Display device and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The display device includes: a display panel; and an optical path control layer disposed on the display panel to control a path of light provided from the display panel, the optical path control layer including: a plurality of horizontal walls arranged in a first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and having a thickness smaller than a height of each of the plurality of horizontal walls; and a light condensing portion disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and disposed on the first transmissive portion, and an upper surface of the light condensing portion is recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0007482, filed on January 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device, and more particularly, to a display device including an optical path control layer and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0004] Display devices are being developed for various devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, and vehicles. Depending on the user environment that requires information protection or according to safety regulations, it has been required to limit the viewing angle of the display device. Therefore, research on the limitation of the viewing angle is underway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments provide a display device capable of improving viewing angle limitation characteristics and increasing front emission efficiency.

[0006] Embodiments also provide a method of manufacturing a display device capable of improving process efficiency.

[0007] However, the embodiments are not limited to those described herein. The above and other embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0008] Embodiments provide a display device including: a display panel; and an optical path control layer disposed on the display panel to control the path of light provided from the display panel, wherein the optical path control layer may include: a plurality of horizontal walls arranged in a first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and having a thickness smaller than the height of each of the plurality of horizontal walls; and a condensing portion disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and on the first transmissive portion, and an upper surface of the condensing portion may be recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

[0009] In an embodiment, each of the first transmissive portion and the condensing portion may have a refractive index of about 1.4 to about 1.5.

[0010] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a second transmissive portion disposed on the condensing portion.

[0011] In an embodiment, the second transmissive portion may have a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first transmissive portion and the refractive index of the condensing portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second transmissive portion may have a refractive index of about 1.55 to about 1.8.

[0013] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a transparent protective film disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and the first transmissive portion and between the plurality of horizontal walls and the display panel, wherein the transparent protective film may include an inorganic film.

[0014] In an embodiment, the transparent protective film may extend to a region between the first transmissive portion and the light condensing portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, a display device may include: a display panel; and an optical path control layer disposed on the display panel to control a path of light provided from the display panel, the optical path control layer may include: a plurality of vertical walls extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of vertical walls; and a light condensing portion disposed between the plurality of vertical walls and on the first transmissive portion, and an upper surface of the light condensing portion may be recessed toward the first transmissive portion or may protrude in a direction opposite to the direction toward the first transmissive portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, each of the first transmissive portion and the light condensing portion may have a refractive index of about 1.4 to about 1.5.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a second transmissive portion disposed on the light condensing portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second transmissive portion may have a refractive index greater than the refractive indices of the first transmissive portion and the light condensing portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second transmissive portion may have a refractive index of about 1.55 to about 1.8.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a first type of light emitting element and a second type of light emitting element spaced apart from the first type of light emitting element in the second direction, the plurality of vertical walls may include: a plurality of first vertical walls not overlapping with the first type of light emitting element and the second type of light emitting element and having a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion; and a plurality of second vertical walls overlapping with the first type of light emitting element and not overlapping with the second type of light emitting element and having a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion, the light condensing portion may be disposed between the plurality of first vertical walls and the plurality of second vertical walls, and an upper surface of the light condensing portion may be recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the light condensing portion may at least partially overlap with the first type of light emitting element and may not overlap with the second type of light emitting element.

[0022] In an embodiment, the light condensing portion may include: a first light condensing portion that at least partially overlaps with the first type of light emitting element and does not overlap with the second type of light emitting element; and a second light condensing portion that overlaps with the first type of light emitting element and the second type of light emitting element.

[0023] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a first type of light emitting element and a second type of light emitting element spaced apart from the first type of light emitting element in a second direction. The plurality of vertical walls may include: a plurality of first vertical walls that do not overlap with the first type of light emitting element and the second type of light emitting element and have a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion; and a plurality of second vertical walls that overlap with the first type of light emitting element and do not overlap with the second type of light emitting element and have the same height as the thickness of the first transmissive portion. The light condensing portion may be disposed between the plurality of first vertical walls, and the upper surface of the light condensing portion may be recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a first type of light emitting element and a second type of light emitting element spaced apart from the first type of light emitting element in a second direction. The light path control layer may further include a second transmissive portion disposed on the light condensing portion. The plurality of vertical walls may include: a plurality of first vertical walls that do not overlap with the first type of light emitting element and the second type of light emitting element and have a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion; and a plurality of second vertical walls that overlap with the first type of light emitting element and do not overlap with the second type of light emitting element and have the same height as the thickness of the first transmissive portion. The light condensing portion may be disposed between the plurality of first vertical walls. The upper surface of the light condensing portion may protrude toward the second transmissive portion, and the refractive index of the light condensing portion may be greater than the refractive index of the second transmissive portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a display device may include: preparing a display panel; forming a first transmissive portion on the display panel, the first transmissive portion including a plurality of grooves extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; forming a plurality of light shielding walls in a region corresponding to the plurality of grooves of the first transmissive portion at a height higher than that of the first transmissive portion; forming a light condensing portion on the first transmissive portion between the plurality of light shielding walls, the light condensing portion including a recessed upper surface recessed toward the first transmissive portion; and forming a second transmissive portion having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first transmissive portion on the light condensing portion. The formation of the plurality of light shielding walls may include: coating a light shielding material on the first transmissive portion to fill the plurality of grooves; and patterning the light shielding material in a region corresponding to the plurality of grooves by a photoresist process or a hard mask patterning process to form the plurality of light shielding walls.

[0026] In an embodiment, the manufacturing method may further include: depositing an inorganic material to form a transparent protective film covering a plurality of grooves of the first transmissive portion and an upper surface of the first transmissive portion.

[0027] In an embodiment, each of the first transmissive portion and the light condensing portion may have a refractive index of about 1.4 to about 1.5, and the second transmissive portion may have a refractive index of about 1.55 to about 1.8. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating an interior of a vehicle provided with a display device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2A is a schematic view illustrating an image viewed from a driver's seat when the display device according to an embodiment is operating in a first mode;

[0031] Figure 2B is a schematic view illustrating an image viewed from a driver's seat when the display device according to an embodiment is operating in a second mode;

[0032] Figure 2C is a schematic view schematically illustrating a viewing angle of an image of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are each a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a first display area according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figures 6A to 6C are each a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a first display area according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a second display area according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figures 8A to 8D are each a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a second display area according to an embodiment; and

[0039] Figures 9A to 9H andFigures 10A to 10E are schematic cross-sectional views each showing a step of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0041] In this description, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms.

[0042] It will be further understood that when used in this description, the terms "comprises" and / or "has" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] In this description, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, or portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly disposed on the other element, directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be disposed therebetween.

[0044] In this description, terms such as "below", "on the lower side", "above", or "on the upper side" may be used to describe the relationship of elements illustrated in the drawings. These terms have relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0045] In this description, the term "disposed on" not only refers to being disposed on the upper part of a member, but also refers to being disposed on the lower part thereof.

[0046] In this description, the term "directly disposed" may mean that there are no additional layers, films, regions, or substrates, etc. between one layer, film, region, or substrate, etc. and another layer, film, region, or substrate, etc. For example, the term "directly disposed" may refer to disposing without using additional members such as adhesive members between two layers or two members.

