Display device with view angle control unit and vehicle

Abstract

A display device with a viewing angle control unit and a vehicle are provided. The display device includes a viewing angle control unit. The display device may include a display panel located on a backlight unit. The backlight unit may include an optical sheet disposed parallel to the display panel. The viewing angle control unit may be disposed between the optical sheet and the display panel. The viewing angle control unit may include a light-shielding pattern extending along a first direction and an optical lens located on the light-shielding pattern. The light-shielding patterns may be spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the optical lenses may include a region disposed between adjacent light-shielding patterns. Each of the light-shielding patterns may have a stacked structure of a reflective layer, a light-trapping layer, and a thin metal layer. The thickness of the thin metal layer disposed near the display panel may be less than the thickness of the light-trapping layer and the reflective layer. Therefore, in the display device, the quality of an image with a narrow viewing angle can be improved by means of the viewing angle control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display device, and more specifically, for example, but not limited to, a display device that provides a viewing angle control unit between an optical sheet of a display panel and a backlight unit. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a display device provides an image to a user. For example, a display device may include a display panel located on an optical sheet of a backlight unit. The display panel can realize an image using light provided by the optical sheet. For example, the display panel may be a liquid crystal panel including a liquid crystal layer.

[0003] A viewing angle control unit may be disposed between the display panel and the optical sheet of the backlight unit. The viewing angle control unit may include a light-shielding pattern extending parallel to a first direction. The light-shielding pattern can reduce the viewing angle of the light supplied to the display panel through the optical sheet. For example, in a display device, a person located around the user along a second direction cannot recognize the image displayed on the display panel.

[0004] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned in or related to the Background section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of related technologies.

[0006] One object of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can prevent image quality degradation due to the view control unit.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can reduce or minimize the reduction in brightness caused by a light-blocking pattern.

[0008] Additional advantages, objects, and features of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will also be apparent in part to those skilled in the art upon review of the following, or may be learned from practice of this disclosure. The objects and other advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, its claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] To achieve these objectives and other advantages, and in accordance with the purposes of this disclosure, as specifically embodied and broadly described herein, a display device including a backlight unit is provided. The backlight unit includes a lower light guide plate. An upper viewing angle control unit is disposed on the lower light guide plate. The viewing angle control unit includes upper light-shielding patterns and upper optical lenses stacked sequentially. The upper light-shielding patterns are spaced apart along a first direction. Each of the upper optical lenses includes a region disposed between the upper light-shielding patterns. The upper light-shielding patterns extend along a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the upper light-shielding patterns includes a reflective layer, a light-trapping layer, and a thin metal layer. The light-trapping layer is disposed between the reflective layer and the thin metal layer. The thin metal layer is disposed close to the display panel. The thickness of the thin metal layer is less than the thickness of the reflective layer and the light-trapping layer. The display panel is disposed on the upper optical lens of the upper viewing angle control unit.

[0010] The surface of each upper optical lens facing the display panel can have a convex shape.

[0011] The light trapping layer may include metal oxides.

[0012] The light trapping layer can be different metals from the thin metal layer.

[0013] The reflective layer can consist of the same material as the thin metal layer.

[0014] The thin metal layer can have a thickness of 12 nm to 18 nm.

[0015] The thickness of the light trapping layer can range from 30 nm to 107 nm.

[0016] The thickness of the reflective layer can be greater than the thickness of the light trap layer.

[0017] The lower viewing angle control unit can be disposed between the lower light guide plate and the upper viewing angle control unit. The upper light guide plate can be disposed between the lower viewing angle control unit and the upper viewing angle control unit. The lower viewing angle control unit may include a lower light-shielding pattern extending parallel to a first direction.

[0018] The lower optical lens can be disposed between the lower light-shielding pattern and the upper light guide plate. Each of the lower optical lenses may include a region disposed between the lower light-shielding patterns spaced apart along the second direction. Each of the lower light-shielding patterns may have the same stacking structure as each of the upper light-shielding patterns.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, a display device including a backlight unit is provided. The backlight unit includes a first optical sheet. A first viewing angle control unit is disposed on the first optical sheet. The first viewing angle control unit includes a first light-shielding pattern, a control substrate, and an optical lens. The first light-shielding pattern is disposed on a first surface of the control substrate facing the first optical sheet. The first light-shielding pattern extends along a first direction. The first light-shielding patterns are spaced apart along a second direction. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The optical lens is disposed on a second surface of the control substrate. The second surface of the control substrate is opposite to the first surface of the control substrate. Each of the optical lenses includes a region disposed between the first light-shielding patterns. Each of the first light-shielding patterns has the following structure: a thin metal layer, a light trapping layer, and a reflective layer are sequentially stacked on the first surface of the control substrate. The thickness of the light trapping layer is greater than the thickness of the thin metal layer. The thickness of the reflective layer is greater than the thickness of the light trapping layer. A display panel is disposed on the optical lens of the first viewing angle control unit.

[0020] The light trapping layer can be made of a metal oxide containing the same material as the thin metal layer.

[0021] The second-view control unit can be disposed between the first-view control unit and the display panel. A light guide plate can be disposed between the first-view control unit and the second-view control unit. A second optical sheet can be disposed between the light guide plate and the second-view control unit. Upper light source devices are arranged side-by-side on the surface of the light guide plate. The second-view control unit may include a second light-shielding pattern extending along a second direction. The structure of each second light-shielding pattern may differ from the structure of each first light-shielding pattern.

[0022] Each of the second light-blocking patterns may include black dye.

