Display device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification comprises: a first light source unit including a plurality of first light sources; a first light control unit which is arranged on the first light source unit and which includes a plurality of partition walls arranged to overlap at least a part of a display area; a second light source unit which is arranged on the first light control unit and which includes a plurality of second light sources; a light guide plate which is arranged in parallel to the second light source unit and which guides the light provided from the second light source unit; a second light control unit which is arranged on the light guide plate and which includes a plurality of prism patterns arranged to overlap at least a part of the display area; and a display panel which is arranged on the second light control unit, and which displays an image by using the light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

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] The tasks of the present invention 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.

[0007] 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 first light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partitions arranged to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a second light source unit disposed on the first 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, a second light control unit disposed on the light guide plate and including a plurality of prism patterns arranged to overlap at least a portion of a display area, and a display panel disposed on the second light control unit and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

[0008] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Since the present specification includes a prism pattern arranged over the entire display area for shifting light provided to the display panel toward the second area, the manufacturing process of the prism pattern can be further simplified.

[0012] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included within the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0015] 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.

[0016] FIG. 4a is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0017] Figure 4b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA1 portion of Figure 4a.

[0018] FIG. 5a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0019] Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 5a.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 8a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0023] Figure 8b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 8a.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0026] Fig. 11 is a side view showing an example of a second light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 10.

[0027] FIGS. 12A to 12D are graphs for explaining examples of prism patterns included in the second light control unit of FIG. 11.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0029] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0030] Fig. 15 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 14.

[0031] Fig. 16 is a rear view schematically showing an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 14.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0033] Fig. 18 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 15.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Identical reference numerals throughout the specification refer to identical components.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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 first light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), a second light control unit (160), and a display panel (170).

[0052] The display panel (170) 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 (170) 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.

[0053] A liquid crystal display panel (LCD) may be used as the display panel (170). For example, the display panel (170) 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 field driving method such as a Twisted Nematic (TN) mode and a Vertical Alignment (VA) mode, or a horizontal field driving method such as an In Plane Switching (IPS) mode and a Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The display panel (170) may include a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area.

[0055] The display area of ​​the display panel (170) can be divided into multiple areas. In other words, the display area can include multiple areas.

[0056] For example, referring further to FIG. 3, the display area (AA) of the display panel (170) may include a plurality of areas (A1, A2) 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).

[0057] According to an embodiment, each of the areas (A1, A2) of the display panel (170) may be arranged to cross the driver's seat and the passenger's seat arranged in the front seat of the vehicle, respectively, as described with reference to FIG. 1, to provide various information to the driver and passenger of the vehicle. Each of the areas (A1, A2) of the display panel (170) may display different information images to the user. For example, the first area (A1) of the display panel (170) may be an area provided on the driver's seat side arranged 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, and may provide information such as driving speed and RPM, engine temperature, and fuel amount, and the second area (A2) of the display panel (170) may be an area provided on the passenger's seat side arranged in the front seat of the vehicle, for example, a CDD area, and 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 (170) can be defined in various ways depending on the design.

[0058] Meanwhile, when the display panel (170) is used in the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1, the field of view of at least some of the multiple areas (A1, A2) included in the display panel (170) 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.

[0059] For example, depending on the driving mode of the display device (100), in the first mode, all of the plurality of areas (A1, A2) of the display panel (170) are controlled to a wide-view mode (Share mode) to display an image, and in the second mode, at least some areas, for example, the second area (A2), among the plurality of areas (A1, A2) of the display panel (170) can be controlled to a narrow-view mode (Private mode) to display an image. To this end, the display device (100) can control the display panel (170) to the first mode or the second mode by controlling whether the second light source unit (140) disposed at the upper part of the plurality of light source units (110, 140) disposed at the lower part of the display panel (170) emits light.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a first light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (150), and a second light control unit (160) may be arranged at the lower portion of the display panel (170).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] A first light control unit (130) may be placed on the optical sheet (120).

[0071] The first light control unit (130) can control the viewing angle of light provided from below. For example, the first 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 a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA). That is, the first 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 first 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.

[0072] To this end, the first 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.

[0073] Each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may extend in the second direction (Y) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X). In this case, light incident on the first light control unit (130), for example, a spaced area between the plurality of partition walls (133), has its light profile narrowed in the first direction (X) by the plurality of partition walls (133) arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and light that is mostly limited to the front direction, for example, the third direction (Z), may be provided to the display panel (170).

[0074] Accordingly, in an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the first light control unit (130) are arranged, light is provided in a first range, and in an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the first light control unit (130) are not arranged, light can be provided in a second range wider than the first range. Therefore, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), an image can be displayed in a second viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) of the first light control unit (130) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and an image can be displayed in a first viewing angle in an area overlapping with an area where the plurality of partition walls (133) are not arranged. The first viewing angle can have a larger value than the second viewing angle. For example, the first viewing angle can be defined as a wide viewing angle, and the second viewing angle can be defined as a narrow viewing angle.

[0075] In addition, the first 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 first 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 first 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) may be arranged in an area overlapping with the second area (A2). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light emitted from the first light source unit (110), the image is displayed by controlling the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, and in other areas, for example, the first area (A1), the viewing angle is not controlled and the image may be displayed at the first viewing angle.

