, a part of the non-patterned region NPT may overlap with the first display region. In this way, the non-patterned region NPT may vary corresponding to the field of view of the sensor CM. In an embodiment, the optical sheet 330 may have an opening 331 to increase the brightness of the light emitted to the second display region DA2.

[0119] In addition, when this part of the non-patterned region NPT overlaps with the first display region, this part of the non-patterned region NPT may overlap with the first reflective sheet RF1 in the stacking direction. In addition, this part of the non-patterned region NPT may also overlap with the lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320 in the stacking direction.

[0120] As described above, the optical sheet 330 may overlap not only with the patterned region PT but also with the non-patterned region NPT in the stacking direction. For example, compared with the patterned region PT, the non-patterned region NPT may include a smaller proportion of optical patterns or optical patterns with a lower height. With this configuration, the effect of reducing the dark area by the visible light reflected from the reflector can be improved. In addition, the sensing performance of the sensor CM using infrared light can be maintained.

[0121] The support frame G may be provided at the end of the light guide plate 320. As described above, the support frame G may surround the light guide plate 320 and the like. In addition, the support frame G may be coupled to the bottom cover 410 (or the top cover) through a fixing member. Alternatively, the support frame G may be coupled to the bottom cover 410 through various coupling structures (such as a penetrating structure, etc.). For example, the bottom cover 410 may pass through at least a partial region of the support frame G.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the second adhesive member AD2 may be located between the support frame G and the display panel 100. Specifically, the second adhesive member AD2 may overlap with the non-display region of the display panel 100. The second adhesive member AD2 may be in the form of a tape or the like.

[0123] Referring to Figure 6 , as described above, the display panel 100 may include an upper substrate 120, a lower substrate 110, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the upper substrate 120 and the lower substrate 110.

[0124] In addition, signal lines and pixels may be provided on the upper surface of the lower substrate 110 of the display panel 100. As described above, the signal lines may include data lines and gate lines intersecting each other, a common line for supplying a common voltage, and the like. In addition, each of the pixels may include a transistor Tr.

[0125] The liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 130 may be driven by an electric field generated by a potential difference between the data voltage supplied to the pixel electrode and the common voltage supplied to the common electrode. The amount of light transmitted from the backlight unit 300 may be adjusted by driving the liquid crystal. In addition, the black matrix BM and the color filter CF may be provided on the lower surface of the upper substrate 120 of the display panel 100.

[0126] In addition, as another example, when the display panel 100 is formed by the color filter on the TFT array (COT) method, the black matrix BM and the color filter may be provided above the backlight. That is, a color filter substrate on which the color filter CF and the black matrix BM are provided may be provided on the backlight unit, and the liquid crystal layer and the TFT substrate may be provided above the color filter CF and the black matrix BM. In this way, the process yield can be improved by changing the position of the black matrix or the like, or light leakage in the non-display area, the second display area, etc. can be suppressed. As a result, uniform brightness through a reflector or the like can be more easily formed.

[0127] Figure 7 Yes Figure 3 is a variant example.

[0128] Referring to Figure 7 , the display device may include a display panel 100, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. In addition, the contents described in other embodiments, etc. may be applied to this embodiment in addition to the contents described below.

[0129] The bottom cover 410 may include a base portion 411 and a protruding portion 412. The protruding portion 412 may be located in an area of the bottom cover 410 and may be a portion extending downward from the base portion 411. For example, the sensor CM may be accommodated in the protruding portion 412. Therefore, a housing space for the sensor CM can be easily ensured.

[0130] The protruding portion 412 may be located at the edge of the base portion 411 or inside the base portion 411. The protruding portion 412 may be surrounded by the base portion 411. For example, the protruding portion 412 may be located inside the edge of the base portion 411. The position of the protruding portion 412 may be variously adjusted corresponding to the position of the sensor CM.

[0131] Corresponding to the protrusion 412, the light guide plate 320 may have a protruding region PR extending downward. Thus, the thickness d4 or the maximum thickness of the light guide plate 320 at the ramp surface SS1 may be greater than the thickness d3 of the light guide plate 320 at the lower surface BS1 (or in the first display region).

