Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of forming a desired opaque region.SOLUTION: According to the embodiment, a display device comprises a display panel comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a display area which displays an image, a light source unit disposed along an edge of the display panel, and a first optical element opposed to the display panel and overlapping at least a part of the display area, wherein the first optical element comprises a plurality of liquid crystal lens elements, and each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements is configured to have a divergence action on polarized light different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various display devices using polymer-dispersed liquid crystals have been proposed, which can switch between a scattering state that scatters incident light and a transparent state that transmits incident light. Display devices using polymer-dispersed liquid crystals sometimes use an edge-light system in which a light-emitting module is located at the edge of the display panel. Because of their high transmittance, such display devices are expected to be used in a variety of fields. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-16684 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the embodiment is to provide a display device capable of forming a desired opaque area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The optical element comprises a display panel having a polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a display area for displaying an image, a light source unit arranged along the edge of the display panel, and a first optical element facing the display panel and overlapping at least a portion of the display area, the first optical element comprising a plurality of liquid crystal lens elements, each of which is configured to have a diverging effect on different polarized light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display panel 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the display panel 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 that constitutes the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 1 including the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the extending direction of the charging electrodes included in the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the display device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the optical element OD. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 1 including the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a fifth configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a sixth configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 that constitutes the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 that constitutes the optical element OD shown in FIG. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 1 and configuration example 4. FIG. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 1 and configuration example 4. [Figure 27A] FIG. 27A is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 2 and configuration example 5. In FIG. [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 2 and configuration example 5. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining another example of use of configuration example 2 and configuration example 5. In FIG. [Figure 29A] FIG. 29A is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 3 and configuration example 6. In FIG. [Figure 29B] FIG. 29B is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 3 and configuration example 6. [Figure 29C] FIG. 29C is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 3 and configuration example 6. [Figure 29D]FIG. 29D is a diagram for explaining an example of using configuration example 3 and configuration example 6. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining another example of use of the display device 1. In FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining another example of use of the display device 1. In FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily make while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment for the sake of clarity, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0008] In addition, to facilitate understanding, the drawings depict, where necessary, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The direction along the X axis is referred to as the first direction X, the direction along the Y axis is referred to as the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z axis is referred to as the third direction Z. Viewing various elements parallel to the third direction Z is referred to as a planar view. Furthermore, a state in which two or more components face each other in the third direction Z is referred to as overlapping. Terms referring to the relative positions of two or more components, such as above, between, and facing, include not only cases in which the two or more components are in direct contact, but also cases in which they are separated from each other by a gap or another component. Furthermore, the positive direction of the Z axis is referred to as above or upward.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0010] The display device 1 includes a display panel 100, a light source unit 200, an optical element OD including a plurality of liquid crystal lens elements 300, and a control unit 400. The display panel 100 is configured to display an image. The light source unit 200 is configured to mainly illuminate the display panel 100. The optical element OD is configured to form an opaque region on the display panel 100. The control unit 400 is configured to control each of the display panel 100, the light source unit 200, and the optical element OD.

[0011] For example, the control unit 400 is configured to drive each pixel of the display panel 100, and to drive the light source unit 200 in synchronization with the timing of driving the display panel 100. The control unit 400 is also configured to drive each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements 300 that constitute the optical element OD.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display panel 100 shown in FIG.

[0013] In this embodiment, a display panel including a polymer dispersed liquid crystal will be described as an example of the display panel 100.

[0014] The display panel 100 includes a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a seal SE1. Each of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to an XY plane defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y. The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 overlap each other in a planar view. The first substrate 110 has an extension portion EX that extends further in the second direction Y than the second substrate 120 and does not overlap with the second substrate 120.

[0015] The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 and is sealed with a seal SE1. As shown enlarged and schematically in the figure, the liquid crystal layer LC comprises a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal including a polymer PL and liquid crystal molecules LM. In one example, the polymer PL is a liquid crystal polymer. The polymer PL is formed in stripes extending along the first direction X. The liquid crystal molecules LM are dispersed in the gaps between the polymer PL and are oriented with their major axes aligned along the first direction X. The polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM each have optical anisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. The responsiveness of the polymer PL to an electric field is lower than that of the liquid crystal molecules LM.

[0016] In one example, the alignment direction of the polymer PL hardly changes regardless of whether an electric field is applied or not. On the other hand, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM changes in response to an electric field when a high voltage equal to or greater than a threshold value is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC. When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM are parallel to each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LC with almost no scattering within the liquid crystal layer LC (transparent state). When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM intersect with each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is scattered within the liquid crystal layer LC (scattered state).

[0017] The display panel 100 has a display area DA for displaying an image. The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in a first direction X and a second direction Y.

[0018] As shown enlarged in the figure, each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LC, etc. The switching element SW is formed, for example, by a thin film transistor (TFT) and is electrically connected to a scanning line G and a signal line S. The scanning line G extends in a first direction X and is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the first direction X. The signal line S extends in a second direction Y, intersects with the scanning line G, and is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the second direction Y. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. Each pixel electrode PE faces the common electrode CE, and the liquid crystal layer LC (particularly, liquid crystal molecules LM) is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitance CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE.

[0019] The IC chip CP and a flexible printed circuit board (not shown) are provided on the extending portion EX of the first substrate 110.

[0020] The light source unit 200 is disposed along an edge portion extending in the first direction X of the display panel 100. In the illustrated example, the light source unit 200 overlaps the extension portion EX in a plan view. The light source unit 200 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements LD arranged at intervals in the first direction X.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the display panel 100 shown in FIG.

[0022] In the display panel 100, the scanning lines, signal lines, switching elements, insulating films, etc. are not shown.

