DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device comprises a display panel (PN) having a plurality of color filters (CF) and a black matrix (BM) between the plurality of color filters (CF), a backlight unit (BLU) arranged below the display panel (PN), and a light shutter (ST) arranged in a region between the backlight unit (BLU) and the display panel (PN), an interior of the display panel (PN), and an upper section of the display panel (PN), and comprising a plurality of shutter structures (160).Each of the plurality of shutter structures (160) has a dispersion (161) comprising a first part (P1) that overlaps the plurality of color filters (CF), a second part (P2) that extends from the first part (P1), and a third part (P3) that extends from the second part (P2) and overlaps the black matrix (BM), a plurality of black particles (162) dispersed in the dispersion (161), and a plurality of transparent particles (163) dispersed in the dispersion (161). Accordingly, the light shutter (ST), which blocks light, is used to minimize light leakage and improve the contrast of the display device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 10 - 2024 - 0 119 026, filed on September 3, 2024, at the Korean Patent Office. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates to a display device and in particular a display device which has a light shutter. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0003] A liquid crystal display (LCD) has properties such as light weight, thinness, and low power consumption, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The LCD displays images by adjusting the transmittance of the liquid crystal using an electric field. To this end, the LCD can display desired images on a screen by adjusting the light transmittance according to the liquid crystals arranged in a matrix and an image signal applied to multiple control switches. Since the LCD is not a self-illuminating display, it is equipped with a backlight unit that provides light to the back of the display panel.

[0004] The liquid crystal alignment and application of an electric field to the liquid crystal display device can be configured in various ways, such as the Twisted Nematic (TN) method, the Vertical Alignment (VA) method, and the In-Plane Circuit (IPS) method. Currently, the IPS method is a technique in which the liquid crystals are arranged horizontally to the substrate and controlled using a horizontal electric field. It exhibits excellent viewing angle characteristics and color quality and is stable for touch input. However, the IPS method suffers from the disadvantage of a low contrast ratio due to light leakage when displaying black. OVERVIEW

[0005] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a display device with improved black display quality.

[0006] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a display device in which light leakage is improved to improve the contrast ratio.

[0007] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a display device in which light passing through a light shutter is collected and emitted to minimize the deterioration of brightness caused by the light shutter.

[0008] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a display device in which black particles of a closure structure are not influenced by a surrounding control electrode.

[0009] The functions of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other functions not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following descriptions.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device according to claim 1 is provided. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device comprises a display panel having a plurality of color filters and a black matrix between the plurality of color filters, a backlight unit arranged below the display panel, and a light shutter arranged in an area between the backlight unit and the display panel, an interior of the display panel, or an upper part of the display panel, and comprising a plurality of shutter structures.Each of the multiple shutter structures features a dispersion comprising a first part overlapping the multiple color filters, a second part extending from the first, and a third part extending from the second and overlapping the black matrix, multiple black particles dispersed within the dispersion, and multiple transparent particles dispersed within the dispersion. Accordingly, the light shutter, which blocks light, is used to minimize light leakage and improve the contrast of the display device.

[0012] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are contained in the detailed description and drawings.

[0013] In accordance with the present disclosure, light emanating from the liquid crystal is blocked by a light shutter to improve the display quality of a black image.

[0014] In accordance with the present disclosure, the light shutter additionally blocks light to improve black reproduction quality and improve contrast ratio.

[0015] In accordance with the present disclosure, light passing through the light shutter is collected and emitted to minimize the deterioration in brightness caused by the light shutter.

[0016] In accordance with the present disclosure, a plurality of closure structures for the simple control of a plurality of black particles are arranged at a distance from one another.

[0017] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the contents mentioned above as examples, and the present application has further various effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above-mentioned and further aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is an enlarged top view of a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of a subpixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view along VV' of the Fig. 3 is; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view along VI-VI' of the Fig. 3 is; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view to illustrate the operation of a light shutter of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 a diagram for comparing a contrast ratio according to a viewing angle in display devices according to a comparison example and an example; Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Cross-sectional views of a display device according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are; and Fig. 10A to Fig. 10C schematic cross-sectional views of a display device according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORM

[0019] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method for achieving these advantages and features will become clear with reference to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below, together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided only as examples to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosures and the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, and the like shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to them. The same reference numerals generally denote the same elements throughout the entire description. Furthermore, a detailed explanation of known related technologies will be omitted from the following description of the present disclosure in order not to obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure unnecessarily. The terms used herein, such as "containing," "having," and "consisting of," are generally intended to permit the addition of other components, provided the terms are not used in conjunction with the term "only." All references to the singular may also include the plural form, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0021] Components are interpreted as having a normal error range, even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0022] When the spatial relationship between two parts is described using terms such as "on", "above", "under", "next to", one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts unless the terms are used with the term "immediately" or "directly".