[0047] In this description, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0048] In this description, it will be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section. Similarly, the second element, component, region, layer, or section may be referred to as the first element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless so defined herein.

[0050] The same reference numerals or symbols refer to the same elements throughout. In the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the elements are exaggerated for effective description of the technical content.

[0051] Hereinafter, a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the interior of a vehicle AM in which a display device DD according to an embodiment is provided. Figure 2A is a schematic view showing images IM1 and IM2 viewed from the driver's seat when the display device DD according to an embodiment is operating in a first mode. Figure 2B is a schematic view showing the image IM1 viewed from the driver's seat when the display device DD according to an embodiment is operating in a second mode. Figure 2C is a schematic view schematically showing the viewing angle AG1 of the image IM1 of the display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , a display device DD according to an embodiment may be provided inside a vehicle AM. The display device DD may be activated in response to an electrical signal. The display device DD may be applied to electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers (e.g., tablet computers or laptop computers), smart watches, and smart TVs. The display device DD may be provided inside the vehicle AM and, thus, may provide various information to a driver US.

[0054] The display device DD can display an image IM on a display surface IS parallel to each of a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display surface IS on which the image IM is displayed can correspond to the front surface of the display device DD. The image IM can include a still image and a moving image. The normal direction of the display surface IS in the thickness direction of the display device DD is represented by a third direction DR3. The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each layer or unit to be described below are distinguished based on the third direction DR3.

[0055] In this description, the first direction DR1 can be referred to as the up-down direction, the second direction DR2 can be referred to as the left-right direction, and the third direction DR3 can be referred to as the thickness direction.

[0056] The display surface IS of the display device DD can be divided into a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA can be an area where the image IM is displayed. A user views the image IM through the display area DA. In this description, the display area DA is illustrated as a rectangular shape. However, this is illustrated as an example, and the display area DA can have various shapes, and the shape is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0057] The non-display area NDA can be adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA can have a selected color. The non-display area NDA can surround the display area DA. Accordingly, the shape of the display area DA can be substantially defined by the non-display area NDA. However, this is illustrated as an example, and the non-display area NDA can also be provided adjacent to only one side of the display area DA and can also be omitted. The display device DD according to an embodiment can include various embodiments and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0058] The display area DA can include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 can be provided at a position facing the driver's seat and can provide a first image IM1 required for driving to the driver US who is driving. The second display area DA2 can be provided at a position facing the passenger seat and can provide a second image IM2. For example, the first image IM1 can display information about speed, vehicle condition, vehicle interior operation, etc., and the second image IM2 can display not only information required for driving such as navigation information but also various information unrelated to driving.

[0059] The display device DD can operate in a first mode or a second mode. In both the first mode and the second mode, the first display area DA1 can have a viewing angle AG1 restricted in the first direction DR1 (e.g., the up-down direction). The second display area DA2 can operate in the first mode and the second mode, and the first mode is at a first viewing angle AG in the second direction DR2 such as the left-right direction (seeFigure 8A ) The normal mode of the display screen, and the second mode is a viewing angle control mode of the display screen with a second viewing angle AG2 smaller than the first viewing angle AG (see Figure 8A ) of the display screen.

[0060] Reference Figure 2A , in the first mode, for the driver US, both the first image IM1 of the first display area DA1 and the second image IM2 of the second display area DA2 can be viewed. The first mode can be operated during the stop. In the first mode, the driver US can also see information that is not required for driving.

[0061] Reference Figure 2B , in the second mode, for the driver US, the first image IM1 of the first display area DA1 can be viewed, and for the driver US, the second image IM2 of the second display area DA2 cannot be viewed. The second mode can be operated while driving. Due to the restricted viewing angle, the driver US can only see the information required for driving and cannot see the information that is not required for driving. Figure 2B As shown in the figure, for the driver US, the entire second display area DA2 cannot be viewed, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a partial area of the second display area DA2 can be viewed and other partial areas cannot be viewed. For example, in the partial area of the second display area DA2 that is adjacent to the first display area DA1, only the information required for driving (such as navigation information) can be seen, and in other partial areas that are separately arranged from the first display area DA1, the information that is not required for driving may not be seen. By controlling the area in which each of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 (see Figure 7 ) and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 (see Figure 7 ) operates, the area of the second display area DA2 visible to the driver US can be controlled in the second mode.

[0062] The display device DD can be selectively operated in the first mode or the second mode. The conversion between the first mode and the second mode can be set by the user or occur during driving or during a stop or when a specific application is running.

[0063] Reference Figure 2C , in both the first mode and the second mode, the first display area DA1 (see Figure 2A ) can have a viewing angle AG1 restricted in the first direction DR1 (for example, the up-down direction). For example, from the first display area DA1 (see Figure 2A) The provided light IM1-L can be invisible at angles exceeding the viewing angle AG1. The path of the light IM1-L provided from the first display area DA1 can be restricted to a first direction DR1 (e.g., the vertical direction), such that the light IM1-L may not reach the windshield WSD of the vehicle AM. Therefore, the reflected light in the case where the light IM1-L provided from the first display area DA1 (see Figure 2A ) reaches the windshield WSD of the vehicle AM may be invisible to the driver US, enabling safety to be ensured or guaranteed.

[0064] Figure 3A And Figure 3B are schematic cross-sectional views each illustrating a display device DD and DDa according to an embodiment.

[0065] Referring to Figure 3A , the display device DD may include a display panel DP and an optical path control layer OSL. A protective film, window, or functional coating providing the front surface of the display device DD may be further provided on the optical path control layer OSL.

[0066] The display panel DP may include a display layer DPL and a sensor layer ISL.

[0067] The display layer DPL may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer CL, a light-emitting element layer EDL, and a packaging layer ENC. The display layer DPL may be a component that substantially generates an image. The display layer DPL may be an emissive display layer, and for example, the display layer DPL may be an organic light-emitting display layer, an inorganic light-emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

[0068] The sensor layer ISL may detect an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be an input of a user. The input of the user may include various types of external inputs such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. The sensor layer ISL may be referred to as a sensor, an input sensing layer, or an input sensing panel. The sensor layer ISL may be formed by a process continuous with the display layer DPL to be provided (e.g., directly provided) on the display layer DPL. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer ISL may also be bonded to the display layer DPL through an adhesive layer.

[0069] The optical path control layer OSL can control the path of light provided from the display layer DPL. The optical path control layer OSL can include a structure for controlling the path of light. The optical path control layer OSL can be disposed on the sensor layer ISL. The optical path control layer OSL can be formed by a process continuous with the display layer DPL and the sensor layer ISL to be disposed (e.g., directly disposed) on the sensor layer ISL. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the optical path control layer OSL can also be bonded to the sensor layer ISL through an adhesive layer.

[0070] Reference Figure 3B , the display device DDa according to an embodiment can include a display layer DPL and an optical path control layer OSL. Compared with Figure 3A that, Figure 3B the display device DDa in can not include a sensor layer ISL (see Figure 3A ). The optical path control layer OSL can be formed by a process continuous with the display layer DPL to be disposed (e.g., directly disposed) on the display layer DPL. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0071] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 , the display device DD can further include a panel driver and a driving controller 100 for driving the display layer DPL. As an example, the panel driver can include a data driving circuit 200 (or data driver), a driving circuit 300, and a voltage generator 400.

