Display device

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of color filters and a black matrix between the plurality of color filters; a backlight unit disposed below the display panel; and a light shutter disposed in any one of a region between the backlight unit and the display panel, an inner side of the display panel, and an upper portion of the display panel, and including a plurality of shutter structures. Each of the plurality of shutter structures includes a dispersion including a first portion overlapping the plurality of color filters, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third portion extending from the second portion and overlapping the black matrix, a plurality of black particles dispersed in the dispersion, and a plurality of transparent particles dispersed in the dispersion. Accordingly, the light shutter blocking light is used to minimize or reduce light leakage and improve the contrast of the display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus, and more particularly to, for example but not limited to, a display device, and more specifically, to a display device including an optical shutter. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are widely used due to their lightweight, thinness, and low power consumption. LCDs display images by adjusting the transmittance of liquid crystals using an electric field. To this end, an LCD device can display a desired image on the screen by adjusting the transmittance based on the liquid crystals arranged in a matrix and image signals applied to multiple control switches. Since LCD devices are not self-emissive display devices, they are equipped with a backlight unit that provides light to the rear surface of the display panel.

[0003] Furthermore, the liquid crystal alignment and electric field application methods of liquid crystal display devices can be configured in various ways, such as twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS) methods. In this case, the IPS method involves setting the liquid crystal to be horizontal with the substrate and controlling the liquid crystal using a horizontal electric field, resulting in excellent viewing angle characteristics and color quality, and stability for touch input.

[0004] The descriptions provided in the discussion of the Related Art section should not be considered prior art merely because they are mentioned in or associated with that section. The discussion of the Related Art section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject art, and the descriptions in that section do not limit this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors of this disclosure recognized that the IPS method suffers from low contrast due to light leakage when representing black.

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device with improved black level display quality.

[0007] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that improves light leakage to enhance contrast.

[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device in which light passing through an optical shutter is collected and emitted to minimize or reduce brightness degradation caused by the optical shutter.

[0009] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device in which the black particles of the shutter structure are not affected by the surrounding control electrodes.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing objectives, and other objectives not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of color filters and a black background between the plurality of color filters; a backlight unit disposed below the display panel; and a light shutter disposed in any one of a region between the backlight unit and the display panel, an inner side of the display panel, and an upper portion of the display panel, wherein the light shutter includes a plurality of shutter structures. Each of the plurality of shutter structures includes a dispersion body, a plurality of black particles dispersed in the dispersion body, and a plurality of transparent particles dispersed in the dispersion body. The dispersion body includes a first portion overlapping the plurality of color filters, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third portion extending from the second portion and overlapping the black background. Therefore, the light-blocking light shutter is used to minimize or reduce light leakage and improve the contrast of the display device.

[0012] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] According to this disclosure, light leaking from the liquid crystal is blocked by the light shutter to improve the display quality of black and white images.

[0014] According to this disclosure, the light shutter additionally blocks light to improve black display quality and increase contrast.

[0015] According to this disclosure, light passing through the optical shutter is collected and emitted to minimize or reduce brightness degradation caused by the optical shutter.

[0016] According to this disclosure, multiple shutter structures are configured to be spaced apart from each other to easily control multiple black grains.

[0017] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those illustrated above, and include many other effects in this specification.

[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an enlarged plan view of the display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a sub-pixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from V-V';

[0025] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from VI-VI';

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the optical shutter of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 8 It is a graph comparing the contrast ratio based on the viewing angle in the display devices of the comparative example and the example;

[0028] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figures 10A to 10C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. Exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure.

[0031] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings used to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of other components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0032] Even without explicit explanation, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0033] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” or “beside” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts unless these terms are used in conjunction with the terms “immediately adjacent” or “directly.”

[0034] When a component or layer is placed "on" another component or layer, other layers or other components may be inserted directly onto the other component or inserted between them.

[0035] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from others. Therefore, the first component mentioned below can be a second component in the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0036] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0037] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thickness of the components shown.

[0038] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or wholly adhered to or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various ways, and the embodiments may be performed independently or in association with each other.

[0039] Any implementation described as an "example" in this document is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations.