[0023] The backlight unit may include a light source substrate and a lower light source device. The lower light source device may be arranged side by side on the surface of the light source substrate. The first optical element, the first viewing angle control unit, and the display panel may be arranged parallel to the light source substrate on the lower light source device.

[0024] 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

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The views captured by I-I' and II-II';

[0028] Figure 3 This is a view showing the path of light movement in the wide viewing angle mode of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a view showing the path of light in a narrow viewing angle mode of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the K region;

[0031] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a view showing the brightness distribution of light passing through the view control unit according to the configuration of the view control unit; and

[0032] Figures 8 to 16 This is a view illustrating a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals should be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative sizes and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Descriptions of embodiments of this disclosure will now be given in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations relevant to this document will be omitted where such obscuration unnecessarily obscures the essential points of the inventive concept. The described progression of processing steps and / or operations is merely illustrative; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and can be varied as is known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a specific order. The names of the various elements used in the following description may have been chosen solely for ease of specification and may therefore differ from those used in actual products.

[0035] In the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating some embodiments of this disclosure, the details relating to the above-described objectives, technical configurations, and operational effects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will become clear. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are provided here to fully convey the technical spirit of this disclosure to those skilled in the art; therefore, this disclosure may be implemented in other forms and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0036] The advantages and features of this disclosure, and its implementation methods, will be illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete enough to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding its scope. Furthermore, this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the specification and drawings, the same or very similar elements may be designated using the same reference numerals, and for convenience, the length and thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated. It should be understood that when a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, although the first element may be disposed on the second element to contact the second element, a third element may also be inserted between the first and second elements.

[0038] The shapes (e.g., size, length, width, height, thickness, position, radius, diameter, and area), ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are given by way of example only. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrations in the accompanying drawings. Any implementation described herein as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0039] Unless otherwise indicated, singular terms may include plural forms. When interpreting an element, it is to be interpreted as including a range of errors or tolerances, even if such a range of errors or tolerances is not explicitly described.

[0040] Here, terms such as “first” and “second”, “A”, “B”, “(a)” and “(b)” can be used to distinguish one element from another. However, without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure, the first element and the second element may be named arbitrarily as is convenient for those skilled in the art.

[0041] The term “at least one” should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. For example, “at least one of the first element, the second element, and the third element” means all combinations of the three listed elements, any two of the three elements, and each individual element (i.e., the first element, the second element, or the third element).

[0042] When describing temporal relationships (e.g., when time sequence is described as such as "after", "following", "next", and "before"), discontinuous situations may be included unless more restrictive terms (e.g., "just", "immediately", or "directly") are used.

[0043] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, elements described in the singular are intended to include multiple elements. Furthermore, it should be understood in this disclosure that the terms “comprising” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Furthermore, unless “direct” is used, the terms “connection” and “linkage” can include situations where two components are “connected” or “linked” through one or more other components located between the two components.

[0045] When describing temporal relationships (e.g., when time sequence is described as such as "after", "following", "next", and "before"), discontinuous situations may be included unless more restrictive terms (e.g., "just", "immediately", or "directly") are used.

[0046] In the description of various embodiments of this disclosure, when describing positional relationships (e.g., when the positional relationship between two components is described as, for example, “above,” “under,” and “beside,” etc.), one or more other components may be located between the two components, unless more restrictive terms are used (e.g., “just” or “directly”). For example, when one element or layer is disposed “on” another element or layer, a third element or layer may be inserted in between.

[0047] Terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationships between the elements shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these terms are spatially relative and based on the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0048] As will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, the features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be linked or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may interact with each other and drive each other at the technical level in various ways. The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented independently of each other, or may be implemented together in an interdependent relationship.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., terms as defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0050] (Exemplary Implementation)

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The views captured by I-I' and II-II'.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 2 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100. The display panel 100 is capable of displaying an image provided to a user. The display panel 100 may be disposed on a backlight unit 200. The display panel 100 may display an image using light provided from the backlight unit 200. For example, the display panel 100 may be a liquid crystal panel including a liquid crystal layer.

[0053] As an example, the display panel 100 may be disposed between the first linear polarizer 101 and the second linear polarizer 102, but is not limited thereto. As an example, at least one of the first linear polarizer 101 and the second linear polarizer 102 may be in direct contact with the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto. For example, the lower surface of the display panel 100 facing the backlight unit 200 may be in direct contact with the first linear polarizer 101, and the upper surface of the display panel 100 opposite to the lower surface of the display panel 100 may be in direct contact with the second linear polarizer 102. The transmission axis of the second linear polarizer 102 may be perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first linear polarizer 101. Therefore, in the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the image realized by the display panel 100 may include various brightness and contrast levels.

[0054] As an example, the backlight unit 200 may include a lower light source unit 210, a lower light guide plate 220, a lower optical sheet 230, a reflector 240, an upper light guide plate 250, an upper light source unit 260, and an upper optical sheet 270. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, at least one of the above components may be omitted, or at least one additional component may be included.