[0023] If one element or layer is positioned "on" another element or layer, another layer or element can be inserted directly on top of the other element or in between.

[0024] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe different components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from the others. Therefore, a first component mentioned below may be a second component in a technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0025] The same reference numerals generally denote identical elements throughout the entire application.

[0026] A size and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the component shown.

[0027] The features of different embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or completely attached to one another or combined with one another and can be linked and operated in technically different ways, and the embodiments can be carried out independently of one another or in association with one another.

[0028] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 simplifies the description of various components of the display device 100 by showing only a display panel PN, a gate driver GD, a data driver DD and a timing controller TC.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1 The display device 100 has a display panel PN with a plurality of subpixels SP, a gate driver GD and a data driver DD which supply different signals to the display panel PN, as well as a timing control TC which controls the gate driver GD and the data driver DD.

[0031] The gate driver GD supplies a plurality of sample signals to a plurality of sampling lines SL, corresponding to a plurality of gate control signals supplied by the timing controller TC. Even if in Fig. Figure 1 shows that a gate driver GD is arranged at a distance from one side of the display panel PN; however, the number of gate drivers GD and their arrangement are not limited to this.

[0032] The data driver DD applies a data voltage to a plurality of data lines DL according to a plurality of data control signals and image data supplied by the timing controller TC. The data driver DD converts the image data into a data voltage using a reference gamma voltage and applies the converted data voltage to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0033] The timing controller (TC) aligns externally input image data to feed it to the data driver (DD). The timing controller (TC) can generate a gate control signal and, using externally input synchronization signals such as a pixel clock signal, a data release signal, and horizontal / vertical synchronization signals, a data control signal. The timing controller (TC) then routes the generated gate control signal and data control signal to the gate driver (GD) and the data driver (DD) in a corresponding manner.

[0034] The display panel PN is a configuration that displays images to the user and has a plurality of subpixels SP. In the display panel PN, the plurality of scan lines SL and the plurality of data lines DL intersect, and the plurality of subpixels SP are formed at the intersections of the scan lines SL and the data lines DL.

[0035] The display panel PN defines an active area AA and a non-active area NA.

[0036] The active area AA is an area in which 100 images are displayed in the display device. Within the active area AA, a plurality of subpixels SP, which together form a plurality of pixels, and a pixel circuit for controlling the plurality of subpixels SP can be arranged. The plurality of subpixels SP constitutes a minimal unit that forms the active area AA, and n subpixels SP form a pixel. Within each of the plurality of subpixels SP, a plurality of display elements and a thin-film transistor for controlling the plurality of display elements can be arranged. The plurality of display elements can be defined in various ways depending on the type of display device 100. For example, if the display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device, the display element can be a liquid crystal.As another example, if the display device 100 is an organic light-emitting display device, the display element can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and if the display device 100 is an inorganic light-emitting device, the light-emitting diode can be a light-emitting diode (LED) or a micro-light-emitting diode (micro-LED).

[0037] The following description assumes that the display device 100, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is a liquid crystal display device 100 comprising liquid crystals. If the display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device 100, the display device 100 for displaying images using liquid crystals further comprises a backlight unit BLU below the display panel PN and a polarizer on a front surface and a rear surface of the display panel PN. The display device 100 is described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 will be described in more detail.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged top view of a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a subpixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of a red subpixel SPR of the plurality of subpixels, and although this is not shown in the drawing, the green subpixel SPG and the blue subpixel SPB may have the same structure as the red subpixel SPR.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 the display panel PN has a first substrate 110, a liquid crystal LC, a color filter CF and a second substrate 120.