[0132] Below the second display region DA2, the ramp surface SS1 may be located in the protruding region PR. Thus, at least a portion of the ramp surface SS1 may be located below the light guide plate 320. With this configuration, the light guide plate 320 can be easily supported and coupled to the bottom cover 410. In addition, since the thickness d3 of the light guide plate 320 can be formed to be smaller below the first display region, miniaturization of the display device can be easily achieved.

[0133] In addition, even when the incident area of the reflector 340 according to the field of view of the sensor CM increases, the thickness of the entire light guide plate 320 does not increase through the protruding region PR. That is, since the light guide plate 320 has the protruding region PR in a partial region, lightweight and miniaturization can be maintained even when the ramp angle of the reflector 340 changes.

[0134] The protruding region PR may include an extending surface PS1 extending downward from the lower surface BS1 of the light guide plate 320. The second reflective sheet RF2 may be disposed between the protruding surface PS1 and the inner surface of the protrusion 412 facing the protruding surface PS1.

[0135] The second reflective sheet RF2 may be located on the protruding surface PS1. The second reflective sheet RF2 may overlap the reflector 340 in the horizontal direction (the direction from the light source toward the light guide plate). In addition, the second reflective sheet RF2 may have a length smaller than the length of the reflector 340 in the stacking direction. Thus, the light reflected from the reflector 340 or guided downward from the light guide plate 320 can be reflected into the light guide plate 320 as much as possible.

[0136] For example, the second reflective sheet RF2 may be formed of a structure and material that cause diffuse reflection. In addition, a bead coating may be applied to the second reflective sheet RF2. In this way, the second reflective sheet RF2 can increase the amount of light irradiated to the display panel 100. Therefore, reduction of the dark region can be achieved more effectively.

[0137] The protruding region PR may be a member separated from the light guide plate 320. Thus, in order to couple the protruding region PR to the light guide plate 320, an additional adhesive member may be located between the protruding region PR and the light guide plate 320. In addition, the adhesive member and the reflective sheet outside the adhesive member may also be provided on the surface of the protruding region PR other than the ramp surface SS1.

[0138] On the upper surface of the light guide plate 320 disposed in the second display area DA2, there may be no optical pattern, or an optical pattern having a size smaller than the size of the optical pattern formed in the first display area DA1 may be formed. In addition, an additional adhesive member or an optical member may be applied to have a flat surface.

[0139] The third adhesive member AD3 may be located between the second reflector RF2 and the extension surface PS1. The first adhesive member AD1 and the third adhesive member AD3 may be formed of an optical adhesive film. For example, the first adhesive member AD1 and the third adhesive member AD3 may be formed of a light-transmissive material. In addition, the first adhesive member AD1 and the third adhesive member AD3 may be formed of a material providing a predetermined haze level (opacity due to light diffusion). Thus, the light uniformity can be easily adjusted.

[0140] Figure 8 is a view illustrating the function of a sensor in a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 9 is another structure of a light guide plate in a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the thickness change of a light guide plate according to the field of view and structure of the light guide plate in a display device.

[0141] Referring to Figure 8 , the sensor CM in the display device 10 of the electronic device may have a predetermined field of view (FOV). In one embodiment, the field of view of the sensor CM may be between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. For example, the field of view of the sensor CM may be 53 degrees. Corresponding to the field of view of the sensor CM, the thickness of the light guide plate may be changed according to the ramp angle of the reflector.

[0142] Referring to Figure 9 , the light guide plate 320 may have an extension portion extending from the ramp surface SS1. Corresponding to this extension portion, the light guide plate 320 may include a flat surface ES1 extending from the ramp surface SS1 to the other side thereof. The flat surface ES1 may be a flat surface such as the upper surface US1 or the lower surface BS1. Thus, the light guide plate 320 may have a stepped structure inclined toward the other side thereof. According to this configuration, the total thickness of the light guide plate 320 can be reduced, thereby providing ease of manufacture and miniaturization of the light guide plate. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the flat surface ES1 may have an inclined structure similar to the ramp surface SS1. In this case, the flat surface ES1 may be arranged to be inclined at an angle smaller than the ramp angle of the ramp surface SS1.