[0077] However, this is merely exemplary and the area where the partition walls (133) are arranged is not limited thereto. For example, multiple partition walls (133) may be arranged throughout the area overlapping the display area (AA). A detailed description thereof will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0078] A second light source unit (140) and a light guide plate (150) may be placed on the first light control unit (130).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The light guide plate (150) is placed on the first 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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 (170), 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 (170), while propagating through the light guide plate (150) through total reflection. Accordingly, a uniform surface light source can be provided toward the display panel (170).

[0089] Additionally, the light provided from the first light source unit (110) through the optical sheet (120) and the first light control unit (130) can travel in the third direction (Z), which is the direction toward the display panel (170) through the light guide plate (150).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 first 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 (170) 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 plurality of areas (A1, A2) of the display panel (170). 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).

[0092] 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 (170) 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 first light control unit (130), the image can be displayed at the first viewing angle in the first area (A1) of the display panel (170), and the image can be displayed at the second viewing angle in the second area (A2) of the display panel (170). 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).

[0093] In this way, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification can control the display panel (170) in 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 (110, 140) disposed at the lower portion of the display panel (170) emits light.

[0094] A second light control unit (160) may be placed on the light guide plate (150).

[0095] The second light control unit (160) can control the profile of light provided from the light guide plate (150). For example, the second light control unit (160) can shift the profile, for example, the direction of travel of light provided from the light guide plate (150) and traveling to the display panel (170), toward the first direction (X) toward the second area (A2).

[0096] To this end, the second light control unit (160) may include a base layer (161) and a plurality of prism patterns (162) arranged on the base layer (161). For example, the plurality of prism patterns (162) may be arranged in an area overlapping the second area (A2). However, this is merely exemplary and the area where the prism patterns (162) are arranged is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of prism patterns (162) may be arranged in the entire area overlapping the display area (AA).

[0097] Each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) extends in the second direction (Y) on the base layer (161) and can be arranged along the first direction (X).

[0098] Each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may have an asymmetrical triangular prism shape. Accordingly, each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may have a triangular shape in cross-section. For example, each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may have an isosceles triangle shape on the side of the display device (100). In this case, when light incident on the second light control unit (160), for example, each of the plurality of prism patterns (162), travels from the inside to the outside of the prism pattern (162), the light may be refracted at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the prism pattern (162) depending on the difference in refractive index between the inside and the outside of the prism pattern (162), thereby shifting the profile of the light. For example, when the refractive index of the inside of the prism pattern (162) is greater than the refractive index of the outside, the profile of the light may be shifted toward the first direction (X) toward the second region (A2). Accordingly, in the second mode described above, the viewing angle of the second area (A2) can be more effectively controlled. In addition, since the light transmitted through the second light control unit (160) is shifted toward the first direction (X) toward the second area (A2), the viewing angle in the second area (A2) can be improved. A detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0099] Hereinafter, the first 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. 4A to 9, and the second light control unit (160) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0100] Fig. 4a is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a first light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 2. Fig. 4b is an enlarged view illustrating an example of the EA1 portion of Fig. 4a.

[0101] Meanwhile, the first light control unit (130) illustrated in FIG. 4a represents one embodiment of the first light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, the first 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 light 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).

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 first light control unit (130), the light emission angle of the light emitted from the first light control unit (130), the distance between the first light control unit (130) and the display panel (170), 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] In addition, each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may have a rectangular shape on the side surface. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (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 partition walls (133) may be parallel to the support members (131, 132), and both side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be perpendicular to the support members (131, 132). For example, both side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to each of the support members (131, 132).

[0110] By a plurality of partition walls (133) like this, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the first light control unit (130) can be limited. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the light emission angle may mean an angle formed by the direction of travel of the light emitted from the first light control unit (130) and the third direction (Z) on a plane defined by a side, for example, the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0111] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 4b, the light provided from below the first light control unit (130), 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 the first light control unit (130), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).

[0112] For example, among the light provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (130), the first light (L1) having a light path formed in the third direction (Z), which is a vertical direction, between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) can be emitted to the outside, i.e., in the upper direction of the first light control unit (130), without being blocked by the partition walls (133).

[0113] In addition, in the case of light that passes through the inside of the upper end of two mutually spaced partition walls (130) among the light provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (130), that is, in the case of light between the fourth light (L4) and the fourth' light (L4'), it can be emitted in the upper direction of the first light control unit (130).

[0114] 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 mutually spaced partition walls (133) among the light provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (130) and the partition wall (133) is located on the light path, at least a portion of the light may be blocked by the partition wall (133). That is, light provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (130) at an angle greater than the incident angle of the fourth light (L4) and the fourth' light (L4') may be blocked by the plurality of partition walls (130) and may not be emitted in the upper direction of the first light control unit (130). For example, at least a portion of the second light (L2) and the third light (L3) provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (130) is absorbed by the partition wall (133) and is not emitted to the outside.

[0115] Meanwhile, in the case of light in which a partition wall (133) is positioned on the optical path as described above, since each of the plurality of partition walls (133) includes a light-absorbing material or is coated with a light-absorbing agent, the majority of the light is absorbed by the partition wall (133), but the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) may be totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted to the outside. For example, the second light (L2a) among the second light (L2) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) and the third light (L3a) among the third light (L3) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) may be totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted to the outside.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 4a, the height of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) 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, this is not limited thereto, and the height of each of the plurality of partition walls (133) in the third direction (Z) 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). Meanwhile, in the present specification, the height may mean the length or distance in the third direction (Z).