[0040] The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 are elements that support other components of the display panel PN and can be insulating substrates. The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 can be connected by the liquid crystal LC between them. For example, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 can be made of glass or resin.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. In Figure 4, the liquid crystal is arranged between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. A plurality of liquid crystal molecules, forming the liquid crystal LC, can be arranged in various ways depending on the control method and rotate to adjust the light transmission through an electric field between a pixel electrode PE and a common electrode CE. For example, according to an in-plane circuit (IPS) method, a plurality of liquid crystal molecules are arranged horizontally to a surface of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 and rotate through an electric field between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The light transmission varies according to a rotation angle of the liquid crystal molecules, and different images are displayed using this.For example, when the liquid crystals LC are arranged at a specific angle, light from the backlight unit BLU and the first polarizer POL1 is blocked by the liquid crystals LC to display a black image. The liquid crystal LC rotates through different angles in response to an electric field between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, allowing light from the backlight unit BLU and the first polarizer POL1 to propagate to the top of the display panel PN and display a white image.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 4 is a thin-film transistor (TFT) matrix for driving the liquid crystal LC on the first substrate 110. The TFT matrix includes a transistor formed at the intersections of the plurality of scanning lines SL and the plurality of data lines DL, a pixel electrode PE to which a data voltage is applied, a common electrode CE to which a common voltage is applied, and a capacitor that maintains a data voltage. For example, in each of the plurality of subpixels SP, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE of the TFT matrix are arranged in the same plane, and the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE form a horizontal electric field.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. The color filter is located between the second substrate 120 and the liquid crystal LC. The color filter converts light passing through the liquid crystal LC into different colored light. For example, if the majority of subpixels SP have a red subpixel SPR, a green subpixel SPG, and a blue subpixel SPB, the color filter CF will have a red color filter CFR, a green color filter CFG, and a blue color filter CFB. However, depending on the type of majority of subpixels SP, color filters CF of different colors can also be included, and the type of color filter CF is not limited to this.

[0044] A black matrix (BM) is positioned between the majority of color filters (CF). The black matrix (BM) is located in a region between the majority of subpixels (SP). The black matrix (BM) reduces reflection of external light and suppresses color mixing between the majority of subpixels (SP). The black matrix (BM) can be made of a non-transparent material, such as chromium (Cr), chromium oxide film (Cr2O3), or black resin, but is not limited to these materials.

[0045] A first polarizer, POL1, is located below the display panel, PN, and a second polarizer, POL2, is located above the display panel, PN. Both the first polarizer, POL1, and the second polarizer, POL2, are linear polarizers, and their transmission axes are perpendicular to each other. For example, only light from the backlight unit, PLU, oscillating in a horizontal or vertical direction, passes through the first polarizer, POL1, and only light from the display panel, PN, oscillating in a vertical or horizontal direction, passes through the second polarizer, POL2.

[0046] The backlight unit (BLU) is located below the display panel (PN) and the second polarizer (POL2). The BLU is configured to supply light to the display panel (PN). The display panel (PN), which contains the liquid crystal (CL), does not emit light itself; therefore, the BLU is a separate component for displaying images. The BLU incorporates multiple light sources to supply light to the display panel (PN). For example, the BLU can be configured as a direct illumination type, with multiple light sources located below the display panel, or as an edge illumination type, with multiple light sources located along a side section of a light guide plate.

[0047] The light shutter (ST) is located on the display panel (PN). The light shutter (ST) is a configuration that selectively allows or blocks light from the display panel (PN), minimizing light leakage and improving the contrast ratio. The contrast ratio is a value that represents the difference between the minimum and maximum brightness of the display device (100). Therefore, as the contrast ratio increases, the difference between darkness and brightness is more clearly represented, and the display quality is improved. However, in the IPS technology, when a black image is displayed, some light escapes diagonally across the liquid crystal (LC), resulting in poor black display quality and a degraded contrast ratio.Therefore, when the black image is displayed, the light shutter ST is set up to block light in order to improve the contrast ratio of the display device 100.

[0048] The following section describes the ST light shutter with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 can be described together.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along a line VV' of the Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along a line VI-VI' of the Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view to illustrate the operation of a light shutter of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram for comparing a contrast ratio as a function of a viewing angle in display devices according to a comparative example and an example. A display device according to the example is a display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and a display device according to the comparative example is a display device which, in comparison to the display device according to the exemplary embodiment, does not have a light shutter ST. Fig. 5 to Fig. For the sake of simplicity, 7 represent only a color filter CF, a black matrix BM, a second substrate 120 and a light shutter ST of a display panel PN.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 The light shutter ST is arranged on the display panel PN. The light shutter ST has a lower substrate 130, an adhesive layer 131, a filler layer 132, an upper substrate 140, a plurality of control electrodes 150 and a plurality of shutter structures 160.

