Display device

Abstract

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification comprises: a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a light control unit disposed above the firs

Description

display device

[0001] This specification relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of controlling a viewing angle.

[0002] As technology advances in modern society, display devices are being used in a variety of ways to provide information to users. Display devices range from electronic billboards, which simply transmit visual information in one direction, to a variety of electronic devices that require advanced technology to verify user input and provide information in response to that input.

[0003] For example, display devices can be incorporated into vehicles to provide various information to the driver and passengers. However, display devices must display content appropriately so as not to interfere with vehicle operation. For example, display devices should limit the display of content that could distract the driver from driving while the vehicle is in operation.

[0004] The problem to be solved by this specification is to provide a display device that can provide content with a wide viewing angle in a first area of ​​a display area and provide content with a wide viewing angle or a narrow viewing angle in a second area depending on the driving mode.

[0005] Another problem that the present specification seeks to solve is to provide a display device that can effectively control the viewing angle in the second mode by preventing an image displayed in the second area from being recognized by a user located on the side of the first area in the second mode, which provides content with a narrow viewing angle in the second area.

[0006] Another problem that the present specification seeks to solve is to provide a display device capable of minimizing the visibility of the boundary between the first area and the second area of ​​the display panel.

[0007] The tasks of this specification are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partition walls overlapping at least a portion of a display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed parallel to the second light source unit and guiding light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the heights of the plurality of partition walls may be different for each area.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present specification, a display device may include a cover, a first light source unit disposed on a bottom of the cover and including a plurality of first light sources, an optical sheet disposed on the first light source unit and having one end supported by a first side of the cover and the other end supported by a second side of the cover, a first fixing member disposed on an upper portion of one end of the optical sheet, a second fixing member disposed on an upper portion of the other end of the optical sheet, a light control unit disposed on the optical sheet and having one end supported by the first fixing member and the other end supported by the second fixing member, the light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a light guide plate disposed on the light control unit and having one end supported by a third side of the cover and the other end supported by a fourth side of the cover, a second light source unit disposed parallel to the light guide plate and including a plurality of second light sources, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present specification, a display device includes a cover, a first light source unit disposed on a bottom of the cover and including a plurality of first light sources, an optical sheet disposed on the first light source unit and having one end supported by a first side of the cover and the other end supported by a second side of the cover, a light control unit disposed on the optical sheet and including a plurality of partitions arranged to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a light guide plate disposed on the light control unit and having one end supported by a third side of the cover and the other end supported by a fourth side of the cover, a second light source unit disposed parallel to the light guide plate and including a plurality of second light sources, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein a height from the bottom to an upper surface of the first side may be different from a height from the bottom to the second side.

[0011] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0012] This specification controls whether some of the plurality of light sources arranged under the display panel emit light according to the driving mode, thereby controlling both the first area and the second area in the wide-view mode in the first mode, and controlling the first area in the wide-view mode and the second area in the narrow-view mode in the second mode.

[0013] This specification shifts the light provided to the display panel toward the second region so that an image displayed in the second region is not visible to a user located at the first region side, so that the viewing angle can be effectively controlled in the second mode.

[0014] This specification is designed so that the height of the partition wall for controlling the viewing angle by region gradually changes near the boundary between the first region and the second region, so that the boundary visibility between the first region and the second region can be minimized.

[0015] The effects according to this specification are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a display panel included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2.

[0020] Figure 5a is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion of Figure 4.

[0021] Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 5c is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 4.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2.

[0024] Fig. 7a is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA4 portion of Fig. 6.

[0025] Figure 7b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA5 portion of Figure 6.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0027] Figure 9 is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA6 portion of Figure 8.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0030] Fig. 12 is a side view showing an example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 11.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0032] The advantages and features of this specification, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of this specification is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present specification of the scope of the specification.

[0033] The shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of this specification are illustrative and are not limited to the matters illustrated in this specification. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification. In addition, in describing this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When "includes," "has," "consists of," etc. are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes a case where the plural is included unless there is a specifically explicit description.

[0034] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0035] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as 'on top of', 'upper part of', 'lower part of', 'next to', etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless 'right away' or 'directly' is used.

[0036] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it includes both cases where the other element is directly on top of the other element or layer or where another layer or layer is interposed therebetween.

[0037] While terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, a "first" component referred to below may also be a "second" component within the technical scope of this specification.

[0038] Identical reference numerals throughout the specification refer to identical components.

[0039] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present specification is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the component shown.

[0040] The individual features of the various embodiments of this specification may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and may be technically linked and operated in various ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (100) may be placed on at least a portion of a vehicle's dashboard. The vehicle's dashboard may include a configuration that is placed in front of the vehicle's front seats (e.g., driver's seat, passenger seat). For example, the vehicle's dashboard may include input configurations for operating various functions inside the vehicle (e.g., air conditioning, audio system, navigation system).

[0044] The display device (100) may be placed on the dashboard of a vehicle and may function as an input unit for operating at least some of the various functions of the vehicle. The display device (100) may provide various information related to the vehicle, such as vehicle operation information (e.g., current speed of the vehicle, remaining fuel amount, driving distance), information on vehicle components (e.g., damage to vehicle tires), etc.

[0045] The display device (100) may be positioned across the driver's seat and the passenger's seat located in the front seat of the vehicle. Users of the display device (100) may include the driver of the vehicle and a passenger sitting in the passenger seat. Both the driver and passenger of the vehicle may utilize the display device (100).

[0046] The display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may only represent a portion of the display device. The display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may represent a display panel among various components included in the display device (100). Specifically, for example, the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 may represent at least a portion of a display area and a non-display area of ​​the display panel. Components of the display device (100) other than the portion illustrated in FIG. 1 may be mounted inside (or at least a portion of) a vehicle.

[0047] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a display panel of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0048] Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the horizontal direction on the plane is depicted as the first direction (X) and the vertical direction on the plane is depicted as the second direction (Y) hereinafter. In addition, the normal direction of the surface defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), for example, the thickness direction of the display device (100), may be defined as the third direction (Z).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), and a display panel (160).

[0050] The display panel (160) can generate an image to be provided to the user using light provided from a light source unit disposed below. For example, the display panel (160) can display an image by adjusting the transmittance of light provided from the first light source unit (110) and / or the second light source unit (140) disposed below.

[0051] A liquid crystal display panel (LCD) may be applied as the display panel (160). For example, the display panel (160) may include a lower substrate, an upper substrate facing the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. Here, the liquid crystal layer may be driven by a vertical electric field driving method such as a Twisted Nematic (TN) mode and a Vertical Alignment (VA) mode, or a horizontal electric field driving method such as an In Plane Switching (IPS) mode and a Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The display panel (160) may include a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0053] The display area of ​​the display panel (160) can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can include multiple areas.

[0054] For example, referring further to FIG. 3, the display area (AA) of the display panel (160) may include a plurality of areas arranged along the first direction (X). As an example, the display area (AA) may include a first area (A1) and a second area (A2) adjacent to the first area (A1) in the first direction (X).

[0055] According to an embodiment, the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may be arranged to cross the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, respectively, located in the front seat of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, to provide various information to the driver and passenger of the vehicle. Each of the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may display different information images to the user. For example, the first area (A1) of the display panel (160) may be an area provided on the driver's seat side located in the front seat of the vehicle and / or an area provided between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, for example, a CID area, which may provide information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel amount, and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) may be an area provided on the passenger's seat side located in the front seat of the vehicle, for example, a CDD area, which may provide entertainment functions and seat information for the passenger sitting in the passenger seat. However, this division of areas is for convenience of explanation, and the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) in the display panel (160) can be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0056] Meanwhile, when the display panel (160) is used in the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, the field of view of at least some areas of the display panel (160) may need to be restricted depending on the user's needs. For example, in the case of an image displayed in the second area (A2) that provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, the field of view of the image displayed in the second area (A2) may need to be restricted depending on the user's needs, as this may interfere with the driver's driving.