[0073] The display layer DPL can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display layer DPL can include pixels PX disposed in the display area DA. Each of the pixels PX can include at least one light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit for controlling the emission of the light-emitting element. The pixel driving circuit can include at least one transistor and at least one capacitor.

[0074] The display layer DPL can further include initialization scan lines GIL1 to GILn, write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn, first emission control lines EML11 to EML1n, second emission control lines EML21 to EML2n, and data lines DL1 to DLm. Here, m and n are natural numbers greater than zero. According to an embodiment, the display layer DPL can further include an additional third emission control line.

[0075] The driving controller 100 can receive an image signal RGB and a control signal CTRL. The driving controller 100 can generate an image data signal DATA converted from the image signal RGB such that its data format conforms to the interface specification of the data driving circuit 200. The driving controller 100 can output a first control signal SCS, a second control signal DCS, and a third control signal VCS.

[0076] The data driving circuit 200 can receive the second control signal DCS and the image data signal DATA from the driving controller 100. The data driving circuit 200 can convert the image data signal DATA into a data signal and can output the data signal through data lines DL1 to DLm. The data signal can be an analog voltage corresponding to the gray value of the image data signal DATA. The data lines DL1 to DLm can be arranged along a second direction DR2, and the data lines DL1 to DLm can each extend along a first direction DR1.

[0077] The driving circuit 300 can be disposed in a non-display area NDA of the display layer DPL, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, at least a part of the driving circuit 300 can also be disposed in the display area DA. The driving circuit 300 can include transistors formed by the same process as that of the pixel driving circuit.

[0078] The driving circuit 300 can receive the first control signal SCS and output a scan signal and an emission control signal by initializing scan lines GIL1 to GILn, write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn, a first emission control line EML11 to EML1n, and a second emission control line EML21 to EML2n.

[0079] A plurality of driving circuits 300 can be provided. For example, the driving circuits 300 can be spaced apart from each other with the display area DA therebetween. The initializing scan lines GIL1 to GILn, the write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, the black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn, the first emission control line EML11 to EML1n, and the second emission control line EML21 to EML2n can each be electrically connected to the driving circuit 300 to receive a signal from the driving circuit 300. For example, one initializing scan line GIL1, one write scan line GWL1, one black scan line GBL1, one first emission control line EML11, and one second emission control line EML21 can each receive the same signal from two driving circuits 300. However, this is only an example, and one of the two driving circuits 300 illustrated Figure 4 can also be omitted.

[0080] The driving circuit 300 may include a scan driving circuit connected to the initialization scan lines GIL1 to GILn, the write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, and the black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn, and a emission control driving circuit connected to the first emission control lines EML11 to EML1n and the second emission control lines EML21 to EML2n. According to an embodiment, the scan driving circuit and the emission control driving circuit may be spaced apart from each other, and the display area DA may be therebetween.

[0081] The initialization scan lines GIL1 to GILn, the write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, the black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn, the first emission control lines EML11 to EML1n, and the second emission control lines EML21 to EML2n may each extend in the second direction DR2, and the initialization scan lines GIL1 to GILn, the write scan lines GWL1 to GWLn, the black scan lines GBL1 to GBLn, the first emission control lines EML11 to EML1n, and the second emission control lines EML21 to EML2n may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0082] The pixels PX may each be electrically connected to three scan lines, two emission control lines, and one data line. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the pixels PX on the first row may be connected to the scan lines GIL1, GWL1, and GBL1, and the first emission control line EML11 and the second emission control line EML21. The pixels PX on the first column may be connected to the data line DL1. For example, the pixels PX on the j-th row may be connected to the scan lines GILj, GWLj, and GBLj, and the first emission control line EML1j and the second emission control line EML2j. Here, j is a natural number greater than zero.

[0083] The voltage generator 400 may generate voltages required for the operation of the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the voltage generator 400 may generate a first driving voltage ELVDD, a second driving voltage ELVSS, a first initialization voltage Vint, and a second initialization voltage Aint.

[0084] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a first display area DA1 (see Figure 1 ) according to an embodiment. Figures 6A to 6C are schematic cross-sectional views each illustrating a part of the first display area DA1 according to an embodiment.

[0085] Figure 5 Illustrates a schematic plan view of a first display area DA1 (see Figure 1 ) according to an embodiment, wherein, viewed from the third direction DR3, including in the display panel DP (see Figure 3A) the light-emitting elements ED1 and ED2 and the horizontal wall (e.g., horizontal partition wall) HSW included in the optical path control layer OSL1 (see Figure 6A ) The optical path control layer OSL1 of the first display area DA1 (see Figure 1 ) can be referred to as the first optical path control layer.

[0086] Refer to Figure 5 , the pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 can be set in the first display area DA1 (see Figure 3A ) of the display panel DP (see Figure 1 ). The pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 can include a first color pixel PX1, a second color pixel PX2, and a third color pixel PX3. The first color pixel PX1 can provide first color light such as red light. The second color pixel PX2 can provide second color light such as green light. The third color pixel PX3 can provide third color light such as blue light.

[0087] The second color pixel PX2 can be separately arranged from the first color pixel PX1 in the first direction DR1. The third color pixel PX3 can be separately arranged from the first color pixel PX1 and the second color pixel PX2 in the second direction DR2. However, the arrangement of the first color pixel to the third color pixel PX1, PX2, and PX3 is not limited to this.

[0088] Figure 5 The figure shows that a single pixel unit PXU1 includes three pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. However, a single pixel unit PXU1 can also include two pixels, or include four or more pixels. For example, Figure 5 The figure shows that the area of the third color pixel PX3 is the largest and the area of the first color pixel PX1 is the smallest, but the embodiments are not limited to this, and the areas of the first color pixel to the third color pixel PX1, PX2, and PX3 can vary. For example, Figure 5 The figure shows that the first color pixel to the third color pixel PX1, PX2, and PX3 are rectangular in a plane (or in a plan view), but the shapes of the first color pixel to the third color pixel PX1, PX2, and PX3 in a plane (or in a plan view) are not limited to this.

[0089] The pixel unit PXU1 may include a first type of light-emitting element ED1 and a second type of light-emitting element ED2. The first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may be alternately arranged along the second direction DR2. The first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may operate differently from each other. For example, both the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may operate, or only one of the two may operate. For example, in the first mode, the first type of light-emitting element ED1 may not operate and only the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may operate, and in the second mode, only the first type of light-emitting element ED1 may operate and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may not operate.

[0090] The first type of light-emitting element ED1 may include a 1-1 type of light-emitting element ED1-1 disposed in the first color pixel PX1, a 1-2 type of light-emitting element ED1-2 disposed in the second color pixel PX2, and a 1-3 type of light-emitting element ED1-3 disposed in the third color pixel PX3. The second type of light-emitting element ED2 may include a 2-1 type of light-emitting element ED2-1 disposed in the first color pixel PX1, a 2-2 type of light-emitting element ED2-2 disposed in the second color pixel PX2, and a 2-3 type of light-emitting element ED2-3 disposed in the third color pixel PX3.