[0051] First, the lower substrate 130 and the upper substrate 140 of the light shutter ST are elements that support other components of the light shutter ST and can be insulating substrates. The lower substrate 130 and the upper substrate 140 are made of a light-transmitting insulating material and can, for example, be layers formed from a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), triacetylcellulose (TAC), polyethylene (PE), acrylic, or polyolefin, but are not limited to these.

[0052] The majority of control electrodes 150 are arranged on the lower substrate 130 of the light shutter ST. The majority of control electrodes 150 have a first control electrode 151 and a second control electrode 152. The first control electrode 151 is arranged such that it overlaps the majority of subpixels SP and the majority of color filters CF, and the second control electrode 152 is arranged such that it overlaps the black matrix BM. The first control electrode 151 and the second control electrode 152 are electrodes that control black particles 162 of the shutter structure 160 and move the black particles 162 in one direction by means of an electric field between the first control electrode 151 and the second control electrode 152.

[0053] The adhesive layer 131 is arranged on the plurality of control electrodes 150. In the fabrication of the light shutter ST, the lower substrate 130, on which the plurality of control electrodes 150 are formed, and the upper substrate 140, on which the plurality of shutter structures 160 and the filler layer 132 are formed, are joined together to create the light shutter ST. To join the lower substrate 130 and the upper substrate 140, the adhesive layer 131 is formed on the lower substrate 130 and the plurality of control electrodes 150. For example, the adhesive layer 131 can be an acrylic resin, but this is not limited to that.

[0054] The majority of closure structures 160 are arranged on the adhesive layer 131. The majority of closure structures 160 are configurations that block or allow light to pass through using the black particles 162. The majority of closure structures 160 have a dispersion 161, a majority of black particles 162, and a majority of transparent particles 163.

[0055] First, dispersion 161 is a liquid in which the majority of black particles 162 and the majority of transparent particles 163 are dispersed. Dispersion 161 consists of a translucent material and has a low viscosity to allow the majority of black particles 162 to move easily. Dispersion 161 comprises a first part P1, a second part P2, and a third part P3. For example, dispersion 161 contains a solvent, such as halogenated hydrocarbon oil, paraffin oil, and isopropyl alcohol, and can have a low viscosity of approximately 50 cps or less.

[0056] The first part P1 of the dispersion 161 is a part that overlaps the majority of subpixels SP and the majority of color filters CF. When the black image is displayed, the majority of black particles 162 are distributed within the first part P1 to block the light. When an image other than the black image is displayed, the black particles 162 located in the first part P1 move to the third part P3, so that the light is emitted through the first part P1 to the outside of the display device 100. In order to suppress a deterioration in transmittance due to the majority of black particles 162, the first part P1 is shaped in such a way that it is advantageous for collecting the light and thus improving the light extraction performance.The first part P1 is shaped such that its width narrows from bottom to top, so that light incident from the lower substrate 130 is easily concentrated on the first part P1. For example, the first part P1 is trapezoidal, and the width of a lower surface of the first part P1 is about five times greater than the width of an upper surface, but this is not the only factor.

[0057] If the first part P1 is shaped such that it has a rectangular form, like the third part P3, the light-gathering efficiency is low, thus impairing the overall brightness of the display device. Therefore, the first part P1 is shaped such that, in order to improve the transmittance of the light shutter ST in a transmitting mode, it has a light-gathering structure.

[0058] The second part P2 of dispersion 161 is a passage connecting the first part P1 and the third part P3, such that the majority of black particles 162 move through the second part P2 from the first part P1 to the third part P3 or from the third part P3 to the first part P1. 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 majority of subpixels SP and the black matrix BM.

[0059] The third part P3 of dispersion 161 overlaps the black matrix BM. When images other than the black image are displayed, the black particles 162 located in the first part P1 move to the third part P3 and are incorporated into it. Accordingly, when images other than the black image are displayed, the third part P3 acts as a storage area for the black particles 162. The third part P3's sole function is to store the black particles 162, and therefore it can be formed in various shapes. For example, as shown in the diagram, the third part P3 can be rectangular or other shapes, such as a trapezoid, a circle, or a triangle, but it is not limited to these.