[0040] When describing temporal relationships, discontinuous cases may be included if the temporal order is described as such as “after,” “following,” “next,” and “before,” unless more restrictive terms such as “just,” “immediately,” or “directly” are used.

[0041] Furthermore, when a component or layer is “connected,” “joined,” or “adhered” to another component or layer, unless otherwise stated, the component or layer may not only be directly connected or adhered to the other component or layer, but also indirectly connected or adhered to the other component or layer, with one or more intermediate components or layers “set” or “intercalated” between the components or layers. This should be understood to mean that components may be arranged to be in direct contact with each other, or may be arranged to be in direct contact with each other.

[0042] 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 the example embodiments pertain. It should also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. For example, the terms “part” or “unit” can be applied to, for example, a single circuit or structure, an integrated circuit, a computational block of a circuit arrangement, or any structure configured to perform the functions described herein that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] Instead, these implementations may be provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete enough to help those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 For ease of description, only the display panel PN, the gating driver GD, the data driver DD, and the timing controller TC are shown among the various components of the display device 100.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 includes: a display panel PN, which includes a plurality of sub-pixels SP; a gating driver GD and a data driver DD, which provide various signals to the display panel PN; and a timing controller TC, which controls the gating driver GD and the data driver DD.

[0047] The gating driver GD provides multiple scan signals to multiple scan lines SL based on multiple gating control signals provided by the timing controller TC. Although in Figure 1 The diagram shows a gate driver GD positioned spaced apart from one side of the display panel PN, but the number of gate drivers GDs and their placement are not limited to this.

[0048] The data driver DD supplies data voltages to multiple data lines DL based on multiple data control signals and image data provided by the timing controller TC. The data driver DD uses a reference gamma voltage to convert the image data into data voltages and then supplies the converted data voltages to the multiple data lines DL.

[0049] The timing controller TC aligns the externally input image data to provide it to the data driver DD. The timing controller TC can use externally input synchronization signals (such as dot clock signals, data enable signals, and horizontal / vertical synchronization signals) to generate gating control signals and data control signals. The timing controller TC then provides the generated gating control signals and data control signals to the gating driver GD and the data driver DD, respectively, to control them.

[0050] The display panel PN is a structure that displays images to the user. The display panel PN includes multiple sub-pixels SP. In the display panel PN, multiple scan lines SL and multiple data lines DL intersect each other, and multiple sub-pixels SP are formed at the intersections of the scan lines SL and the data lines DL.

[0051] In the display panel PN, the display area AA and the non-display area NA are defined.

[0052] The display area AA is the area in the display device 100 where an image is displayed. Within the display area AA, multiple sub-pixels SP, each containing multiple pixels, and pixel circuitry for driving the multiple sub-pixels SP can be provided. The multiple sub-pixels SP are the smallest unit for configuring the display area AA, and n sub-pixels SP form one pixel. In each of the multiple sub-pixels SP, multiple display elements and thin-film transistors for driving the multiple display elements can be provided. The multiple display elements can be defined in different ways depending on the type of the display device 100. For example, if the display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device, the display elements can be liquid crystals. As another example, when the display device 100 is an organic light-emitting display device, the display elements can be organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and when the display device 100 is an inorganic light-emitting device, the light-emitting diodes can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or micro LEDs.

[0053] In the following description, it will be assumed that the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a liquid crystal display device 100 including liquid crystal. When the display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device 100, the display device 100 also includes a backlight unit BLU below the display panel PN and polarizers on the front and rear surfaces of the display panel PN to display images using liquid crystal. Reference will be made to... Figures 2 to 4 The display device 100 will be described in more detail.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an enlarged plan view of the display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of a sub-pixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the red sub-pixel SPR among multiple sub-pixels, and even though it is not shown in the figure, the green sub-pixel SPG and the blue sub-pixel SPB can also have the same structure as the red sub-pixel SPR.

[0055] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The display panel PN includes a first substrate 110, a liquid crystal LC, a color filter CF, and a second substrate 120.