[0023] The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 face each other in the third direction Z. A liquid crystal layer LC is located between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. The pixel electrodes PE of each pixel PX are located between the first substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC and are covered with an alignment film AL1. A common electrode CE facing the plurality of pixel electrodes PE is located between the second substrate 120 and the liquid crystal layer LC and is covered with an alignment film AL2. The liquid crystal layer LC is in contact with the alignment films AL1 and AL2. The pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE are transparent electrodes formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0024] In the illustrated example, the display panel 100 further includes a protective plate 130 and a protective plate 140. The protective plate 130 is adhered to the first substrate 110 via a transparent adhesive layer AD1. The protective plate 140 is adhered to the second substrate 120 via a transparent adhesive layer AD2. A side surface 120E of the second substrate 120 and a side surface 140E of the protective plate 140 overlap in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the main surface 130A of the protective plate 130 and the main surface 140A of the protective plate 140 are both parallel to the XY plane and correspond to outer surfaces that are in contact with air.

[0025] The adhesive layer AD1 and the adhesive layer AD2 are both transparent and have the same refractive index as the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, the protective plate 130, and the protective plate 140. Therefore, undesired interface reflection between the first substrate 110 and the protective plate 130, and between the second substrate 120 and the protective plate 140 is suppressed.

[0026] The light source unit 200 faces the side surface 140E of the protection plate 140 in the second direction Y. The light source unit 200 may face both the side surface 120E and the side surface 140E. The light source unit 200 includes a light-emitting element LD and a light-guiding element LG. Although not described in detail, the light-emitting element LD includes a red light-emitting portion, a green light-emitting portion, and a blue light-emitting portion. These red light-emitting portion, green light-emitting portion, and blue light-emitting portion may be turned on sequentially or all at the same time. The light-guiding element LG is located between the light-emitting element LD and the protection plate 140 in the second direction Y.

[0027] The first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, the protective plate 130, and the protective plate 140 may be glass substrates or resin substrates. The protective plate 140 functions as a light guide plate that propagates the light emitted from the light source unit 200 along the second direction Y. In one example, the protective plate 130 is thicker than the first substrate 110, and the protective plate 140 is thicker than the second substrate 120.

[0028] In such a display panel 100, the voltage applied to each pixel PX is controlled by the control unit 400 shown in FIG. 1. When a voltage is applied to each pixel PX, light emitted from the light source unit 200 is scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC of each pixel PX. When the liquid crystal layer LC is in a transparent state, when the display panel 100 is observed from the side of the main surface 130A, the background can be observed through the display panel 100. Similarly, when the display panel 100 is observed from the side of the main surface 140A, the background can be observed through the display panel 100.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 that constitutes the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0030] The liquid crystal lens element 300 includes a substrate 310, a substrate 320, a liquid crystal layer 330, and a seal SE2. The substrates 310 and 320 are each formed in the shape of a flat plate parallel to the XY plane and overlap each other in a planar view. The liquid crystal layer 330 is located between the substrates 310 and 320 and is sealed with the seal SE2.

[0031] The liquid crystal lens element 300 has an active area AA where a liquid crystal lens is formed. When the liquid crystal lens element 300 is superimposed on the display panel 100 in the third direction Z, the active area AA overlaps at least a part of the display area DA.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in Fig. 4. Note that, in the illustrated substrate 310, only the portion that overlaps with the substrate 320 is shown.

[0033] In the substrate 310, the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are formed in an effective area AA on the transparent substrate SU10. The charging electrodes EL11 are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. Each of the charging electrodes EL11 extends in the second direction Y. The charging electrodes EL12 are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. Each of the charging electrodes EL12 extends in the second direction Y. The charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are arranged alternately in the first direction X. The charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are configured to receive different voltages from each other.

[0034] In the substrate 320, the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 are formed in an effective area AA on the transparent substrate SU20. The charging electrodes EL21 are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. Each of the charging electrodes EL21 extends in the first direction X. The charging electrodes EL22 are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. Each of the charging electrodes EL22 extends in the first direction X. The charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 are arranged alternately in the second direction Y. The charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 are configured to receive different voltages from each other.

[0035] With this configuration, when the substrates 310 and 320 face each other in the third direction Z, the extending direction of the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 (e.g., the second direction Y) intersects (or is nearly perpendicular to) the extending direction of the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 (e.g., the first direction X). The charging electrodes EL11, EL12, EL21, and EL22 are transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO.

[0036] The voltages applied to the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12, respectively, and the voltages applied to the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22, respectively, are controlled by the control unit 400 shown in FIG.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG.

[0038] When the substrates 310 and 320 shown in FIG. 5 face each other in the third direction Z, the liquid crystal layer 330 is located between the substrates 310 and 320 in the third direction Z.

[0039] In the substrate 310, the charging electrode EL11 and the charging electrode EL12 are located between the transparent substrate SU10 and the liquid crystal layer 330, and are covered with an alignment film AL1. On the substrate 320, the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 are located between the transparent substrate SU20 and the liquid crystal layer 330, and are covered with an alignment film AL2. The alignment films AL1 and AL2 are horizontal alignment films that have an alignment restriction force along the XY plane.

[0040] For example, when a voltage of 5 V is applied to the charging electrode EL11 and a voltage of −5 V is applied to the charging electrode EL12, the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 330 are driven by the electric field between the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12. As a result, a periodically changing refractive index distribution is formed in the liquid crystal layer 330. Such a refractive index distribution functions, for example, as a divergent liquid crystal lens for a predetermined polarization component. In other words, some polarization components of light passing through the illustrated liquid crystal lens element 300 along the third direction Z are diffused in a direction (first direction X) perpendicular to the extension direction (second direction Y) of the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in Fig. 4. Note that, in the illustrated substrate 310, only the portion that overlaps with the substrate 320 is shown.

[0042] 7 differs from the configuration example shown in Fig. 5 in that the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 are omitted from the substrate 320. In other words, no electrodes are provided in the effective area AA on the transparent substrate SU20.

[0043] In the substrate 310, the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are formed in the effective area AA on the transparent substrate SU10, similar to the configuration example shown in Fig. 5. The details of the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are similar to those of the configuration example shown in Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described again.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG.

[0045] When the substrates 310 and 320 shown in FIG. 7 face each other in the third direction Z, the liquid crystal layer 330 is located between the substrates 310 and 320 in the third direction Z.

[0046] In the substrate 310, the charging electrode EL11 and the charging electrode EL12 are located between the transparent substrate SU10 and the liquid crystal layer 330, and are covered with an alignment film AL1. In the substrate 320, the transparent substrate SU20 is covered with an alignment film AL2.

