KR102756134B1 - Light route control member and display having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical path control member according to an embodiment comprises: a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on an upper portion of the first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on a lower portion of the second substrate; and a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit comprises alternately arranged partition walls and a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit has a light transmittance that changes according to application of voltage, and wherein the receiving unit includes a dispersion liquid and light conversion particles dispersed within the dispersion liquid, and a ratio of refractive indices of the partition walls and the receiving unit is 1:0.95 to 1:1.05.

Description

LIGHT ROUTE CONTROL MEMBER AND DISPLAY HAVING THE SAME

The present invention relates to an optical path control member having improved optical shielding characteristics over a specific angular range and a display device including the same.

A shade film blocks the transmission of light from a light source and is attached to the front of a display panel, which is a display device used in mobile phones, laptops, tablet PCs, car navigation systems, car touchscreens, etc., to adjust the viewing angle of the light according to the angle of incidence of the light when the display transmits the screen, so that the user can express clear picture quality at the viewing angle they need.

Additionally, shade films can be used on windows of vehicles or buildings to block some of the outside light to prevent glare or to prevent the inside from being visible from the outside.

That is, the shading film can be a light path conversion member that controls the path of light movement, thereby blocking light in a specific direction and transmitting light in a specific direction. Accordingly, the angle of light transmission can be controlled by the shading film, thereby controlling the user's viewing angle.

Meanwhile, these shade films can be divided into shade films that can always control the viewing angle regardless of the surrounding environment or the user's environment, and switchable shade films that can turn the viewing angle control on and off by the user depending on the surrounding environment or the user's environment.

Such a switchable shade film can be implemented by adding electrically mobile particles to a pattern portion, and changing the pattern portion into a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion through dispersion and aggregation of the particles.

Meanwhile, the pattern portion can be divided into a plurality of pattern portions by a plurality of partition walls arranged between the pattern portions.

At this time, due to the difference in refractive index between the pattern portion and the partition portion, there is a problem in that light at the boundary between the pattern portion and the partition portion is not incident into the pattern portion but is refracted, reflected, and scattered, and light in a specific angle range is transmitted without being blocked by the pattern portion.

Therefore, a new optical path control element having a structure capable of efficiently controlling changes in shielding characteristics according to the difference in refractive index between the partition wall portion and the pattern portion as described above is required.

The present invention relates to an optical path control member having improved shielding characteristics by controlling the refractive index sizes of a pattern portion and a partition wall portion, and a display device including the same.

An optical path control member according to an embodiment comprises: a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on an upper portion of the first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on a lower portion of the second substrate; and a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit comprises alternately arranged partition walls and a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit has a light transmittance that changes according to application of voltage, and wherein the receiving unit includes a dispersion liquid and light conversion particles dispersed within the dispersion liquid, and a ratio of refractive indices of the partition walls and the receiving unit is 1:0.95 to 1:1.05.

The optical path control member according to the embodiment can control the refractive index of the partition wall and the receiving section of the optical conversion section.

In detail, by minimizing the difference in refractive index between the bulkhead and the receiver, light can be prevented from being incident on the interface between the bulkhead and the receiver and from being scattered, reflected or refracted and traveling to the outside without entering the receiver.

Accordingly, light is prevented from being scattered, reflected or refracted at the interface between the bulkhead and the receiving portion, and the light is absorbed upon entering the receiving portion, so that the transmittance of light transmitted in the lateral direction of the light path control member can be controlled to a desired range.

Therefore, the side shielding effect of the optical path control member can be improved by controlling the transmittance in a specific angular range.

In addition, the bulkhead portion is defined as the first bulkhead portion at the bottom of the receiving portion and the second bulkhead portion between the receiving portion, and the refractive index of the first bulkhead portion is controlled to be lower than the refractive index of the second bulkhead portion, thereby minimizing total reflection at the interface between the first bulkhead portion and the second bulkhead portion, thereby minimizing the loss of incident light due to total reflection.

Accordingly, the frontal brightness of the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an optical path control member according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a first substrate and a first electrode and a second substrate and a second electrode of an optical path control member according to an embodiment, respectively.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating an optical path control member according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating an optical path control member according to another embodiment.
FIGS. 8 to 11 are drawings illustrating various cross-sectional views of optical path control elements according to embodiments.
FIGS. 12 to 19 are drawings for explaining a method for manufacturing an optical path control member according to an embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are drawings for explaining one embodiment of a display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but may be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted for use.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and (or) at least one (or more) of B, C,” it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

In addition, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

In addition, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

Additionally, when it is described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components.