[0143] The flat surface ES1 may be disposed below the second display area DA2. At least a part of the flat surface ES1 may overlap with the second display area DA2 in the stacking direction.

[0144] More specifically, in the light guide plate 320, the ramp surface SS1 may be located between the lower surface BS1 and the flat surface ES1. Further, in the light guide plate 320, the upper surface US1 may be the surface facing the lower surface BS1, the ramp surface SS1, and the flat surface ES1.

[0145] The light guide plate 320 may have a region where its thickness decreases from the side where the light source is disposed toward the other side. The thickness d5 of the light guide plate 320 on the lower surface BS1 may be greater than the thickness d6 of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1. The thickness d6 of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1 may gradually decrease in the first direction (X-axis direction). Further, the thickness d7 of the light guide plate 320 on the flat surface ES1 may be constant in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0146] The thickness d7 of the light guide plate 320 on the flat surface ES1 may be formed to be less than or equal to the thickness d6 of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1. That is, the thickness d7 of the light guide plate 320 on the flat surface ES1 may be less than the thickness d5 of the light guide plate 320 on the lower surface BS1.

[0147] As in this example, when the light guide plate 320 extends to the other side thereof, the light guide plate 320 may have a flat flat surface outside the ramp surface. Thus, the light guide plate 320 may have a flat surface that is flat rather than ramped in a region outside the field of view or viewing angle of the sensor. Accordingly, a more compact light guide plate may be provided. That is, when the angle (acute angle) between the ramp surface and the flat surface of the lower surface remains the same, the maximum thickness (e.g., d5) of the light guide plate 320 may be relatively reduced by having a flat surface as compared to the case of having only a ramp surface.

[0148] [Table 1]

[0149]

[0150] Table 1 shows the thickness of the light guide plate determined according to Figure 10 and Figure 11 each ramp angle θ and the presence or absence of a flat surface in. Here, the ramp angle θ of the reflector for the light emitted from the sensor may be the same as the angle (acute angle) between the ramp surface and the flat surface of the lower surface. Further, the size (e.g., width) of the sensor CM may be 3.5 mm. The size (or width) of the sensor CM may correspond to the length in the direction from one side to the other side of the light guide plate (or the direction from the light source to the light guide plate). Further, the field of view (FOV) may be 53.13°, and the thickness of the light guide plate on the flat surface may be 0.6 mm. Refer to Figure 10As shown in Table 1, it can be seen that the thickness of the light guide plate 320 is reduced because when the ramp angle θ is the same, the light guide plate has a flat surface (or extension). That is, by forming the range outside the field of view (FOV) to be flat, the thickness of the light guide plate can be reduced.

[0151] For example, when comparing Figure 10 of (a) and Figure 10 of (b) with the same ramp angle θ, it can be seen that the thickness TH of the light guide plate is reduced from 10 mm to 5.5 mm. In addition, when comparing Figure 10 of (c) and Figure 10 of (d) with the same ramp angle θ, it can be seen that the thickness TH of the light guide plate is reduced from 5 mm to 3 mm.

[0152] In addition, in the case of having the same structure, it can be seen that as the ramp angle θ increases, the thickness of the light guide plate increases. For example, when comparing Figure 10 of (a) and Figure 10 of (c), it can be seen that as the ramp angle θ increases, the thickness of the light guide plate increases.

[0153] Table 2 shows the transmittance (%) of light with visible wavelength (550 nm) and infrared wavelength (940 nm) according to the incident angle when the reflector is a dichroic filter. Here, the incident angle is the angle at which the light is incident on the dichroic filter.

[0154] [Table 2]

[0155] Wavelength / Incident Angle (°) 0 20 45 70 550 nm 0.03％ 0.09％ 0.05％ 0.37％ 940 nm 97.2％ 91.4％ 75.1％ 48.7％

[0156] As shown in Table 2, it can be seen that even when the incident angle increases, the transmittance of light in the visible band remains less than 1%. That is, the reflectance of the reflector for light in the visible band can be less affected by the incident angle. Alternatively, the transmittance of light in the infrared band may be greatly affected by the increase in the incident angle. Specifically, it can be seen that as the incident angle increases, the transmittance of light with infrared wavelength decreases. Therefore, it can be seen that by having a small incident angle and having an extension (or flat surface), a more compact display device with improved sensing sensitivity through high infrared light transmittance can be provided.