[0056] The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 are components that support other parts of the display panel PN, and may be insulating substrates. The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be bonded together, with the liquid crystal LC located between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. For example, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be formed of glass or resin.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 A liquid crystal is disposed between a first substrate 110 and a second substrate 120. The plurality of liquid crystal molecules forming the liquid crystal LC can be arranged in various ways according to the driving method, and their transmittance is adjusted by rotating them through an electric field between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. For example, according to the in-plane switching (IPS) method, the plurality of liquid crystal molecules are arranged horizontally with one surface of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120, and rotated through an electric field between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The light transmittance varies according to the rotation angle of the liquid crystal molecules, and various images are displayed using this light transmittance. For example, when the liquid crystal LC is set at a specific angle, light from the backlight unit BLU and the first polarizer POL1 is blocked by the liquid crystal LC to display a black image. The liquid crystal LC rotates at various angles in response to the electric field between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE to allow light from the backlight unit BLU and the first polarizer POL1 to travel toward the top of the display panel PN and display a white image.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 A thin-film transistor (TFT) array for driving a liquid crystal LC is disposed on a first substrate 110. The TFT array includes transistors formed at the intersections of multiple scan lines SL and multiple data lines DL, pixel electrodes PE for which a data voltage is applied, a common electrode CE for which a common voltage is applied, and capacitors for maintaining the data voltage. For example, in each of the multiple sub-pixels SP, the pixel electrodes PE and common electrode CE of the TFT array are disposed on the same plane, and the pixel electrodes PE and common electrode CE form a horizontal electric field.

[0059] Reference Figures 2 to 4A color filter CF is disposed between the second substrate 120 and the liquid crystal LC. The color filter CF converts light passing through the liquid crystal LC into light of various colors. For example, when multiple sub-pixels SP include a red sub-pixel SPR, a green sub-pixel SPG, and a blue sub-pixel SPB, the color filter CF includes a red color filter CFR, a green color filter CFG, and a blue color filter CFB. However, depending on the type of multiple sub-pixels SP, color filters CF with various colors may also be included, and the type of color filter CF is not limited to this.

[0060] A black background (BM) is positioned between multiple color filters (CF). The black background BM is positioned in the area between multiple sub-pixels (SP). The black background BM reduces external light reflection and suppresses color mixing between multiple sub-pixels (SP). The black background BM can be formed from opaque materials, such as chromium (Cr), chromium oxide film (Cr2O3), or black resin, but is not limited to these.

[0061] A first polarizer, POL1, is positioned below the display panel PN, and a second polarizer, POL2, is positioned above the display panel PN. Both polarizers are linear polarizers, and their transmission axes are configured to be perpendicular to each other. For example, in light from the backlight unit BLU, light vibrating only in the horizontal or vertical direction passes through the first polarizer POL1, and in light from the display panel PN, light vibrating only in the vertical or horizontal direction passes through the second polarizer POL2.

[0062] The backlight unit (BLU) is located below the display panel PN and the second polarizer POL2. The backlight unit (BLU) is a structure that supplies light to the display panel PN. Since the display panel PN, including the liquid crystal CL, does not emit light itself, the backlight unit (BLU) is provided independently to display the image. The backlight unit (BLU) includes multiple light sources to provide light to the display panel PN. For example, the backlight unit (BLU) can be formed as a direct-light type and a side-light type. In the direct-light type, multiple light sources are located below the display panel, and in the side-light type, multiple light sources are located on the side of the light guide plate.

[0063] A light shutter ST is disposed on the display panel PN. The light shutter ST is configured to selectively transmit or block light from the display panel PN, minimizing or reducing light leakage from the display panel PN and improving contrast. Contrast ratio is a value representing the difference between the minimum and maximum brightness of the display device 100, such that with higher contrast, the difference between darkness and brightness is clearly presented and the display quality is improved. However, in the IPS method, when displaying a black image, some light leaks diagonally in the liquid crystal (LC), resulting in low black display quality and reduced contrast. Therefore, when displaying a black image, the light shutter ST is configured to block light to improve the contrast of the display device 100.

[0064] The following shall also be referred to Figures 5 to 8 Explanation of the optical shutter ST.