[0057] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device (100), in the first mode, both the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display panel (160) are controlled to a wide-view mode (Share mode) to display an image, and in the second mode, at least a portion of the display panel (160), for example, the second area (A2), is controlled to a narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To this end, the display device (100) can control the display panel (160) to the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source unit (140) disposed at the upper portion among the plurality of light source units disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (160) emits light.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), and a light guide plate (150) may be arranged at the lower portion of the display panel (160).

[0059] The first light source unit (110) can generate light and provide the generated light in a third direction (Z), for example, toward the optical sheet (120). The first light source unit (110) can be placed below the optical sheet (120). For example, the first light source unit (110) can be a direct type backlight assembly.

[0060] The first light source unit (110) may include a first circuit board (111) and a plurality of first light sources (112) arranged on the first circuit board (111).

[0061] The first circuit board (111) may include a driving circuit for driving a plurality of first light sources (112). The driving circuit of the first circuit board (111) may generate an electrical signal for driving the plurality of first light sources (112) and supply the electrical signal to the plurality of first light sources (112). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving circuit may be disposed outside the first circuit board (111).

[0062] A plurality of first light sources (112) may be mounted on a first circuit board (111). For example, a plurality of first light sources (112) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) on the first circuit board (111) and may be mounted on an upper surface, which is one surface of the first circuit board (111). For example, a plurality of first light sources (112) may be mounted in a matrix form on the first circuit board (111), but are not limited thereto.

[0063] Each of the plurality of first light sources (112) may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of first light sources (112) may be formed to emit light of any one wavelength among red, green, and blue.

[0064] A light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used as the plurality of first light sources (112), but is not limited thereto.

[0065] At least one optical sheet (120) may be placed on the first light source unit (110). The first light source unit (110) may include a plurality of optical sheets for diffusing or concentrating light incident from the first light source unit (110).

[0066] For example, the optical sheet (120) may include a first optical sheet (121) and a second optical sheet (122). The first optical sheet (121) may diffuse light provided from the first light source unit (110) and cause it to propagate upward, for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, the first optical sheet (121) may be a diffusion sheet. The second optical sheet (122) may collect light passing through the first optical sheet (121) and cause it to propagate upward, for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, the second optical sheet (122) may be a prism sheet.

[0067] However, it is not limited thereto, and the optical sheet (120) may further include other optical sheets in addition to the first optical sheet (121) and the second optical sheet (122), for example, a protective sheet or a brightness enhancement sheet such as a DBEF (dual brightness enhancement film), or may include a composite optical sheet in which a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet are integrated instead of the first optical sheet (121) and the second optical sheet (122).

[0068] A light control unit (130) may be placed on the optical sheet (120).

[0069] The light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of light provided from below. For example, the light control unit (130) can limit the viewing angle or light output angle with respect to the first direction (X) for light that is emitted from the first light source unit (110), passes through the optical sheet (120), and travels in the third direction (Z), which is perpendicular to the display area (AA). That is, the light control unit (130) can reduce or narrow the profile of the light that is emitted from the first light source unit (110) and incident on the light control unit (130) in the first direction (X). In this case, the viewing angle with respect to the first direction (X) of the image displayed by the light can be reduced.

[0070] To this end, the light control unit (130) may include a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (133) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). Meanwhile, the term partition wall used in this specification is used for convenience of explanation, and may be defined as a term louver instead of a partition wall, or may be defined as a term of viewing angle control pattern.

[0071] Each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) extends in the second direction (Y) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) and can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X).

[0072] The plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged in an area overlapping the entire display area (AA), for example, an area overlapping the entire first area (A1) and the second area (A2). In addition, the heights of the plurality of partition walls (133) may vary for each area. For example, the heights of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a value between the first height, which is the minimum height, and the second height, which is the maximum height.

[0073] In this case, light entering the light control unit (130), for example, a spaced area between a plurality of partition walls (133), has its light profile narrowed in the first direction (X) by the plurality of partition walls (133) that are arranged spaced apart from each other, and light that is mostly limited to the front direction, for example, the third direction (Z), can be provided to the display panel (160).

[0074] Accordingly, in an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are arranged, for example, an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) having a second height are arranged, light is provided in a first range, and even if a plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, light may be provided in a second range wider than the first range in an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) having the first height are arranged, which is designed to have a very low height. Therefore, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), an image may be displayed in a second viewing angle overall in an area overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) of the light control unit (130) are arranged in the display area (AA), but an image may be displayed in a first viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the height of the plurality of partition walls (133) is designed to be very low. The first viewing angle may have a larger value than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle may be defined as a wide viewing angle, and the second viewing angle may be defined as a narrow viewing angle.

[0075] In addition, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) differently for each area. For example, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the light provided from below and traveling in the third direction (Z) for each area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA) for the image displayed by the light emitted from the first light source unit (110).

[0076] In this case, a plurality of partition walls (133) having a first height, which is the minimum height, may be arranged in an area overlapping the first area (A1), and a plurality of partition walls (133) having a second height, which is the maximum height, may be arranged in an area overlapping the second area (A2). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), an image may be displayed by controlling the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) overlapping the area where a plurality of partition walls (133) having a second height, which is the maximum height, are arranged, and an image may be displayed at the first viewing angle without controlling the viewing angle in the first area (A1) overlapping the area where a plurality of partition walls (133) having a first height, which is the minimum height, are arranged.

[0077] However, this is merely an example and the area where the bulkhead (133) is placed is not limited thereto. For example, multiple bulkheads (133) may be placed only in an area overlapping the second area (A2) and may not be placed in an area overlapping the first area (A1).

[0078] The height of the plurality of partition walls (133) may decrease as it goes from the second region (A2) toward the first region (A1), for example, in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, the height of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a first height, which is a minimum height, in a first sub-region, which is a majority area of ​​the first region (A1) where the viewing angle is not substantially controlled regardless of the driving mode, and may have a second height, which is a maximum height, in a second sub-region, which is a majority area of ​​the second region (A2) where the viewing angle is controlled depending on the driving mode. In addition, the height of the plurality of partition walls (133) may gradually decrease as it goes from the second region (A2) toward the first region (A1) in a third sub-region, which is an area between the first and second sub-regions and includes a boundary line between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). Accordingly, the boundary visibility between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may be minimized.

[0079] A detailed description of the height of each area of ​​the plurality of bulkheads (133) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0080] A second light source unit (140) and a light guide plate (150) may be placed on the light control unit (130).

[0081] The second light source unit (140) can generate light and provide the generated light toward the light guide plate (150). The second light source unit (140) can be placed on the side of the light guide plate (150). For example, the second light source unit (140) can be an edge type backlight assembly.

[0082] The second light source unit (140) may include a second circuit board (141) and a plurality of second light sources (142) arranged on the second circuit board (141).

[0083] The second circuit board (141) may include a driving circuit for driving a plurality of second light sources (142). The driving circuit of the second circuit board (141) may generate an electrical signal for driving the plurality of second light sources (142) and supply the same to the plurality of second light sources (142). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving circuit may be disposed outside the second circuit board (141).

[0084] The second circuit board (141) may be arranged on one side of the light guide plate (150). That is, the second circuit board (141) may be arranged parallel to the light guide plate (150). For example, the second circuit board (141) may have a shape corresponding to one short side of the light guide plate (150) and extending along the longitudinal direction of the short side, for example, the second direction (Y). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second circuit board (141) may also be arranged corresponding to one long side of the light guide plate (150).

[0085] Additionally, a plurality of second light sources (142) may be mounted on the second circuit board (141). For example, a plurality of second light sources (142) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the second direction (Y) on the second circuit board (141) and mounted on the upper surface, which is one surface of the second circuit board (141).