[0157] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 13 is a diagram showing a light guide plate, a reflector, and a first prism in the display device according to the second embodiment.

[0158] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13, the display device according to the second embodiment may include a display panel 100, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. In addition, the backlight unit 300 may further include a first prism PR1. In addition, except for the content described below, the content described in other embodiments may be applied to this embodiment.

[0159] In this embodiment, the light guide plate 320 may have a ramp surface SS1 overlapping with the second display area DA2. In addition, as described above, the light emitted from the light source may be guided in the light guide plate 320 and reflected to the display panel 100 by a reflector 340 provided on the other side of the light guide plate 320.

[0160] The first prism PR1 may be disposed below the ramp surface SS1. In addition, the first prism PR1 may overlap with the ramp surface SS1 in the stacking direction. In addition, the first prism PR1 may be located on the other side of the light guide plate 320. For example, the first prism PR1 may be located between the light guide plate 320 and the support frame G. In addition, the first prism PR1 may be located between the reflector 340 and the ramp surface SS1.

[0161] The first prism PR1 may be emitted from the light source and may support the ramp surface SS1 of the light guide plate 320 and the reflector 340. For example, the ramp surface of the first prism PR1 may be in contact with the reflector 340. In addition, one surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the first prism PR1 may be supported by the bottom cover 410. Therefore, the reliability of the light guide plate 320 can be improved. In addition, since the reflector 340 is surrounded by the first prism PR1, foreign matters, etc. can be prevented from entering the reflector 340 through which light with a long infrared wavelength is transmitted. Therefore, the improved sensing sensitivity can be maintained.

[0162] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to the third embodiment, and Figure 15 is a view showing a light guide plate, a reflector, and a second prism in a display device according to the third embodiment.

[0163] Refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the display device according to the third embodiment may include a display panel 100, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. In addition, the display device or the backlight unit 300 may further include a second prism PR2, a light emitting unit ALD, and a light emitting unit substrate AS. In addition, except for the content described below, the content described in other embodiments may be applied to this embodiment.

[0164] In the light guide plate 320 of the present embodiment, the ramp surface SS1 may not overlap with the upper surface US1 in the stacking direction. In addition, as described above, the light guide plate 320 may have a protruding area extending downward. In addition, the ramp surface SS1 may be located in the protruding area. In addition, since the thickness d8 of the light guide plate 320 may be formed to be smaller below the first display area, miniaturization of the display device can be easily achieved. In addition, even when the incident area of the reflector 340 increases according to the field of view of the sensor CM, an increase in the thickness of the light guide plate 320 can be prevented by the protruding area. In other words, even when the ramp angle of the reflector 340 changes, lightweight and miniaturization can be maintained.

[0165] Corresponding to the protruding area PR, the light guide plate 320 may include an extending surface PS1 extending downward from its lower surface BS1. Due to the presence of the extending surface PS1, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 may increase. For example, the thickness d8 of the light guide plate 320 on the lower surface BS1 may be smaller than the thickness d9 of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1.

[0166] In addition, as the ramp surface SS1 moves toward the other side of the light guide plate 320, the distance between the ramp surface SS1 and the sensor CM in the stacking direction may decrease. In addition, at the ramp surface SS1, the width of the light guide plate 320 may decrease along the stacking direction (or the first direction). In addition, the thickness d9 of the light guide plate 320 below the ramp surface SS1 may decrease toward the other side of the light guide plate 320. For example, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 in the area closest to one side of the light guide plate 320 may be greater than the thickness of the light guide plate 320 in the area closest to the other side of the light guide plate 320. According to the ramp structure of the ramp surface SS1, the reflector 340 provided on the ramp surface SS1 may reflect the light output from the light source to the sensor. As a variant example, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 on the lower surface BS1 may be the same as the thickness of the extending surface PS1.