[0065] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line V-V'. Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI'.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the optical shutter of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a graph comparing the contrast ratio based on viewing angle in the display devices according to the comparative example and the example. The display device according to the example is a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, and the display device according to the comparative example is a display device that does not include the light shutter ST compared to the display device according to the exemplary embodiment. For ease of description, Figures 5 to 7 Only the color filter CF, black background BM, second substrate 120, and light shutter ST of the display panel PN are shown.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The optical shutter ST is disposed on the display panel PN. The optical shutter ST includes a lower substrate 130, an adhesive layer 131, a filler layer 132, an upper substrate 140, multiple control electrodes 150, and multiple shutter structures 160.

[0069] First, the lower substrate 130 and upper substrate 140 of the optical shutter ST are components that support other parts of the optical shutter ST, and can be insulating substrates. The lower substrate 130 and upper substrate 140 are formed of a transparent insulating material, and can be, for example, a film formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyethylene (PE), acrylic, or polyolefin, but are not limited thereto.

[0070] Multiple control electrodes 150 are disposed on the lower substrate 130 of the optical shutter ST. The multiple control electrodes 150 include a first control electrode 151 and a second control electrode 152. The first control electrode 151 is configured to overlap with multiple sub-pixels SP and multiple color filters CF, and the second control electrode 152 is configured to overlap with the black background BM. The first control electrode 151 and the second control electrode 152 are electrodes that control the black particles 162 of the shutter structure 160 and move the black particles 162 in one direction through the electric field between the first control electrode 151 and the second control electrode 152.

[0071] An adhesive layer 131 is disposed on the plurality of control electrodes 150. When manufacturing an optical shutter ST, a lower substrate 130 on which the plurality of control electrodes 150 are formed and an upper substrate 140 on which the plurality of shutter structures 160 and a filler layer 132 are formed are bonded to manufacture the optical shutter ST. At this time, the adhesive layer 131 is formed on the lower substrate 130 and the plurality of control electrodes 150 to bond the lower substrate 130 and the upper substrate 140. For example, the adhesive layer 131 may include acrylic resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] Multiple shutter structures 160 are disposed on the adhesive layer 131. The multiple shutter structures 160 are configured to block or transmit light using black particles 162. The multiple shutter structures 160 include a dispersion 161, multiple black particles 162, and multiple transparent particles 163.

[0073] First, dispersion 161 is a fluid in which a plurality of black particles 162 and a plurality of transparent particles 163 are dispersed. Dispersion 161 is formed of a transparent material and has low viscosity characteristics to facilitate the movement of the plurality of black particles 162. Dispersion 161 includes a first portion P1, a second portion P2, and a third portion P3. For example, dispersion 161 includes solvents such as halogenated hydrocarbon oils, paraffin oils, and isopropanol, and may have a low viscosity characteristic of about 50 cps or less.

[0074] The first portion P1 of the dispersion 161 overlaps with multiple sub-pixels SP and multiple color filters CF. When displaying a black image, multiple black particles 162 are dispersed in the first portion P1 to block light. When displaying an image other than a black image, the black particles 162 located in the first portion P1 move to the third portion P3, allowing light to pass through the first portion P1 and be emitted to the outside of the display device 100. At this time, in order to suppress the decrease in transmittance caused by the multiple black particles 162, the shape of the first portion P1 is formed to facilitate light collection and improve light extraction efficiency. The first portion P1 is formed to have a shape in which the width narrows from the bottom to the top, making it easy to collect light incident on the first portion P1 from the lower substrate 130. For example, the first portion P1 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and the width of the bottom surface of the first portion P1 is approximately five times the width of the top surface, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] If the first part P1 is formed with a rectangular shape, similar to the third part P3, the light collection efficiency will be low, resulting in a complete deterioration of the brightness of the display device. Therefore, the first part P1 is formed with a structure that collects light in transmission mode to improve the transmittance of the light shutter ST.

[0076] The second part P2 of the dispersion 161 is a channel connecting the first part P1 and the third part P3, allowing multiple black particles 162 to move from the first part P1 to the third part P3 or from the third part P3 to the first part P1 through the second part P2. The first part P1 is located at one end of the second part P2, and the third part P3 is located at the other end of the second part P2. The second part P2 is located at the boundary between the multiple sub-pixels SP and the black background BM.