[0086] Each of the plurality of second light sources (142) may be formed to emit white light, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of second light sources (142) may be formed to emit light of any one wavelength among red, green, and blue.

[0087] A light emitting diode (LED), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or an external electrode fluorescent lamp may be used as the plurality of second light sources (142), but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The light guide plate (150) is placed on the light control unit (130) and may be placed on the side of the second light source unit (140). For example, the light guide plate (150) may be positioned on substantially the same plane as the second light source unit (140).

[0089] The light guide plate (150) may be formed of a material including glass, quartz, polymer, etc., which has light-transmitting properties so that light can be efficiently guided. The polymer may be formed of, for example, an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a material having a predetermined refractive index such as polycarbonate (PC).

[0090] The light guide plate (150) can guide the light provided from the second light source unit (140) and propagate it in a direction toward the display panel (160), for example, in the third direction (Z). For example, light incident from the second light source unit (140) through the side where the second light source unit (140) is arranged can be converted into the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160), while propagating through the light guide plate (150) through total reflection. Accordingly, a uniform surface light source can be provided toward the display panel (160).

[0091] Additionally, light provided from the first light source (110) through the optical sheet (120) and the light control unit (130) can travel in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160) through the light guide plate (150).

[0092] Meanwhile, as described above, the driving mode of the display device (100) can be controlled depending on whether the second light source (142) included in the second light source unit (140) emits light.

[0093] For example, in the first mode, both the plurality of first light sources (112) of the first light source unit (110) and the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) can emit light. In this case, even if the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) in at least a portion of the display area (AA), for example, an area overlapping the second area (A2), is controlled by the light control unit (130), the light emitted from the second light source unit (140) travels in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (160), by the light guide plate (150) and is provided to the entire display area (AA), so that an image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the entire area of ​​the display panel (160). Accordingly, in the first mode, an image can be displayed in a wide field of view mode (Share mode) in the entire area of ​​the display area (AA), for example, in both the first area (A1) and the second area (A2).

[0094] In addition, in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources (112) of the first light source unit (110) may emit light, and the plurality of second light sources (142) of the second light source unit (140) may not emit light. Accordingly, the image displayed by the display panel (160) in the second mode can be implemented only by the light provided from the first light source unit (110). In this case, since the viewing angle of the light emitted from the first light source unit (110) in the area overlapping the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA) is controlled by the light control unit (130), the image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area (A1) of the display panel (160), and the image can be displayed at the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) of the display panel (160). Accordingly, in the second mode, an image may be displayed in a wide field of view mode (Share mode) in the first area (A1) of the display area (AA), and an image may be displayed in a narrow field of view mode (Private mode) in the second area (A2) of the display area (AA).

[0095] In this way, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification can control the display panel (160) in the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source (140) disposed at the upper portion among the plurality of light source units disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (160), that is, the first light source unit (110) and the second light source unit (140), emits light.

[0096] Hereinafter, the light control unit (130) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0097] Fig. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 5a is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA1 portion of Fig. 4. Fig. 5b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA2 portion of Fig. 4. Fig. 5c is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA3 portion of Fig. 4.

[0098] Meanwhile, the light control unit (130) illustrated in FIG. 4 represents one embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the light control unit (130) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (133) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0100] The first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the partition wall (133) therebetween. The first support member (131) may be arranged below the plurality of partition walls (133) to support the plurality of partition walls (133), and the second support member (132) may be arranged above the plurality of partition walls (133) to support the plurality of partition walls (133). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be in contact with the first support member (131), but the upper surfaces of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be spaced apart from the second support member (132).

[0101] Each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a transparent material to allow light transmission. For example, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a plastic material. As an example, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include polycarbonate. However, the material of each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) may include a polymer such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, or polyimide.

[0102] A plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). Meanwhile, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be coupled to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) through a transparent adhesive or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (133). Such a space may be filled with air or a transparent insulating material, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] Meanwhile, the separation distance along the first direction (X) between two adjacent partition walls (133) among the plurality of partition walls (133) may be determined by comprehensively considering the thickness of the light control unit (130), the light emission angle of the light emitted from the light control unit (130), the distance between the light control unit (130) and the display panel (160), etc., so that the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit (110) on the second area (A2) is displayed at the second viewing angle.

[0105] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a light absorbing material or may be coated with a light absorbing agent to absorb light introduced from the outside. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a carbon-based black pigment. However, the material of the plurality of partition walls (133) is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may include at least one of titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum (Mo) and titanium (Ti) (MoTi), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), silicon nitride (SiN), titanium nitride (TiN), silicon carbide (SiC), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper oxide (CuO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe3O4), and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) having high light absorption, or may include an organic material having high light absorption.

[0106] In addition, each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) may have a shape of a square pillar. For example, each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) may have a shape of a square pillar in which both sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) are rectangular. Accordingly, each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) may have a rectangular shape when viewed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) may be parallel to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and both sides of each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) facing each other along the first direction (X) may be perpendicular to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, the two side surfaces facing each other along the first direction (X) of each of the plurality of bulkheads (133) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) perpendicular to each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132).

[0107] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the display area (AA) may be divided into a plurality of sub-areas (AAa, AAb, AAc). For example, the display area (AA) may be divided into a first sub-area (AAa), a second sub-area (AAb), and a third sub-area (AAc). Here, the first sub-area (AAa) corresponds to a portion of the first area (A1), the second sub-area (AAb) corresponds to a portion of the second area (A2), and the third sub-area (AAc) is an area that is positioned between the first sub-area (AAa) and the second sub-area (AAb) and includes a boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2), and may be defined as an area including an area of ​​the first area (A1) excluding the first sub-area (AAa) and an area of ​​the second area (A2) excluding the second sub-area (AAb).

[0108] A plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (133) may include a plurality of first partition walls (133a) arranged over the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (133b) arranged over the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (133c) arranged over the third sub-area (AAc).

[0109] A plurality of first partition walls (133a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first sub-area (AAa). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (133a) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of first partition walls (133a).

[0110] A plurality of second partition walls (133b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second sub-area (AAb). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (133b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of second partition walls (133b).

[0111] A plurality of third partition walls (133c) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the third sub-area (AAc). For example, each of the plurality of third partition walls (133b) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of third partition walls (133c).

[0112] The heights of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be different for each region. In this way, by the plurality of partition walls (133) having different heights for each region, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (130) may be limited for each region.

[0113] Meanwhile, in this specification, the light emission angle may mean an angle formed by the direction of travel of light emitted from the light control unit (130) on a plane defined by a first direction (X) and a third direction (Z) with respect to the third direction (Z).

[0114] Additionally, in this specification, height may mean length or distance along the third direction (Z).

[0115] More specifically, the height of the first bulkhead (133a) and the height of the second bulkhead (133b) may be different. For example, the height of the first bulkhead (133a) may be smaller than the height of the second bulkhead (133b). For example, the first bulkhead (133a) disposed on the first sub-area (AAa) may have the first height, and the second bulkhead (133b) disposed on the second sub-area (AAb) may have the second height.

[0116] For example, referring further to FIG. 5a, the first bulkhead (133a) may have a first height (h1). Here, the first height (h1) may correspond to the minimum height possible in the process.

[0117] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (133a) have very small heights, the light emission angle incident on most of the first region (A1), for example, the first sub-region (AAa), may not be substantially limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, since the first height (h1) of the plurality of first partition walls (133a) has a very small value, the upper ends of two mutually spaced first partition walls (133a) may be positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the first support member (131). In this case, the majority of the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) passes through the upper end of the two first partition walls (133a) that are spaced apart from each other, for example, between the first light (L1) and the first' light (L1'), so that the majority of the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) can be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (130).

[0118] Accordingly, in the first sub-area (AAa) where a plurality of first partition walls (133a) are arranged, the light emission angle is not substantially limited for light provided from below the light control unit (130), for example, light provided from the first light source unit (110), so that light can be provided in a second range wider than the first range.