[0167] In addition, the light emitting unit ALD may perform the same function as the light source. For example, the light emitting unit ALD may emit light of a visible wavelength. In addition, the reflector 340 may reflect the light LG4 emitted from the light emitting unit ALD upward or to the display panel 100. Therefore, the dark area generated in the second display area DA2 can be reduced. In addition, when controlling the light amount of the light emitting unit ALD, the appearance of bright lines, etc. can be suppressed, or the light uniformity between the first display area and the second display area can be improved.

[0168] The light emitting unit ALD may be located on the light emitting unit substrate AS. The light emitting unit substrate AS may be electrically connected to the circuit unit. Therefore, as described below, according to whether the sensor is driven (on / off), a control signal of the light emitting unit ALD may be applied to the light emitting unit substrate.

[0169] The second prism PR2 may be located on the reflector 340. The second prism PR2 may be located between the reflector 340 and the light-emitting unit ALD. In addition, the second prism PR2 may be located between the ramp surface SS1 and the light-emitting unit ALD. The second prism PR2 may surround the reflector 340 above the reflector 340. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress foreign substances and the like from entering the reflector 340 through which light in the infrared band is transmitted and light in the visible wavelength band is reflected. Accordingly, an improved sensing sensitivity can be maintained, and a dark area can be easily reduced.

[0170] Figure 16 is a plan view of a display device according to a modified example, Figure 17 is along Figure 16 sectional view taken along line AA' in Figure 18 is along Figure 16 sectional view taken along line BB' in Figure 19 and is a view showing a light guide plate and a reflector in a display device according to a modified example.

[0171] Referring to Figure 16 , the display device may include a display panel 100, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. Except for the content described below, the content described in other embodiments and the like may be applied to this embodiment. The display device 10 may be divided into an incident light portion ILP adjacent to the light source 310 and a relative incident light portion OILP opposite to the incident light portion ILP. Similarly, one side of the light guide plate adjacent to the light source 310 may correspond to the incident light portion, and the other side away from the light source 310 may correspond to the relative light portion or the relative incident light portion. Accordingly, the amount of light guided or incident on the relative incident light portion is not only the light above the sensor CM located on the other side of the light guide plate, but also the light in the region adjacent to the sensor CM, and may be less than the amount of light in the incident light portion.

[0172] Referring to Figures 17 to 19 , the display device according to the modified example may include a display panel 100, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. In addition, except for the content described below, the content described in other embodiments and the like may be applied to this embodiment.

[0173] The ramp surface SS1 can overlap not only with the second display area overlapping the sensor CM, but also with the area overlapping the relative incident light part of the first display area. For example, the ramp surface SS1 can be located above the entire relative incident light part. That is to say, the ramp surface SS1 can be located in the area except the area overlapping the sensor CM. In addition, the ramp surface SS1 can overlap with the area overlapping the relative incident light parts of the first display area and the second display area. In addition, the reflector 340 can be provided on the ramp surface SS1 and can overlap with the ramp surface SS1. Therefore, the reflector 340 can also be located above the entire relative incident light part. That is to say, the reflector 340 can also be located in the area except the area overlapping the sensor CM. In addition, the reflector 340 can overlap with the area overlapping the relative incident light parts of the first display area and the second display area. With this configuration, even when the amount of light guided to the relative incident light part is small, the light can be reflected to the display panel 100 by the reflector 340. Therefore, the brightness of the entire display panel can be uniform.

[0174] In addition, in order to increase the amount of light provided to the display panel 100, the third adhesive member AD3 and the second reflective sheet RF2 can be provided on the extended surface of the protruding area of the light guide plate 320. As described above, the third adhesive member AD3 and the second reflective sheet RF2 can be located in the area overlapping the relative incident light part. The second reflective sheet RF2 can be formed of a structure and material that cause diffuse reflection. In addition, a bead coating can be applied to the second reflective sheet RF2. In addition, the third adhesive member AD3 can be formed of a material that provides a predetermined haze surface (opacity caused by light diffusion). In addition, at least one of the extended surface and the ramp surface can have various optical patterns for diffusion. Therefore, even when the amount of light guided not only to the second display area but also to the relative incident light part is small, the amount of light output to the display panel 100 overlapping the relative incident light part can be increased. Therefore, since the reduction of the dark area can be effectively achieved, the brightness of the entire display panel can be uniform.