[0117] In addition, the plurality of partition walls (133) may be arranged on the second region (A2) and may not be arranged on the first region (A1). In this case, as described above, in the second region (A2), which is the region where the plurality of partition walls (133) are arranged, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light is limited, so that the light is provided in the first range, and in the first region (A1), which is the region where the plurality of partition walls (133) are not arranged, the light emission angle is not limited, so that the light may be provided in the second range, which is 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 first light control unit (130), an image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in a second area (A2) overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) are disposed among the display areas (AA), and an image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in a first area (A1) overlapping with an area where a plurality of partition walls (133) are not disposed.

[0118] FIG. 5a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0119] Figure 5b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA2 portion of Figure 5a.

[0120] Meanwhile, the first light control unit (230) illustrated in FIG. 5a represents another embodiment of the first light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0121] In addition, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B with respect to the shape of a plurality of partition walls (233) included in the first light control unit (230). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, the first 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 output angle along the first direction (X) for light traveling in the third direction (Z), which is a direction perpendicular to the display area (AA).

[0123] 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).

[0124] Each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from 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) may be parallel to the support members (131, 132), one side surface of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may be perpendicular to the support members (131, 132), and the other side surface of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the support members (131, 132). For example, one side positioned on the first direction (X) side among the two side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may be parallel to the third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to each of the support members (131, 132), and the other side positioned on the opposite direction to the first direction (X) among the two side surfaces of each of the plurality of partition walls (233) may have a plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z).

[0125] In this way, by means of a plurality of partition walls (233) having a trapezoidal shape on the side, the light emission angle in the first direction (X) of the light emitted from the first light control unit (230) can be more effectively limited.

[0126] To explain more specifically, referring further to FIG. 5b, the light provided from below the first 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 the first light control unit (230), thereby limiting the light emission angle of the light in the first direction (X).

[0127] 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 mutually spaced partition walls (233) among the light provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (230), and an inclined side of the partition wall (233) is positioned on the light path, the remaining portion of the light that is not absorbed by the partition wall (233) 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 partition wall (233). For example, at least a portion of the second light (L2) provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (230) and traveling toward the vertical side of the partition wall (233) may be absorbed by the partition wall (233), and the second light (L2a) not absorbed by the partition wall (233) may be totally reflected from the vertical side of the partition wall (233), and at least a portion of the third light (L3) provided from the lower portion of the first light control unit (230) and traveling toward the inclined side of the partition wall (233) may be absorbed by the partition wall (233), and the third light (L3a) not absorbed by the partition wall (233) may be totally reflected from the inclined side of the partition wall (233). Here, depending on the difference in incidence angle between the vertical side and the inclined side of the partition wall (233), the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) can be guided more toward the third direction (Z), which is the vertical direction, compared to the second light (L2a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (233). Accordingly, the light directed toward the display panel (170) in the second area (A2) can be more concentrated.

[0128] In addition, the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) 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 third light (L3a) totally reflected by the vertical side of the partition wall (133) described with reference to FIG. 4A, the third light (L3a) totally reflected by the inclined side of the partition wall (233) described with reference to FIG. 5A 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.

[0129] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0130] Meanwhile, the first light control unit (330) illustrated in FIG. 6 represents another embodiment of the first light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0131] In addition, FIG. 6 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 4a with respect to the area where a plurality of partition walls (333) included in the first light control unit (330) are arranged. Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant descriptions, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 6.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the first 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).

[0133] 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 over the first area (A1) and a plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged over the second area (A2).

[0134] A plurality of first partition walls (333a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first region (A1). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) 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 (333a).

[0135] A plurality of second partition walls (333b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second area (A2). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) 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 (333b).

[0136] Additionally, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) and the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) and the plurality of second partition walls (333b) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0137] The height of the first partition wall (333a) and the height of the second partition wall (333b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (333a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (333b). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (333b) arranged on the second region (A2) is substantially equal to or smaller than the length of the space along the third direction (Z) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (333a) arranged on the first region (A1) may be designed to be the minimum height possible in the process.

[0138] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (333a) have very small heights, the light emission angle of light incident on the first area (A1) may not be substantially limited. Accordingly, in the first area (A1) where the plurality of first partition walls (333a) are arranged, light may be provided in a 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) arranged below the first light control unit (330), the image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of second partition walls (333b) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1) overlapping with the area where the plurality of first partition walls (333a) having very small heights are arranged.

[0139] In addition, since a plurality of partition walls (333) are formed over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA) rather than forming partition walls only in a portion of the display area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the first light control unit (330), the manufacturing process of the first light control unit (330) can be further simplified.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0141] Meanwhile, the first light control unit (430) illustrated in FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of the first light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0142] In addition, FIG. 7 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 5a with respect to the area where a plurality of partition walls (433) included in the first light control unit (430) are arranged. Accordingly, in FIG. 7, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments to avoid redundant description.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the first 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).

[0144] 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 over the first area (A1) and a plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged over the second area (A2).

[0145] A plurality of first partition walls (433a) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the first region (A1). For example, each of the plurality of first partition walls (433a) 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 (433a).

[0146] A plurality of second partition walls (433b) may be arranged between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) on the second area (A2). For example, each of the plurality of second partition walls (433b) 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 (433b).