[0055] In narrow viewing angle mode, the lower light source unit 210 can provide light to the lower light guide plate 220. For example, the lower light source unit 210 may include a lower light source device 212 mounted on a lower light source substrate 211. The lower light source substrate 211 may include various signal lines to control the lower light source device 212. For example, the lower light source substrate 211 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) with signal lines formed thereon. The lower light source substrate 211 may be disposed on a side surface of the lower light guide plate 220. For example, the lower light source substrate 211 may extend along the side surface of the lower light guide plate 220. The lower light source devices 212 may be arranged side by side on the surface of the lower light source substrate 211 facing the lower light guide plate 220. Each of the lower light source devices 212 can emit light propagating toward the lower light guide plate 220. For example, each of the lower light source devices 212 may include, but is not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0056] The lower light guide plate 220 can be disposed between the lower optical sheet 230 and the reflector 240. For example, the lower optical sheet 230 can be disposed on the upper surface of the lower light guide plate 220, and the reflector 240 can be disposed on the lower surface of the lower light guide plate 220 opposite to the upper surface of the lower light guide plate 220. Light provided from the lower light source device 212 can be provided to the entire area of ​​the lower optical sheet 230 through the upper surface of the lower light guide plate 220. The reflector 240 can include a material with a relatively high reflectivity. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted through the lower surface of the lower light guide plate 220 can be reflected towards the lower optical sheet 230 through the reflector 240. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the efficiency of the lower light source unit 210 can be improved.

[0057] Light emitted through the upper surface of the lower light guide plate 220 can have uniform characteristics overall by passing through the lower optical sheet 230. For example, the lower optical sheet 230 may include at least one lower prism sheet 231 and 232. Each of the lower prism sheets 231 and 232 may include, but is not limited to, a first prism pr disposed side by side on the surface of the first sheet-like substrate ss.

[0058] The first sheet substrate ss may include a transparent material. For example, the first sheet substrate ss may include plastic. The first prism pr may extend parallel to one direction. As an example, the extension direction of each prism pr may be perpendicular to the extension direction of the lower light source substrate 211, but is not limited thereto. For example, the lower light source substrate 211 may be disposed on the side surface of the lower light guide plate 220 extending along the first direction X, and each of the first prisms pr may extend along a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X on the upper surface of the first sheet substrate ss opposite to the lower light guide plate 220. The first prisms pr may be arranged side by side along the first direction X. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted through the upper surface of the lower light guide plate 220 can be scattered by the first prism pr along the first direction X. For example, the brightness deviation of the lower light source device 212 arranged side by side along the first direction X can be reduced by the first prism pr. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the uniformity of light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 can be improved.

[0059] An upper light guide plate 250 may be disposed on a lower light guide plate 220. The upper light guide plate 250 may be disposed parallel to the lower light guide plate 220 and the lower optical sheet 230. The lower surface of the upper light guide plate 250 facing the lower light guide plate 220 may overlap with the lower optical sheet 230. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 may be provided to the upper light guide plate 250.

[0060] In wide-viewing-angle mode, the upper light source unit 260 can provide light to the upper light guide plate 250. For example, the upper light source unit 260 may include an upper light source device 262 mounted on the upper light source substrate 261.

[0061] The upper light source substrate 261 may include various signal lines to control the upper light source device 262. For example, the upper light source substrate 261 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) with signal lines formed thereon. The upper light source substrate 261 may have the same stack-up structure as the lower light source substrate 211.

[0062] The upper light source substrate 261 can be disposed on a side surface of the upper light guide plate 250. For example, the upper light source substrate 261 can extend along the side surface of the upper light guide plate 250. The side surface of the upper light guide plate 250 facing the upper light source substrate 261 can extend in a different direction than the side surface of the lower light guide plate 220 facing the lower light source substrate 211. For example, the upper light source substrate 261 can be disposed on the side surface of the upper light guide plate 250 extending in the second direction Y.

[0063] The upper light source device 262 can be disposed on the surface of the upper light source substrate 261 facing the upper light guide plate 250. Each of the upper light source devices 262 can emit light onto the upper light guide plate 250. For example, each of the upper light source devices 262 may include a light-emitting diode (LED), but is not limited thereto. Each of the upper light source devices 262 may have the same or similar structure as each of the lower light source devices 212, or may have a different structure than each of the lower light source devices 212.

[0064] The upper optical sheet 270 can be disposed on the upper surface of the upper light guide plate 250 opposite to the lower surface of the upper light guide plate 250. Light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 and light provided by the upper light source device 262 can be provided to the entire area of ​​the upper optical sheet 270 through the upper surface of the upper light guide plate 250. The upper optical sheet 270 can be disposed parallel to the lower light guide plate 220, the lower optical sheet 230, and the upper light guide plate 250.

[0065] Light emitted from the upper surface of the upper light guide plate 250 can achieve uniform characteristics overall through the upper optical sheet 270. For example, the upper optical sheet 270 may include at least one upper prism sheet 271 and 272. Each of the upper prism sheets 271 and 272 may have the same or similar structure as each of the lower prism sheets 231 and 232. For example, each of the upper prism sheets 271 and 272 may include a second prism pr disposed side by side on the surface of the second sheet substrate ss.

[0066] The second sheet substrate ss may include a transparent material. For example, the second sheet substrate ss may include plastic, but is not limited thereto. The second sheet substrate ss may include the same material as the first sheet substrate ss, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] The second prism pr can extend parallel to one direction. The extension direction of each second prism pr can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the upper light source substrate 261. For example, the second prisms pr can be arranged side by side along a second direction Y, and each of the second prisms pr can extend along a first direction X on the upper surface of the second sheet substrate ss opposite to the upper light guide plate 250. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light supplied from the upper light source device 262 to the upper light guide plate 250 can be scattered by the second prism pr along the second direction Y. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the uniformity of light passing through the upper optical sheet 270 can be improved.

[0068] As an example, the first view control unit 300 may be disposed between the lower optical sheet 230 and the upper light guide plate 250, but is not limited thereto. The first view control unit 300 may limit the viewing angle of light passing through the lower optical sheet 230. For example, the first view control unit 300 may include a first light-shielding pattern 320 and an optical lens 330. As an example, the first light-shielding pattern 320 and the optical lens 330 are supported by a control substrate 310, but are not limited thereto.