[0175] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another variant example, and Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another variant example.

[0176] Referring to Figure 20 , the display device according to another variant example can include a display panel 100, a circuit part, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. In addition, except for the content described below, the content described in other embodiments and the like can be applied to this embodiment.

[0177] In this example, the display device may include a third reflective sheet RF3 and a fourth adhesive member AD4. The light guide plate 320 may include a lower surface BS1, an upper surface US1, and a ramp surface SS1. In addition, the light guide plate 320 may include an outermost surface OS1 on the other side thereof. The outermost surface OS1 may be connected to the ramp surface SS1 and the upper surface US1. For example, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1 may increase toward the other side of the light guide plate 320. Alternatively, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 may increase toward the relative incident light portion. In addition, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 at the incident light portion may be smaller than the thickness of the light guide plate 320 at the relative incident light portion.

[0178] The third reflective sheet RF3 and the fourth adhesive member AD4 may be located on the outermost surface OS1 of the light guide plate 320. The third reflective sheet RF3 may be formed of a structure and material that cause diffuse reflection. In addition, a bead coating may be applied to the third reflective sheet RF3.

[0179] In addition, the fourth adhesive member AD4 may be formed of a material that provides a predetermined haze surface (opacity caused by light diffusion). In addition, at least one of the ramp surface and the outermost surface OS1 may have various optical patterns for diffusion. Therefore, even when the amount of light guided not only to the second display area but also to the relative incident light portion is small, the amount of light output to the display panel 100 overlapping with the relative incident light portion may increase. Therefore, since the reduction of the dark area can be effectively achieved, the brightness of the entire display panel can be uniform.

[0180] Referring to Figure 21 , the display device according to still another modified example may include a display panel 100, a circuit portion, a backlight unit 300, a sensor CM, and a housing member. In addition, the contents described in other embodiments, etc., may be applied to this embodiment except for the contents described below.

[0181] In this example, the display device may include the third reflective sheet RF3 and the fourth adhesive member AD4 as described above. In addition, the display device may include a fourth reflective sheet RF4 and a fifth adhesive member AD5.

[0182] As described above, the light guide plate 320 may include a lower surface BS1, an upper surface US1, and a ramp surface SS1. In addition, the light guide plate 320 may include a ramp surface SS1 and a flat surface ES1 extending from the ramp surface SS1 to the other side. In addition, the light guide plate 320 may include an outermost surface OS1 on the other side. The flat surface ES1 may be a flat surface such as the upper surface US1 or the lower surface BS1. Therefore, the light guide plate 320 may have a stepped structure that slopes toward the other side thereof. In addition, the outermost surface OS1 may be connected to the ramp surface SS1 and the upper surface US1. For example, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1 may increase toward the other side of the light guide plate 320. Alternatively, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 may increase toward the relative incident light portion. In addition, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 at the incident light portion may be less than the thickness of the light guide plate 320 at the relative incident light portion.

[0183] More specifically, the thickness d10 of the light guide plate 320 on the lower surface BS1 may be less than the thickness d12 of the light guide plate 320 on the flat surface ES1. In addition, the thickness d11 of the light guide plate 320 on the ramp surface SS1 may gradually increase toward the other side or the relative incident light portion (relative light portion). For example, the thickness of the light guide plate 320 in the area closest to one side of the light guide plate 320 may be greater than the thickness of the light guide plate 320 in the area closest to the other side of the light guide plate 320.

[0184] The third reflector RF3 and the fourth adhesive member AD4 may be located on the outermost surface OS1 of the light guide plate 320. The fourth adhesive member AD4 may be located between the light guide plate 320 and the third reflector RF3.

[0185] In addition, the reflector 340 may be provided below the ramp surface SS1 of the light guide plate 320. In addition, the first adhesive member AD1 may be located between the reflector 340 and the ramp surface SS1.