[0147] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (433a) and the plurality of second bulkheads (433b) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (433a) and the plurality of second bulkheads (433b) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0148] The height of the first partition wall (433a) and the height of the second partition wall (433b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (433a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (433b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (433b) arranged on the second area (A2) is substantially equal to or smaller than the length of the space along the third direction (Z) between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (433a) arranged on the first area (A1) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.

[0149] In this way, since the plurality of first partition walls (433a) have very small heights, the light emission angle of the light incident on the first area (A1) may not be substantially limited. Accordingly, in the first area (A1) where the plurality of first partition walls (433a) are arranged, light may be provided in a 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) arranged below the first light control unit (430), the image may be displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, in the second area (A2) overlapping with the area where the plurality of second partition walls (433b) are arranged among the display areas (AA), and the image may be displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle, in the first area (A1) overlapping with the area where the plurality of first partition walls (433a) having very small heights are arranged.

[0150] In addition, since a plurality of partition walls (433) are formed over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA) rather than forming partition walls only in a portion of the display area (AA) in the manufacturing process of the first light control unit (430), the manufacturing process of the first light control unit (430) can be further simplified.

[0151] FIG. 8a is a side view schematically illustrating another example of a first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0152] Figure 8b is an enlarged view showing an example of the EA3 portion of Figure 8a.

[0153] Meanwhile, the first light control unit (530) illustrated in FIG. 8a represents another embodiment of the first light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0154] In addition, FIG. 8a shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with respect to the height of the plurality of partition walls (533) included in the first light control unit (530). Accordingly, in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments to avoid redundant description.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 8A, the first light control unit (530) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (533) 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).

[0156] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8A, the display area AA may be divided into a plurality of sub-areas AAa, AAb, and 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 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.

[0157] A plurality of partition walls (533) may be arranged on each of the sub-areas (AAa, AAb, AAc) of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (533) may include a plurality of first partition walls (533a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (533b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (533c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc).

[0158] A plurality of first partition walls (533a) 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 (533a) 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 (533a).

[0159] A plurality of second partition walls (533b) 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 (533b) 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 (533b).

[0160] A plurality of third partition walls (533c) 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 (633b) 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 (633c).

[0161] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (533a), the plurality of second bulkheads (533b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (533c) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (533a), the plurality of second bulkheads (533b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (533c) may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0162] The height of the first partition wall (533a) and the height of the second partition wall (533b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (533a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (533b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (533b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) is substantially equal to the length of the space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) along the third direction (Z), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (533a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.

[0163] Additionally, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (533c) may increase in the first direction (X). For example, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (533c) 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 (533c), the third partition wall (533c) that is closest to the first sub-area (AAa) has the same height as the first partition wall (533a), the third partition wall (533c) that is closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (533b), and the remaining third partition walls (533c) among the plurality of third partition walls (533c) have a height between the first partition wall (533a) and the second partition wall (533b), and the height may increase as one goes in the first direction (X).

[0164] In other words, the height of the plurality of partition walls (533) may gradually increase from the vicinity of the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) toward the first direction (X), i.e., the second sub-region (AAb). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the first light control unit (530), the boundary visibility due to the difference in the viewing angles of the respective regions (A1, A2) may be minimized at the boundary between the second region (A2) where the overall viewing angle is limited and the image is displayed at a second viewing angle, for example, a narrow viewing angle, and the first region (A1) where the viewing angle is substantially not limited and the image is displayed at a first viewing angle, for example, a wide viewing angle.

[0165] 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. 8b, 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 second height (h2) that is half the first height (h1) of the height of the second partition wall (553b) 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 (533c). 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 first height (h1) on an imaginary line (VL) connecting the center points of the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of third bulkheads (533c).

[0166] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating another example of the first light control unit included in the display device of FIG. 2.

[0167] Meanwhile, the first light control unit (630) illustrated in FIG. 9 represents another embodiment of the first light control unit (130) included in the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0168] In addition, FIG. 9 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with respect to the height of the plurality of partition walls (633) included in the first light control unit (630). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant description, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in FIG. 9.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, the first light control unit (630) includes a first support member (131), a second support member (132) facing the first support member (131), and a plurality of partition walls (633) 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).

[0170] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, the display area (AA) can be divided into a plurality of sub-areas (AAa, AAb, AAc). Here, the area division of the plurality of sub-areas (AAa, AAb, AAc) is substantially the same as or similar to the area division explained with reference to FIG. 8a, and therefore, any overlapping description will not be repeated.

[0171] A plurality of partition walls (633) may be arranged on each of the sub-areas (AAa, AAb, AAc) of the display area (AA). For example, the plurality of partition walls (633) may include a plurality of first partition walls (633a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa), a plurality of second partition walls (633b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb), and a plurality of third partition walls (633c) arranged on the third sub-area (AAc).

[0172] A plurality of first partition walls (633a) 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 (633a) 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 (633a).

[0173] A plurality of second partition walls (633b) 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 (633b) 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 (633b).

[0174] A plurality of third partition walls (633c) 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 (633b) 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 (633c).

[0175] Additionally, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (633a), the plurality of second bulkheads (633b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (633c) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a side surface. For example, each of the plurality of first bulkheads (633a), the plurality of second bulkheads (633b), and the plurality of third bulkheads (633c) may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0176] The height of the first partition wall (633a) and the height of the second partition wall (633b) may be different. For example, the height of the first partition wall (633a) may be smaller than the height of the second partition wall (633b). For example, the height of each of the plurality of second partition walls (633b) arranged on the second sub-area (AAb) is substantially equal to the length of the separation space between the first support member (131) and the second support member (132) along the third direction (Z), and the height of each of the plurality of first partition walls (633a) arranged on the first sub-area (AAa) may be designed as a minimum height in the process.