[0047] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in Fig. 4. Note that, in the illustrated substrate 310, only the portion that overlaps with the substrate 320 is shown.

[0048] 9 differs from the configuration example shown in Fig. 5 in that a sheet electrode EL2 that covers the entire effective area AA is arranged on the substrate 320 instead of the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22. The sheet electrode EL2 is a transparent electrode.

[0049] In the substrate 310, the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are formed in the effective area AA on the transparent substrate SU10, similar to the configuration example shown in Fig. 5. The details of the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are similar to those of the configuration example shown in Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described again.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in FIG.

[0051] When the substrates 310 and 320 shown in FIG. 9 face each other in the third direction Z, the liquid crystal layer 330 is located between the substrates 310 and 320 in the third direction Z.

[0052] In the substrate 310, the charging electrode EL11 and the charging electrode EL12 are located between the transparent substrate SU10 and the liquid crystal layer 330, and are covered with an alignment film AL1. In the substrate 320, the sheet electrode EL2 is located between the transparent substrate SU20 and the liquid crystal layer 330, and is covered with an alignment film AL2.

[0053] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in Fig. 4. Note that, in the illustrated substrate 310, only the portion that overlaps with the substrate 320 is shown.

[0054] The configuration example shown in FIG. 11 differs from the configuration example shown in FIG. 9 in that the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 are formed in an annular shape on the substrate 310. In the substrate 320, similar to the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, a sheet electrode EL2 is formed across the effective area AA on the transparent substrate SU20.

[0055] A cross section of the substrate 310 and the substrate 320 facing each other in the third direction Z is the same as that of Fig. 10, and is therefore not shown. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 11, the sheet electrode EL2 may be omitted, as in the configuration example shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] The configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 is not limited to the above-described configuration examples. For example, the charging electrode may be partially bent or formed in a curved shape. The alignment films AL10 and AL20 may be vertical alignment films having an alignment regulating force along the third direction Z. When the alignment films AL10 and AL20 are vertical alignment films, it is desirable to provide a structure for controlling the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0058] The optical element OD includes a liquid crystal lens element 301, a liquid crystal lens element 302, a liquid crystal lens element 303, and a liquid crystal lens element 304. The configuration of each of these liquid crystal lens elements is as described with reference to Figs. 4 to 11.

[0059] The liquid crystal lens element 301 is configured to have a diverging effect on the first polarized light PL1.

[0060] The liquid crystal lens element 302 is configured to have a diverging effect on the second polarized light PL2. The second polarized light PL2 is a polarization component different from the first polarized light PL1, for example, a polarization component orthogonal to the first polarized light PL1.

[0061] The liquid crystal lens element 303 is configured to have a diverging effect on the third polarized light PL3. The third polarized light PL3 ​​is a polarization component different from the first polarized light PL1 and the second polarized light PL2.

[0062] The liquid crystal lens element 304 is configured to have a diverging effect on the fourth polarized light PL4. The fourth polarized light PL4 is a polarization component different from the first polarized light PL1, the second polarized light PL2, and the third polarized light PL3. For example, the fourth polarized light PL4 is a polarization component orthogonal to the third polarized light PL3.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the first polarized light PL1 is a polarized component along the first direction X, and the second polarized light PL2 is a polarized component along the second direction Y. Furthermore, the third polarized light PL3 ​​is a polarized component that intersects the first direction X at an angle of 45° in the XY plane, and the fourth polarized light PL4 is a polarized component that intersects the first direction X at an angle of 135° in the XY plane.

[0064] The voltages applied to each of the liquid crystal lens element 301, the liquid crystal lens element 302, the liquid crystal lens element 303 and the liquid crystal lens element 304 are controlled by the control unit 400 shown in FIG.

[0065] In this way, each of the liquid crystal lens elements constituting the optical element OD is configured to have a diverging effect on different polarized light when a voltage is applied and in the ON state. The light that passes through these multiple liquid crystal lens elements is diffused and defocused. As a result, the optical element OD becomes frosted glass-like and translucent.

[0066] In addition, when each liquid crystal lens element is in an off state where no voltage is applied, the above-mentioned diverging action does not occur, and therefore the optical element OD becomes transparent.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 1 including the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0068] Pixel electrodes, common electrodes, alignment films, etc. are not shown in the display panel 100. Also, charging electrodes, alignment films, etc. are not shown in the liquid crystal lens elements that make up the optical element OD.

[0069] In the optical element OD, the liquid crystal lens element 301 faces the display panel 100 in the third direction Z. The liquid crystal lens element 302 is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 301 via an adhesive layer AD12. The liquid crystal lens element 303 is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 302 via an adhesive layer AD23. The liquid crystal lens element 304 is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 303 via an adhesive layer AD34. The stacking order of the liquid crystal lens elements 301, 302, 303 and 304 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0070] The liquid crystal lens element 301 includes a liquid crystal layer 331 between a substrate 311 and a substrate 321. The substrate 321 faces the protection plate 130 of the display panel 100.

[0071] The liquid crystal lens element 302 includes a liquid crystal layer 332 between a substrate 312 and a substrate 322. The substrate 322 faces the substrate 311. An adhesive layer AD12 bonds the substrate 311 and the substrate 322 to each other.

[0072] The liquid crystal lens element 303 includes a liquid crystal layer 333 between a substrate 313 and a substrate 323. The substrate 323 faces the substrate 312. An adhesive layer AD23 bonds the substrate 312 and the substrate 323 to each other.

[0073] The liquid crystal lens element 304 includes a liquid crystal layer 334 between a substrate 314 and a substrate 324. The substrate 324 faces the substrate 313. An adhesive layer AD34 bonds the substrate 313 and the substrate 324 to each other.

[0074] Each of the substrates 311, 312, 313, and 314 corresponds to the substrate 310 shown in FIG. Each of the substrates 321, 322, 323, and 324 corresponds to the substrate 320 shown in FIG. Each of the liquid crystal layer 331, the liquid crystal layer 332, the liquid crystal layer 333, and the liquid crystal layer 334 corresponds to the liquid crystal layer 330 shown in FIG.