[0077] The third portion P3 of the dispersion 161 overlaps with the black background BM. When displaying an image other than a black image, the black particles 162 located in the first portion P1 move to the third portion P3 to be accommodated there. Therefore, when displaying an image other than a black image, the third portion P3 serves as a storage unit for accommodating the black particles 162. At this time, the third portion P3 only performs the function of accommodating the black particles 162, allowing the third portion to be formed in various shapes. For example, as shown, the third portion P3 can be formed in a rectangular shape or other shapes, such as a trapezoidal shape, a circular shape, or a triangular shape, but is not limited to these.

[0078] Multiple black particles 162 are dispersed in a dispersion 161. The black particles 162 are charged to move along the electric field of multiple control electrodes 150. When displaying a black image, light from the display panel PN is blocked by the black particles 162 dispersed in the dispersion 161. Conversely, when displaying an image other than a black image, the black particles 162 move towards a third portion P3. For example, the black particles 162 are formed of a black material, such as carbon black or black titanium dioxide, and have a diameter of about 100 nm or less, but are not limited thereto.

[0079] Multiple transparent particles 163 are dispersed in dispersion 161. When displaying an image other than a black image, the multiple transparent particles 163 are configured to improve the light extraction efficiency of light incident on the shutter structure 160. As described above, in order to suppress the reduction in transmittance caused by the multiple black particles 162, the shape of the first portion P1 of dispersion 161 can be formed to have a structure that is conducive to light collection. The extraction efficiency of light collected by the first portion P1 is improved by utilizing the refractive index difference between the multiple transparent particles 163 and the filling layer 132. For example, the multiple transparent particles 163 are formed of silicon oxide (SiO2) particles, hollow silicon oxide (SiO2) particles, or tetraethoxysilane particles (TEOS), and have a diameter of about 100 nm, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the multiple transparent particles 163 are formed of a material with a refractive index of about 1.3 or lower.

[0080] The proportion of the plurality of transparent particles 163 in the dispersion 161 is higher than the proportion of the plurality of black particles 162. For example, when the ratio of the plurality of transparent particles 163 to the plurality of black particles 162 is approximately 8:2 or 7:3, high contrast can be obtained while minimizing or reducing the degradation of transmittance.

[0081] A filler layer 132 is disposed on the plurality of shutter structures 160 and the adhesive layer 131. The filler layer 132 is configured to cover the plurality of shutter structures 160. The filler layer 132 is formed of a highly refractive transparent material to improve the light collection effect of the first portion P1 of the shutter structure 160. For example, the filler layer 132 is formed of a resin with a refractive index of about 1.7 or higher.

[0082] Multiple transparent particles 163 are configured with a low-refractive-index material, and the filling layer 132 is configured with a high-refractive-index material to improve the extraction efficiency of multiple beams of light. Due to the refractive index difference between the multiple transparent particles 163 and the filling layer 132, some light guided from the filling layer 132 to the multiple transparent particles 163 is totally internally reflected, causing the light path to change and increasing the amount of light guided in the forward direction. Therefore, the refractive indices of the filling layer 132 and the multiple transparent particles 163 are configured to be different to change the path of multiple beams to the forward direction and improve the light extraction efficiency.

[0083] In addition, refer toFigure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Multiple shutter structures 160 are configured to overlap only with some of the multiple sub-pixels SP. The multiple shutter structures 160 are spaced apart from each other in both the row and column directions. For example, the multiple sub-pixels SP are arranged in a matrix, forming multiple rows and columns, with red sub-pixels SPR, green sub-pixels SPG, and blue sub-pixels SPB arranged repeatedly in each row in this order. The shutter structure 160 in the nth row is configured to overlap only with odd-numbered sub-pixels SP, and the shutter structure 160 in the (n+1)th row is configured to overlap only with even-numbered sub-pixels SP. That is, the multiple shutter structures 160 are spaced apart from each other, with a region containing one sub-pixel SP between them, and the multiple shutter structures 160 are arranged in a grid pattern. Therefore, the shutter structures 160 are only applied to some sub-pixels SP, and not to the remaining sub-pixels SP.