[0177] In addition, the height of the plurality of third partition walls (633c) may become smaller as it goes in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). For example, among the plurality of third partition walls (633c), the third partition wall (633c) closest to the second sub-area (AAb) has the same height as the second partition wall (633b), the third partition wall (633c) closest to the first sub-area (AAa) of the plurality of third partition walls (633c) has the same height as the first partition wall (633a), and the remaining third partition walls (633c) among the plurality of third partition walls (633c) have a height between the first partition wall (633a) and the second partition wall (633b), and the height may become smaller as it goes in the direction opposite to the first direction (X). Accordingly, in the case of an image displayed by light incident on the first light control unit (630), the boundary visibility due to the difference in viewing angle between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) can be minimized.

[0178] Fig. 10 is a side view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 11 is a side view showing an example of a second light control unit included in the display device of Fig. 10. Figs. 12a to 12d are graphs for explaining examples of prism patterns included in the second light control unit of Fig. 11.

[0179] Meanwhile, FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a display device (100) driven in a second mode in which only the first light source unit (110) emits light and the second light source unit (140) does not emit light. Accordingly, for convenience of explanation, the second light source unit (140) and the light guide plate (150) among the components included in the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification are omitted in FIG. 10.

[0180] Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 10 illustrates a display device (100) including a first light control unit (130) according to one embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B among various embodiments of the first light control unit (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630) described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 9. However, this is merely exemplary, and the display device (100) may also include a first light control unit (230, 330, 430, 530, 630) according to one embodiment of any one of the various embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 9.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of first light sources (112) included in a first light source unit (110) may emit light and provide light to a display panel (170). For example, light provided from a plurality of first light sources (112) and traveling in a third direction (Z) may be diffused or focused through an optical sheet (120) and provided to a first light control unit (130).

[0182] Here, the first light (L1) whose light path is formed in the third direction (Z), which is a vertical direction, between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) of the first light control unit (130) is not blocked by the partition walls (133) and can be emitted in the upper direction of the first light control unit (130), i.e., in the third direction (Z), and provided to the second light control unit (160).

[0183] In addition, an optical path is formed in a direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the third direction (Z) between two mutually spaced partition walls (133) of the first light control unit (130), and at least a portion of the light in which the side wall of the partition wall (133) is located on the optical path is absorbed by the partition wall (133) and not emitted to the outside, and the remaining portion that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) is totally reflected from the partition wall (133) and emitted in the upper direction of the first light control unit (130) and provided to the second light control unit (160). For example, most of the second light (L2) may be absorbed by the partition wall (133), and the remaining portion of the second light (L2) may be totally reflected without being absorbed by the partition wall (133) and provided to the second light control unit (160).

[0184] In this way, in the case of light that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) but totally reflected and emitted from the first light control unit (130) toward the display panel (170), the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit (110) on the second area (A2) described above may be emitted at an angle greater than the light emission angle of the first light control unit (130) designed to be displayed at a second viewing angle depending on the angle of total reflection from the partition wall (133). For example, in the case where the second light (L2) that is not absorbed by the partition wall (133) but totally reflected is emitted at an angle greater than the designed light emission angle of the first light control unit (130) and provided to the display panel (170) without changing the light path, at least a part of the image displayed by the light provided from the first light source unit (110) on the second area (A2) may be displayed at a viewing angle greater than the second viewing angle. For example, when the display device (100) is used in a vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1 and the second light source unit (140) is controlled to a non-emitting state to display an image in a second mode, the field of view of the image displayed on the second area (A2) that provides entertainment functions and seat information for a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat may not be completely restricted and may be visible to a driver located on the first area (A1) side.

[0185] Accordingly, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present specification can shift the light profile, for example, the direction of light propagation, of the light propagating to the display panel (170) toward the first direction (X) toward the second area (A2) by using the second light control unit (160).

[0186] To this end, the second light control unit (160) may include a base layer (161) and a plurality of prism patterns (162) disposed on the base layer (161), each having an asymmetrical triangular prism shape.

[0187] The base layer (161) can support multiple prism patterns (162).

[0188] The base layer (161) may include a transparent material to enable light transmission. For example, the base layer (161) may include a plastic material. As an example, the base layer (161) may include polyethylene terephthalate. However, the material of the base layer (161) is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, the base layer (161) may include a polymer such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, or the like.

[0189] A plurality of prism patterns (162) may be arranged on the base layer (161). Each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may extend in the second direction (Y) on the base layer (161) and may be arranged along the first direction (X). Meanwhile, the plurality of prism patterns (162) may be combined with the base layer (161) through a transparent adhesive or the like, but are not limited thereto.

[0190] Each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may include a plastic material that allows light transmission, including a transparent material. In addition, each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may include a material having a refractive index different from that of vacuum or air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of vacuum or air, in order to shift the profile of light emitted from the second light control unit (160). For example, the refractive index of the prism pattern (162) may have a value of 1.4 or more and 1.7 or less, but the refractive index of the prism pattern (162) is not limited thereto.

[0191] For example, each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may include polycarbonate. However, the material of the plurality of prism patterns (162) is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may be formed by including various known materials having transparent materials and the aforementioned refractive index, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyurethane.