[0091] The 2-1 type of light-emitting element ED2-1 may be separately disposed from the 1-1 type of light-emitting element ED1-1 in the second direction DR2. The 2-2 type of light-emitting element ED2-2 may be separately disposed from the 1-2 type of light-emitting element ED1-2 in the second direction DR2. The 2-3 type of light-emitting element ED2-3 may be separately disposed from the 1-3 type of light-emitting element ED1-3 in the second direction DR2. The 1-2 type of light-emitting element ED1-2 may be separately disposed from the 1-1 type of light-emitting element ED1-1 in the first direction DR1. The 2-2 type of light-emitting element ED2-2 may be separately disposed from the 2-1 type of light-emitting element ED2-1 in the first direction DR1.

[0092] The horizontal walls HSW may be arranged along the first direction DR1. The horizontal walls HSW may each extend along the second direction DR2.

[0093] Reference Figure 6A , the display device DD in the first display area DA1 may include a display panel DP and a first optical path control layer OSL1. The display panel DP may include a display layer DPL and a sensor layer ISL. As described above, the sensor layer ISL may be omitted.

[0094] The display layer DPL may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer CL, a light-emitting element layer EDL, and a packaging layer ENC.

[0095] The base layer BS can be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer CL is disposed. The base layer BS can include a synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer can be a polyimide-based resin layer, and the material is not limited. For example, the base layer BS can include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite substrate, etc.

[0096] The display layer DPL can further include an inorganic layer on the upper surface of the base layer BS. The inorganic layer can include at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer can be formed as a multi-layer. The multi-layer inorganic layer can include a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer.

[0097] The circuit layer CL can be disposed on the base layer BS. A semiconductor pattern can be disposed in the circuit layer CL. The semiconductor pattern can include polysilicon (e.g., low-temperature polysilicon). However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern can include amorphous silicon or an oxide semiconductor. The circuit layer CL can further include an insulating layer. The insulating layer can cover the semiconductor pattern. Some of the insulating layers can be inorganic layers, and the other insulating layers can be organic layers. In the case where the insulating layer is an inorganic layer, the insulating layer can include at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0098] The light-emitting element layer EDL can be disposed on the circuit layer CL. The light-emitting element layer EDL can include a light-emitting element ED. For example, the light-emitting element layer EDL can include an organic light-emitting material, an inorganic light-emitting material, an organic-inorganic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED. Hereinafter, as an example, the light-emitting element ED is described as an organic light-emitting element, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0099] Figure 6A The light-emitting element ED in Figure 5 can correspond to all of the light-emitting elements ED1 and ED2 in

[0100] The light-emitting element ED can include a first electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

[0101] The first electrode AE may be disposed on the circuit layer CL. The first electrode AE may be electrically connected to the semiconductor pattern of the circuit layer CL. The first electrode AE may have electrical conductivity. The first electrode AE may be formed of a metal material, a metal alloy, or a conductive compound. The first electrode AE may be an anode or a cathode. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first electrode AE may be a pixel electrode. The first electrode AE may be a transmissive electrode, a transflective electrode, or a reflective electrode. The first electrode AE may include at least one selected from Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF, Mo, Ti, W, In, Sn, and Zn, a compound of at least two selected therefrom, a mixture of at least two selected therefrom, or an oxide thereof.

[0102] In the case where the first electrode AE is a transmissive electrode, the first electrode AE may include a transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). In the case where the first electrode AE is a transflective electrode or a reflective electrode, the first electrode AE may include Ag, Mg, Cu, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, LiF / Ca (e.g., a stacked structure of LiF and Ca), LiF / Al (e.g., a stacked structure of LiF and Al), Mo, Ti, W, or a compound or a mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg). In another example, the first electrode AE may have a multilayer structure including a reflective film or a transflective film formed of the above materials and a transparent conductive film formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), etc. For example, the first electrode AE may have a three-layer structure of ITO / Ag / ITO, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first electrode AE may include the above metal materials, a combination of at least two metal materials selected from the above metal materials, or an oxide of the above metal materials, etc.

[0103] The light-emitting element layer EDL may include a pixel defining film PDL. The pixel defining film PDL may be disposed on the circuit layer CL and may cover a part of the first electrode AE. The pixel defining film PDL may have an opening OP defined (or formed) therein. The opening OP of the pixel defining film PDL may expose at least a part of the first electrode AE.

[0104] The display area DA (see Figure 1) may include a light-emitting region PXA and a non-light-emitting region NPXA adjacent to the light-emitting region PXA. The non-light-emitting region NPXA may surround the light-emitting region PXA. In an embodiment, the light-emitting region PXA may be defined to correspond to a partial region of the first electrode AE exposed by the opening OP.

[0105] The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening OP. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may be separately formed for each pixel PX. In the case where the light-emitting layer EL is separately formed for each pixel PX, the light-emitting layer EL may each emit light of at least one color among red, green, and blue. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer EL may be integrally formed for each pixel PX to be commonly provided. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may provide blue light, or may also provide white light.

[0106] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE may have an integral shape to be commonly disposed in the pixel PX. The second electrode CE may be a cathode or an anode, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in the case where the first electrode AE is an anode, the second electrode CE may be a cathode, and in the case where the first electrode AE is a cathode, the second electrode CE may be an anode. The material of the second electrode CE may include the materials previously described for the first electrode AE.

[0107] For example, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE and the light-emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light-emitting region PXA and the non-light-emitting region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be disposed between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly provided to the pixel PX using an open mask.

[0108] The encapsulation layer ENC may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer EDL. The encapsulation layer ENC may include an inorganic layer INL1, an organic layer OL, and an inorganic layer INL2 stacked in sequence, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer ENC are not limited thereto.

[0109] The inorganic layers INL1 and INL2 may protect the light-emitting element layer EDL from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer OL may protect the light-emitting element layer EDL from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic layers INL1 and INL2 may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, etc. The organic layer OL may include an acrylate-based organic material and is not limited thereto.

[0110] The sensor layer ISL may include at least one conductive layer and at least one insulating layer.

[0111] The conductive layer may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The single-layer conductive layer may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). For example, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc. The multi-layer conductive layer may include a metal layer. The metal layer may have a three-layer structure such as titanium / aluminum / titanium, for example. The multi-layer conductive layer may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0112] The insulating layer may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The insulating layer may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least any one of acrylate resins, methacrylate resins, polyisoprene resins, ethylene resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, cellulose resins, silicone resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins.

[0113] The first optical path control layer OSL1 may include a horizontal wall HSW, a first transmission portion TRP1 disposed between the horizontal walls HSW, a condensing portion LEN1 disposed on the first transmission portion TRP1, and a second transmission portion TRP2 disposed on the condensing portion LEN1. The first optical path control layer OSL1 may be disposed on the display panel DP of the first display area DA1.