[0084] If the shutter structure 160 is disposed in all the plurality of sub-pixels SP, it may be difficult for the black particles 162 to move to the third portion P3 due to interference from the electric fields between the adjacent first control electrodes 151 and second control electrodes 152. For example, the second control electrode 152 controlling the shutter structure 160 on the red sub-pixel SPR and the first control electrode 151 controlling the shutter structure 160 on the green sub-pixel SPG are disposed adjacent to each other. When the plurality of control electrodes 150 are driven simultaneously, an electric field is also formed between the second control electrode 152 controlling the shutter structure 160 on the red sub-pixel SPR and the first control electrode 151 controlling the shutter structure 160 on the green sub-pixel SPG. Therefore, the black particles 162 in the shutter structure 160 on the green sub-pixel SPG may not move to the third portion P3. Therefore, the plurality of shutter structures 160 are disposed spaced apart from each other to suppress the movement defects of the black particles 162 caused by interference between the plurality of control electrodes 150.

[0085] Reference Figure 7 The optical shutter ST can be driven in either a blackout mode (black) or a transmission mode (white). For example, when displaying a black image, the optical shutter ST is driven in blackout mode (black) to block light. When displaying an image other than black, the optical shutter ST is driven in transmission mode (white) to allow light to pass through it.

[0086] In the light-blocking mode (black), voltage is not applied to the multiple control electrodes 150, and the multiple black particles 162 do not move in a specific direction. Therefore, the multiple black particles 162 can be uniformly dispersed in the first part P1, the second part P2, and the third part P3 of the dispersion 161, and the light incident on the shutter ST is not guided to the outside and is blocked due to the multiple black particles 162.

[0087] In transmission mode (white), a voltage is applied to multiple control electrodes 150 to move multiple black particles 162 to a third portion P3. The black particles 162 located in the first portion P1 move to the third portion P3 through the electric field between the multiple control electrodes 150. Therefore, light incident on the light shutter ST is extracted to the outside of the display device 100 through the first portion P1, and various images are displayed on the display device 100.

[0088] Reference Figure 8 It was confirmed that the contrast was improved by the light shutter ST. As described above, the display device according to the example is... Figures 1 to 7 The display device 100 shown is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and compared to the display device 100 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device according to the comparative example is a display device that includes not only the light shutter ST. As a result of measuring the contrast ratio according to the viewing angle, it was confirmed that the contrast ratio of the display device according to the example is significantly improved compared to the display device according to the comparative example. Specifically, as seen from the front surface, in the 0-degree angle region, the difference in contrast ratio between the comparative example and the example can be approximately two times or more. Therefore, in the display device 100 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light shutter ST is used to block light from the black image to improve the black display quality and increase the contrast ratio.

[0089] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of shutter structures 160 overlapping with some of the plurality of sub-pixels SP are formed to block light leaking from the plurality of sub-pixels SP and improve the black display quality. For example, when displaying a black image, light is not completely blocked in the liquid crystal LC, and light leakage occurs. In this case, the shutter structure 160 of the light shutter ST is driven in the light-blocking mode (black) to block light and improve the display quality of the black image, thereby improving the contrast. Furthermore, when displaying a normal image, the shutter structure 160 is driven in the transmission mode (white) to normally extract light from the plurality of sub-pixels SP to the outside of the display device 100. Therefore, shutter structures 160 that selectively block and transmit light are provided to improve the contrast of the display device 100.

[0090] Figure 9A and Figure 9BThis is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9A and Figure 9B For ease of description, only the color filter CF, black background BM, second substrate 120, and light shutter ST of the display panel PN are shown. Figure 9A and Figure 9B Display devices 900A and 900B and Figures 1 to 7 The only difference between the display devices 100 is the shape of the shutter structure 960A and 960B of the optical shutter ST, but the other configurations are basically the same, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0091] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B The shutter structures 960A and 960B of the optical shutter ST have a first part P1 that overlaps with multiple pixels SP and forms a light-collecting structure of various shapes. The first part P1 has a shape that narrows from the bottom to the top to collect the light incident on the first part P1 for emission to the outside of the display devices 900A and 900B.