[0119] In addition, referring further to FIG. 5b, the second partition wall (133b) may have a second height (h2) greater than the first height (h1). Here, the second height (h2) may be substantially equal to the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) in the third direction (Z). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second height (h2) of each of the plurality of second partition walls (133b) may be smaller than the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) in the third direction (Z).

[0120] In this way, by the plurality of second partition walls (133b) having the second height (h2), the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (130) in the second sub-area (AAb) can be limited. For example, the light provided from below the light control unit (130), for example, the light provided from the first light source unit (110), has its light profile reduced or narrowed along the first direction (X) by the plurality of second partition walls (133b), so that the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the corresponding light can be limited in the second sub-area (AAb) where the second partition walls (133b) are arranged.

[0121] For example, referring to FIG. 5b, the second light (L2) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) and having a light path formed in the third direction (Z), which is a vertical direction, between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) is not blocked by the second partition wall (133b) and can be emitted to the outside, i.e., in the upper direction of the light control unit (130).

[0122] In addition, in the case of light that passes through the inside of the upper end of two second partition walls (133b) that are spaced apart from each other among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130), that is, in the case of light between the fifth light (L5) and the fifth' light (L5'), it can be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (130).

[0123] However, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z) between two second partition walls (133b) spaced apart from each other among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) and the second partition wall (133b) is positioned on the light path, at least a portion of the light may be blocked by the second partition wall (133b). That is, the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) at an angle greater than the incident angle of the fifth light (L5) and the fifth' light (L5') may be blocked by the plurality of second partition walls (133b) and may not be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (130). For example, at least a portion of the third light (L3) and the fourth light (L4) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130) is absorbed by the second partition wall (133b) and is not emitted to the outside.

[0124] Meanwhile, in the case of light in which the second partition wall (133b) is positioned on the optical path, since each of the plurality of second partition walls (133b) includes a light absorbing material or is coated with a light absorbing agent, most of the light is absorbed by the second partition wall (133b), but the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the second partition wall (133b) can be totally reflected from the second partition wall (133b) and emitted to the outside. For example, the third light (L3a) among the third light (L3) that is not absorbed by the second partition wall (133b) and the fourth light (L4a) among the fourth light (L4) that is not absorbed by the second partition wall (133b) can be totally reflected from the second partition wall (133b) and emitted to the outside.

[0125] Accordingly, in the second sub-area (AAb) where a plurality of second partition walls (133b) are arranged, the light emission angle is limited for light provided from below the light control unit (130), for example, light provided from the first light source unit (110), so that light can be provided in a first range that is narrower than the second range.

[0126] In this way, in the second area (A2) where a plurality of second partition walls (133b) having a second height (h2) are arranged in the majority of areas, for example, the second sub-area (AAb), the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light is limited, so that light is provided in the first range, and in the first area (A1) where a plurality of first partition walls (133b) having a first height (h1) are arranged in the majority of areas, for example, the first sub-area (AAa), the light emission angle is not limited, so that light can be provided in the second range wider than the first range. Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed below the light control unit (130), the image may be displayed entirely at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed entirely at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1).

[0127] Also, referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of third partition walls (133c) may have a value between the first height (h1) and the second height (h2). For example, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (133c) may increase in the first direction (X). For example, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (133c) may increase in the direction from the first area (A1) or the first sub-area (AAa) to the second area (A2) or the second sub-area (AAb). For example, among the plurality of third partition walls (133c), the third partition wall (133c) that is closest to the first sub-area (AAa) has the same height as the first partition wall (533a), among the plurality of third partition walls (133c), the third partition wall (133c) that is closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (133b), and among the plurality of third partition walls (533c), the remaining third partition walls (133c) have a height between the first height (h1) and the second height (h2), and the height may increase as one goes in the first direction (X).

[0128] In other words, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (133c) may gradually increase in the first direction (X), i.e., in the direction toward the second sub-area (AAb) or the second area (A2), from around the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the light control unit (130), the overall viewing angle is limited, and the second area (A2) where the image is displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, and the first area (A1) where the viewing angle is not substantially limited, and the image is displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, the boundary visibility due to the difference in viewing angles between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) may be minimized.

[0129] Meanwhile, the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) of the display area (AA) can be defined within the third sub-area (AAc). To explain this in more detail, referring further to FIG. 5c, a straight line parallel to the third direction (Z) can be defined as the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) based on a point having a third height (h3) that is half the height of the second height (h2) of the second partition wall (153b) disposed on the second area (A2) from the first support member (131) on an imaginary line (VL) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third partition walls (133c). However, the division of the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) of the display area (AA) according to the boundary line (BL) is merely exemplary, and the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) in the display area (AA) may be defined in various ways depending on the design. For example, depending on the design, a straight line parallel to the third direction (Z) may be defined as the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) based on a point having a height that is 2 / 3 of the second height (h2) on an imaginary line (VL) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third bulkheads (133c).

[0130] Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (130), for example, the first light source unit (110), a plurality of second partition walls (133b) having a second height (h2) are arranged on a majority area of ​​the second area (A2), for example, the second sub-area (AAb), so that an image is displayed by controlling the second viewing angle in the second area (A2), and a plurality of first partition walls (133a) having a first height (h1) lower than the second height (h2) are arranged on a majority area of ​​the first area (A1), for example, the first sub-area (AAa), so that an image can be displayed by controlling the viewing angle in the first area (A1) at the first viewing angle without actually controlling the viewing angle.

[0131] In addition, the height of a plurality of third partition walls (133c) arranged in an area near the boundary line (BL) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) that control the viewing angle differently depending on the driving mode, for example, the third sub-area (AAc), has a value between the first height (h1) and the second height (h2), and is designed so that the height gradually changes as it goes in one direction, so that the visibility of the boundary between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) can be minimized.

[0132] In addition, in the manufacturing process of the light control unit (130), since a plurality of partition walls (133) are formed not only in the second area (A2) for viewing angle control, but over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA), the manufacturing process of the light control unit (130) can be further simplified.

[0133] Fig. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 7a is an enlarged view illustrating an example of part EA4 of Fig. 6. Fig. 7b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of part EA5 of Fig. 6.

[0134] Meanwhile, the light control unit (230) illustrated in FIG. 6 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0135] In addition, FIGS. 6 to 7b illustrate modified embodiments of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 5c with respect to the shapes of the plurality of partition walls (233) included in the light control unit (230). Accordingly, in FIGS. 6 to 7b, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described with a focus on these differences in order to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the light control unit (230) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (233) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0137] A plurality of partition walls (233) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (233).

[0138] A plurality of partition walls (233) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (233) may include a plurality of first partition walls (233a) arranged over the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (233b) arranged over the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (233c) arranged over the third sub-area (AAc).

[0139] The heights of the plurality of partition walls (233) may be different for each region. For example, the plurality of first partition walls (233a) may have a first height (h1) which is the minimum height, and the plurality of second partition walls (233b) may have a second height (h2) which is the maximum height. In this way, by the plurality of partition walls (233) having different heights for each region, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the light control unit (230) may be limited for each region.

[0140] Additionally, the plurality of third partition walls (233b) may have a height between a first height (h1) and a second height (h2). For example, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (233b) may increase in the first direction (X), for example, from the first area (A1) toward the second area (A2). Accordingly, boundary visibility due to the difference in viewing angle between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) may be minimized.