[0075] The display panel 100 and the optical element OD face each other across a gap GP. Here, the optical element OD faces the protection plate 130 of the display panel 100, but it may face the protection plate 140 instead. The inventors conducted an experiment to measure the transmittance when the display panel 100 and the optical element OD are in close contact with each other and when an air gap is interposed between the display panel 100 and the optical element OD. All of the liquid crystal lens elements constituting the optical element OD were in the on state. It was confirmed that when an air gap is interposed between the display panel 100 and the optical element OD, a lower transmittance is obtained (i.e., opacity is improved) than when the display panel 100 and the optical element OD are in close contact with each other. After extensive investigations by the inventors, it was found that the gap GP is preferably 2 mm or more.

[0076] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the extending direction of the charging electrodes included in the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0077] For example, the charging electrode ELA provided on the substrate 311 is parallel to the first direction X in the XY plane. The charging electrode ELB provided on the substrate 312 intersects with the first direction X at an angle θ2 in the XY plane. The angle θ2 is greater than 0°. Therefore, when the substrate 312 overlaps with the substrate 311 in the third direction Z, the charging electrode ELB intersects with the charging electrode ELA in a planar view.

[0078] The charging electrode ELC provided on the substrate 313 intersects with the first direction X at an angle θ3 in the XY plane. The angle θ3 is greater than 0° and different from the angle θ2. Therefore, when the substrate 313 overlaps with the substrates 311 and 312 in the third direction Z, the charging electrode ELC intersects with the charging electrodes ELA and ELB in a plan view.

[0079] The charging electrode ELD provided on the substrate 314 intersects with the first direction X at an angle θ4 in the XY plane. The angle θ4 is greater than 0° and is different from the angles θ2 and θ3. Therefore, when the substrate 314 overlaps with the substrates 311, 312, and 313 in the third direction Z, the charging electrode ELD intersects with the charging electrodes ELA, ELB, and ELC in a plan view.

[0080] In the optical element OD, from the viewpoint of suppressing moire caused by overlapping charging electrodes, it is desirable that the angle formed by the overlapping charging electrodes in a plan view is, for example, greater than 0° and equal to or less than 3°.

[0081] The charging electrodes ELA, ELB, ELC, and ELD shown in FIG. 14 correspond to, for example, the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 shown in FIG.

[0082] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the display device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0083] The display device 1 includes a display panel 100, a light source unit 200, and an optical element ODA.

[0084] The optical element ODA is configured similarly to the optical element OD shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and includes a liquid crystal lens element 301A, a liquid crystal lens element 302A, a liquid crystal lens element 303A, and a liquid crystal lens element 304A.

[0085] Like the liquid crystal lens element 301, the liquid crystal lens element 301A is configured to have a diverging effect on the first polarized light PL1. The liquid crystal lens element 302A, like the liquid crystal lens element 302, is configured to have a diverging effect on the second polarized light PL2, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 301A. The liquid crystal lens element 303A, like the liquid crystal lens element 303, is configured to have a diverging effect on the third polarized light PL3, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 302A. The liquid crystal lens element 304A is configured to have a diverging effect on the fourth polarized light PL4, similar to the liquid crystal lens element 304, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 303A.

[0086] Such optical element ODA faces the display panel 100 via a gap GP in the third direction Z. Note that the optical element ODA may face either the protection plate 130 or the protection plate 140 of the display panel 100. The optical element ODA overlaps a portion of the display area DA, and exposes the other portion of the display area DA. In other words, the effective area AA of the optical element ODA overlaps only a portion of the display area DA. In the illustrated example, the optical element ODA is located on the user A side of the display panel 100. The display panel 100 is located on the user B side of the optical element ODA.

[0087] When the optical element ODA is in the off state, the user A can observe all images displayed in the display area DA, and can also observe the background of the display panel 100 through the optical element ODA.

[0088] When the optical element ODA is in the on state, user A can observe an image displayed in a region of the display area DA that does not overlap with the optical element ODA, but cannot observe an image displayed in a region that overlaps with the optical element ODA. Also, user A can observe the background of the display panel 100 in the region where the display panel 100 and the optical element ODA do not overlap, but cannot observe the background of the display panel 100 in the region where the display panel 100 and the optical element ODA overlap.

[0089] When the optical element ODA is in the off state, the user B can view all images displayed in the display area DA, and can also view the background of the display panel 100.

[0090] When the optical element ODA is in the on state, user B can observe all images displayed in the display area DA. In addition, user B can observe the background of the display panel 100 in the area where the display panel 100 and the optical element ODA do not overlap, but cannot observe the background of the display panel 100 in the area where the display panel 100 and the optical element ODA overlap.

[0091] The optical element being in the OFF state corresponds to the OFF state in which no voltage is applied to any of the liquid crystal lens elements that make up the optical element, and the optical element being in the ON state corresponds to the ON state in which voltage is applied to all of the liquid crystal lens elements that make up the optical element.

[0092] In this way, the display device 1 described above can form a desired opaque area (light-blocking area) on the display panel 100 that allows the background to be observed.

[0093] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG.

[0094] 16 differs from the display device 1 shown in Fig. 15 in that the optical element ODA overlaps the entire display area DA of the display panel 100. In other words, the effective area AA of the optical element ODA overlaps the entire display area DA. The optical element ODA may face either the protective plate 130 or the protective plate 140 of the display panel 100.

[0095] When the optical element ODA is in the off state, the user A can observe all images displayed in the display area DA, and can also observe the background of the display panel 100 through the optical element ODA.

[0096] When the optical element ODA is in the on state, the user A cannot view the image displayed in the display area DA, and the user A cannot view the background of the display panel 100.

[0097] When the optical element ODA is in the off state, the user B can view all images displayed in the display area DA, and can also view the background of the display panel 100.

[0098] When the optical element ODA is in the on state, the user B can view the entire image displayed in the display area DA, and cannot view the background of the display panel 100.

[0099] According to such a display device 1, an opaque area (light-blocking area) can be formed across the entire display area DA.

[0100] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG.