[0114] In the first display area DA1, the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may overlap with the horizontal wall HSW in a plane (or in a plan view). Figure 5 The first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 in Figure 6A may correspond to the light-emitting element ED in Figure 6A . When, as shown in Figure 1 , the light-emitting element ED overlaps with the horizontal wall HSW, the viewing angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting element ED may be restricted in the first direction DR1. For example, with the third direction DR3 as a reference (0°), at an angle exceeding the viewing angle in the first direction DR1, the image IM1 (see ) of the first display area DA1 (see Figure 1 ) may be invisible. Therefore, as previously described with reference to Figure 2C , it is possible to prevent the light IM1-L (see ) emitted from the first display area DA1 (see Figure 1 ) from being visible in the vehicle AM (see Figure 2C )Figure 2C )'s windshield WSD (see Figure 2C ) is reflected, and thereby prevents it from being visible to the driver US (see Figure 1 ).

[0115] The horizontal wall HSW may include a light-absorbing material or a light-shielding material. The light incident on the horizontal wall HSW may be absorbed by the horizontal wall HSW. A part of the light incident on the horizontal wall HSW may not be absorbed and may be reflected.

[0116] The height HSW-HT, width HSW_WD, and distance HSW-SP of the horizontal wall may each vary according to the required pixels per inch (ppi) or the required viewing angle.

[0117] The first transmissive portion TRP1 may be disposed between the horizontal walls HSW. The thickness TRP1-TK of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may be less than the height HSW-HT of the horizontal wall HSW. The thickness TRP1-TK of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may refer to the length of the first transmissive portion TRP1 in the third direction DR3. The height HSW-HT of the horizontal wall HSW may refer to the length of the horizontal wall HSW in the third direction DR3. The lower surface of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may be disposed on the same flat surface as the flat surface on which the lower surface of the horizontal wall HSW is disposed. The upper surface of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may be disposed on a flat surface different from the flat surface on which the upper surface HSW-US of the horizontal wall HSW is disposed. The horizontal wall HSW may be disposed to protrude in the third direction DR3 with respect to the upper surface of the first transmissive portion TRP1. The portion of the side surface HSW-SS of the horizontal wall HSW that protrudes in the third direction DR3 more than the upper surface TRP1-US of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may not be covered by the first transmissive portion TRP1 and may be exposed. The upper surface HSW-US of the horizontal wall HSW may not be covered by the first transmissive portion TRP1 and may be exposed.

[0118] The first transmissive portion TRP1 may include a transparent organic material. The first transmissive portion TRP1 may be transparent in the visible light region. The light provided from the display panel DP may pass through the first transmissive portion TRP1.

[0119] The first transmissive portion TRP1 may have a low refractive index. For example, the refractive index of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may be in the range of about 1.4 to about 1.5.

[0120] The condensing portion LEN1 may be disposed on the first transmissive portion TRP1. The condensing portion LEN1 may cover the upper surface TRP1-US of the first transmissive portion TRP1. The lower surface LEN1-LS of the condensing portion LEN1 may correspond to the upper surface TRP1-US of the first transmissive portion TRP1. The upper surface LEN1-US of the condensing portion LEN1 may have a curvature. The upper surface LEN1-US of the condensing portion LEN1 may be concave (or recessed) in the direction toward the first transmissive portion TRP1. For example, the upper surface LEN1-US of the condensing portion LEN1 may be concave (or recessed) in the third direction DR3.

[0121] Since the upper surface LEN1-US of the condensing portion LEN1 has a concave shape, the light incident on the second transmissive portion TRP2 from the condensing portion LEN1 may be refracted in the third direction DR3 at the boundary surface between the condensing portion LEN1 and the second transmissive portion TRP2 having a high refractive index to be described later, thereby having a condensing effect. Accordingly, the viewing angle limitation characteristics and the front emission efficiency of the first display area DA1 can be improved. For example, the front may mean the direction facing the driver US (see Figure 1 ). For example, the front emission efficiency may mean the emission efficiency in the third direction DR3.

[0122] The condensing portion LEN1 may be disposed between the horizontal walls HSW. The condensing portion LEN1 may be disposed (e.g., directly disposed) by covering the portion of the side surface HSW-SS of the horizontal wall HSW that protrudes from the first transmissive portion TRP1 and is thus exposed and not covered by the first transmissive portion TRP1. Figure 6A The figure shows that the condensing portion LEN1 is not disposed on the upper surface HSW-US of the horizontal wall HSW, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the condensing portion LEN1 may also be disposed by covering the upper surface HSW-US of the horizontal wall HSW.

[0123] The condensing portion LEN1 may include a transparent organic material. The condensing portion LEN1 may be transparent in the visible light region. The light provided from the display panel DP may pass through the condensing portion LEN1.

[0124] The light condensing portion LEN1 may have a low refractive index. For example, the refractive index of the light condensing portion LEN1 may be in the range of about 1.4 to about 1.5. The light condensing portion LEN1 and the first transmission portion TRP1 may have similar refractive indices or the same refractive index. Since the light condensing portion LEN1 and the first transmission portion TRP1 have similar refractive indices, the light incident on the light condensing portion LEN1 from the first transmission portion TRP1 can travel without refraction at the boundary surface between the first transmission portion TRP1 and the light condensing portion LEN1. The light condensing portion LEN1 provided in the first display area DA1 may also be referred to as the first light condensing portion.

[0125] The second transmission portion TRP2 may be provided on the light condensing portion LEN1. The second transmission portion TRP2 may be provided to fill a groove defined by the curved upper surface LEN1-US of the light condensing portion LEN1.

[0126] The second transmission portion TRP2 may include a transparent organic material. The second transmission portion TRP2 may be transparent in the visible light region. The light provided by the display panel DP can pass through the second transmission portion TRP2.

[0127] The second transmission portion TRP2 may have a high refractive index. The refractive index of the second transmission portion TRP2 may be greater than the refractive index of the first transmission portion TRP1 and the refractive index of the light condensing portion LEN1. For example, the refractive index of the second transmission portion TRP2 may be in the range of about 1.55 to about 1.8.

[0128] Since the second transmission portion TRP2 has a refractive index greater than that of the light condensing portion LEN1, the light incident on the second transmission portion TRP2 from the light condensing portion LEN1 can be refracted at the boundary surface between the light condensing portion LEN1 and the second transmission portion TRP2, so as to have a light condensing effect in the third direction DR3. Accordingly, the viewing angle limitation characteristics and the front emission efficiency of the first display area DA1 can be improved.

[0129] Previously referred to Figure 6A The content described can also be applied to the following Figure 6B and Figure 6C .

[0130] Refer to Figure 6B, according to an embodiment, the first optical path control layer OSL1 may further include a transparent protective layer TPL. The transparent protective layer TPL may be disposed between the horizontal wall HSW and the first transmissive portion TRP1, and between the light condensing portion LEN1 and the first transmissive portion TRP1. For example, the transparent protective layer TPL may be disposed (e.g., directly disposed) by covering the upper surface and the side surface of the first transmissive portion TRP1. The transparent protective layer TPL may also be disposed between the display panel DP and the horizontal wall HSW.

[0131] The transparent protective layer TPL may include a transparent material. The transparent protective layer TPL may include an inorganic material. For example, the transparent protective layer TPL may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO y ) and / or a transparent conductive oxide.