[0141] Each of the plurality of bulkheads (233) may have the shape of a square pillar. For example, each of the plurality of bulkheads (233) may have the shape of a square pillar in which both sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) are trapezoidal. Accordingly, each of the plurality of bulkheads (233) may have the shape of a trapezoid when viewed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). Accordingly, the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) are parallel to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), one of the two side surfaces facing each of the plurality of partition walls (233) along the first direction (X) is perpendicular to the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the other of the two side surfaces facing each of the plurality of partition walls (233) along the first direction (X) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, among the two side surfaces facing each other along the first direction (X) of the plurality of partition walls (233), one side surface positioned on the first direction (X) side is parallel to the third direction (Z) perpendicular to each of the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and among the two side surfaces facing each other along the first direction (X) of the plurality of partition walls (233), the other side surface positioned on the side opposite to the first direction (X) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z).

[0142] In this way, by means of a plurality of partition walls (233) having a trapezoidal shape on the side, the light emission angle of light emitted from the light control unit (230) in the first area (A1) where the viewing angle is not substantially limited can be further increased, and the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of light emitted from the light control unit (230) in the second area (A2) where the viewing angle is controlled according to the driving mode can be more effectively limited.

[0143] To explain more specifically, first, referring to FIG. 7A, the first partition wall (233a) may have a first height (h1). Here, substantially the same as or similar to that described with reference to FIG. 5A, the first height (h1) may correspond to a minimum height possible in the process. In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (233a) have very small heights, the light emission angle incident on most of the first region (A1), for example, the first sub-region (AAa), may not be substantially limited.

[0144] Here, since each of the plurality of first partition walls (233a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) has the shape of a square pillar with trapezoidal sides facing each other along the second direction (Y), the range of light emission angles at which light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) can be emitted in the upper direction of the light control unit (230) can be expanded.

[0145] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7a, the first 'light (L1') among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and emitted upward through the space between two mutually spaced first partition walls (233a) passes through the inside of the end of the side inclined along the first direction (X) among the two facing sides of the first partition wall (233a) along the first direction (X), so that the light emission angle according to the first 'light (L1') can be further increased.

[0146] Accordingly, the light emission angle of the light emitted from the light control unit (230) in the first area (A1) where the viewing angle is substantially not limited regardless of the driving mode can be further increased.

[0147] Next, referring further to FIG. 5b, the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230), for example, the light provided from the first light source unit (110), may have its light profile reduced or narrowed along the first direction (X) by a plurality of second partition walls (233b) arranged in the second area (A2), for example, the second sub-area (AAb), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).

[0148] In particular, when a light path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle along the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z) between two second partition walls (233b) spaced apart from each other among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230), and the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b) is positioned on the light path, the remaining portion of the light that is not absorbed by the second partition wall (233b) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the case where it is totally reflected by the vertical side of the second partition wall (233b). For example, at least a portion of the third light (L3) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and traveling toward the vertical side of the second partition wall (233b) may be absorbed by the second partition wall (233b), and the third light (L3a) not absorbed by the second partition wall (233b) may be totally reflected from the vertical side of the second partition wall (233b), and at least a portion of the fourth light (L4) provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (230) and traveling toward the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b) may be absorbed by the second partition wall (233b), and the fourth light (L4a) not absorbed by the second partition wall (233b) may be totally reflected from the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b). Here, depending on the difference in incidence angle between the vertical side and the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b), the fourth light (L4a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the second partition wall (233b). Accordingly, the light directed toward the display panel (160) in the second area (A2) can be more concentrated.

[0149] In addition, the fourth light (L4a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b) travels in the opposite direction of the first direction (X) where the first area (A1) is located, and when totally reflected, it is guided more toward the third direction (Z) which is the vertical direction due to the incident angle according to the inclined side. Therefore, compared to the fourth light (L4a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the second partition wall (133b) described with reference to FIG. 5b, the fourth light (L4a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the second partition wall (233b) described with reference to FIG. 7b can be shifted more toward the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited.

[0150] Fig. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating an example of part EA6 of Fig. 8.

[0151] Meanwhile, the light control unit (330) illustrated in FIG. 8 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0152] In addition, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate modified embodiments of the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 7b with respect to the shapes of the plurality of partition walls (333) included in the light control unit (330). Accordingly, in FIGS. 8 and 9, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described primarily to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the light control unit (330) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (333) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0154] A plurality of partition walls (333) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (333) may extend along the second direction (Y) and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a spaced apart space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (333).

[0155] A plurality of partition walls (333) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (333) may include a plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) and having a first height (h1), a plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) and having a second height (h2), and a plurality of third partition walls (333c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc) and having a height between the first height (h1) and the second height (h2).

[0156] Each of the plurality of bulkheads (333) may have the shape of a square pillar.

[0157] For example, a plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged in the first sub-area (AAa) and a plurality of third partition walls (333c) arranged in the third sub-area (AAc) may have the shape of a square pillar with two sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) being trapezoidal.

[0158] Meanwhile, in Fig. 8, the first bulkhead (333a) and the third bulkhead (333c) are described as having the shape of a square pillar with both sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) being trapezoidal, but this is exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, as described with reference to Figs. 4 to 5c, the first bulkhead (333a) and the third bulkhead (333c) may also have the shape of a square pillar with both sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) being rectangular.

[0159] Additionally, the plurality of second bulkheads (333b) arranged in the second sub-area (AAb) may have the shape of a square pillar having two sides facing each other in the second direction (Y) that are inclined.

[0160] More specifically, referring further to FIG. 9, the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape that is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z), i.e., a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA) when viewed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape that is rotated by a predetermined angle in a clockwise direction on a plane defined along the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z) with respect to the third direction (Z). Accordingly, both side surfaces of each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) facing each other along the first direction (X) may have a plane that is inclined by a predetermined angle toward the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z).

[0161] Accordingly, the path of each of the fifth light (L5) and the fifth' light (L5') passing through the inside of the upper end of the two second partition walls (333b) spaced apart from each other among the light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (330) can be formed by being shifted more toward the first direction (X) by the second partition wall (333b) having a shape inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z).

[0162] In addition, in the case of the third light (L3) among the lights in which the second partition wall (333b) is located on the light path according to the angle of incidence, the third light (L3a) among the third lights (L3) that is not absorbed by the second partition wall (333b) is totally reflected from the second partition wall (333b) and emitted to the outside. Since the second partition wall (333b) has a plane inclined at a predetermined angle toward the first direction (X) with respect to the third direction (Z), the path of the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the second partition wall (333b) can be shifted more toward the first direction (X) side due to the inclination of the plane on which the third light (L3) is incident.

[0163] In this way, since the plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged on the second area (A2), for example, the second sub-area (AAb), have the shape of a square pillar having a shape of a rectangle with both sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) being inclined, the light emitted from the light control unit (330) in the second area (A2) can be shifted overall in the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0165] Meanwhile, the light control unit (430) illustrated in FIG. 10 represents another embodiment of the light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0166] In addition, FIG. 10 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 with respect to the shape of a plurality of partition walls (433) included in the light control unit (430). Accordingly, in FIG. 10, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described mainly to avoid redundant description.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the light control unit (430) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (433) arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), so as to control a viewing angle or an emission angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0168] A plurality of partition walls (433) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132). For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (433) may extend along the second direction (Y) and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). Accordingly, a spaced apart space may be formed between the plurality of partition walls (433).

[0169] A plurality of partition walls (433) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (433) may include a plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) and having a first height (h1), a plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) and having a second height (h2), and a plurality of third partition walls (433c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc) and having a height between the first height (h1) and the second height (h2).

[0170] Each of the plurality of bulkheads (433) may have the shape of a square pillar.

[0171] For example, the plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), the plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and the plurality of third partition walls (433c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc) may each have the shape of a square pillar having a shape in which both sides facing each other along the second direction (Y) are inclined. Accordingly, since the light emitted from the light control unit (430) is shifted overall in the first direction (X), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110).

[0172] In addition, in the manufacturing process of the light control unit (430), a plurality of partition walls (433) having the same shape are formed over the entire area of ​​the light control unit (430), for example, the first sub-area (AAa), the second sub-area (AAb), and the third sub-area (AAc), so that the manufacturing process of the light control unit (430) can be further simplified.