Also, when expressed as “upper or lower,” it can include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an optical path control member according to an embodiment will be described. The optical path control member described below is a switchable optical path control member that operates in various modes according to the movement of electrophoretic particles by the application of voltage.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may include a first substrate (110), a second substrate (120), a first electrode (210), a second electrode (220), and a light conversion unit (300).

The first substrate (110) can support the first electrode (210). The first substrate (110) can be rigid or flexible.

Additionally, the first substrate (110) may be transparent. For example, the first substrate (110) may include a transparent substrate that can transmit light.

The above first substrate (110) may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS), but this is only one example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

Additionally, the first substrate (110) may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

In addition, the first substrate (110) may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the first substrate (110) may also be formed to have flexible, curved or bent characteristics. Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be changed into various designs.

The above first substrate (110) may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

The first electrode (210) may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate (110). In detail, the first electrode (210) may be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate (110). That is, the first electrode (210) may be disposed between the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120).

The first electrode (210) may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode (210) may include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide.

The first electrode (210) may be placed on the first substrate (110) in a film shape. In addition, the light transmittance of the first electrode (210) may be about 80% or more.

The above first electrode (210) may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

Alternatively, the first electrode (210) may include various metals to implement low resistance. For example, the first electrode (210) may include at least one metal among chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

The first electrode (210) may be arranged on the entire surface of one side of the first substrate (110). In detail, the first electrode (210) may be arranged as a surface electrode on one side of the first substrate (110). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first electrode (210) may be formed as a plurality of pattern electrodes having a certain pattern.

For example, the first electrode (210) may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, the first electrode (210) may include a plurality of mesh lines intersecting each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even if the first electrode (210) includes metal, the first electrode is not visible from the outside, so that visibility can be improved. In addition, since the light transmittance is increased by the openings, the brightness of the light path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

The second substrate (120) may be placed on the first substrate (110). In detail, the second substrate (120) may be placed on the first electrode (210) on the first substrate (110).

The second substrate (120) may include a material that can transmit light. The second substrate (120) may include a transparent material. The second substrate (120) may include a material that is the same as or similar to the first substrate (110) described above.

For example, the second substrate (120) may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS), but this is only one example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

Additionally, the second substrate (120) may be a flexible substrate having flexible properties.

In addition, the second substrate (120) may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the second substrate (120) may also be formed to have flexible, curved or bent characteristics. Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be changed into various designs.

The above second substrate (120) may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

The second electrode (220) may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate (120). In detail, the second electrode (220) may be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate (120). That is, the second electrode (220) may be disposed on a surface of the second substrate (120) that faces the first substrate (110). That is, the second electrode (220) may be disposed to face the first electrode (210) on the first substrate (110). That is, the second electrode (220) may be disposed between the first electrode (210) and the second substrate (120).

The second electrode (220) may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the second electrode (220) may include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide.

The second electrode (220) may be placed on the second substrate (120) in a film shape. In addition, the light transmittance of the second electrode (220) may be about 80% or more.

The second electrode (220) may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

Alternatively, the second electrode (220) may include various metals to implement low resistance. For example, the second electrode (220) may include at least one metal among chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

The second electrode (220) may be arranged on the entire surface of one side of the second substrate (120). In detail, the second electrode (220) may be arranged as a surface electrode on one side of the second substrate (120). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second electrode (220) may be formed as a plurality of pattern electrodes having a certain pattern.

For example, the second electrode (220) may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, the second electrode (220) may include a plurality of mesh lines intersecting each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even if the second electrode (220) includes metal, the second electrode is not visible from the outside, so that visibility can be improved. In addition, since the light transmittance is increased by the openings, the brightness of the light path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

The above light conversion unit (300) may be placed between the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120). In detail, the light conversion unit (300) may be placed between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220).

An adhesive layer (400) may be placed between at least one of the light conversion unit (300) and the first substrate (110) or between the light conversion unit (300) and the second substrate (120), and the first substrate (110), the second substrate (120), and the light conversion unit (300) may be adhered by the adhesive layer (400).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the light conversion unit (300) may include a partition wall unit (310) and a receiving unit (320).