[0192] Each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may have an asymmetrical triangular prism shape. For example, each of the plurality of prism patterns (162) may have an isosceles triangle shape when viewed on a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0193] To explain this in more detail, referring further to FIG. 11, the prism pattern (162) may include a first surface (162a), a second surface (162b) connected to one end of the first surface (162a), and a third surface (162c) connected to the other end of the first surface (162a). The second surface (162b) may be positioned in the first direction (X), for example, toward the second area (A2), and the third surface (162c) may be positioned in the opposite direction to the first direction (X), for example, toward the first area (A1).

[0194] The first surface (162a) of the prism pattern (162) may be a surface that contacts the upper surface of the base layer (161). For example, the first surface (162a) may correspond to the lower surface of the prism pattern (162). For example, the first surface (162a) may be parallel to the first direction (X).

[0195] The first angle (AG1) between the first surface (162a) and the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) can be designed to minimize the reduction in brightness and side lobe of light transmitted through the prism pattern (162). For example, the first angle (AG1) between the first surface (162a) and the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) can be 90°. For example, the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) can be parallel to a third direction (Z) that is perpendicular to the first direction (X).

[0196] To explain this in more detail, referring to FIGS. 12A to 12D, a graph of luminance values ​​according to a viewing angle is shown in the case where there is no prism pattern (162) illustrated in a dashed-dotted line in FIGS. 12A to 12D (Reference), and a graph of luminance values ​​according to a viewing angle is shown in the case where the first angle (AG1) of the prism pattern (162) of the display device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in a solid line in FIGS. 12A to 12D is 60°, 70°, 80°, and 90°, respectively. Meanwhile, in FIGS. 12a to 12d, other conditions except for the first angle (AG1) of the prism pattern (162), for example, the second angle (AG2) of the prism pattern (162), the length, refractive index, etc. of the first surface (162a) are based on the same.

[0197] First, referring to FIG. 12a, when the first angle (AG1) between the first face (162a) and the second face (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 60°, the peak luminance of light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) can be reduced by approximately 18.4% compared to the peak luminance in the absence of the prism pattern (162). In addition, when the first angle (AG1) between the first face (162a) and the second face (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 60°, it can be confirmed that the light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) has a side lobe at a viewing angle between -60° and -90°.

[0198] In addition, referring to FIG. 12b, when the first angle (AG1) between the first face (162a) and the second face (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 70°, the peak luminance of light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) can be reduced by approximately 15.8% compared to the peak luminance in the absence of the prism pattern (162). In addition, when the first angle (AG1) between the first face (162a) and the second face (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 70°, it can be confirmed that the light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) has a side lobe at a viewing angle between -40° and -80°.

[0199] In addition, referring to FIG. 12c, when the first angle (AG1) between the first face (162a) and the second face (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 80°, the peak luminance of light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) can be reduced by approximately 13.2% compared to the peak luminance in the absence of the prism pattern (162). In addition, when the first angle (AG1) between the first face (162a) and the second face (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 80°, it can be confirmed that the light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) has a side lobe at a viewing angle between -20° and -40°.

[0200] In addition, referring to FIG. 12d, when the first angle (AG1) between the first surface (162a) and the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 90°, the peak luminance of light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) may be reduced by approximately 10.6% compared to the peak luminance in the absence of the prism pattern (162). In addition, when the first angle (AG1) between the first surface (162a) and the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 90°, it can be confirmed that the light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) does not generate a side lobe. That is, the side lobe of light transmitted through the prism pattern (162) having the first angle (AG1) of 90° may only occur around 0°.

[0201] In this way, when the first angle (AG1) between the first surface (162a) and the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is 90°, the peak luminance has a maximum value, and the side lobe can converge to 0°. That is, when the first angle (AG1) between the first surface (162a) and the second surface (162b) of the prism pattern (162) is designed to be 90°, the luminance drop can be minimized, and the side lobe can be minimized, so that the viewing angle can be more effectively controlled in the second area (A2).

[0202] Referring again to FIG. 11, the second angle (AG2) between the first side (162a) and the third side (162c) of the prism pattern (162) may have an angle between 0° and 90°. For example, the second angle (AG2) may be an acute angle.

[0203] The second angle (AG2) of the prism pattern (162) can be designed by comprehensively considering the distance between the second light control unit (160) and the display panel (170), the size of the display panel (170), the area of ​​the second area (A2), the refractive index of the prism pattern (162), etc.

[0204] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first light (L1) incident on the prism pattern (162) can be refracted at the third surface (162c) due to the difference in refractive index between vacuum or air and the prism pattern (162). At this time, as described above, since the refractive index of the prism pattern (162) has a refractive index greater than that of vacuum or air, for example, 1.4 or more and 1.7 or less, the first light (L1) incident on the prism pattern (162) in a direction parallel to the third direction (Z), for example, the first light (L1) incident on the third surface (162c) of the prism pattern (162) at an angle of incidence having a second angle (AG2) with respect to the normal (NL) to the third surface (162c), is refracted toward the first direction (X) at the third surface (162c) due to the difference in refractive index, and can proceed upward by refracting at an angle of refraction having a third angle (AG3) greater than the second angle (AG2) by α° with respect to the normal (NL) to the third surface (162c). However, α is a real number greater than 0, and the value of α° added to the second angle (AG2) may be less than 90°. Accordingly, the first light (L1) transmitted through the prism pattern (162) can be shifted by α° toward the first direction (X) with respect to the light path before transmitting through the prism pattern (162) and can proceed upward. Here, α° can be determined by the refractive index of vacuum or air and the refractive index of the prism pattern (162) according to Snell's law.