[0101] 17 differs from the display device 1 shown in Fig. 16 in that the display device 1 includes an optical element ODB in addition to the optical element ODA. The display panel 100 is located between the optical elements ODA and ODB in the third direction Z. For example, the optical element ODA faces the protection plate 130 of the display panel 100, and the optical element ODB faces the protection plate 140 of the display panel 100.

[0102] The optical element ODB is configured similarly to the optical element OD shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and includes a liquid crystal lens element 301B, a liquid crystal lens element 302B, a liquid crystal lens element 303B, and a liquid crystal lens element 304B.

[0103] Like the liquid crystal lens element 301, the liquid crystal lens element 301B is configured to have a diverging effect on the first polarized light PL1. The liquid crystal lens element 302B, like the liquid crystal lens element 302, is configured to have a diverging effect on the second polarized light PL2, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 301B. The liquid crystal lens element 303B is configured to have a diverging effect on the third polarized light PL3, similar to the liquid crystal lens element 303, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 302B. The liquid crystal lens element 304B is configured to have a diverging effect on the fourth polarized light PL4, similar to the liquid crystal lens element 304, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 303B.

[0104] Each of the optical elements ODA and ODB faces the display panel 100 via a gap GP in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, each of the optical elements ODA and ODB overlaps the entire display area DA. Note that each of the optical elements ODA and ODB may overlap a part of the display area DA, similar to the optical element ODA shown in FIG.

[0105] In the illustrated example, the optical element ODA is located on the user A's side with respect to the display panel 100. The optical element ODB is located on the user B's side with respect to the display panel 100.

[0106] When the optical element ODA is in the off state and the optical element ODB is in the off state, the user A can observe all images displayed in the display area DA, and can also observe the background of the display panel 100.

[0107] When the optical element ODA is in the off state and the optical element ODB is in the on state, the user A can view all images displayed in the display area DA, and cannot view the background of the display panel 100.

[0108] When the optical element ODA is in the on state, whether the optical element ODB is in the on state or the off state, the user A cannot observe the image displayed in the display area DA, and also cannot observe the background of the display panel 100.

[0109] When the optical element ODB is in the off state and the optical element ODA is in the off state, the user B can observe all images displayed in the display area DA, and can also observe the background of the display panel 100.

[0110] When the optical element ODB is in the OFF state and the optical element ODA is in the ON state, the user B can view all images displayed in the display area DA, and cannot view the background of the display panel 100.

[0111] When the optical element ODB is in the on state, whether the optical element ODA is in the on state or the off state, the user B cannot view the image displayed in the display area DA, and also cannot view the background of the display panel 100.

[0112] According to such a display device 1, an opaque area (light-blocking area) can be formed across the entire display area DA.

[0113] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the optical element OD.

[0114] The optical element OD comprises a liquid crystal lens element 301, a liquid crystal lens element 302, and a diffusion sheet DF. The configuration of each of these liquid crystal lens elements has been described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. The voltages applied to the liquid crystal lens elements 301 and 302 are controlled by the control unit 400 shown in Figure 1.

[0115] The liquid crystal lens element 301 is configured to have a diverging effect on the first polarized light PL1. The liquid crystal lens element 302 is configured to have a diverging effect on the second polarized light PL2. The second polarized light PL2 is a polarization component different from the first polarized light PL1, for example, a polarization component orthogonal to the first polarized light PL1.

[0116] In the illustrated example, the first polarized light PL1 is a polarized component along a first direction X, and the second polarized light PL2 is a polarized component along a second direction Y.

[0117] If the combination of the liquid crystal lens element 301 and the liquid crystal lens element 302 can achieve a diverging effect sufficient to form the opaque region, the diffusion sheet DF may be omitted.

[0118] With this optical element OD, the number of liquid crystal lens elements can be reduced by half compared to the optical element OD shown in FIG. 12, and effects such as a thinner design, cost reduction, and improved transmittance can be achieved.

[0119] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 1 including the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0120] Pixel electrodes, common electrodes, alignment films, etc. are not shown in the display panel 100. Also, charging electrodes, alignment films, etc. are not shown in the liquid crystal lens elements that make up the optical element OD.

[0121] In the optical element OD, the liquid crystal lens element 301 faces the display panel 100 in the third direction Z. The liquid crystal lens element 302 is adhered to the liquid crystal lens element 301 via an adhesive layer AD12.

[0122] The liquid crystal lens element 301 includes a liquid crystal layer 331 between a substrate 311 and a substrate 321. The substrate 321 faces the protection plate 130 of the display panel 100. The liquid crystal lens element 302 includes a liquid crystal layer 332 between a substrate 312 and a substrate 322. The substrate 322 faces the substrate 311. An adhesive layer AD12 bonds the substrate 311 and the substrate 322 to each other.

[0123] Each of the substrates 311 and 312 corresponds to the substrate 310 shown in FIG. Each of the substrates 321 and 322 corresponds to the substrate 320 shown in FIG. Each of the liquid crystal layer 331 and the liquid crystal layer 332 corresponds to the liquid crystal layer 330 shown in FIG.

[0124] The display panel 100 and the optical element OD face each other across a gap GP. Here, the optical element OD faces the protection plate 130 of the display panel 100, but it may face the protection plate 140 instead.

[0125] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG.

[0126] The display device 1 includes a display panel 100, a light source unit 200, and an optical element ODA.

[0127] The optical element ODA is configured in the same manner as the optical element OD shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, and includes a liquid crystal lens element 301A and a liquid crystal lens element 302A. Like the liquid crystal lens element 301, the liquid crystal lens element 301A is configured to have a diverging effect on the first polarized light PL1. The liquid crystal lens element 302A, like the liquid crystal lens element 302, is configured to have a diverging effect on the second polarized light PL2, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 301A.

[0128] Such an optical element ODA faces the display panel 100 via a gap GP in the third direction Z. The optical element ODA overlaps a portion of the display area DA, and exposes the other portion of the display area DA. In other words, the effective area AA of the optical element ODA overlaps only a portion of the display area DA. In addition, in the illustrated example, the optical element ODA is located on the user A side of the display panel 100. The display panel 100 is located on the user B side of the optical element ODA.

[0129] In such a display device 1, the same effects as those of the display device 1 in the first configuration example can be obtained.