[0060] The majority of black particles 162 are dispersed in the dispersion 161. The majority of black particles 162 are charged so that they move along the electric field of the majority of control electrodes 150. When the black image is displayed, light from the display panel PN is blocked by the black particles 162 dispersed in the dispersion 161. In contrast, when images other than the black image are displayed, the majority of black particles 162 move towards the third part P3. For example, the majority of black particles 162 are formed from 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 to this.

[0061] The majority of transparent particles 163 are dispersed in the dispersion 161. When images other than the black image are displayed, the majority of transparent particles 163 form a configuration that improves the light extraction efficiency of the light incident on the shutter structure 160. As described above, to suppress the deterioration of transmittance caused by the majority of black particles 162, the shape of the first part P1 of the dispersion 161 can be configured to have a structure advantageous for collecting light. The extraction efficiency for light collected by the first part P1 is improved by utilizing the refractive index difference between the majority of transparent particles 163 and the filler layer 132.For example, the majority of transparent particles 163 are formed from silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles, hollow silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles or tetraethoxysilane particles TEOS and have a diameter of approximately 100 nm, but are not limited to this. Furthermore, the majority of transparent particles 163 are formed from a material having a refractive index of about 1.3 or less.

[0062] A higher ratio of the majority of transparent particles 163 arranged in the dispersion 161 is achieved compared to a higher ratio of the majority of black particles 162. For example, if the ratio of the majority of transparent particles 163 to the majority of black particles 162 is approximately 8:2 or 7:3, a high contrast ratio can be achieved while minimizing the deterioration of transmittance.

[0063] The filler layer 132 is arranged on the majority of the closure structures 160 and the adhesive layer 131. The filler layer 132 is arranged such that it covers the majority of the closure structures 160. To improve the light-collecting effect of the first part P1 of the closure structure 160, the filler layer 132 is made of a light-transmitting material with a high refractive index. For example, the filler layer 132 is made of a resin with a refractive index of approximately 1.7 or higher.

[0064] To improve the extraction efficiency of multiple light rays, the majority of transparent particles 163 are made of a material with a low refractive index, and the filler layer 132 is made of a material with a high refractive index. Due to the difference in refractive indices between the majority of transparent particles 163 and the filler layer 132, some of the light directed from the filler layer 132 to the majority of transparent particles 163 is totally reflected, thus altering the light path and amplifying light directed towards a front face. Accordingly, the refractive indices of the filler layer 132 and the majority of transparent particles 163 are configured to be different, such that the path of the majority of light rays is altered towards the front face, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0065] In this context, with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The plurality of shutter structures 160 are arranged such that they overlap only some of the plurality of subpixels SP. The plurality of shutter structures 160 are arranged in a row direction and a column direction such that they are spaced apart from one another. For example, the plurality of subpixels SP are arranged in a matrix, forming a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the red subpixel SPR, the green subpixel SPG, and the blue subpixel SPB are repeated in each of the rows in that order. A shutter structure 160 located in an nth row of the plurality of rows is arranged such that it overlaps only one odd-numbered subpixel SP, and a shutter structure 160 located in an n+1th row is arranged such that it overlaps only one even-numbered subpixel SP.This means that the majority of shutter structures 160 are arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other, with an area of ​​a subpixel SP between them, and they are arranged in a grid. Therefore, the shutter structure 160 is only located on some subpixels SP, and the shutter structure 160 is not located on the remaining subpixels SP.

[0066] If the shutter structure 160 is located in all of the majority of subpixels SP, it can be difficult to move the black particles 160 to the third part P3 due to the interference of the electric field between the first control electrode 151 and the second control electrode 152, which are adjacent to each other. For example, a second control electrode 152, which controls the shutter structure 160 on the red subpixel SPR, and a first control electrode 151, which controls the shutter structure 160 on the green subpixel SPG, are located adjacent to each other. If the majority of control electrodes 150 are activated simultaneously, an electric field is also formed between the second control electrode 152, which controls the shutter structure 160 on the red subpixel SPR, and the first control electrode 151, which controls the shutter structure 160 on the green subpixel SPG.Therefore, the black particles 162 in the shutter structure 160 on the green subpixel SPG cannot move to the third part P3. Accordingly, the majority of shutter structures 150 are arranged at such a distance from each other that the movement error of the black particles 162 due to interference between the majority of control electrodes 150 is suppressed.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 7. The light shutter ST can be controlled in a light-blocking mode (black) or a light-transmitting mode (white). For example, when the black image is displayed, the light shutter ST is controlled in light-blocking mode (black) to block the light. When images other than the black image are displayed, the light shutter ST is controlled in light-transmitting mode (white) to allow the light to pass through.