[0069] The control substrate 310 may include a transparent material. The control substrate 310 may include an insulating material. For example, the control substrate 310 may include glass or plastic. The control substrate 310 may be disposed parallel to the lower optical sheet 230 and the upper light guide plate 250. For example, the lower surface of the control substrate 310 facing the lower light guide plate 220 may overlap with the lower optical sheet 230, and the upper light guide plate 250 may overlap with the upper surface of the control substrate 310 facing the upper optical sheet 270.

[0070] The first light-shielding patterns 320 may be arranged side-by-side on the lower surface of the control substrate 310. Each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 may extend along the second direction Y. Adjacent first light-shielding patterns 320 along the first direction X may be spaced apart from each other. For example, each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 may include a thin metal layer 323, a light trapping layer 322, and a reflective layer 321 sequentially stacked on the lower surface of the control substrate 310. For example, the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the control substrate 310.

[0071] The reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 disposed near the lower optical sheet 230 may include a material with high reflectivity. For example, the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may include metals (e.g., aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W)), but is not limited thereto. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 in a first direction can be initially reduced by the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a person positioned side-by-side with the user in the first direction cannot perceive the light provided to the user through the lower optical sheet 230 by the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a person positioned side-by-side with the user in the first direction X cannot share the image formed by the light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 and the first viewing angle control unit 300.

[0072] A light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be disposed between the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding light-shielding pattern 320. The light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may include a material with relatively low transmittance. For example, the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may include a metal oxide, but is not limited thereto. The light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may include a different metal than the reflective layer 321 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the light supplied to the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be absorbed by the light trapping layer 322 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may include a light-absorbing material.

[0073] The thin metal layer 323 disposed near the upper light guide plate 250 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be a thin, translucent layer of metal. As an example, the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may comprise the same metal as the reflective layer 321 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be a thin layer formed of at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be less than the thickness of the reflective layer 321 and the light trapping layer 322 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the light propagating towards the lower light guide plate 220 through the control substrate 310 may be provided to the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 by passing through the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the light propagating toward the lower light guide plate 220 through the control substrate 310 can be absorbed by the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320.

[0074] Light passing through the thin metal layer 323 and light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be reflected by the reflective layer 321 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. At least a portion of the light reflected by the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be reflected at the boundary between the light trapping layer 322 and the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the light passing through the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be trapped between the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. The light trapped between the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be slowly absorbed into the light trapping layer 322 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the light propagating toward the lower light guide plate 220 through the control substrate 310 can be removed by the first light-shielding pattern 320. In other words, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflection of light propagating toward the lower light guide plate 220 through the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be reduced.

[0075] Optical lenses 330 may be arranged side-by-side on the upper surface of the control substrate 310. As an example, optical lenses 330 may be arranged side-by-side along a first direction X on the upper surface of the control substrate 310, but are not limited thereto. As an example, optical lenses 330 may be arranged to be in contact with or spaced apart from each other in the first direction X, but are not limited thereto. Each of the optical lenses 330 may include a region disposed along the first direction X between adjacent first light-shielding patterns 320. For example, light passing through the first light-shielding patterns 320 may be focused by one of the optical lenses 330. Each of the optical lenses 330 may function as a convex lens. For example, the surface of each optical lens 330 facing the upper light guide plate 250 may have a convex shape, but is not limited thereto. Optical lenses 330 may extend along a second direction Y. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 in the first direction X can be reduced secondaryly by the optical lenses 330. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 in the first direction can be significantly reduced by the first light-shielding pattern 320 and the optical lens 330. Furthermore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the frontal brightness of light passing through the first light-shielding pattern 320 can be increased by the optical lens 330.

[0076] The dimension of the lower surface of each optical lens 330 facing the lower light guide plate 220 can be larger than the dimension of each first light-shielding pattern 320. As an example, the dimension of the lower surface of each optical lens 330 facing the lower light guide plate 220 can be larger than the dimension of the space between the first light-shielding patterns 320, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the lower surface of each optical lens 330 in the first direction X can be the same as the pitch of the first light-shielding patterns 320 in the first direction X. As an example, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion of each optical lens 330 between the first light-shielding patterns 320 can have a substantially constant shape, but is not limited thereto. As an example, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light passing through the space between the first light-shielding patterns 320 can be focused by the optical lenses 330 in a substantially constant direction, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a reduction in light uniformity due to the optical lenses 330 can be reduced or prevented.

[0077] The second viewing angle control unit 400 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the upper optical sheet 270 of the backlight unit 200. The second viewing angle control unit 400 may limit the viewing angle of light passing through the upper optical sheet 270. For example, the second viewing angle control unit 400 may include a second light-shielding pattern 430 disposed between the first control substrate 410 and the second control substrate 420.

[0078] The first control substrate 410 and the second control substrate 420 may include transparent materials. For example, the first control substrate 410 and the second control substrate 420 may include plastic or glass, but are not limited thereto. As an example, the second control substrate 420 may include the same material as the first control substrate 410, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The second light-shielding pattern 430 may be arranged side-by-side between the first control substrate 410 and the second control substrate 420. As an example, the second light-shielding patterns 430 may be arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y, but are not limited thereto. Each of the second light-shielding patterns 430 may have a shape extending along a third direction Z perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, each of the second light-shielding patterns 430 may be in direct contact with at least one of the upper surface of the first control substrate 410 facing the second control substrate 420 and the lower surface of the second control substrate 420 facing the first control substrate 410. The second light-shielding pattern 430 may intersect with the first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, each of the second light-shielding patterns 430 may extend along the first direction. Adjacent second light-shielding patterns 430 along the second direction Y may be spaced apart from each other.