The above-mentioned partition wall portion (310) may be defined as a partition wall region that partitions the receiving portion. That is, the above-mentioned partition wall portion (310) is a partition wall region that partitions a plurality of receiving portions. In addition, the receiving portion (320) may be defined as a region that changes into a light blocking portion and a light transmitting portion depending on the application of voltage.

The above-mentioned bulkhead (310) and the receiving portion (320) may be arranged alternately. The above-mentioned bulkhead (310) and the receiving portion (320) may be arranged with different widths. For example, the width of the above-mentioned bulkhead (310) may be greater than the width of the receiving portion (320).

The above-mentioned partition walls (310) and the receiving portions (320) may be arranged alternately. In detail, the above-mentioned partition walls (310) and the receiving portions (320) may be arranged alternately. That is, each partition wall (310) may be arranged between the adjacent receiving portions (320), and each receiving portion (320) may be arranged between the adjacent partition walls (310).

The above-mentioned partition wall (310) may include a transparent material. The above-mentioned partition wall (310) may include a material that can transmit light.

The above-mentioned partition wall portion (310) may include a resin material. For example, the above-mentioned partition wall portion (310) may include a photocurable resin material. For example, the above-mentioned partition wall portion (310) may include a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the above-mentioned partition wall portion (310) may include a urethane resin or an acrylic resin.

The above-mentioned partition wall (310) can transmit light incident on either the first substrate (110) or the second substrate (120) toward the other substrate.

For example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, light may be emitted from the first substrate (110) and may be incident toward the second substrate (120). The partition wall portion (310) may transmit the light, and the transmitted light may move toward the second substrate (120).

A sealing member (500) for sealing the light path control member is arranged on a side of the above-mentioned bulkhead, and the side of the light conversion member (300) can be sealed by the sealing member.

The above-described receiving portion (320) may include a dispersion (320a) and the light conversion particles (10) described above. Specifically, the dispersion (320a) is injected and filled into the receiving portion (320), and a plurality of light conversion particles (10) may be dispersed within the dispersion (320a).

The dispersion (320a) may be a material that disperses the light conversion particles (10). The dispersion (320a) may include a transparent material. The dispersion (320a) may include a nonpolar solvent. In addition, the dispersion (320a) may include a material that can transmit light. For example, the dispersion (320a) may include at least one material among halocarbon oil, paraffin oil, and isopropyl alcohol.

The above light conversion particles (10) can be arranged while being dispersed within the dispersion (320a). In detail, the plurality of light conversion particles (10) can be arranged while being spaced apart from each other within the dispersion (320a).

The light conversion particle (10) may include a material capable of absorbing light. That is, the light conversion particle (10) may be a light absorbing particle. The light conversion particle (10) may have a color. For example, the light conversion particle (10) may have a black color. As an example, the light conversion particle (10) may include carbon black particles.

The above light conversion particle (10) can have a surface that is electrified. Accordingly, depending on the application of voltage, the light conversion particle (10) can move in one direction.

The light transmittance of the receiving portion (320) can be changed by the light conversion particle (10). In detail, the light transmittance of the receiving portion (320) can be changed by the light conversion particle (10) to be changed into a light blocking portion and a light transmitting portion. That is, the receiving portion (320) can change the light transmittance passing through the receiving portion (320) by dispersion and coagulation of the light conversion particle (10) disposed inside the dispersion solution (320a).

For example, the optical path absence according to the embodiment can be changed from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode by the voltage applied to the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220).

In detail, the light path control member according to the embodiment is such that in the first mode, the receiving portion (320) becomes a light blocking portion, and light at a specific angle can be blocked by the receiving portion (320). That is, the viewing angle of a user looking from the outside can be narrowed.

In addition, the light path control member according to the embodiment is such that in the second mode, the receiving portion (320) becomes a light transmitting portion, and the light path control member according to the embodiment can transmit light through both the partition wall portion (310) and the receiving portion (320). That is, the viewing angle of a user viewing from the outside can be widened.

The transition from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the transformation of the receiving portion (320) from a light-blocking portion to a light-transmitting portion, can be implemented by the movement of the light conversion particle (10) of the receiving portion (320). That is, the light conversion particle (10) has a charge on its surface, and depending on the characteristics of the charge, can move toward the first electrode or the second electrode according to the application of voltage. That is, the light conversion particle (10) can be an electrophoretic particle.