[0092] For example, refer to Figure 9A The shutter structure 960A includes a dispersion 961A, black particles 962A, and transparent particles 963A, and the first portion P1 of the dispersion 961A is formed in a triangular shape. For example, refer to... Figure 9B The shutter structure 960B includes a dispersion 961B, black particles 962B and transparent particles 963B, and the first part P1 of the dispersion 961B is formed in the shape of a convex lens.

[0093] Therefore, in display devices 900A and 900B according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first portion P1 of shutter structures 960A and 960B is formed with a structure that narrows from the lower end to the upper end to improve light extraction efficiency. For example, the first portion P1 of shutter structures 960A and 960B is formed with a structure that narrows from the lower end to the upper end, such as a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, and a convex lens shape, to collect light incident on the light shutter ST. Therefore, light is collected in shutter structures 960A and 960B to be emitted to the outside of display devices 900A and 900B to improve the light extraction efficiency and brightness of display devices 900A and 900B.

[0094] Figures 10A to 10C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10A to 10C Display devices 1000A, 1000B and 1000C and Figures 1 to 7 The display device 100 and Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe only difference between the display devices 900A and 900B is the position of the optical shutter ST, but the other configurations are basically the same, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0095] Reference Figures 10A to 10C The optical shutter ST is located either inside the display panel PN, at the top of the display panel PN, or at the bottom of the display panel PN. The optical shutter ST is located in any area between the backlight unit BLU and the second polarizer POL2.

[0096] exist Figure 10A In the display device 1000A, the optical shutter ST is disposed in the display panel PN. For example, the optical shutter ST is disposed between the liquid crystal LC and the color filter CF. The optical shutter ST controls the light guided from the liquid crystal LC to the color filter CF.

[0097] exist Figure 10B In the display device 1000B, the optical shutter ST is disposed below the display panel PN, that is, between the display panel PN and the backlight unit BLU. For example, the optical shutter ST is disposed between the first polarizer POL1 and the first substrate 110 of the display panel PN. The optical shutter ST controls the light passing through the first polarizer POL1 to be guided to the display panel PN.

[0098] exist Figure 10C In the display device 1000C, the optical shutter ST is located below the display panel PN, that is, between the display panel PN and the backlight unit BLU. For example, the optical shutter ST is located between the backlight unit BLU and the first polarizer POL1. The optical shutter ST controls the light guided from the backlight unit BLU to the first polarizer POL1.

[0099] Therefore, in the display devices 1000A, 1000B, and 1000C according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the light shutter ST is disposed in any one of the region between the display panel PN and the backlight unit BLU, the region inside the display panel, and the region between the display panel PN and the second polarizer POL2, to selectively block light. Specifically, when displaying a black image, light from at least some of the plurality of sub-pixels SP is blocked to improve black display quality and contrast.

[0100] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows:

[0101] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of color filters and a black background between the plurality of color filters; a backlight unit disposed below the display panel; and a light shutter disposed in any one of a region between the backlight unit and the display panel, inside the display panel, and on the upper part of the display panel, wherein the light shutter includes a plurality of shutter structures. Each of the plurality of shutter structures includes a dispersion body, a plurality of black particles dispersed in the dispersion body, and a plurality of transparent particles dispersed in the dispersion body. The dispersion body includes a first portion overlapping the plurality of color filters, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third portion extending from the second portion and overlapping the black background. Therefore, the light-blocking light shutter is used to minimize or reduce light leakage and improve the contrast of the display device.

[0102] The first section can narrow from the bottom to the top.

[0103] The first part can be formed in any of the following shapes: trapezoidal, triangular, and convex lens.

[0104] The first part can be set at one end of the second part, and the third part can be set at the other end of the second part.

[0105] The optical shutter may include a lower substrate disposed below multiple shutter structures; a first control electrode disposed between the lower substrate and a first portion; and a second control electrode disposed between the lower substrate and a third portion.

[0106] Multiple black particles can be configured to move in one direction through the electric field between the first control electrode and the second control electrode.

[0107] The light shutter can be driven in either the light-blocking mode or the transmission mode. In the light-blocking mode, multiple black particles and multiple transparent particles can be dispersed in the first, second, and third sections.