[0173] Fig. 11 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 12 is a side view showing an example of a light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 11.

[0174] Meanwhile, the display device (500) of FIG. 11 further includes a cover (570), a first fixing member (580), and a second fixing member (590), and in relation to the light control unit (530) being formed to be inclined, represents a modified embodiment of the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0175] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 11 and 12, the shapes of the plurality of partition walls (533) included in the light control unit (530) are illustrated as being substantially the same as or similar to the shapes of the partition walls (133) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5c, but this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of partition walls (533) included in the light control unit (530) may have the shapes of the partition walls (233, 333, 433) according to one embodiment of any one of the shapes of the partition walls (233) described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7b, the shapes of the partition walls (333) described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, or the shapes of the partition walls (433) described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 11, a display device (500) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a light control unit (530), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), a display panel (160), and a cover (570). In addition, the display device (500) may further include a first fixing member (580) and a second fixing member (590). Meanwhile, the term “fixing member” used in the present specification is used for convenience of explanation, and the term “support plate” may be defined instead of the “fixing member.”

[0177] The cover (570) is an outer cover of the display device (500) and can support or accommodate various components of the display device (500), for example, a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a light control unit (530), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), and a display panel (160). For example, the cover (570) can be a housing.

[0178] To this end, the cover (570) has an open upper side shape and may include a bottom portion (570a), a first side portion (570b), a second side portion (570c), a third side portion (570d), a fourth side portion (570e), a fifth side portion (570f), and a sixth side portion (570g). Meanwhile, the bottom portion (570a), the first side portion (570b), the second side portion (570c), the third side portion (570d), the fourth side portion (570e), the fifth side portion (570f), and the sixth side portion (570g) are formed integrally to constitute the cover (570). In this way, the cover (570) is divided into regions based on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z), and this is merely an example for the convenience of explanation, and the division of the cover (570) can be made in various ways.

[0179] The bottom portion (570a) of the cover (570) may be positioned at the lowest portion. For example, the bottom portion (570a) of the cover (570) may be positioned at the lowest portion of the display device (500) to support the first light source portion (110).

[0180] The first side (570b) and the second side (570c) of the cover (570) may be positioned on both sides of the bottom (570a). For example, the first side (570b) and the second side (570c) of the cover (570) may contact both ends of the bottom (570a). Meanwhile, as described above, the first side (570b) and the second side (570c) may be formed integrally with the bottom (570a).

[0181] The first side (570b) and the second side (570c) of the cover (570) may have the same width. For example, the width of the first side (570b) along the first direction (X) and the width of the second side (570c) along the first direction (X) may be the same.

[0182] Additionally, the first side (570b) and the second side (570c) of the cover (570) may have the same height. For example, the height of the first side (570b) along the third direction (Z) and the height of the second side (570c) along the third direction (Z) may be the same.

[0183] Due to the shapes of the bottom portion (570a), the first side portion (570b), and the second side portion (570c) of the cover (570), a space between the first side portion (570b) and the second side portion (570c) can be formed on the upper portion of the bottom portion (570a). Accordingly, the first light source portion (110) can be placed in the space between the first side portion (570b) and the second side portion (570c) on the upper portion of the bottom portion (570a).

[0184] In addition, the third side (570d) of the cover (570) may be disposed on top of the first side (570b), and the fourth side (570e) of the cover (570) may be disposed on top of the second side (570c). For example, the third side (570d) of the cover (570) may contact the upper surface of the first side (570b), and the fourth side (570e) of the cover (570) may contact the upper surface of the second side (570c). Meanwhile, as described above, the third side (570d) and the fourth side (570e) may be formed integrally with the first side (570b) and the second side (570c).

[0185] The third side (570d) and the fourth side (570e) of the cover (570) may have the same width. For example, the width of the third side (570d) along the first direction (X) and the width of the fourth side (570e) along the first direction (X) may be the same.

[0186] The width of each of the third side (570d) and the fourth side (570e) of the cover (570) along the first direction (X) may be smaller than the width of each of the first side (570b) and the second side (570c) along the first direction (X). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a portion of the upper surface of the first side (570b) may be covered by the third side (570d), and the remaining portion, the first side (S1), may be exposed. Similarly, a portion of the upper surface of the second side (570c) may be covered by the fourth side (570e), and the remaining portion, the second side (S2), may be exposed.

[0187] Accordingly, one end of the optical sheet (120) placed on the first light source (110) may be in contact with the first surface (S1) exposed among the upper surfaces of the first side (570b) of the cover (570) and supported by the first side (570b), and the other end of the optical sheet (120) may be in contact with the second surface (S2) exposed among the upper surfaces of the second side (570c) of the cover (570) and supported by the second side (570c).

[0188] Additionally, the third side (570d) and the fourth side (570e) of the cover (570) may have the same height. For example, the height of the third side (570d) along the third direction (Z) and the height of the fourth side (570e) along the third direction (Z) may be the same.

[0189] The first fixing member (580) may be placed on the upper side of one end of the optical sheet (120), and the second fixing member (590) may be placed on the upper side of the other end of the optical sheet (120).

[0190] The height of the first fixing member (580) and the height of the second fixing member (590) may be different. For example, the height of the first fixing member (580) along the third direction (Z) may be greater than the height of the second fixing member (590) along the third direction (Z).

[0191] The light control unit (530) is placed on the optical sheet (120), and both ends thereof are in contact with the first fixing member (580) and the second fixing member (590), so that the light control unit (530) can be supported by the first fixing member (580) and the second fixing member (590). For example, one end of the light control unit (530) can be in contact with the first fixing member (580) and supported by the first fixing member (580), and the other end of the light control unit (530) can be in contact with the second fixing member (590) and supported by the second fixing member (590).

[0192] Here, the light control unit (530) can be formed to tilt by a predetermined tilt angle due to the height difference between the first fixing member (580) and the second fixing member (590).

[0193] More specifically, referring further to FIG. 12, the light control unit (530) may be formed to tilt toward the first direction (X) by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG) due to the height difference between the first fixing member (580) and the second fixing member (590). For example, the light control unit (530) may be formed to rotate clockwise by the tilt angle (TAG) on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0194] Accordingly, the first support member (531), the second support member (532) included in the light control unit (530), and the plurality of partition walls (533) arranged between the first support member (531) and the second support member (532) can all be formed to tilt toward the first direction (X) by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG), for example, to rotate clockwise by the tilt angle (TAG) on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). For example, since the light control unit (530), for example, the first support member (531) and / or the second support member (532), is formed by rotating clockwise by the tilt angle (TAG) on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z) with respect to the first reference line (RL1) parallel to the first direction (X), the central axis (CX) of the plurality of partition walls (533) formed between the first support member (531) and the second support member (532) can be formed by rotating clockwise by the tilt angle (TAG) on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z) with respect to the second reference line (RL2) parallel to the third direction (Z).

[0195] In this case, when light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (530), for example, light provided from the first light source unit (110), passes through the light control unit (530) and is emitted from the light control unit (530), it can be shifted toward the first direction (X) by the plurality of partition walls (533) formed to be tilted by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG). For example, since the plurality of partition walls (533) arranged on the second area (A2) have a shape tilted toward the first direction (X), the sixth light (L6) emitted from the light control unit (530) in the second area (A2) can be shifted overall toward the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited.

[0196] Meanwhile, as described above, since the plurality of partition walls (533) arranged on the first area (A1) have a very low height, the seventh light (L7) emitted from the light control unit (530) in the first area (A1) can be emitted without substantially limiting the light emission angle.

[0197] Meanwhile, the tilt angle (TAG) can be determined by the degree to which the light emitted from the light control unit (530) in the second area (A2) is shifted toward the first direction (X) by a plurality of partition walls (533) arranged on the second area (A2).