In detail, the receiving portion (320) can be electrically connected to the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220).

At this time, when no voltage is applied to the light path control member from the outside, the light conversion particles (10) of the receiving portion (320) are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid (320a), and thus, the light of the receiving portion (320) can be blocked by the light conversion particles (10). Accordingly, in the first mode, the receiving portion (320) can be driven as a light blocking portion.

Alternatively, when a voltage is applied to the light path control member from the outside, the light conversion particle (10) may be moved. For example, the light conversion particle (10) may be moved toward one end or the other end of the receiving portion (320) by the voltage transmitted through the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). That is, the light conversion particle (10) may be moved toward the first electrode or the second electrode.

In detail, when voltage is applied to the first electrode (210) and/or the second electrode (220), an electric field is formed between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), and the light conversion particles (10) in a (-) charged state can move in the direction of the (+) electrode among the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) using the dispersion liquid (320a) as a medium.

That is, when voltage is applied to the first electrode (210) and/or the second electrode (220), as illustrated in FIG. 4, the light conversion particle (10) can move toward the first electrode (210) within the dispersion (320a), that is, the light conversion particle (10) can move in one direction, and the receiving portion (320) can be driven as a light transmitting portion.

Alternatively, when no voltage is applied to the first electrode (210) and/or the second electrode (220), as illustrated in FIG. 5, the light conversion particles (10) are uniformly dispersed within the dispersion (320a), and the receiving portion (320) can be driven as a light blocking portion.

Accordingly, the light path control member according to the embodiment can be driven in two modes depending on the user's surrounding environment, etc. That is, when the user wants light transmission only at a specific viewing angle, the receiving unit can be driven as a light blocking unit, or, in an environment where the user requires a wide viewing angle and high brightness, the receiving unit can be driven as a light transmitting unit by applying voltage.

Therefore, since the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be implemented in two modes according to the user's needs, the optical path member can be applied without being restricted by the user's environment, etc.

Meanwhile, the refractive index of the partition wall (310) and the receiving portion (320) can be controlled in order to improve the shielding characteristics of the light path control member. In detail, the refractive index difference between the partition wall (310) and the receiving portion (320) can be controlled in order to improve the shielding characteristics of the light path control member.

For example, the refractive index of the partition wall portion (310) may be 1.64 or less. In detail, the refractive index of the partition wall portion (310) may be 1.36 to 1.64. The refractive index of the partition wall portion (310) may correspond to the refractive index of the resin composition constituting the partition wall portion.

In addition, the refractive index of the receiving portion (320) may be 1.45 or less. In detail, the refractive index of the receiving portion (320) may be 1.42 to 1.45. The refractive index of the receiving portion (320) may correspond to the refractive index of the dispersion (320a) included in the receiving portion (320).

At this time, the refractive indices of the partition wall portion (310) and the receiving portion (320) may be the same or different from each other. For example, the refractive index of the partition wall portion (310) may be the same as, smaller than, or larger than the refractive index (320) of the receiving portion.

In detail, the ratio of the refractive indices of the partition wall portion (310) and the receiving portion (320) may be 1:0.95 to 1:1.05. That is, the ratio of the refractive indices of the partition wall portion (310) and the receiving portion (320) may have the size ratio within the size range of the refractive indices of the partition wall portion (310) and the receiving portion (320).

Since the ratio of the refractive indices of the partition wall (310) and the receiving portion (320) is 1:0.95 to 1:1.05, diffraction, reflection, and refraction of light passing through the light conversion portion (300) can be minimized. Specifically, by minimizing the difference in refractive indices between the partition wall (310) and the receiving portion (320), diffraction, reflection, or refraction of light at the interface between the partition wall (310) and the receiving portion (320) can be minimized.

Accordingly, light incident from the partition wall to the receiving portion is diffracted, reflected or refracted at the interface between the partition wall and the receiving portion, thereby minimizing light that is not absorbed in the receiving portion and transmitted to the outside, thereby improving the shielding characteristics of the light path control member.

That is, in the first mode in which the receiving portion (320) becomes a light blocking portion and blocks light at a specific angle by the receiving portion (320), the difference in refractive indices between the partition wall and the receiving portion can minimize diffraction, reflection, or refracted light at the interface of the partition wall and the receiving portion. Accordingly, in the first mode, the light can be improved by minimizing transmission at other angles without being blocked by diffraction, reflection, or refracted light at the interface of the partition wall and the receiving portion.