[0068] In the light-shielding mode (black), no voltage is applied to the majority of control electrodes 150, and the majority of black particles 162 cannot move in a specific direction. Therefore, the majority of black particles 162 can be evenly distributed in the first part P1, the second part P2, and the third part P3 of the dispersion 161, and light incident on the light shutter ST is not directed outwards due to the majority of black particles 162 and is blocked.

[0069] In the transparent mode (white), voltage is applied to the majority of control electrodes 150 such that the majority of black particles 162 move into the third section P3. The black particles 162 located in the first section P1 move through the electric field between the majority of control electrodes 150 into the third section P3. Accordingly, the light incident on the optical shutter ST is coupled out through the first section P1 to the outside of the display device 100, and various images are displayed on the display device 100.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 8 confirms that the contrast ratio is improved by the light shutter ST. As described above, the display device according to the example is the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is described in Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 7 shows a display device according to the comparative example, which, compared to the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, only lacks the light shutter ST. As a result of measuring the contrast ratio as a function of the viewing angle, it is confirmed that the contrast ratio of the display device according to the example is improved compared to the display device according to the comparative example. In particular, it is evident, as seen from the front surface, that in a region of an angle of 0 degrees, the difference in the contrast ratio between the comparative example and the example is approximately twofold or more.Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, light from the black image is blocked using the light shutter ST to improve the black display quality and improve the contrast ratio.

[0071] Accordingly, in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of shutter structures 160 are formed which overlap some of the plurality of subpixels SP in such a way that leakage light from the plurality of subpixels SP is blocked and the black display quality is improved. For example, when the black image is displayed, light in the liquid crystal LC is not completely blocked, and light leakage occurs. In this case, to block the light and improve the display quality of the black image, the shutter structure 160 of the light shutter ST is controlled in the light-shielding mode (black), thereby improving the contrast ratio.Furthermore, when a normal image is displayed, the shutter structure 160 is controlled in the translucent mode (white) to allow light to be extracted from the majority of subpixels SP to the outside of the display device 100. Accordingly, the shutter structure 160, which selectively blocks and allows light to pass through, is arranged in such a way as to improve the contrast ratio of the display device 100.

[0072] Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B are cross-sectional views of a display device according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9A and Fig. For the sake of simplicity, only a color filter CF, a black matrix BM, a second substrate 120, and a light shutter ST of a display panel PN are shown in Figure 9B. The only difference between the display devices 900A and 900B of the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B and the display device 100 of the Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 consists of forms of the shutter structures 960A and 960B of the ST light shutter, however other configurations are essentially the same, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The shutter structures 960A and 960B of the light shutter ST have a first part P1 that overlaps the majority of pixels SP and is formed with various shapes of light-collecting structures. The first part P1 has a shape that tapers from a lower end to an upper end, such that it collects light incident on the first part P1 that is to be emitted to the outside of the display devices 900A and 900B.

[0074] For example, the 960A locking structure, with reference to Fig. 9A, a dispersion 961A, black particles 962A and transparent particles 963A, and the first part P1 of dispersion 961A is formed in a triangular shape. For example, the closure structure 960B, with reference to Fig. 9B, a dispersion 961B, black particles 962B and transparent particles 963B, and the first part P1 of the dispersion 961B is formed in a convex lens shape.

[0075] Accordingly, in the display devices 900A and 900B, according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first part P1 of the shutter structures 960A and 960B is configured such that it has a structure that narrows from the lower end to the upper end in order to improve the light extraction efficiency. For example, the first parts P1 of the shutter structures 960A and 960B are configured such that they have a structure that narrows from the lower end to the upper end, such as a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, or a convex lens shape, in order to collect light incident on the light shutter ST. Accordingly, the light is collected in the shutter structures 960A and 960B in such a way that it is emitted to the outside of the display devices 900A and 900B in order to improve the light extraction efficiency and the brightness of the display devices 900A and 900B.