[0130] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a fifth configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG.

[0131] The display device 1 shown in Fig. 21 differs from the display device 1 shown in Fig. 20 in that the optical element ODA overlaps the entire display area DA of the display panel 100. In other words, the effective area AA of the optical element ODA overlaps the entire display area DA.

[0132] In such a display device 1, the same effects as those of the display device 1 in the second configuration example can be obtained.

[0133] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a sixth configuration example of the display device 1. In FIG.

[0134] The display device 1 shown in Fig. 22 differs from the display device 1 shown in Fig. 21 in that the display device 1 includes an optical element ODB in addition to the optical element ODA. The display panel 100 is located between the optical elements ODA and ODB in the third direction Z.

[0135] The optical element ODB is configured similarly to the optical element OD shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, and includes a liquid crystal lens element 301B and a liquid crystal lens element 302B.

[0136] For example, the liquid crystal lens element 301B, like the liquid crystal lens element 301, is configured to have a diverging effect on the first polarized light PL1. The liquid crystal lens element 302B, like the liquid crystal lens element 302, is configured to have a diverging effect on the second polarized light PL2, and is bonded to the liquid crystal lens element 301B. In addition, the liquid crystal lens element 301B may be configured to have a diverging effect on the third polarized light PL3, similar to the liquid crystal lens element 303, and the liquid crystal lens element 302B may be configured to have a diverging effect on the fourth polarized light PL4, similar to the liquid crystal lens element 304.

[0137] Each of the optical elements ODA and ODB faces the display panel 100 via a gap GP in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, each of the optical elements ODA and ODB overlaps the entire display area DA. Note that each of the optical elements ODA and ODB may overlap a part of the display area DA, similar to the optical element ODA shown in FIG.

[0138] In such a display device 1, the same effects as those of the display device 1 in the third configuration example can be obtained.

[0139] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 that constitutes the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0140] The configuration example shown in Fig. 23 differs from the configuration example shown in Fig. 4 in that the effective area AA is divided into multiple regions. In the illustrated example, the effective area AA is divided into four regions AA1, AA2, AA3, and AA4. These regions AA1, AA2, AA3, and AA4 are all formed in a rectangular shape. When the liquid crystal lens element 300 is superimposed on the display panel 100 in the third direction Z, at least a portion of the effective area AA overlaps the display area DA. The effective area AA may be divided into two or three regions, or may be divided into five or more regions.

[0141] Fig. 24 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the electrodes that make up the liquid crystal lens element 300 shown in Fig. 23. Note that, in the illustrated substrate 310, only the portion that overlaps with the substrate 320 is shown.

[0142] A charging electrode EL11 and a charging electrode EL12 are formed in the areas AA1, AA2, AA3, and AA4, respectively, on the substrate 310. The charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 in each area are driven independently.

[0143] A charging electrode EL21 and a charging electrode EL22 are formed in the areas AA1, AA2, AA3, and AA4, respectively, on the substrate 320. The charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 in each area are driven independently.

[0144] With this configuration, when the substrates 310 and 320 face each other in the third direction Z, the extending direction of the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12 (e.g., the second direction Y) intersects (or is nearly perpendicular to) the extending direction of the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22 (e.g., the first direction X). The charging electrodes EL11, EL12, EL21, and EL22 are transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO.

[0145] The voltages applied to the charging electrodes EL11 and EL12, respectively, and the voltages applied to the charging electrodes EL21 and EL22, respectively, are controlled by the control unit 400 shown in FIG.

[0146] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the liquid crystal lens element 300 that constitutes the optical element OD shown in FIG.

[0147] The configuration example shown in Fig. 25 differs from the configuration example shown in Fig. 23 in that the effective area AA is divided into four areas AA1, AA2, AA3, and AA4, each of which is formed in a triangular shape. When the liquid crystal lens element 300 is superimposed on the display panel 100 in the third direction Z, at least a portion of the effective area AA overlaps the display area DA. The charging electrodes formed in the areas AA1, AA2, AA3, and AA4 are the same as those in the example shown in Fig. 24, and therefore will not be illustrated or described here.

[0148] In addition, each area included in the effective area AA is not limited to a rectangle as shown in Figure 23 or a triangle as shown in Figure 25, but may be formed into other polygons, or other shapes such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0149] Next, an example of how the above-described display device 1 is used will be described.

[0150] 26A and 26B are diagrams for explaining examples of using configuration example 1 and configuration example 4. FIG.

[0151] 26A corresponds to the case where the optical element ODA is in an off state. On the display panel 100, information I1 is displayed in the area that does not overlap with the optical element ODA, and information I2 is displayed in the area that overlaps with the optical element ODA.

[0152] The left side of FIG. 26A shows how user A views the display panel 100. The right side of FIG. 26A shows how user B views the display panel 100. Both user A and user B can view information I1 and information I2. However, the information I1 and information I2 viewed by user B are mirrored from the information I1 and information I2 viewed by user A. In addition, user A can view the rear side of the display panel 100, and user B can also view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0153] 26B corresponds to the case where optical element ODA is in the ON state. On the display panel 100, information I1 is displayed in the area not overlapping with optical element ODA, and information I2 is displayed in the area overlapping with optical element ODA.

[0154] The left side of FIG. 26B shows how user A views the display panel 100. Because the optical element ODA located between user A and the display panel 100 is in the on state, user A does not view the area of ​​the display panel 100 that overlaps with the optical element ODA. In other words, user A cannot view information I2. Furthermore, user A can view the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area that does not overlap with the optical element ODA, but cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area that overlaps with the optical element ODA.

[0155] The right side of FIG. 26B shows how user B views the display panel 100. User B can view information I1 and information I2. User B can view the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area that does not overlap with optical element ODA, but cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area that overlaps with optical element ODA.

[0156] In such a use case, for example, confidential information that is not recognized by user A can be displayed as information I2.

[0157] 27A and 27B are diagrams for explaining examples of using configuration example 2 and configuration example 5. FIG.

[0158] 27A corresponds to the case where the optical element ODA is in an off state. The optical element ODA is superimposed on the entire surface of the display panel 100. On the display panel 100, information I1 and information I2 are displayed.