Meanwhile, the refractive index of the partition wall (310) and the refractive index of the receiving portion (320) may have different sizes.

For example, the refractive index of the partition wall portion (310) may be greater than the refractive index of the receiving portion (320). In detail, the refractive index of the partition wall portion may be greater than the refractive index of the receiving portion (320) and may be 1.05 times or less than the refractive index of the receiving portion.

If the refractive index of the above-mentioned partition wall exceeds 1.05 times the refractive index of the above-mentioned receiving portion, the shielding characteristic may be deteriorated due to refractive or scattering at the boundary between the partition wall wall and the receiving portion due to the difference in refractive indices between the partition wall wall and the receiving portion.

In addition, by forming the refractive index of the partition wall to be greater than the refractive index of the receiving portion, total reflection of light moving from the partition wall toward the receiving portion can be prevented, thereby preventing light in a specific angle direction from being transmitted without being absorbed by the receiving portion.

The above-described light path control member can reduce the transmittance of light transmitted at a specific angle in the light path control member, where the refractive index of the partition wall is greater than the refractive index of the receiving portion (320) and 1.05 times or less of the refractive index of the receiving portion, thereby improving the side shielding effect.

In detail, the optical path control member can control the transmittance of light transmitted at an angle of 45° to the upper surface of the optical conversion unit (300) to 12% or less, more specifically, to a range of 7% to 12%, thereby improving the side shielding effect.

In addition, the optical path control member can control the transmittance of light transmitted at angles of 30° and 60° with respect to the upper surface of the optical conversion unit (300) to 27% or less, or more specifically, to a range of 13% to 27%, thereby improving the side shielding effect.

In addition, the optical path control member can control the transmittance of light transmitted at angles of 40° and 50° to the upper surface of the optical conversion unit (300) to 15% or less, or more specifically, to a range of 8% to 15%, thereby improving the side shielding effect.

That is, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can control the difference in refractive index between the partition wall and the receiving portion to a certain size range, thereby improving the shielding characteristics of light shielded through the receiving portion. That is, by preventing light from entering the receiving portion at the boundary between the partition wall and the receiving portion and minimizing light transmission due to refraction, scattering, or reflection, the transmittance of light transmitted at a specific angle, that is, a side angle, can be reduced.

Accordingly, the content of particles inside the receiving portion can be reduced, and the lateral transmittance can be reduced, thereby shortening the operating time of the optical path control member.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the bulkhead portion (310) can be defined as a first bulkhead portion (310a) and a second bulkhead portion (310b) depending on the location.

For example, the first partition wall portion (310a) may be defined as an area between the first electrode (210) and the receiving portion (320). That is, the first partition wall portion (310a) may be defined as an area between the upper surface of the first electrode (210) and the lower surface of the receiving portion (320) among the partition wall areas.

In addition, the second partition wall portion (310b) may be defined as an area between the first partition wall portion (310a) and the second electrode (220). That is, the second partition wall portion (310b) may be defined as an area between the receiving portions (320) in an area between the first partition wall portion (310a) and the second electrode (220) among the partition wall areas.

Additionally, the first partition wall portion (310a) and the second partition wall portion (310b) can be defined in terms of their relative positions with respect to the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220).

In detail, the first partition wall portion (310a) may be defined as a partition wall portion that is positioned closer to the first electrode (210) than the second electrode (220), and the second partition wall portion (310b) may be defined as a partition wall portion that is positioned closer to the second electrode (210) than the first electrode (210).

For example, the first bulkhead portion (310a) may be a base bulkhead portion positioned close to the first electrode, and the second bulkhead portion (310b) may be a separation bulkhead portion positioned close to the second electrode.

The first partition wall portion (310a) and the second partition wall portion (310b) may have the same or different refractive indices. In detail, the refractive index of the first partition wall portion (310a) may be the same as or lower than the refractive index of the second partition wall portion (310b).

That is, when light passing through the optical path control member according to the embodiment is transmitted from the first substrate direction to the second substrate direction, the refractive index of the first partition wall portion (310a) through which the light first passes may be equal to or lower than the refractive index of the second partition wall portion (310b).