[0205] Accordingly, referring again to FIG. 10, the second light (L2) that is not absorbed by the partition (133) of the first light control unit (130) but is totally reflected and travels in a direction toward the first area (A1), for example, in the opposite direction to the first direction (X), can be shifted toward the first direction (X) after transmitting through the prism pattern (162) of the second light control unit (160) and travel upward, for example, toward the display panel (170).

[0206] Accordingly, in the second mode described above, when light emitted from the first light source unit (110) disposed below the first light control unit (130) and overlapping the second area (A2) travels to the display panel (170) through the first light control unit (130), even if there is light that is not absorbed on the partition wall (133) included in the first light control unit (130) but is totally reflected and travels in the opposite direction to the first direction (X), that is, toward the first area (A1), the light is shifted toward the first direction (X) through the second light control unit (160) and travels toward the display panel (170), so that the viewing angle can be more effectively controlled on the second area (A2).

[0207] In addition, the plurality of prism patterns (162) may be arranged in an area overlapping the second area (A2). For example, the plurality of prism patterns (162) may be arranged on the second area (A2) and may not be arranged on the first area (A1). Accordingly, light traveling toward the display panel (170) on the second area (A2) with a limited viewing angle in the second mode may be shifted toward the first direction (X) by the second light control unit (160) including the plurality of prism patterns (162) arranged in an area overlapping the second area (A2).

[0208] FIG. 13 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0209] Meanwhile, Fig. 13 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of Fig. 10 with respect to the area where a plurality of prism patterns (762) included in the second light control unit (760) are arranged. Accordingly, in Fig. 13, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in order to avoid redundant description.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 13, a second light control unit (760) included in a display device (700) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a base layer (161) and a plurality of prism patterns (762) arranged on the base layer (161).

[0211] A plurality of prism patterns (762) may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA). For example, a plurality of prism patterns (762) may be arranged on the base layer (161) to overlap the first area (A1) and the second area (A2).

[0212] In this way, in the manufacturing process of the second light control unit (760), a plurality of prism patterns (762) are formed over the entire area of ​​the display area (AA) rather than forming the prism pattern only in a portion of the display area (AA), so that the manufacturing process of the second light control unit (760) can be further simplified.

[0213] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 15 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a side view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0214] Meanwhile, Fig. 14 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of Fig. 2 with respect to the light guide plate (850). Accordingly, in Figs. 14 to 17, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described with a focus on avoiding redundant descriptions.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 14, a display device (800) according to another embodiment of the present specification may include a first light source unit (110), at least one optical sheet (120), a first light control unit (130), a second light source unit (140), a light guide plate (850), a second light control unit (160), and a display panel (170).

[0216] The light guide plate (850) is placed on the first light control unit (130) and may be placed on the side of the second light source unit (140). In addition, the light guide plate (850) may guide light provided from the second light source unit (140) to advance in a direction toward the display panel (170), for example, in the third direction (Z).

[0217] The light guide plate (850) may include a plurality of protruding patterns (851) arranged on the lower surface. Each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may include a material having a refractive index different from that of vacuum or air, for example, a refractive index higher than that of vacuum or air. For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may include the same material as that of the light guide plate (850), so that each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may have the same refractive index as that of the light guide plate (850), but is not limited thereto.

[0218] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 together, a plurality of protruding patterns (851) may be formed to protrude in a downward direction of the light guide plate (850), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z). According to an embodiment, the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may be arranged at a constant density and interval on the lower surface of the light guide plate (850), but are not limited thereto.

[0219] Each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may have four inclined surfaces that form a predetermined angle with a plane, for example, a plane defined by the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). For example, each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may have a square pyramid shape.

[0220] The square pyramid shape of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may have an asymmetrical shape. For example, the vertices of the square pyramid shape included in each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) may be formed in a direction facing the first direction (X), for example, toward the first region (A1). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 16, among two inclined surfaces included in the square pyramid shape of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) and facing each other along the first direction (X), the inclined surface located on the first direction (X) side may be formed to be wider than the inclined surface located on the opposite side of the first direction (X).

[0221] By the shape of the protruding pattern (851) as described above, the profile of the light transmitting through the light guide plate (850) can be shifted toward the first direction (X) on the second area (A2) side. For example, referring further to FIG. 17, since the square pyramid shape of each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) has an asymmetrical shape, the inclination angles of two inclined surfaces (851a, 851b) included in each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) and facing each other along the first direction (X) may be different. For example, among the two inclined surfaces (851a, 851b) facing each other along the first direction (X), the inclination angle of the first inclined surface (851a) located on the opposite side of the first direction (X) may be greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface (851b) located on the first direction (X) side.

[0222] Accordingly, the angle at which light (La) incident on the first inclined surface (851a) included in each of the plurality of protruding patterns (851) is refracted toward the first direction (X) by the protruding pattern (851) may be greater than the angle at which light (Lb) incident on the second inclined surface (851b) is refracted toward the opposite direction of the first direction (X) by the protruding pattern (851). Accordingly, the light provided from the lower portion of the light guide plate (850) may be shifted overall toward the second region (A2). Accordingly, the viewing angle of the second region (A2) may be more effectively controlled in the second mode described above. In addition, since the light transmitted through the second light control unit (160) is shifted toward the first direction (X) toward the second region (A2), the viewing angle in the second region (A2) may be improved.