[0132] Reference Figure 6C , according to an embodiment, the first optical path control layer OSL1 may further include a transparent protective layer TPL. Different from Figure 6B , the transparent protective layer TPL may be disposed between the horizontal wall HSW and the first transmissive portion TRP1, and between the display panel DP and the horizontal wall HSW, and may not be disposed between the light condensing portion LEN1 and the first transmissive portion TRP1. The transparent protective layer TPL may extend from the region between the first transmissive portion TRP1 and the horizontal wall HSW to the region between the light condensing portion LEN1 and the horizontal wall HSW. Accordingly, a portion of the light condensing portion LEN1 may be disposed in contact with (e.g., directly disposed on) the side surface of the horizontal wall HSW, and a portion of the light condensing portion LEN1 may be disposed on the side surface of the horizontal wall HSW with the transparent protective layer TPL therebetween.

[0133] Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a second display area DA2 according to an embodiment (see Figure 1 ). Figures 8A to 8D are schematic cross-sectional views each illustrating a part of a second display area DA2 according to an embodiment.

[0134] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic plan view of a second display area DA2 according to an embodiment (see Figure 1 ), in which light emitting elements ED1 and ED2 included in a display panel DP (see Figure 3A ) and a vertical wall (e.g., a vertical partition wall) VSW included in an optical path control layer OSL2 (see Figure 8A ) are viewed from a third direction DR3. The optical path control layer OSL2 of the second display area DA2 (see Figure 1 ) may be referred to as a second optical path control layer.

[0135] The pixel units PXU2 of the second display area DA2 may include first to third color pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. The description of the first to third color pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 of the first display area DA1 (see Figure 5 ) described previously may be applied to the first to third color pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. Figure 5 ) may be applied to the first to third color pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3.

[0136] The pixel unit PXU2 may include a first type of light-emitting element ED1 and a second type of light-emitting element ED2, and the description in Figure 5 may be applied to the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2.

[0137] The vertical wall VSW may be arranged along the second direction DR2. The vertical wall VSW may extend along the first direction DR1.

[0138] The display device DD of the second display area DA2 may include a display panel DP and a second optical path control layer OSL2. The content described in Figure 6A may be applied to the display panel DP.

[0139] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8A , the second optical path control layer OSL2 may include a vertical wall VSW, a first transmission portion TRP1 disposed between the vertical walls VSW, a condensing portion LEN2-1 disposed on the first transmission portion TRP1, and a second transmission portion TRP2 disposed on the condensing portion LEN2-1. The second optical path control layer OSL2 may further include a third transmission portion TRP3 disposed on the first transmission portion TRP1. The second optical path control layer OSL2 may be disposed on the display panel DP of the second display area DA2. The vertical wall VSW may extend along the first direction DR1 and be arranged along the second direction DR2.

[0140] In the second display area DA2, the first type of light-emitting element ED1 may overlap the vertical wall VSW in a plane (or in a plan view), and the second type of light-emitting element ED2 may not overlap the vertical wall VSW in a plane (or in a plan view).

[0141] The vertical wall VSW may include a first vertical wall (e.g., a first vertical partition wall) VSW1 overlapping with the pixel defining film PDL and a second vertical wall (e.g., a second vertical partition wall) VSW2 overlapping with the first type of light-emitting element ED1.

[0142] When viewed from the driver's seat, the viewing angle AG2 of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 in the second direction DR2 can be smaller than the viewing angle AG of the second type of light-emitting element ED2 in the second direction DR2. Since the vertical wall VSW is not provided on the second type of light-emitting element ED2, the light provided from the second type of light-emitting element ED2 can have the first viewing angle AG.

[0143] Since the first vertical wall VSW1 is provided on the pixel-defining film PDL adjacent to the first display area DA1 among the pixel-defining films PDL adjacent to the first type of light-emitting element ED1, and the second vertical wall VSW2 is provided on the first type of light-emitting element ED1, the light provided from the first type of light-emitting element ED1 can have a second viewing angle AG2 smaller than the first viewing angle AG.

[0144] In the first mode, the second type of light-emitting element ED2 can operate and have a wide viewing angle AG in the second direction DR2. Therefore, as Figure 2A shown, the image IM2 of the second display area DA2 can be viewed from the driver's seat (see Figure 2A ). In the first mode, the first type of light-emitting element ED1 can operate or may not operate.

[0145] In the case of operating in the second mode, the second type of light-emitting element ED2 can be inoperative, and only the first type of light-emitting element ED1 can operate and thus can have a narrow viewing angle AG2 in the second direction DR2. Therefore, as Figure 2B shown, the image IM2 of the second display area DA2 cannot be viewed from the driver's seat.

[0146] Figures 7 to 8D The figure shows that the first vertical wall VSW1 is arranged on the plane (or in the plan view) in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 with respect to the first type of light-emitting element ED1. For example, the viewing angle AG2 of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 can be restricted, and in the case where only the first type of light-emitting element ED1 operates, the image IM2 of the second display area DA2 can be invisible to the driver US (see Figure 1 ).

[0147] However, according to the embodiment, the arrangement of the first vertical wall VSW1 on the plane (or in the plan view) is not limited thereto. For example, in the case where the driver's seat is on the right side, different from Figure 1 shown, the first vertical wall VSW1 can be arranged in the second direction DR2 with respect to the first type of light-emitting element ED1. Therefore, the second type of light-emitting element ED2 can be arranged in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 with respect to the first type of light-emitting element ED1.

[0148] In reference Figures 7 to 8DWhen describing, the meaning that the viewing angle is limited in the second direction DR2 may include the meaning that the viewing angle is limited in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2.

[0149] The vertical wall VSW may include a light-absorbing material or a light-shielding material. Light incident on the vertical wall VSW can be absorbed by the vertical wall VSW. A part of the light incident on the vertical wall VSW may not be absorbed and may be reflected.

[0150] The heights VSW1-HT and VSW2-HT, widths VSW1-WD and VSW2-WD, and the distance VSW-SP of the vertical walls VSW1 and VSW2 can each vary according to the required pixels per inch (ppi) or the viewing angle AG2 of the required first type of light-emitting element ED1. For example, the distance VSW-SP may refer to the narrow distance VSW-SP among the distances between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2.

[0151] The first transmissive portion TRP1 can be disposed between the vertical walls VSW. Except that the first transmissive portion TRP1 is disposed between the vertical walls VSW, the previous description of the first transmissive portion TRP1 in Figure 6A can be applied to the first transmissive portion TRP1 disposed in the second display area DA2.

[0152] The light condensing portion LEN2-1 can be disposed on the first transmissive portion TRP1. The light condensing portion LEN2-1 can be disposed in a narrow area among the areas between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. The light condensing portion LEN2-1 disposed in the narrow area among the areas between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2 can be referred to as the 2-1 light condensing portion. In a plane (or in a plan view), the narrow area among the areas between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2 may correspond to the area that at least partially overlaps with the first type of light-emitting element ED1. In a plane (or in a plan view), at least a part of the 2-1 light condensing portion LEN2-1 may overlap with the first type of light-emitting element ED1.

[0153] Reference Figure 6A to the previous description of the first light condensing portion LEN1 can be applied to the 2-1 light condensing portion LEN2-1.