[0198] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 11 and 12, it is described that the entire light control unit (530) is formed to tilt toward the first direction (X) by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG), but the light control unit (530) may be formed to tilt only a portion toward the first direction (X) by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG). More specifically, it may be formed to tilt toward the first direction (X) by the tilt angle (TAG) at the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). For example, the light control unit (530) may be formed so that the area corresponding to the first area (A1) is horizontal, and may be formed so that the area corresponding to the second area (A2) is tilted toward the first direction (X) by a tilt angle (TAG) from the boundary line (BL). Referring again to FIG. 11, the fifth side (570f) of the cover (570) may be disposed on top of the third side (570d), and the sixth side (570g) of the cover (570) may be disposed on top of the fourth side (570e). For example, the fifth side (570f) of the cover (570) may contact the upper surface of the third side (570d), and the sixth side (570g) of the cover (570) may contact the upper surface of the fourth side (570e). Meanwhile, as described above, the fifth side (570f) and the sixth side (570g) can be formed integrally with the third side (570d) and the fourth side (570e).

[0199] The fifth side (570f) and the sixth side (570g) of the cover (570) may have the same width. For example, the width of the fifth side (570f) along the first direction (X) and the width of the sixth side (570g) along the first direction (X) may be the same.

[0200] The width of each of the fifth side (570f) and the sixth side (570g) of the cover (570) along the first direction (X) may be smaller than the width of each of the third side (570d) and the fourth side (570e) along the first direction (X). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a portion of the upper surface of the third side (570d) may be covered by the fifth side (570f), and the remaining portion, the third side (S3), may be exposed. Similarly, a portion of the upper surface of the fourth side (570e) may be covered by the sixth side (570g), and the remaining portion, the fourth side (S4), may be exposed.

[0201] Accordingly, one end of the light guide plate (150) placed on the light control unit (530) may be in contact with the third surface (S3) exposed among the upper surfaces of the third side (570d) of the cover (570) and supported by the third side (570d), and the other end of the light guide plate (150) may be in contact with the fourth surface (S4) exposed among the upper surfaces of the fourth side (570e) of the cover (570) and supported by the fourth side (570e).

[0202] Additionally, the fifth side (570f) and the sixth side (570g) of the cover (570) may have the same height. For example, the height of the fifth side (570f) along the third direction (Z) and the height of the sixth side (570g) along the third direction (Z) may be the same.

[0203] FIG. 13 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0204] Meanwhile, the display device (600) of FIG. 13 represents a modified embodiment of the display device (500) described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 with respect to the shape of the cover (670). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 13.

[0205] Meanwhile, in FIG. 13, the shape of the plurality of partition walls (633) included in the light control unit (630) is illustrated as being substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the partition wall (133) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5c, but this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of partition walls (633) included in the light control unit (630) may have the shape of the partition walls (233, 333, 433) according to one embodiment of any one of the shapes of the partition walls (233) described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7b, the shapes of the partition walls (333) described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, or the shapes of the partition walls (433) described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 13, a display device (600) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (620), a light control unit (630), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), a display panel (160), and a cover (670).

[0207] The cover (670) is an outer cover of the display device (600) and can support or accommodate various components of the display device (600), for example, a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (620), a light control unit (630), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), and a display panel (160). For example, the cover (670) can be a housing.

[0208] To this end, the cover (670) has a shape in which the upper side is open, and may include a bottom portion (670a), a first side portion (670b), a second side portion (670c), a third side portion (670d), a fourth side portion (670e), a fifth side portion (670f), and a sixth side portion (670g). Meanwhile, the bottom portion (670a), the first side portion (670b), the second side portion (670c), the third side portion (670d), the fourth side portion (670e), the fifth side portion (670f), and the sixth side portion (670g) are formed integrally to constitute the cover (670). In this way, the cover (670) is divided into regions based on a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z), and this is merely an example for the convenience of explanation, and the division of the cover (670) can be made in various ways.

[0209] The bottom part (670a) of the cover (670) can be placed at the lowest part of the display device (600) and support the first light source part (110).

[0210] The first side (670b) and the second side (670c) of the cover (670) are arranged on both sides of the bottom (670a) and can contact both ends of the bottom (670a). In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the first side (670b) and the second side (670c) of the cover (670) can have the same width.

[0211] The first side (670b) and the second side (670c) of the cover (670) may have different heights. For example, the height of the first side (670b) along the third direction (Z) may be greater than the height of the second side (670c) along the third direction (Z).

[0212] The third side (670d) of the cover (670) may be positioned on top of the first side (670b), and the fourth side (670e) of the cover (670) may be positioned on top of the second side (670c). In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the third side (670d) and the fourth side (670e) of the cover (670) may have the same width.

[0213] The width of each of the third side (670d) and the fourth side (670e) of the cover (670) along the first direction (X) may be smaller than the width of each of the first side (670b) and the second side (670c) along the first direction (X). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a portion of the upper surface of the first side (670b) may be covered by the third side (670d), and the remaining portion, the first side (S1), may be exposed. Similarly, a portion of the upper surface of the second side (670c) may be covered by the fourth side (670e), and the remaining portion, the second side (S2), may be exposed.

[0214] Accordingly, one end of the optical sheet (620) placed on the first light source unit (110) may be in contact with the first surface (S1) exposed among the upper surfaces of the first side (670b) of the cover (670) and supported by the first side (670b), and the other end of the optical sheet (620) may be in contact with the second surface (S2) exposed among the upper surfaces of the second side (670c) of the cover (670) and supported by the second side (670c).

[0215] Here, the optical sheet (620) can be formed to be tilted by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG) due to the height difference between the first side (670b) and the second side (670c) of the cover (670).

[0216] In addition, the light control unit (630) may be placed on the optical sheet (620). At this time, since the optical sheet (620) placed below is formed to be tilted by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG), the light control unit (630) may also be formed to be tilted by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG). Accordingly, when light provided from the lower portion of the light control unit (630), for example, light provided from the first light source unit (110), passes through the light control unit (630) and is emitted from the light control unit (630), it may be shifted toward the first direction (X) by a plurality of partition walls (633) formed to be tilted by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG). For example, since the plurality of partition walls (633) arranged on the second area (A2) have a shape inclined toward the first direction (X), the light emitted from the light control unit (630) in the second area (A2) can be shifted overall toward the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed on the second area (A2) by the light provided from the first light source unit (110), the viewing angle toward the first area (A1) can be more effectively limited.

[0217] Meanwhile, in FIG. 13, it is described that the entire optical sheet (620) and the light control unit (630) are formed to be tilted toward the first direction (X) by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG), but the optical sheet (620) and the light control unit (630) may be formed to be tilted toward the first direction (X) by only a portion of the optical sheet (620) and the light control unit (630) by a predetermined tilt angle (TAG). More specifically, the optical sheet (620) and the light control unit (630) may be formed to be tilted toward the first direction (X) by the tilt angle (TAG) at the boundary line (BL) between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). For example, the optical sheet (620) and the light control unit (630) may be formed so that the area corresponding to the first area (A1) is horizontal, and may be formed so that the area corresponding to the second area (A2) is tilted toward the first direction (X) by a tilt angle (TAG) from the boundary line (BL). In addition, the third side (670d) and the fourth side (670e) of the cover (570) may have the same height. For example, the height of the third side (670d) along the third direction (Z) and the height of the fourth side (670e) along the third direction (Z) may be the same.

[0218] Additionally, the fifth side (670f) of the cover (670) may be positioned on top of the third side (670d), and the sixth side (670g) of the cover (670) may be positioned on top of the fourth side (670e). Additionally, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the fifth side (670f) and the sixth side (670g) of the cover (670) may have the same width and the same height.