[0223] Fig. 18 is a rear view schematically illustrating another example of a light guide plate included in the display device of Fig. 15.

[0224] Meanwhile, Fig. 18 shows a modified embodiment of the embodiment of Fig. 16 with respect to the arrangement of the protrusion pattern (951). Accordingly, in order to avoid redundant description, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments in Fig. 18.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 18, the light guide plate (950) may be disposed on a lower surface and may include a plurality of protruding patterns (951) formed by protruding in a downward direction of the light guide plate (950), for example, in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z). The plurality of protruding patterns (951) may be disposed at different densities for each region on the lower surface of the light guide plate (950). Meanwhile, in the present specification, the density at which the protruding patterns (951) are disposed may be defined as the ratio (%) of the area on which the protruding patterns (951) are disposed with respect to the total area of ​​a unit region.

[0226] For example, a plurality of protruding patterns (951) may be arranged at a first density in a first area (A1) and at a second density greater than the first density in a second area (A2). Here, since a plurality of protruding patterns (951) that shift light passing through the light guide plate (950) toward the first direction (X) are arranged at a higher density in the second area (A2) where the viewing angle is limited when driven in the second mode according to the driving mode than in the first area (A1), the viewing angle in the second area (A2) can be controlled more effectively.

[0227] Additionally, the plurality of protruding patterns (951) may be arranged at a third density greater than the second density near the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). Accordingly, visibility near the boundary between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may be minimized.

[0228] A display device according to embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0229] 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 first light control unit disposed on the first light source unit and including a plurality of partitions arranged to overlap at least a portion of a display area, a second light source unit disposed on the first 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, a second light control unit disposed on the light guide plate and including a plurality of prism patterns arranged to overlap at least a portion of a display area, and a display panel disposed on the second light control unit and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

[0230] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of prism patterns extends in a second direction which is the extension direction of the plurality of partition walls, and can be arranged along a first direction different from the second direction.

[0231] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of prism patterns can have an asymmetrical triangular prism shape.

[0232] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of prism patterns may include a first surface parallel to the first direction, a second surface connected to one end of the first surface, and a third surface connected to the other end of the first surface.

[0233] According to another feature of the present invention, the first angle between the first side and the second side may be 90°, and the angle between the first side and the third side may be an acute angle.

[0234] According to another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of prism patterns includes a transparent plastic material, and each of the plurality of prism patterns can have a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air.

[0235] According to another feature of the present invention, the refractive index of each of the plurality of prism patterns may be 1.4 or more and 1.7 or less.

[0236] According to another feature of the present invention, the second light control unit may further include a base layer supporting a plurality of prism patterns.

[0237] According to another feature of the present invention, the base layer may include a transparent plastic material.

[0238] According to another feature of the present invention, 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.

[0239] According to another feature of the present invention, the plurality of prism patterns may be arranged in an area overlapping the second area, and may not be arranged in an area overlapping the first area.

[0240] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of prism patterns can be arranged in an area overlapping the first area and the second area.

[0241] According to another feature of the present invention, in the first mode, the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources can all emit light, and in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources can emit light and the plurality of second light sources can not emit light.

[0242] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of partition walls are arranged in an area overlapping the first area and the second area, and the heights of the partition walls arranged in the area overlapping the first area and the partition walls arranged in the area overlapping the second area among the plurality of partition walls may be different.

[0243] 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. Accordingly, 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 first 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 first 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; A second light control unit including a plurality of prism patterns arranged on the light guide plate and overlapping at least a portion of the display area; and A display device comprising a display panel disposed on the second light control unit and displaying an image using light provided from the first light source unit or the second light source unit.

2. In paragraph 1, A display device wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns extends in a second direction that is an extension direction of the plurality of partition walls, and is arranged along a first direction that is different from the second direction.

3. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns has an asymmetrical triangular prism shape.

4. In paragraph 3, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns includes a first surface parallel to the first direction, a second surface connected to one end of the first surface, and a third surface connected to the other end of the first surface.

5. In paragraph 4, The first angle between the first surface and the second surface is 90°, A display device, wherein the angle between the first surface and the third surface is an acute angle.

6. In paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of prism patterns comprises a transparent plastic material, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air.

7. In paragraph 6, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of prism patterns has a refractive index of 1.4 or more and 1.7 or less.

8. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein the second light control unit further includes a base layer that supports the plurality of prism patterns.

9. In paragraph 8, A display device, wherein the base layer comprises a transparent plastic material.

10. 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.

11. In paragraph 10, A display device wherein the plurality of prism patterns are arranged in an area overlapping the second area and are not arranged in an area overlapping the first area.

12. In paragraph 10, A display device wherein the plurality of prism patterns are arranged in an area overlapping the first area and the second area.

13. In paragraph 10, In the first mode, both of the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources emit light, A display device in which, in the second mode, the plurality of first light sources emit light and the plurality of second light sources do not emit light.

14. In paragraph 10, The above plurality of bulkheads are arranged in an area overlapping the first area and the second area, A display device, wherein the heights of the partition wall arranged in the area overlapping the first area among the plurality of partition walls and the heights of the partition wall arranged in the area overlapping the second area are different.

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