[0080] The structure of each second light-shielding pattern 430 may differ from the structure of each first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, each of the second light-shielding patterns 430 may be made of a light-shielding material. The light-shielding material may include, but is not limited to, a black dye (e.g., carbon black). Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of light passing through the upper optical sheet 270 in the second direction Y can be reduced by the second light-shielding pattern 430. For example, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted from the upper light source device 262 and passing through the upper optical sheet 270 may pass through the second light-shielding pattern 430 and not be provided to a person or object positioned side-by-side with the user in the second direction Y. Furthermore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of light provided to the user by passing through the lower optical sheet 230 and the upper optical sheet 270 in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be limited.

[0081] The second light-shielding pattern 430 may be surrounded by a pattern insulating layer 440. The pattern insulating layer 440 may have the same thickness as each of the second light-shielding patterns 430. For example, the space between the first control substrate 410 and the second control substrate 420 may be completely filled by the second light-shielding patterns 430 and the pattern insulating layer 440, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, deformation of the second light-shielding pattern 430 due to external impact can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, image distortion caused by light passing through the second viewing angle control unit 400 can be reduced or prevented.

[0082] The patterned insulating layer 440 may include an insulating material. The patterned insulating layer 440 may include a transparent material. The refractive index of the patterned insulating layer 440 may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the first control substrate 410 and the refractive index of the second control substrate 420, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light loss caused by the refractive index difference between the first control substrate 410 and the patterned insulating layer 440 and the refractive index difference between the patterned insulating layer 440 and the second control substrate 420 can be reduced or minimized.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a view showing the path of light movement in the wide viewing angle mode of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Reference Figures 1 to 3In the wide-viewing-angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper light source device 262 can emit light toward the upper light guide plate 250. Therefore, in the wide-viewing-angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light passing through the upper light guide plate 250 and the upper optical sheet 270 can be provided to the display panel 100 through the second viewing angle control unit 400. As an example, in the wide-viewing-angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light provided to the display panel 100 does not pass through the first viewing angle control unit 300. For example, in the wide-viewing-angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the upper light source device 262 may include a first light WL1 passing between the second light-shielding patterns 430 of the second viewing angle control unit 400 and a second light WL2 blocked by the second light-shielding patterns 430 of the second viewing angle control unit 400. Therefore, in the wide-viewing-angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of the light provided to the display panel 100 in the first direction X is unrestricted.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a view showing the path of light movement of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a narrow viewing angle mode. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the K region.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower light source device 212 can emit light toward the lower light guide plate 220, and the upper light source device 262 does not emit light. Therefore, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted through the upper surface of the lower light guide plate 220 can be provided to the display panel 100 through the first viewing angle control unit 300 and the second viewing angle control unit 400. For example, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitted from the lower light source device 212 may include a third light NL1 passing between the first light-shielding patterns 320 of the first viewing angle control unit 300 and the second light-shielding patterns 430 of the second viewing angle control unit 400, and a fourth light NL2 blocked by the reflective layer 321 of the first viewing angle control unit 300. Therefore, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first viewing angle control unit 300 can limit the viewing angle of the light provided to the display panel 100 in the first direction X, and the second viewing angle control unit 400 can limit the viewing angle of the light provided to the display panel 100 in the second direction Y. As an example, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle of the light provided to the display panel 100 in the first direction X and the viewing angle of the light provided to the display panel 100 in the second direction Y can both be limited.

[0087] In the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the light passing through the first viewing angle control unit 300 can be reflected at the lower surface 250LS of the upper light guide plate 250. The light L reflected by the lower surface 250LS of the upper light guide plate 250... r A light trapping layer 322 can be provided to one of the first light-shielding patterns 320 (e.g., a first light-shielding pattern 320 adjacent to the gap between the first light-shielding patterns 320 through which light emitted from the lower light source device 212 passes, but is not limited thereto) by passing through the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding light-shielding pattern 320. The light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can absorb at least a portion of the provided light. At least a portion of the light provided to the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be trapped between the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light L reflected at the lower surface 250LS of the upper light guide plate 250 by the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 can be significantly reduced. r Reflection. For example, in the narrow viewing angle mode of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light L reflected at the lower surface 250LS of the upper light guide plate 250. rMost of the light reflected from the upper light guide plate 250 can be removed by the first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light reflected at the lower surface 250LS of the upper light guide plate 250 is reduced. r The viewing angle of the light supplied to the display panel 100 in the first direction X cannot be increased.

[0088] Figure 6 It is a view showing the brightness distribution of light passing through a viewing control unit that includes a light-shielding pattern made of light-shielding material. Figure 7 It is a view showing the brightness distribution of light passing through each of the view control units in the light-shielding pattern, which has a stacked structure with a reflective layer, a light-trapping layer, and a thin metal layer.

[0089] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The frontal brightness of light passing through a viewing angle control unit having a stacked structure of a reflective layer, a light trapping layer, and a thin metal layer in the light-shielding pattern can be higher than the frontal brightness of light passing through a viewing angle control unit including a light-shielding pattern made of a light-shielding material. As an example, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that includes a first viewing angle control unit 300, the frontal brightness of light supplied to the display panel 100 in narrow viewing angle mode can be improved compared to a comparison display device that replaces the first viewing angle control unit 300 with a viewing angle control unit including a light-shielding pattern made of a light-shielding material. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in narrow viewing angle mode can be improved.