[0219] The width of each of the fifth side (670f) and the sixth side (670g) of the cover (670) along the first direction (X) may be smaller than the width of each of the third side (670d) and the fourth side (670e) along the first direction (X). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a portion of the upper surface of the third side (670d) may be covered by the fifth side (670f), and the remaining portion, the third side (S3), may be exposed. Similarly, a portion of the upper surface of the fourth side (670e) may be covered by the sixth side (670g), and the remaining portion, the fourth side (S4), may be exposed.

[0220] Accordingly, one end of the light guide plate (150) placed on the light control unit (630) may be in contact with the third surface (S3) exposed among the upper surfaces of the third side (670d) of the cover (670) and supported by the third side (670d), and the other end of the light guide plate (150) may be in contact with the fourth surface (S4) exposed among the upper surfaces of the fourth side (670e) of the cover (670) and supported by the fourth side (670e).

[0221] A display device according to embodiments of the present specification can be described as follows.

[0222] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources, a light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partition walls overlapping at least a portion of a display area, a second light source unit disposed on the light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources, a light guide plate disposed parallel to the second light source unit and guiding light provided from the second light source unit, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein the heights of the plurality of partition walls may be different for each area.

[0223] According to another feature of the present specification, the display area may include a first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in each of the first mode and the second mode, and a second area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in the first mode and at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

[0224] According to another feature of the present specification, the height of the plurality of bulkheads may decrease from the second region to the first region.

[0225] According to another feature of the present specification, the plurality of partition walls may include a plurality of first partition walls disposed on a first sub-region, which is a part of the first region, and having a first height, a plurality of second partition walls disposed on a second sub-region, which is a part of the second region, and having a second height greater than the first height, and a plurality of third partition walls disposed on a third sub-region between the first sub-region and the second sub-region, and having a height between the first height and the second height.

[0226] According to another feature of the present specification, the height of the plurality of third bulkheads may decrease from the second sub-region to the first sub-region.

[0227] According to another feature of the present specification, the third sub-region may include a boundary line between the first region and the second region.

[0228] According to another feature of the present specification, each of the plurality of bulkheads may have the shape of a square pillar.

[0229] According to another feature of the present specification, each of the plurality of bulkheads may have a rectangular or trapezoidal side shape.

[0230] According to another feature of the present specification, the central axis of each of the plurality of bulkheads can be inclined from a direction perpendicular to the display area.

[0231] According to another embodiment of the present specification, a display device may include a cover, a first light source unit disposed on a bottom of the cover and including a plurality of first light sources, an optical sheet disposed on the first light source unit and having one end supported by a first side of the cover and the other end supported by a second side of the cover, a first fixing member disposed on an upper portion of one end of the optical sheet, a second fixing member disposed on an upper portion of the other end of the optical sheet, a light control unit disposed on the optical sheet and having one end supported by the first fixing member and the other end supported by the second fixing member, the light control unit including a plurality of partitions disposed to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a light guide plate disposed on the light control unit and having one end supported by a third side of the cover and the other end supported by a fourth side of the cover, a second light source unit disposed parallel to the light guide plate and including a plurality of second light sources, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

[0232] According to another feature of the present specification, the height of the first fixing member and the height of the second fixing member may be different.

[0233] According to another feature of the present specification, the first side and the second side are disposed on the same plane, the third side is disposed on the first side, and the fourth side is disposed on the second side and can be disposed on the same plane as the third side.

[0234] According to another feature of the present specification, the light control unit can be inclined in a direction parallel to the display area.

[0235] According to another embodiment of the present specification, a display device includes a cover, a first light source unit disposed on a bottom of the cover and including a plurality of first light sources, an optical sheet disposed on the first light source unit and having one end supported by a first side of the cover and the other end supported by a second side of the cover, a light control unit disposed on the optical sheet and including a plurality of partitions arranged to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a light guide plate disposed on the light control unit and having one end supported by a third side of the cover and the other end supported by a fourth side of the cover, a second light source unit disposed parallel to the light guide plate and including a plurality of second light sources, and a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit, wherein a height from the bottom to an upper surface of the first side may be different from a height from the bottom to the second side.

[0236] According to another feature of the present specification, the optical sheet and the light control unit can be inclined from a direction parallel to the display area.

[0237] Although the embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be implemented without departing from the technical spirit of this specification. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are not intended to limit the technical spirit of this specification, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical spirit of this specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; A light control unit including a plurality of partition walls arranged on the first light source unit and overlapping at least a portion of the display area; A second light source unit disposed on the above light control unit and including a plurality of second light sources; A light guide plate arranged parallel to the second light source and guiding light provided from the second light source; and A display panel is disposed on the light guide plate and displays an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit. A display device in which the heights of the plurality of bulkheads are different for each area.

2. In paragraph 1, The above display area is, A first area in which an image is displayed at a first viewing angle in the first mode and the second mode, respectively; and A display device comprising a second area in which an image is displayed at the first viewing angle in the first mode and an image is displayed at a second viewing angle smaller than the first viewing angle in the second mode.

3. In paragraph 2, A display device in which the height of the plurality of partition walls decreases from the second region to the first region.

4. In paragraph 2, The above multiple bulkheads are, A plurality of first bulkheads having a first height and disposed on a first sub-region, which is a part of the first region; A plurality of second bulkheads arranged on a second sub-region, which is a part of the second region, and having a second height greater than the first height; and A display device comprising a plurality of third partitions disposed on a third sub-area between the first sub-area and the second sub-area, the third partition having a height between the first height and the second height.

5. In paragraph 4, A display device, wherein the height of the plurality of third partition walls decreases from the second sub-area to the first sub-area.

6. In paragraph 4, A display device, wherein the third sub-area includes a boundary line between the first area and the second area.

7. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of bulkheads has the shape of a square pillar.

8. In paragraph 7, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of bulkheads has a rectangular or trapezoidal side shape.

9. In paragraph 1, A display device in which the central axis of each of the plurality of bulkheads is inclined from a direction perpendicular to the display area.

10. Cover; A first light source portion disposed on the bottom of the cover and including a plurality of first light sources; An optical sheet disposed on the first light source, one end of which is supported by the first side of the cover and the other end of which is supported by the second side of the cover; A first fixing member disposed on an upper portion of one end of the optical sheet; A second fixing member disposed on the upper side of the other end of the optical sheet; A light control unit including a plurality of partitions arranged on the optical sheet, one end of which is supported by the first fixing member and the other end of which is supported by the second fixing member, and arranged to overlap at least a portion of the display area; A light guide plate disposed on the light control unit, one end of which is supported by the third side of the cover and the other end of which is supported by the fourth side of the cover; A second light source unit arranged parallel to the light guide plate and including a plurality of second light sources; and A display device comprising a display panel disposed on the light guide plate and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

11. In paragraph 10, A display device wherein the height of the first fixing member and the height of the second fixing member are different.

12. In paragraph 10, The first side and the second side are arranged on the same plane, The third side is disposed on the first side, A display device wherein the fourth side is disposed on the second side and is disposed on the same plane as the third side.

13. In paragraph 10, The above light control unit is a display device inclined from a direction parallel to the display area.

14. Cover; A first light source portion disposed on the bottom of the cover and including a plurality of first light sources; An optical sheet disposed on the first light source, one end of which is supported by the first side of the cover and the other end of which is supported by the second side of the cover; A light control unit including a plurality of partition walls arranged on the optical sheet and overlapping at least a portion of the display area; A light guide plate disposed on the light control unit, one end of which is supported by the third side of the cover and the other end of which is supported by the fourth side of the cover; A second light source unit arranged parallel to the light guide plate and including a plurality of second light sources; and A display panel is disposed on the light guide plate and displays an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit. A display device, wherein the height from the bottom to the upper surface of the first side is different from the height from the bottom to the second side.

15. In paragraph 14, A display device in which the optical sheet and the light control unit are inclined from a direction parallel to the display area.

Images