[0076] Fig. 10A to Fig. Figures 10C are schematic cross-sectional views of a display device according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The only difference between display devices 1000A, 1000B and 1000C of the Fig. 10A to Fig. 10C and the display device 100 of the Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 and the display devices 900A and 900B of the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are located in a position of a light shutter ST, however, other configurations are essentially the same, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 10A to Fig. 10C, the light shutter ST is located on the inside of the display panel PN, either on the top or bottom of the display panel PN. The light shutter ST is located in an area between the backlight unit BLU and a second polarizer POL2.

[0078] In a 1000A display device of the Fig. 10A, the light shutter ST is located in the display panel PN. For example, the light shutter ST is positioned between the liquid crystal LC and the color filter CF. The light shutter ST controls the light that is directed from the liquid crystal LC to the color filter CF.

[0079] In the display device 1000B of the Fig. In 10B, the light shutter ST is located below the display panel PN, that is, between the display panel PN and the backlight unit BLU. For example, the light shutter ST is located between the first polarizer POL1 and the first substrate 110 of the display panel PN. The light shutter ST controls the light passing through the first polarizer POL1 so that it is directed towards the display panel PN.

[0080] In the display device 1000C of the Fig. In 10C, the light shutter ST is located below the display panel PN, that is, between the display panel PN and the backlight unit BLU. For example, the light shutter ST is located between the backlight unit BLU and the first polarizer POL1. The light shutter ST controls the light that is directed from the backlight unit BLU to the first polarizer POL1.

[0081] Accordingly, in the display devices 1000A, 1000B and 1000C, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the light shutter ST for blocking light is selectively arranged in one of several areas between the display panel PN and the backlight unit BLU, within the display panel, and between the display panel PN and the second polarizer POL2. In particular, when the black image is displayed, light from at least some of the majority of subpixels SP is blocked to improve the black display quality and the contrast ratio.

[0082] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be described as follows:

[0083] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device comprises a display panel having a plurality of color filters and a black matrix between the plurality of color filters, a backlight unit arranged below the display panel, and a light shutter arranged in a region between the backlight unit and the display panel, an interior of the display panel, and an upper part of the display panel, and comprising a plurality of shutter structures.Each of the multiple shutter structures features a dispersion comprising a first part that overlaps the multiple color filters, a second part extending from the first part, and a third part extending from the second part and overlapping the black matrix. This dispersion contains multiple black particles and multiple transparent particles. Accordingly, to minimize light leakage and improve the contrast of the display device, a light shutter that blocks light is used.

[0084] The first part can become narrower from a lower end to an upper end.

[0085] The first part can be formed in a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, or a convex lens shape.

[0086] The first part can be arranged at one end of the second part, and the third part can be arranged at the other end of the second part.

[0087] The light shutter can have a lower substrate arranged beneath the majority of shutter structures, a first control electrode arranged between the lower substrate and the first part, and a second control electrode arranged between the lower substrate and the third part.

[0088] The majority of black particles can be formed in such a way that they move in one direction through an electric field between the first control electrode and the second control electrode.

[0089] The light shutter can be controlled in a light-shielding mode and a light-transmitting mode, whereby in the light-shielding mode the majority of black particles and the majority of transparent particles can be distributed in the first part, the second part and the third part.

[0090] The majority of black particles can be formed in such a way that they block light falling on the first part, the second part, and the third part.

[0091] In the translucent mode, the majority of transparent particles can be distributed in the first part, the second part, and the third part, and the majority of black particles can be arranged such that they move to the third part through an electric field between the first control electrode and the second electrode.

[0092] At least some of the light incident on the light shutter can pass through the first part.

[0093] The light shutter can further comprise a filler layer that is arranged on the lower substrate and is arranged in such a way that it encloses the majority of the shutter structures.

[0094] The refractive index of the filler layer can be higher than the refractive index of the majority of transparent particles.

[0095] The majority of color filters can be arranged to form a majority of columns and a majority of rows, and the majority of closure structures can be arranged to overlap some of the majority of color filters.

[0096] The majority of closure structures can each be arranged at a distance from one another, with an area of ​​a color filter of the majority of color filters located between them.

[0097] The display device may further comprise a first polarizer arranged between the display panel and the backlight unit, and a second polarizer arranged on the display panel.