[0159] The left side of FIG. 27A shows how user A views the display panel 100. The right side of FIG. 27A shows how user B views the display panel 100. Both user A and user B can view information I1 and information I2. However, the information I1 and information I2 viewed by user B are left-right reversed from the information I1 and information I2 viewed by user A. In addition, user A can view the rear side of the display panel 100, and user B can also view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0160] 27B corresponds to the case where the optical element ODA is in the ON state. On the display panel 100, information I1 and information I2 are displayed.

[0161] The left side of FIG. 27B shows how user A views the display panel 100. Because the optical element ODA located between user A and the display panel 100 is in the on state, user A cannot view information I1 and information I2. In addition, user A cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0162] The right side of FIG. 27B shows how user B views the display panel 100. User B can view information I1 and information I2. User B cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0163] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining another example of use of configuration example 2 and configuration example 5. In FIG.

[0164] The optical element ODA is located between the display panel 100 and the object OJ. As shown on the left side of Fig. 28, when an image IM1 is displayed on the display panel 100 and the optical element ODA is in an on state, a user viewing the display panel 100 can view the image IM1 but cannot view the object OJ behind the display panel 100.

[0165] Then, while the optical element ODA is in the on state, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is gradually reduced, gradually increasing the transparency behind the display panel 100. In other words, a user viewing the display panel 100 can gradually become aware of the object OJ behind the display panel 100 while viewing the image IM1.

[0166] Then, after the optical element ODA is turned off, the image IM1 on the display panel 100 is erased and the object OJ is illuminated by the illumination device IL, allowing the user to observe the object OJ through the display panel 100 and the optical element ODA.

[0167] 28, an image IM2 superimposed on the object OJ is displayed on the display panel 100. At this time, the image IM2 includes, for example, the names of the parts of the object OJ, an image that adds a visual effect, and the like.

[0168] Such an example of use can be applied to, for example, the presentation of the object OJ when announcing a new product.

[0169] 29A, 29B, 29C, and 29D are diagrams for explaining examples of using configuration example 3 and configuration example 6. FIG.

[0170] 29A corresponds to a case where both the optical elements ODA and ODB are in the off state. The optical elements ODA and ODB are superimposed on the entire surface of the display panel 100. On the display panel 100, information I1 and information I2 are displayed.

[0171] The left side of FIG. 29A shows how user A views the display panel 100. The right side of FIG. 29A shows how user B views the display panel 100. Both user A and user B can view information I1 and information I2. However, the information I1 and information I2 viewed by user B are mirrored from the information I1 and information I2 viewed by user A. In this case, for example, information I1 is information displayed to user A, and information I2 is information displayed to user B. Furthermore, user A can view the rear side of the display panel 100, and user B can also view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0172] 29B corresponds to the case where the optical element ODA is in the ON state and the optical element ODB is in the OFF state. On the display panel 100, information I1 and information I2 are displayed.

[0173] The left side of FIG. 29B shows how user A views the display panel 100. Because the optical element ODA located between user A and the display panel 100 is in the on state, user A cannot view information I1 and information I2. In addition, user A cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0174] The right side of FIG. 29B shows how user B views the display panel 100. User B can view information I1 and information I2. User B cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0175] 29C corresponds to the case where the optical element ODB is in the ON state and the optical element ODA is in the OFF state. On the display panel 100, information I1 and information I2 are displayed.

[0176] The left side of FIG. 29C shows how user A views the display panel 100. User A can view information I1 and information I2. User A cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0177] The right side of FIG. 29C shows how user B views the display panel 100. Because optical element ODB, which is located between user B and the display panel 100, is in the on state, user B cannot view information I1 and information I2. In addition, user B cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100.

[0178] FIG. 29D corresponds to the case where optical element ODA and optical element ODB are both in the ON state. The left side of FIG. 29D shows how user A views the display panel 100. The right side of FIG. 29D shows how user B views the display panel 100. Neither user A nor user B can view information I1 or I2. Furthermore, user A cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100, and user B cannot view the rear side of the display panel 100 either.

[0179] Next, another example of use of the display device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Here, the optical elements ODA and ODB equipped with the liquid crystal lens element 300 described with reference to Figs. 23 and 24 are applied.

[0180] 30 corresponds to a case where optical element ODA is in an off state and some regions of optical element ODB are in an on state. In the illustrated example, in optical element ODB, rectangular region AA1 is in an off state, and regions AA2, AA3, and AA4 are in an on state. On display panel 100, information I1 is displayed in the region overlapping with region AA1, and information I2 is displayed in the region overlapping with region AA3.

[0181] The left side of FIG. 30 shows how user A views the display panel 100. User A can observe information I1 and information I2. User A can also observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area overlapping with area AA1. That is, in the illustrated example, the rear side of the display panel 100 is observed through a rectangular window portion corresponding to area AA1. On the other hand, user A cannot observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the areas overlapping with areas AA2, AA3, and AA4.

[0182] The right side of FIG. 30 shows how user B views the display panel 100. User B can observe information I1 but cannot observe information I2. Similarly to user A, user B can observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area overlapping with area AA1. On the other hand, user B cannot observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the areas overlapping with areas AA2, AA3, and AA4.

[0183] Next, another example of use of the display device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Here, the optical elements ODA and ODB equipped with the liquid crystal lens element 300 described with reference to Fig. 25 are applied.

[0184] 31 corresponds to a case where optical element ODA is in the OFF state and some regions of optical element ODB are in the ON state. In the illustrated example, in optical element ODB, triangular region AA1 is in the OFF state, and regions AA2, AA3, and AA4 are in the ON state. On display panel 100, information I1 is displayed in the region overlapping with region AA1, and information I2 is displayed in the region overlapping with region AA3.

[0185] The left side of FIG. 31 shows how user A views the display panel 100. User A can observe information I1 and information I2. User A can also observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area overlapping with area AA1. That is, in the illustrated example, the rear side of the display panel 100 is observed through a triangular window portion corresponding to area AA1. On the other hand, user A cannot observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the areas overlapping with areas AA2, AA3, and AA4.