Accordingly, light passing through the light conversion unit of the optical path control member moves from an area of low refractive index to an area of high refractive index, thereby preventing total reflection of light and reducing light loss due to total reflection.

Accordingly, the frontal brightness of the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

In addition, the first partition wall portion (310a), the second partition wall portion (310b), and the receiving portion (320) may have different refractive indices. For example, the ratio of the first partition wall portion (310a), the second partition wall portion (310b), and the receiving portion (320) may satisfy a range of 0.9 to 1:0.95 to 1.05:1.

Accordingly, by controlling the difference in refractive indices between the first partition wall portion (310a) and the second partition wall portion (310b), total reflection at the interface between the first partition wall portion (310a) and the second partition wall portion (310b) can be prevented, thereby improving frontal brightness, and by controlling the difference in refractive indices between the second partition wall portion (310b) and the receiving portion (320), refraction, scattering or reflection of light at the interface between the second partition wall portion (310b) and the receiving portion (320) can be prevented, thereby reducing the transmittance of light transmitted at a specific angle, thereby improving the side shielding effect of the light path control member.

FIGS. 8 to 11 are drawings illustrating other cross-sectional views of an optical path control member according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be arranged so that the receiving portion (320) is in contact with the electrode, unlike FIGS. 4 and 5.

For example, the receiving portion (320) may be placed in direct contact with the first electrode (210).

Accordingly, since the first electrode (210) and the receiving portion (320) are not spaced apart but are placed in direct contact, the voltage applied from the first electrode (2100) can be smoothly transmitted to the receiving portion (320).

Accordingly, the moving speed of the light conversion particles (10) inside the receiving portion (320) can be improved, thereby improving the driving characteristics of the light path control member.

In addition, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be arranged so that the receiving portion (320) has a constant inclination angle (θ), unlike FIGS. 4 and 5.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the receiving portion (320) may be arranged with an inclination angle (θ) of more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the first electrode (210). In detail, the receiving portion (320) may extend upward with an inclination angle (θ) of more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to one surface of the first electrode (210).

Accordingly, when the light path member is used together with a display panel, moire caused by the overlapping phenomenon of the pattern of the display panel and the receiving portion (320) of the light path member can be prevented, thereby improving the user's visibility.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an optical path control member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 19.

First, referring to FIG. 12, a first substrate (110) and an electrode material forming a first electrode are prepared. Then, the electrode material can be formed on one surface of the first substrate (110) by a coating or deposition process. In detail, the electrode material can be formed on the entire surface of the first substrate (110). Accordingly, a first electrode (210) formed as a surface electrode can be formed on the first substrate (110).

Next, referring to FIG. 13, a resin layer can be formed by applying a resin material on the first electrode (210). In detail, a resin layer can be formed by applying a urethane resin or an acrylic resin on the first electrode (210).

Next, a pattern portion can be formed on the resin layer using a mold. Specifically, by imprinting the mold, a hole or groove can be formed on the resin layer, and thus a partition wall can be formed by the remaining resin layer. That is, the partition wall portion (310) and the receiving portion (320) described above can be formed on the resin layer.

Next, referring to FIG. 14, a second substrate (120) and an electrode material forming a second electrode are prepared. Next, the electrode material can be formed on one surface of the second substrate (120) by a coating or deposition process. In detail, the electrode material can be formed on the entire surface of the second substrate (120). Accordingly, a second electrode (220) formed as a surface electrode can be formed on the second substrate (120).

Next, referring to FIG. 15, an adhesive material may be applied on the second electrode (220) to form an adhesive layer (400). The adhesive layer (400) may be formed on a portion of the second electrode (220).

Next, referring to FIG. 16, the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120) manufactured above can be bonded. In detail, the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120) can be bonded through the adhesive layer (400) on the second substrate (120).

At this time, the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120) may be bonded in different directions. In detail, the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120) may be bonded to each other so that the long side direction of the first substrate (110) and the short side direction of the second substrate (120) overlap each other.

Next, referring to FIG. 17, a blocking film (600) can be formed on the first substrate (110). In detail, the blocking film (600) can be placed on the upper and lower portions of the receiving portions (320) placed on the first substrate (110). That is, the blocking film (600) can be placed so that the receiving portions (320) are placed between the blocking films (600).