[0154] The third transmissive portion TRP3 may be disposed on the first transmissive portion TRP1. The third transmissive portion TRP3 may be disposed in a wide region among regions between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. In a plane (or in a plan view), the wide region among regions between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2 may correspond to a region overlapping with each of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2. In a plane (or in a plan view), at least a portion of the third transmissive portion TRP3 may overlap with the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2. The third transmissive portion TRP3 and the 2-1 condensing portion LEN2-1 may include the same material.

[0155] The second transmissive portion TRP2 may be disposed on the 2-1 condensing portion LEN2-1 and the third transmissive portion TRP3. The content described in the previous reference Figure 6A may be applied to the second transmissive portion TRP2.

[0156] Reference Figure 8B , the second optical path control layer OSL2 may include the 2-1 condensing portion LEN2-1 and the 2-2 condensing portion LEN2-2 disposed on the first transmissive portion TRP1.

[0157] The 2-1 condensing portion LEN2-1 may be disposed in a narrow region among regions between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. In a plane (or in a plan view), at least a portion of the 2-1 condensing portion LEN2-1 may overlap with the first type of light-emitting element ED1.

[0158] The 2-2 condensing portion LEN2-2 may be disposed in a wide region among regions between the first vertical wall VSW1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. Different from Figure 8A , the 2-2 condensing portion LEN2-2 may be disposed in the region where the third transmissive portion TRP3 is disposed. In a plane (or in a plan view), at least a portion of the 2-2 condensing portion LEN2-2 may overlap with each of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2.

[0159] Reference Figure 6A to the previous description of the first condensing portion LEN1 may be applied to the 2-2 condensing portion LEN2-2.

[0160] Reference Figure 8C , the second optical path control layer OSL2 may include a third condensing portion LEN3. The third condensing portion LEN3 may be disposed between the first vertical walls VSW1.

[0161] The height of the first vertical wall VSW1 and the height of the second vertical wall VSW2 may be different from each other. The height of the second vertical wall VSW2 and the thickness of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may be the same as each other.

[0162] The third condensing portion LEN3 may be disposed on the first transmissive portion TRP1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. The third condensing portion LEN3 may be disposed (e.g., directly disposed) on the upper surfaces of the first transmissive portion TRP1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. In a plane (or in a plan view), the third condensing portion LEN3 may overlap with each of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2.

[0163] The upper surface of the third condensing portion LEN3 may be recessed (or indented) in the direction toward the first transmissive portion TRP1. For example, the previous description of the first condensing portion LEN1 with reference to Figure 6A may be applied to the third condensing portion LEN3.

[0164] With reference to Figure 8D , the second optical path control layer OLS2 may include a fourth condensing portion LEN4. The fourth condensing portion LEN4 may be disposed between the first vertical walls VSW1.

[0165] The height of the first vertical wall VSW1 and the height of the second vertical wall VSW2 may be different from each other. The height of the second vertical wall VSW2 and the thickness of the first transmissive portion TRP1 may be the same as each other.

[0166] The fourth condensing portion LEN4 may be disposed on the first transmissive portion TRP1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. The fourth condensing portion LEN4 may be disposed (e.g., directly disposed) on the upper surfaces of the first transmissive portion TRP1 and the second vertical wall VSW2. In a plane (or in a plan view), the fourth condensing portion LEN4 may overlap with each of the first type of light-emitting element ED1 and the second type of light-emitting element ED2.

[0167] The upper surface of the fourth condensing portion LEN4 may protrude in the direction toward the second transmissive portion TRP2. In the case where, as shown in Figure 8D , the second optical path control layer OSL2 includes the fourth condensing portion LEN4 having an upper surface that protrudes in the direction toward the second transmissive portion TRP2, the refractive index of the fourth condensing portion LEN4 may be greater than the refractive index of the second transmissive portion TRP2. The light incident on the second transmissive portion TRP2 from the fourth condensing portion LEN4 may be refracted in the third direction DR3 at the boundary surface between the fourth condensing portion LEN4 and the second transmissive portion TRP2, thereby having a condensing effect. Accordingly, the viewing angle limitation characteristics and the front emission efficiency of the second display region DA2 can be improved.

[0168] Figures 9A to 9H And Figures 10A to 10E are schematic cross-sectional views each showing a step of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0169] In Figures 9A to 9H and Figures 10A to 10E the display panel DP included in the display device is omitted (see Figure 3A ), and each step of manufacturing an optical path control layer OSL (see Figure 3A ) to be formed on the display panel is shown.

[0170] The method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment may include preparing a display panel, forming a first transmissive portion, forming a light-shielding wall (e.g., a light-shielding partition wall), forming a condensing portion, and forming a second transmissive portion.

[0171] Figure 9A shows forming a preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1 on the display panel. For convenience of description, the display panel is omitted. The content described with reference to Figures 3A to 8D can be applied to the display panel. The preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1 can be formed by coating and curing a transparent organic material. The preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1 can be formed by an inkjet coating process.

[0172] Figures 9B to 9D shows the step of forming a first transmissive portion TRP1 including grooves in the preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1. The grooves can extend in one direction and can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to this direction.

[0173] The step of forming the first transmissive portion TRP1 may include forming a hard mask on the entire upper surface of the preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1, patterning the hard mask by patterning a photoresist PR on the hard mask, etching the preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1 provided with the patterned hard mask HM-P to form grooves, and removing the patterned hard mask HM-P.

[0174] Figure 9B shows the state of patterning the hard mask on the preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1. Figure 9C shows the first transmissive portion TRP1 having grooves formed by etching the preliminary first transmissive portion P-TRP1 provided with the patterned hard mask HM-P. Figure 9D shows the first transmissive portion TRP1 from which the patterned hard mask HM-P has been removed.

[0175] Figure 9E And Figure 9FFIG. 2 shows a step of forming the light shielding wall SW. The light shielding wall SW may be formed in a region corresponding to the groove formed in the first transmission portion TRP1. The light shielding wall SW may be formed in a region corresponding to the groove formed in the first transmission portion TRP1. Figures 6A to 6C and Figures 8A to 8D The horizontal wall HSW described (see Figure 5 ) and vertical wall VSW (see Figure 7 ) and they will be collectively referred to and described as the light-shielding wall SW.

[0176] The step of forming the light shielding wall SW may include coating a light shielding material BM on the first transmission portion TRP1 to fill the groove of the first transmission portion TRP1 and patterning the light shielding wall SW.

[0177] Figure 9E The figure illustrates a state in which a light shielding material BM is coated on the first transmission portion TRP1. The light shielding material BM may fill the groove defined in the first transmission portion TRP1 to cover the upper surface of the first transmission portion TRP1.

[0178] Figure 9F The figure shows a state where the light shielding material BM is patterned to form the light shielding wall SW. The light shielding material BM may be patterned by a photoresist process or by a hard mask after patterning. The light shielding material BM in the area corresponding to the groove defined in the first transmission part TRP1 may be retained, and the light shielding material BM in other areas may be removed, and thus, the light shielding wall SW may be formed to be higher than the thickness of the first transmission part TRP1. For example, the light shielding wall SW may protrude from the first transmission part TRP1 in the thickness direction.