[0090] Therefore, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first viewing angle control unit 300 located between the upper light guide plate 250 and the lower optical sheet 230 of the backlight unit 200; and a second viewing angle control unit 400 located between the display panel 100 and the upper optical sheet 270 of the backlight unit 200. The first viewing angle control unit 300 may have a stacked structure of a first light-shielding pattern 320 and an optical lens 330. Each of the optical lenses 330 may include a region disposed between the first light-shielding patterns 320 spaced apart along a first direction X. Each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 extending along a second direction Y may have a stacked structure of a reflective layer 321, a light trapping layer 322, and a thin metal layer 323. The thickness of the thin metal layer 323 disposed near the display panel 100 may be less than the thickness of the reflective layer 321 and the light trapping layer 322. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first light-shielding pattern 320 can limit the viewing angle of light provided to the display panel 100 through the lower optical sheet 230 in the first direction X, and the optical lens 330 can improve the front brightness of the light provided to the display panel 100 through the lower optical sheet 230. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the user and a person positioned next to the user in the first direction X can share the image displayed by the display panel 100 in the wide viewing angle mode, while the person positioned next to the user in the first direction X cannot recognize the image displayed by the display panel 100 in the narrow viewing angle mode, and the quality of the image provided to the user by the display panel 100 in the narrow viewing angle mode can be improved.

[0091] Table 1 shows the reflectivity of the first light-blocking pattern 320 according to the thickness of the light-trapping layer 322. Table 2 shows the reflectivity of the first light-blocking pattern 320 according to the thickness of the thin metal layer 323. Here, Tables 1 and 2 are values ​​measured in a structure in which a light-trapping layer 322 made of copper oxide (Cu) is disposed between a reflective layer 321 and a thin metal layer 323 both formed of nickel-chromium (NiCr) alloy, and the thickness of the reflective layer 321 is greater than the thickness of the light-trapping layer 322.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093]

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095]

[0096] Referring to Table 1, if the light trapping layer 322 has a thickness of 17 nm to 107 nm, the reflectivity of the first light-shielding pattern 320 can be reduced or minimized. Referring to Table 2, if the thickness of the thin metal layer 323 is 12 nm to 18 nm, the reflectivity of the first light-shielding pattern 320 can be reduced or minimized. As an example, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may have a thickness of 17 nm to 107 nm, the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may have a thickness of 12 nm to 18 nm, and the thickness of the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be greater than the thickness of the light trapping layer 322 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light L reflected by the lower surface 250LS of the upper light guide plate 250 in narrow viewing angle mode can be significantly reduced. r This results in an increase in the viewing angle in the first direction X. Therefore, in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in narrow viewing angle mode can be greatly improved.

[0097] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a light trapping layer 322 for each first light-shielding pattern 320 comprising a material different from the reflective layer 321 and thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the light trapping layer 322 for each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be made of a metal oxide comprising the same material as the reflective layer 321 and thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the process of forming the first light-shielding pattern 320 may include the following steps: forming a metal layer; forming a metal oxide layer by oxidizing the surface of the metal layer; forming a thin film layer comprising the same material as the metal layer on the metal oxide layer; forming a thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 by patterning the thin film layer; forming a light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 by patterning the metal oxide layer; and forming a reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 by patterning the metal layer. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of forming the first light-shielding pattern 320 can be simplified.

[0098] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a three-layer structure for each of the first light-shielding patterns 320. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 may have various stacked structures. For example, such as Figure 8As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 may include a blocking layer 324 located on the lower surface of the reflective layer 321 facing the lower light guide plate. The blocking layer 324 may reduce or prevent light reflection at the lower surface of the reflective layer 321. For example, the blocking layer 324 may include an absorbing material. As an example, the blocking layer 324 may include an organic or inorganic material. For example, the blocking layer 324 may include a metal oxide, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, defects caused by light reflected at the lower surface of the reflective layer 321 can be reduced.

[0099] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 in direct contact with the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the light trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be spaced apart from the reflective layer 321 and / or the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 may include an absorption layer 325 disposed between the reflective layer 321 and the light-trapping layer 322. The absorption layer 325 may have a lower transmittance than the light-trapping layer 322. For example, the absorption layer 325 may include an absorbing material with higher efficiency than the light-trapping layer 322. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflection of light provided to the light-trapping layer 322 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 through the thin metal layer 323 of the corresponding light-shielding pattern 320 can be effectively reduced or prevented. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in narrow viewing angle mode can be effectively improved.

[0100] like Figure 10As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first light-shielding patterns 320 may include a transmissive-reflective layer 326 disposed between the absorption layer 325 and the light trapping layer 322. The transmissive-reflective layer 326 may include, but is not limited to, metal. For example, the transmissive-reflective layer 326 may include the same material as the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323. The thickness of the transmissive-reflective layer 326 may be greater than the thickness of the light trapping layer 322 and the thin metal layer 323, but is not limited to. A portion of the light provided to the light trapping layer 322 through the thin metal layer 323 may pass through the transmissive-reflective layer 326. The transmissive-reflective layer 326 may reflect a portion of the light provided to the light trapping layer 322 through the thin metal layer 323. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light provided to the light trapping layer 322 through the thin metal layer 323 may be confined between the transmissive-reflective layer 326 and the thin metal layer 323, or provided to the absorption layer 325 by passing through the transmissive-reflective layer 326. Furthermore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the light provided to the absorption layer 325 can be trapped between the reflective layer 321 and the transmissive-reflective layer 326. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light reflected at the lower surface of the upper light guide plate 250 can be effectively removed by the first light-shielding pattern 320. As an example, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user can be greatly improved.