Next, referring to FIG. 18, a light-transmitting variable material can be injected between the receiving portions (320), that is, between the partition walls (310). In detail, a light-transmitting variable material in which light-absorbing particles such as carbon black are dispersed in an electrolyte solvent including a paraffin-based solvent can be injected between the receiving portions (320), that is, between the partition walls. Accordingly, the receiving portions (320) described above can be formed between the partition walls (310).

Next, referring to FIG. 19, a sealing portion (500) may be formed in the lateral direction of the receiving portion (320) so as to seal the light-transmitting variable material inside the receiving portion from the outside. Next, by cutting the first substrate (110), a final light path control member may be formed.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through the transmittance of the optical path control member according to the embodiments. These embodiments are merely presented as examples to describe the present invention in more detail. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Example 1

An optical path control member was manufactured according to the manufacturing process of FIGS. 12 to 19.

At this time, the refractive index of the receiving portion was 1.448, and the refractive index of the bulkhead portion was 1.487.

Next, the lateral transmittance of the optical path control member was measured at 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 60°.

Example 2

An optical path control member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the refractive index of the bulkhead was 1.485, and then the lateral transmittance of the optical path control member was measured at 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 60°.

Example 3

An optical path control member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the refractive index of the bulkhead was 1.483, and then the lateral transmittance of the optical path control member was measured at 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 60°.

Example 4

An optical path control member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the refractive index of the bulkhead was 1.480, and then the lateral transmittance of the optical path control member was measured at 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 60°.

Example 5

An optical path control member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the refractive index of the bulkhead was 1.492, and then the lateral transmittance of the optical path control member was measured at 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 60°.

Refractive index of the bulkhead/refractive index of the receiver 30°/60° Transmittance 40°/50° Transmittance 45° Transmittance Example 1 1.027 13.1% 8.0% 7.8% Example 2 1.026 13.8% 8.4% 7.9% Example 3 1.024 12.4% 7.2% 6.9% Example 4 1.022 11.3% 6.1% 4.4% Example 5 1.030 27.2% 14.8% 12.0%

Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the optical path control member according to the embodiments can effectively control the lateral transmittance at 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 60°.

In particular, it can be seen that the light transmittance of 45°, which is the optimal viewing angle of the first mode implementing the privacy mode, is effectively reduced, thereby effectively implementing side shielding of the light path member in the first mode.

Below, referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, a display device and a display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied are described.

Referring to FIG. 20, a light path control member (1000) according to an embodiment may be placed on a display panel (2000).

The display panel (2000) and the light path control member (1000) may be arranged to be adhered to each other. For example, the display panel (2000) and the light path control member (1000) may be adhered to each other through an adhesive member (1500). The adhesive member (1500) may be transparent. For example, the adhesive member (1500) may include an adhesive or an adhesive layer including an optically transparent adhesive material.

The above adhesive member (1500) may include a release film. In detail, when bonding the light path member and the display panel, the light path control member and the display panel may be bonded after removing the release film.

The display panel (2000) may include a first substrate (2100) and a second substrate (2200). When the display panel (2000) is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel (2000) may be formed in a structure in which a first substrate (2100) including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode and a second substrate (2200) including color filter layers are bonded with a liquid crystal layer therebetween.

In addition, the display panel (2000) may be a liquid crystal display panel having a COT (color filter on transistor) structure in which a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black electrolyte (320a) are formed on a first substrate (2100), and a second substrate (2200) is bonded to the first substrate (2100) with a liquid crystal layer therebetween. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first substrate (2100), a protective film may be formed on the thin film transistor, and a color filter layer may be formed on the protective film. In addition, a pixel electrode in contact with the thin film transistor may be formed on the first substrate (2100). At this time, in order to improve the aperture ratio and simplify the mask process, the black electrolyte (320a) may be omitted, and the common electrode may be formed to also serve as the black electrolyte (320a).

In addition, when the display panel (2000) is a liquid crystal display panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit that provides light from the rear surface of the display panel (2000).

Alternatively, when the display panel (2000) is an organic light emitting display panel, the display panel (2000) may include a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. The display panel (2000) may include a thin film transistor formed on a first substrate (2100), and an organic light emitting element formed in contact with the thin film transistor. The organic light emitting element may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, the display panel may further include a second substrate (2200) that serves as a sealing substrate for encapsulation on the organic light emitting element.