[0186] In addition, the fourth reflector RF4 may be provided on the flat surface ES1 of the light guide plate 320. The fourth reflector RF4 may reflect the light guided downward from the light guide plate 320 within the light guide plate 320 back into the interior of the light guide plate 320. In addition, the fifth adhesive member AD5 may be located between the light guide plate 320 and the fourth reflector RF4. For example, the fifth adhesive member AD5 may be located between the flat surface ES1 and the fourth reflector RF4.

[0187] At least one of the third reflector RF3 and the fourth reflector RF4 may be formed of a structure and material that cause diffuse reflection. In addition, a bead coating may be applied to at least one of the third reflector RF3 and the fourth reflector RF4.

[0188] In addition, at least one of the first adhesive member AD1, the fourth adhesive member AD4, and the fifth adhesive member AD5 may be formed of a material that provides a predetermined haze surface (opacity caused by light diffusion). In addition, at least one of the flat surface, the slope surface, and the outermost surface may have various optical patterns for diffusion. Therefore, even when the amount of light guided not only to the second display area but also to the relative incident light portion is small, the amount of light output to the display panel 100 overlapping with the relative incident light portion can be increased. Therefore, since the reduction of the dark area can be effectively achieved, the brightness of the entire display panel can be uniform.

[0189] According to the embodiment, the imaging area is not externally recognizable, the dark area phenomenon in the area where the sensor is provided can be improved, and the light uniformity can be improved.

[0190] In addition, miniaturization can be achieved by using a narrow border and a reduced thickness.

[0191] In addition, the embodiment can provide a display device that can be easily miniaturized through the extension portion.

[0192] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure but are intended to describe the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted according to the appended claims, and all technical spirits within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0193] The various beneficial advantages and effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and will be more easily understood during the description of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0194] Cross - reference to related applications

[0195] This application claims the priority and benefits of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0197867, filed on December 29, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Backlight unit; A display panel, the display panel is disposed on the backlight unit and includes a first display area and a second display area; as well as A sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged below the second display area, Wherein, the backlight unit comprises: A light guide plate, the light guide plate being arranged below the first display area and the second display area; a light source configured to irradiate light toward the light guide plate; and A reflector is disposed between the second display area and the sensor and reflects incident visible light toward the second display area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Light emitted from the sensor passes through the reflector.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The light emitted from the sensor is emitted to the outside by passing through the display panel, is reflected by an external object, and is received by the sensor.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The sensor includes an infrared camera.

5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an optical sheet disposed on the backlight unit, in, The optical sheet includes an opening corresponding to the second display area.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light source is disposed on one side of the light guide plate, and the reflector is disposed on the other side of the light guide plate facing the one side.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The light guide plate includes a slope surface provided on the other side of the light guide plate, and the reflector is provided on the slope surface.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The slope surface is provided in a region overlapping with the sensor.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The reflector reflects light incident on the light guide plate to the second display area.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The light guide plate includes a flat surface extending from the slope surface to a side opposite to the light source, and the flat surface overlaps the second display area.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The thickness of the light guide plate on the flat surface is smaller than the thickness of the light guide plate on the sloped surface. 12 . The display device according to claim 7 , further comprising a first prism disposed between the slope surface and the sensor.

13. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising a light emitting unit disposed on the other side of the light guide plate, in, The light guide plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface connected to the slope surface, and the slope surface does not overlap the upper surface.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The thickness of the light guide plate in the second display area decreases toward the other side. 15 . The display device according to claim 13 , further comprising a second prism disposed between the slope surface and the display panel.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The second prism is disposed between the reflector and the light emitting unit.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The reflector reflects light output from the light source toward the sensor, and the reflector reflects light output from the light emitting unit toward the display panel.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light guide plate includes a patterned area overlapping the first display area and having a pattern, and a non-patterned area overlapping the second display area.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The reflector reflects light in the visible wavelength band and transmits light in the infrared wavelength band.

20. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The reflector overlaps with an area overlapping with opposite light incident portions of the first display area and the second display area.

Images