[0101] In a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the side surface of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may have various shapes. For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the side surface of the first light-shielding pattern 320 may have an uneven shape. For example, the side surface shape of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may differ from the side surface shape of adjacent first light-shielding patterns 320. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, moiré patterns caused by the repeated arrangement of the first light-shielding patterns 320 can be reduced or prevented. For example, the side surface of the first light-shielding pattern 320 may have an uneven shape along the second direction Y, but is not limited thereto. The embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the side surface of the first light-shielding pattern 320 may have a flat shape along the second direction Y. For example, the edges of each layer of the first light-shielding pattern 320 may be aligned or not aligned with each other along the third direction Z, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a lower optical element 230 disposed between a lower light guide plate 220 and a first viewing angle control unit 300. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, light generated by the lower light source unit 210 can be directly provided to the lower optical element 230. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower light source substrate 211 of the lower light source unit 210 can be disposed parallel to the lower optical sheet 230, and the lower light guide plate and reflector can be omitted. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the lower light source devices 212 can emit light toward the lower optical sheet 230. As an example, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the backlight unit 200 can be a direct-lit backlight unit. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower light guide plate and reflector can be omitted.

[0103] In a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower optical sheet 230 may include a diffuser. Therefore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light emitted from the lower light source unit 210 can be uniformly provided to the entire area of ​​the display panel 100. Furthermore, in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the brightness of light passing through the lower optical sheet 230 can be increased.

[0104] Reflective patterns 213 may be disposed between the lower light source devices 212. Light reflected by the reflective layer 321 of each first light-shielding pattern 320 may be reflected by one of the reflective patterns 213 toward the upper light guide plate 250. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in narrow viewing angle mode can be improved.

[0105] The lower light source device 212 and the reflective pattern 213 can be covered by a light source planarization layer 214. The light source planarization layer 214 may include a transparent material. The light source planarization layer 214 may include an adhesive material. For example, the light source planarization layer 214 can be directly attached to the surface of the lower light source substrate 211 between the lower light source device 212 and the reflective pattern 213. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower light source device 212 and the reflective pattern 213 can be fixed to the lower light source substrate 211 by the light source planarization layer 214. Furthermore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the lower light source device 212 and the reflective pattern 213 due to external impacts can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, defects caused by movement and / or deformation of the lower light source device 212 and the reflective pattern 213 can be reduced or prevented.

[0106] like Figure 13 As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first viewing angle control unit 300 may include a pattern planarization layer 340 covering the first light-shielding pattern 320. The pattern planarization layer 340 may include a transparent material. The pattern planarization layer 340 may include an adhesive material. For example, the pattern planarization layer 340 may be attached to the lower surface of the control substrate 310 between the first light-shielding patterns 320. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first light-shielding pattern 320 can be fixed to the lower surface of the control substrate 310 by the pattern planarization layer 340. Furthermore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the lower optical sheets 231 and 232 due to the first light-shielding pattern 320 can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in narrow viewing angle mode can be improved.

[0107] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described as follows: a first viewing angle control unit 300, including a first light-shielding pattern 320 and an optical lens 330, is disposed between lower optical sheets 231 and 232 and an upper light guide plate 250; and a second viewing angle control unit 400, including a second light-shielding pattern 430 surrounded by a patterned insulating layer 440, is disposed between upper optical sheets 271 and 272 and a display panel 100. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the first viewing angle control unit 300 and the second viewing angle control unit 400 can be arranged in various ways. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a second viewing angle control unit 400 may be disposed between the lower optical sheets 231 and 232 and the upper light guide plate 250, and a first viewing angle control unit 300 may be disposed between the upper optical sheets 271 and 272 and the display panel 100. Therefore, in the display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in wide viewing angle mode, at least a portion of the light reflected from the lower surface of the display panel 100 toward the upper light guide plate 250 can be captured between the reflective layer 321 and the thin metal layer 323 of each first light-shielding pattern 320. Furthermore, in the display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflection of external light passing through the display panel 100 can be blocked by the first light-shielding pattern 320. Therefore, in the display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in wide viewing angle mode can be improved.

[0108] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a second viewing angle control unit 400 including a second light-shielding pattern 430 surrounded by a patterned insulating layer 440. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure, the second viewing angle control unit 400 may have various structures. For example, as Figure 15 As shown, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a second viewing angle control unit 600 disposed between the upper optical plates 271 and 272 and the display panel 100 may include an upper light-shielding pattern 620 and an upper optical lens 630 supported by an upper control substrate 610.

[0109] The upper light-shielding pattern 620 and the upper optical lens 630 may extend along a first direction X. The upper light-shielding patterns 620 may be spaced apart along a second direction Y. Each of the upper optical lenses 630 includes a region disposed along the second direction Y between adjacent upper light-shielding patterns 620. The surface of each upper optical lens 630 facing the display panel 100 may have a convex shape. For example, each of the upper optical lenses 630 may be used as a convex lens. The structure of each upper light-shielding pattern 620 may have the same structure as that of each first light-shielding pattern 320. For example, each of the upper light-shielding patterns 620 may have a stacked structure of an upper reflective layer 621, an upper light-trapping layer 622, and an upper thin metal layer 623. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image provided to the user in a narrow viewing angle mode and the quality of the image provided to the user in a wide viewing angle mode can be improved.