[0098] The display panel can have a first substrate, liquid crystal, arranged between the first substrate and the plurality of color filters and between the first substrate and the black matrix, and a second substrate on top of the plurality of color filters and the black matrix.

[0099] The light shutter can be positioned between the second substrate and the second polarizer.

[0100] The light barrier can be located between the liquid crystal and the majority of color filters, as well as between the liquid crystal and the black matrix.

[0101] The light shutter can be positioned between the first substrate and the first polarizer.

[0102] The light shutter can be positioned between the first polarizer and the backlight unit. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10 - 2024 - 0 119 026

[0001]

Claims

[1] A display device comprising: a display panel (PN) comprising a plurality of color filters (CF) and a black matrix (BM) between the plurality of color filters (CF); a backlight unit (BLU) located below the display panel (PN); and a light shutter (ST) located in an area between the backlight unit (BLU) and the display panel (PN), an interior of the display panel (PN) and an upper section of the display panel (PN), and comprising a plurality of shutter structures (160), each of which has a majority of closure structures (160): a dispersion (161) comprising a first part (P1) that overlaps the majority of color filters (CF), a second part (P2) that extends from the first part (P1), and a third part (P3) that extends from the second part (P2) and overlaps the black matrix (BM); a plurality of black particles (162) dispersed in the dispersion (161); and a plurality of transparent particles (163) dispersed in the dispersion (161). [2] The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first part (P1) becomes narrower from a lower end to an upper end. [3] The display device according to claim 2, wherein the first part (P1) is formed in a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape and a convex lens shape. [4] The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first part (P1) is arranged at one end of the second part (P2) and the third part (P3) is arranged at the other end of the second part (P2). [5] The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light shutter (ST) comprises: a lower substrate (130) arranged beneath the majority of closure structures (160); a first control electrode (151) arranged between the lower substrate (130) and the first part (P1); and a second control electrode (152) which is arranged between the lower substrate (130) and the third part (P3), and wherein the majority of black particles (162) are arranged such that they move in one direction through an electric field between the first control electrode (151) and the second control electrode (152). [6] The display device according to claim 5, wherein the light shutter (ST) is controlled in a light-shielding mode (black) and a light-transmitting mode (white), wherein in the light-shielding mode (black) the majority of black particles (162) and the majority of transparent particles (163) are distributed in the first part (P1), the second part (P2) and the third part (P3), and the majority of black particles (162) are formed such that they block light incident on the first part (P1), the second part (P2) and the third part (P3). [7] The display device according to claim 6, wherein in the translucent mode (white) the majority of transparent particles (163) are distributed in the first part (P1), the second part (P2) and the third part (P3), and wherein the majority of black particles (162) are arranged such that they move through an electric field between the first control electrode (151) and the second electrode to the third part (P3), and at least a part of the light incident on the light shutter (ST) passes through the first part (P1). [8] The display device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the light shutter (ST) further comprises a filler layer (132) arranged on the lower substrate (130) and arranged such that it encloses the plurality of shutter structures (160), wherein a refractive index of the filler layer (132) is higher than a refractive index of the plurality of transparent particles (163). [9] The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of color filters (CF) are arranged such that they form a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and wherein the plurality of shutter structures (160) are arranged such that they overlap some of the plurality of color filters (CF). [10] The display device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of closure structures (160) are each arranged at a distance from one another, wherein between them is a region of a color filter (CF) of the plurality of color filters (CF). [11] The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a first polarizer (POL1) located between the display panel (PN) and the backlight unit (BLU); and a second polarizer (POL2) located on the display panel (PN), the display panel (PN) features: a first substrate (110); Liquid crystal (LC) arranged between the first substrate (110) and the plurality of color filters (CF) and between the first substrate (110) and the black matrix (BM); and a second substrate (120) on the majority of color filters (CF) and the black matrix (BM). [12] The display device according to claim 11, wherein the light shutter (ST) is arranged between the second substrate (120) and the second polarizer (POL2). [13] The display device according to claim 11, wherein the light shutter (ST) is arranged between the liquid crystal (LC) and the plurality of color filters (CF) and between the liquid crystal (LC) and the black matrix (BM). [14] The display device according to claim 11, wherein the light shutter (ST) is arranged between the first substrate (110) and the first polarizer (POL1). [15] The display device according to claim 11, wherein the light shutter (ST) is arranged between the first polarizer (POL1) and the backlight unit (BLU).

Images