[0108] Multiple black particles can be configured to block light incident on the first, second, and third sections.

[0109] In transmission mode, multiple transparent particles can be dispersed in a first part, a second part, and a third part, and multiple black particles can be configured to move to the third part by the electric field between the first control electrode and the second electrode.

[0110] At least some of the light incident on the shutter can pass through the first part.

[0111] The optical shutter may also include a filler layer disposed on a lower substrate and configured to surround multiple shutter structures.

[0112] The refractive index of the filling layer can be higher than that of multiple transparent particles.

[0113] Multiple color filters can be configured to form multiple columns and multiple rows, and multiple shutter structures can be configured to overlap with some of the multiple color filters.

[0114] Each of the multiple shutter structures can be set to be spaced apart from each other, with the area of ​​one of the multiple color filters located in between.

[0115] The display device may also include a first polarizer disposed between the display panel and the backlight unit; and a second polarizer disposed on the display panel.

[0116] The display panel may include: a first substrate; a liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate and a plurality of color filters and between the first substrate and a black background; and a second substrate on the plurality of color filters and the black background.

[0117] The optical shutter can be positioned between the second substrate and the second polarizer.

[0118] The light shutter can be set between the LCD and multiple color filters, as well as between the LCD and the black background.

[0119] The optical shutter can be positioned between the first substrate and the first polarizer.

[0120] The optical shutter can be set between the first polarizer and the backlight unit.

[0121] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within their equivalents should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] Cross-references to related applications

[0123] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0119026, filed on September 3, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel including a plurality of color filters and a black matrix between the plurality of color filters; a backlight unit disposed below the display panel; and a light shutter disposed in any one of a region between the backlight unit and the display panel, an inner side of the display panel, and an upper portion of the display panel, and including a plurality of shutter structures, wherein each of the plurality of shutter structures includes: a dispersion including a first portion overlapping the plurality of color filters, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third portion extending from the second portion and overlapping the black matrix; a plurality of black particles dispersed in the dispersion; and a plurality of transparent particles dispersed in the dispersion. The first portion narrows from a lower end to an upper end.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first portion is formed in any one of a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, and a convex lens shape.

3. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The first portion is disposed on one end of the second portion, and the third portion is disposed on the other end of the second portion.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light shutter includes:

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a lower substrate disposed below the plurality of shutter structures; a first control electrode disposed between the lower substrate and the first portion; and a second control electrode disposed between the lower substrate and the third portion, and The plurality of black particles are configured to move in one direction by an electric field between the first control electrode and the second control electrode. The light shutter is driven in any one of a light blocking mode in which the plurality of black particles and the plurality of transparent particles are dispersed in the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, and 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein, The plurality of black particles are configured to block light incident to the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion. In the transmissive mode, the plurality of transparent particles are dispersed in the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein, wherein the plurality of black particles are configured to move to the third portion by an electric field between the first control electrode and the second control electrode, and At least some of light incident to the light shutter passes through the first portion. The light shutter further includes a fill layer disposed on the lower substrate and disposed to surround the plurality of shutter structures, 8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein wherein a refractive index of the fill layer is higher than a refractive index of the plurality of transparent particles. The plurality of color filters are disposed to form a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and 9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein wherein the plurality of shutter structures are disposed to overlap some of the plurality of color filters. The plurality of shutter structures are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, wherein a region of one color filter among the plurality of color filters is interposed between adjacent shutter structures.

10. The display device of claim 9, wherein, 11.The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first polarizer disposed between the display panel and the backlight unit; and a second polarizer disposed on an outer side of the display panel. ​ a second polarizer disposed on the display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a first substrate; a liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of color filters and between the first substrate and the black matrix; and a second substrate on the plurality of color filters and the black matrix.

12. The display device of claim 11, wherein, The light shutter is disposed between the second substrate and the second polarizer.

13. The display device of claim 11, wherein, The light shutter is disposed between the liquid crystal and the plurality of color filters and between the liquid crystal and the black matrix.

14. The display device of claim 11, wherein, The light shutter is disposed between the first substrate and the first polarizer.

15. The display device of claim 11, wherein, The light shutter is disposed between the first polarizer and the backlight unit.

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