[0186] The right side of FIG. 31 shows how user B views the display panel 100. User B can observe information I1 but cannot observe information I2. Similarly to user A, user B can observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the area overlapping with area AA1. On the other hand, user B cannot observe the rear side of the display panel 100 in the areas overlapping with areas AA2, AA3, and AA4.

[0187] In the examples of use shown in Figures 30 and 31, a window portion of a desired shape can be realized.

[0188] In the above embodiment, for example, the optical element ODA corresponds to the first optical element, and the optical element ODB corresponds to the second optical element. The liquid crystal lens elements 301A and 301B correspond to the first liquid crystal lens element, the liquid crystal lens elements 302A and 302B correspond to the second liquid crystal lens element, the liquid crystal lens elements 303A and 303B correspond to the third liquid crystal lens element, and the liquid crystal lens elements 304A and 304B correspond to the fourth liquid crystal lens element. The transparent substrate SU10 corresponds to the first transparent substrate, the transparent substrate SU20 corresponds to the second transparent substrate, the alignment film AL1 corresponds to the first alignment film, and the alignment film AL2 corresponds to the second alignment film. The charging electrode EL11 corresponds to the first charging electrode, the charging electrode EL12 corresponds to the second charging electrode, the charging electrode EL21 corresponds to the third charging electrode, and the charging electrode EL22 corresponds to the fourth charging electrode. The protection plate 130 corresponds to a first protection plate, and the protection plate 140 corresponds to a second protection plate.

[0189] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device capable of forming a desired opaque region.

[0190] All display devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the display devices described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0191] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications, and these modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design of the above-described embodiment, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention.

[0192] Furthermore, with regard to other effects brought about by the aspects described in the above embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1...display device 100...display panel 110...first substrate 120...second substrate 130, 140...protective plate DA: Display area PE: Pixel electrode CE: Common electrode LC: Liquid crystal layer 200...Light source unit OD...Optical element 300... liquid crystal lens element 310... substrate 320... substrate 330... liquid crystal layer AA...effective area EL11, EL12, EL21, EL22...charged electrodes EL2...Sheet electrode

Claims

1. a display panel having a polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a display area for displaying an image; a light source unit disposed along an edge of the display panel; a first optical element facing the display panel and overlapping at least a portion of the display area, the first optical element comprises a plurality of liquid crystal lens elements; Each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements is configured to have a diverging effect on different polarized light. Display device.

2. the display panel and the first optical element face each other via a gap. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. the first optical element overlaps a portion of the display area and exposes another portion of the display area; The display device according to claim 1 .

4. the first optical element overlaps the entire display area; The display device according to claim 1 .

5. The first optical element includes the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements, a first liquid crystal lens element having a diverging effect on a first polarized light; a second liquid crystal lens element bonded to the first liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on a second polarized light different from the first polarized light; The display device according to claim 1 .

6. The first optical element includes the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements, a first liquid crystal lens element having a diverging effect on a first polarized light; a second liquid crystal lens element bonded to the first liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on a second polarized light different from the first polarized light; a third liquid crystal lens element bonded to the second liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on a third polarized light different from the first polarized light and the second polarized light; a fourth liquid crystal lens element bonded to the third liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on the first polarized light, the second polarized light, and a fourth polarized light different from the third polarized light; The display device according to claim 1 .

7. a second optical element that is superimposed on at least a portion of the display area and includes a plurality of liquid crystal lens elements; the display panel is located between the first optical element and the second optical element, the first optical element faces the display panel via a gap; the second optical element faces the display panel via a gap; The display device according to claim 1 .

8. Each of the first optical element and the second optical element is a liquid crystal lens element, a first liquid crystal lens element having a diverging effect on a first polarized light; a second liquid crystal lens element bonded to the first liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on a second polarized light different from the first polarized light; The display device according to claim 7 .

9. Each of the first optical element and the second optical element is a liquid crystal lens element, a first liquid crystal lens element having a diverging effect on a first polarized light; a second liquid crystal lens element bonded to the first liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on a second polarized light different from the first polarized light; a third liquid crystal lens element bonded to the second liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on a third polarized light different from the first polarized light and the second polarized light; a fourth liquid crystal lens element bonded to the third liquid crystal lens element and having a diverging effect on the first polarized light, the second polarized light, and a fourth polarized light different from the third polarized light; The display device according to claim 7 .

10. The first polarized light and the second polarized light are polarization components orthogonal to each other. The display device according to claim 5 or 8.

11. the first polarized light and the second polarized light are polarization components orthogonal to each other, The third polarized light and the fourth polarized light are polarization components orthogonal to each other. The display device according to claim 6 or 9.

12. Each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements is a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate facing the first transparent substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; a first charging electrode and a second charging electrode disposed between the first transparent substrate and the liquid crystal layer, spaced apart from each other, and configured to receive different voltages from each other; a first alignment film covering the first charging electrode and the second charging electrode; The display device according to claim 1 .

13. Each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements further comprises: a third charging electrode and a fourth charging electrode disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the second transparent substrate, the third charging electrode and the fourth charging electrode being spaced apart from each other and configured to receive different voltages from each other; a second alignment film covering the third charging electrode and the fourth charging electrode, an extension direction of the third charging electrode and the fourth charging electrode intersects with an extension direction of the first charging electrode and the second charging electrode; The display device according to claim 12.

14. Each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements further comprises: a sheet electrode located between the liquid crystal layer and the second transparent substrate and facing the first charging electrode and the second charging electrode; a second alignment film covering the sheet electrode; The display device according to claim 12.

15. Each of the plurality of liquid crystal lens elements further comprises: a second alignment film covering the second transparent substrate; The display device according to claim 12.

16. The display panel includes: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate and including the polymer dispersed liquid crystal; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer and arranged in the display area; a common electrode located between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer and facing the plurality of pixel electrodes; The display device according to claim 7 .

17. The display panel further comprises: a first protective plate adhered to the first substrate; a second protective plate bonded to the second substrate, the first optical element faces the first protection plate via a gap; the second optical element faces the second protection plate via a gap; The display device according to claim 16.

18. The light source unit faces a side surface of the second protective plate. The display device according to claim 17.

Images