[0179] Figure 9G The figure shows the steps of forming the light collecting portion LEN. The light collecting portion LEN may be formed by slit coating a transparent organic material. Since the light shielding wall SW protrudes more than the first transmission portion TRP1, the light collecting portion LEN may be formed to have a concave upper surface that is concave in a direction toward the first transmission portion TRP1 when a small amount of organic material is slit coated and cured.

[0180] Figure 9H The figure shows a step of forming the second transmission part TRP2. The second transmission part TRP2 may be formed by coating and curing a transparent organic material on the light collecting part LEN. The refractive index of the second transmission part TRP2 may be greater than the refractive index of the first transmission part TRP1. The refractive index of the second transmission part TRP2 may be greater than the refractive index of the light collecting part LEN.

[0181] Figures 10A to 10E The diagram shows Figure 9E and Figure 9F Another manufacturing method of the step of forming the light shielding wall SW.

[0182] Figure 10A The figure shows that a transparent protective film TPL is formed on a first transmissive portion TRP1. The transparent protective film TPL can be deposited by covering a groove defined in the first transmissive portion TRP1 and the upper surface of the first transmissive portion TRP1. The transparent protective film TPL can be deposited by sputtering of an inorganic material or chemical vapor deposition. For example, the transparent protective film TPL can include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or a transparent conductive oxide.

[0183] Figure 10B The figure shows the step of coating a light-shielding material BM as Figure 9E shown. The light-shielding material BM can be coated on the transparent protective film TPL.

[0184] Figures 10C to 10E The figure shows the patterning of the light-shielding material BM. Figure 10C The figure shows the formation of a hard mask HM on the light-shielding material BM. Figure 10D The figure shows the formation of a patterned hard mask HM-P by patterning the hard mask HM. Figure 10E The figure shows the etching of the light-shielding material BM to form a light-shielding wall SW.

[0185] Thereafter, the patterned hard mask HM-P can be removed, and a light condensing portion LEN and a second transmissive portion TRP2 can be formed as described previously with reference to Figure 9G and Figure 9H .

[0186] In the method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment, a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is unnecessary, so that the process can be simplified and the cost can be reduced, thereby improving the process efficiency. For example, by the method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment, a display device having improved viewing angle limitation characteristics and increased front emission efficiency can be manufactured.

[0187] Due to the light condensing effect, the display device according to an embodiment can have improved viewing angle limitation characteristics and increased front emission efficiency.

[0188] In the method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment, the process can be simplified and the cost can be reduced, thereby improving the process efficiency.

[0189] At the end of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without materially departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel; And An optical path control layer disposed on the display panel to control the path of light provided from the display panel, wherein, The optical path control layer includes: A plurality of horizontal walls arranged in a first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A first transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and having a thickness smaller than the height of each of the plurality of horizontal walls; and A condensing portion disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and disposed on the first transmissive portion, and An upper surface of the condensing portion is recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first transmissive portion and the condensing portion has a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.

5.

3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second transmissive portion disposed on the condensing portion.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The second transmissive portion has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first transmissive portion and the refractive index of the condensing portion.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The second transmissive portion has a refractive index of 1.55 to 1.

8.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A transparent protective film disposed between the plurality of horizontal walls and the first transmissive portion and between the plurality of horizontal walls and the display panel, Wherein the transparent protective film includes an inorganic film.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The transparent protective film extends to an area between the first transmissive portion and the condensing portion.

8. A display device, comprising: A display panel; And An optical path control layer disposed on the display panel to control the path of light provided from the display panel, wherein, The optical path control layer includes: A plurality of vertical walls extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A first transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of vertical walls; and A condensing portion disposed between the plurality of vertical walls and disposed on the first transmissive portion, and An upper surface of the condensing portion is recessed toward the first transmissive portion or protrudes in a direction opposite to the direction toward the first transmissive portion.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the first transmissive portion and the condensing portion has a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.

5.

10. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: A second transmissive portion disposed on the condensing portion.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The second transmissive portion has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first transmissive portion and the refractive index of the condensing portion.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The second transmissive portion has a refractive index of 1.55 to 1.

8.

13. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The display panel includes a first type of light-emitting element and a second type of light-emitting element spaced apart from the first type of light-emitting element in the second direction, The plurality of vertical walls include: A plurality of first vertical walls that do not overlap with the first type of light-emitting element and the second type of light-emitting element and have a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion; and A plurality of second vertical walls, overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and not overlapping with the second type of light-emitting elements, and having a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion. The condensing portion is disposed between the plurality of first vertical walls and the plurality of second vertical walls, and The upper surface of the condensing portion is recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The condensing portion at least partially overlaps with the first type of light-emitting elements and does not overlap with the second type of light-emitting elements.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The condensing portion includes: A first condensing portion, at least partially overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and not overlapping with the second type of light-emitting elements; and A second condensing portion, overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and the second type of light-emitting elements.

16. The display device according to claim 8, wherein The display panel includes a first type of light-emitting elements and a second type of light-emitting elements spaced apart from the first type of light-emitting elements in the second direction, The plurality of vertical walls includes: A plurality of first vertical walls, not overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and the second type of light-emitting elements, and having a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion; and A plurality of second vertical walls, overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and not overlapping with the second type of light-emitting elements, and having a height equal to the thickness of the first transmissive portion, The condensing portion is disposed between the plurality of first vertical walls, and The upper surface of the condensing portion is recessed toward the first transmissive portion.

17. The display device according to claim 8, wherein The display panel includes a first type of light-emitting elements and a second type of light-emitting elements spaced apart from the first type of light-emitting elements in the second direction, The light path control layer further includes a second transmissive portion disposed on the condensing portion, The plurality of vertical walls includes: A plurality of first vertical walls, not overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and the second type of light-emitting elements, and having a height greater than the thickness of the first transmissive portion; and A plurality of second vertical walls, overlapping with the first type of light-emitting elements and not overlapping with the second type of light-emitting elements, and having a height equal to the thickness of the first transmissive portion, The condensing portion is disposed between the plurality of first vertical walls, The upper surface of the condensing portion protrudes toward the second transmissive portion, and The refractive index of the condensing portion is greater than the refractive index of the second transmissive portion.

18. A method for manufacturing a display device, the manufacturing method including: Preparing a display panel; Forming a first transmissive portion on the display panel, the first transmissive portion including a plurality of grooves extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Forming a plurality of light-shielding walls in a region corresponding to the plurality of grooves of the first transmissive portion at a height higher than that of the first transmissive portion; Forming a condensing portion on the first transmissive portion between the plurality of light-shielding walls, the condensing portion including a concave upper surface recessed toward the first transmissive portion; And A second transmissive portion having a refractive index greater than that of the first transmissive portion is formed on the condensing portion, wherein, The formation of the plurality of light-shielding walls includes: Coating a light-shielding material on the first transmissive portion to fill the plurality of grooves; and Patterning the light-shielding material in the regions corresponding to the plurality of grooves by a photoresist process or a hard mask patterning process to form the plurality of light-shielding walls.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, further comprising: Depositing an inorganic material to form a transparent protective film covering the plurality of grooves of the first transmissive portion and the upper surface of the first transmissive portion.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein, Each of the first transmissive portion and the condensing portion has a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.5, and The second transmissive portion has a refractive index of 1.55 to 1.8.

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