[0110] In another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to this disclosure, the display panel 100 can be installed in various locations where wide-viewing-angle mode images and narrow-viewing-angle mode images are selectively implemented. For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the display device according to this disclosure, the display panel 100 can be installed inside a vehicle. The image displayed by the display panel 100 can be provided to a driver sitting in the driver's seat DS and / or a passenger sitting in the passenger seat PS. For example, the first direction X can be the direction between the driver's seat DS and the passenger seat PS.

[0111] The display panel 100 can be positioned in front of the passenger seat PS. If the vehicle moves, the display panel 100 can display an image in a narrow viewing angle mode. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if the vehicle moves, the driver sitting in the driver's seat DS cannot recognize the image displayed by the display panel 100. Furthermore, in the narrow viewing angle mode of the display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the windshield FW, which is arranged parallel to the display panel 100 along the second direction Y, cannot reflect the image displayed by the display panel 100. As an example, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, driver's visual distraction while driving can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, accidents caused by driver's visual distraction can be reduced or prevented.

[0112] As a result, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a display panel located on a backlight unit; and a viewing angle control unit located in the path of light supplied from the backlight unit to the display panel, wherein the viewing angle control unit may have a stacked structure of light-shielding patterns and optical lenses, wherein each of the light-shielding patterns extending along a first direction may have a stacked structure of a reflective layer, a light-trapping layer, and a thin metal layer, wherein each optical lens located on the thin metal layer of each light-shielding pattern may include a region disposed between light-shielding patterns spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the thickness of the thin metal layer may be less than the thickness of the reflective layer and the light-trapping layer. Therefore, in the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light passing between the light-shielding patterns can be focused by one of the optical lenses. Therefore, in the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the quality of the image realized by the display panel can be improved. Furthermore, in the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, low-power operation can be performed, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0113] Cross-references to related applications

[0114] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0197238, filed on December 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A backlight unit, the backlight unit including a first light guide plate; A first view control unit, the first view control unit includes a first light-shielding pattern, the first light-shielding pattern is located on the first light guide plate, spaced apart along a first direction, and extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; as well as The display panel is located on the first view control unit. Each of the first light-shielding patterns includes a reflective layer, a thin metal layer disposed on the reflective layer, and a light-trap layer disposed between the reflective layer and the thin metal layer. The thickness of the thin metal layer disposed near the display panel is less than the thickness of the reflective layer and the light trapping layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first view control unit also includes a first optical lens located on the first light-shielding pattern. Each of the first optical lenses includes a region disposed between the first light-shielding patterns spaced apart along the first direction.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The dimension of each of the first optical lenses facing the lower surface of the first light guide plate is greater than the dimension of each of the first light-shielding patterns, and greater than the dimension of the interval between the first light-shielding patterns in the first direction.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The length of the lower surface of each of the first optical lenses in the first direction is the same as the pitch of the first light-shielding pattern in the first direction.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the first optical lenses has a constant shape in the portion between the first light-blocking patterns.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light trapping layer comprises a light-absorbing material, and The thin metal layer is a semi-transparent layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light trapping layer comprises a metal oxide, and The light trapping layer and the thin metal layer comprise different metals.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light trapping layer comprises an oxide of the metallic material contained in the thin metal layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective layer and the thin metal layer are made of the same material.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the reflective layer is greater than the thickness of the light trapping layer.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a second view control unit located above or below the first view control unit. in, The backlight unit also includes a second light guide plate disposed below the second viewing angle control unit, and The second view control unit includes a second light-shielding pattern that extends parallel to the first direction.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The second view control unit includes a second optical lens located on the second light-shielding pattern. Each of the second optical lenses includes a region disposed between the second light-shielding patterns spaced apart along the second direction, and Each of the second light-shielding patterns has the same layered structure as each of the first light-shielding patterns.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light trapping layer of each of the first light-shielding patterns is in direct contact with the reflective layer and the thin metal layer, or spaced apart from at least one of the reflective layer and the thin metal layer.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The side surface of the first light-shielding pattern has an uneven shape along the second direction.

15. A display device, the display device comprising: Backlight unit, the backlight unit including a first optical sheet; A first view control unit, comprising a first light-shielding pattern, a control substrate, and an optical lens sequentially stacked on the first optical sheet; as well as The display panel is located on the optical lens of the first viewing angle control unit. The first light-shielding pattern disposed on the first surface of the control substrate facing the first optical sheet extends parallel to the first direction. Each of the optical lenses disposed on the second surface of the control substrate facing the display panel includes a region disposed between the first light-shielding patterns spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the first light-shielding patterns has the following structure: in this structure, a thin metal layer, a light trapping layer with a thickness greater than that of the thin metal layer, and a reflective layer with a thickness greater than that of the light trapping layer are sequentially stacked on the first surface of the control substrate.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The light trapping layer is made of an oxide of the metallic material contained in the thin metal layer.

17. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising a second viewing angle control unit located between the first viewing angle control unit and the display panel. in, The backlight unit includes a light guide plate located between the first viewing angle control unit and the second viewing angle control unit, a second optical sheet located between the light guide plate and the second viewing angle control unit, and an upper light source device arranged side by side on the side surface of the light guide plate. The second view control unit includes a second light-shielding pattern extending along the second direction, and The structure of each of the second light-shielding patterns is different from the structure of each of the first light-shielding patterns.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The backlight unit includes lower light source devices arranged side-by-side on the upper surface of the light source substrate, and The first optical sheet, the first viewing angle control unit, and the display panel, which are stacked on the lower light source device, are arranged parallel to the light source substrate.

19. A vehicle comprising a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein, The display device is located in front of the passenger seat. The first direction is the direction between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and The windshield is arranged side by side with the display device along the second direction.

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