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a polarizing plate may be further arranged between the light path control member (1000) and the display panel (2000). The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an anti-reflection polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel (2000) is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. In addition, when the display panel (2000) is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the polarizing plate may be an anti-reflection polarizing plate.

In addition, an additional functional layer (1300), such as an anti-reflection layer or an anti-glare layer, may be further disposed on the optical path control member (1000). In detail, the functional layer (1300) may be adhered to one side of the base substrate (100) of the optical path control member. Although not shown in the drawing, the functional layer (1300) may be adhered to the base substrate (100) of the optical path control member through an adhesive layer. In addition, a release film that protects the functional layer may be further disposed on the functional layer (1300).

Additionally, a touch panel may be further arranged between the display panel and the light path control member.

Although the drawing illustrates that the light path control member is positioned on the upper portion of the display panel, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light control member may be positioned at various positions where light control is possible, such as at the lower portion of the display panel or between the second substrate and the first substrate of the display panel.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be applied to a vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be applied to a display device that displays a display.

For example, when power is not applied to the light path control member as in FIG. 21, the receiving portion functions as a light blocking portion, so that the display device can be driven in a light-blocking mode, and when power is applied to the light path control member as in FIG. 22, the receiving portion functions as a light-transmitting portion, so that the display device can be driven in a light-opening mode.

Accordingly, the user can easily drive the display device in privacy mode or normal mode depending on the power supply.

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied can also be applied inside a vehicle.

For example, a display device including an optical path control member according to an embodiment can display information about a vehicle and an image confirming a moving path of the vehicle. The display device can be placed between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat of the vehicle.

Additionally, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be applied to an instrument panel that displays vehicle speed, engine, and warning signals, etc.

Additionally, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be applied to the front windshield (FG) or left and right window glass of the vehicle.

The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the above has been described with reference to embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention, and those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will recognize that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. In addition, the differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

First substrate;
A first electrode disposed on the upper portion of the first substrate;
A second substrate disposed on the first substrate;
a second electrode disposed on the lower portion of the second substrate; and
Including a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode,
The above optical conversion unit includes a baffle unit and a receiving unit which are arranged alternately,
The above-mentioned receptacle changes its light transmittance according to the application of voltage.
The above-mentioned receptacle comprises a dispersion and light-converting particles dispersed within the dispersion,
The above-described barrier portion includes a first barrier portion that is positioned closer to the first electrode than to the second electrode and is defined as an area between the first electrode and the receiving portion, and a second barrier portion that is positioned closer to the second electrode than to the first electrode and is defined as an area between the first barrier portion and the second electrode.
The refractive index of the first bulkhead part and the refractive index of the second bulkhead part are different from each other,
An optical path control member, wherein the ratio of the refractive indices of the first bulkhead, the second bulkhead, and the receiving portion is 0.9 to 1:0.95 to 1.05:1. In paragraph 1,
An optical path control member wherein the refractive indices of the first and second bulkhead portions are 1.36 to 1.64. In paragraph 1,
An optical path control member having a refractive index of 1.42 to 1.45. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
An optical path control member having a light transmittance of 7% to 12% when transmitted at an angle of 45° to the upper surface of the optical conversion member. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
An optical path control member having a light transmittance of 13% to 27% for light transmitted at angles of 30° and 60° to the upper surface of the optical conversion member. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
An optical path control member having a light transmittance of 8% to 15% for light transmitted at angles of 40° and 50° to the upper surface of the optical conversion member. delete delete In paragraph 1,
The above-mentioned receiving area is,
When the above voltage is applied, it drives the optical blocking part,
An optical path control member that operates as a light transmitting member when the above voltage is not applied. In Article 9,
An optical path control member in which, when the voltage is applied, the light conversion particles move in the same direction toward the first electrode or the second electrode. display panel; and
Including a light path control member arranged on the above display panel,
The above optical path control absence is,
A first electrode disposed on the upper part of the first substrate;
A second substrate disposed on the first substrate;
a second electrode disposed on the lower portion of the second substrate; and
Including a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode,
The above optical conversion unit includes a baffle unit and a receiving unit which are arranged alternately,
The above-mentioned receptacle changes its light transmittance according to the application of voltage.
The above-mentioned receptacle comprises a dispersion and light-converting particles dispersed within the dispersion,
The transmittance of light transmitted at an angle of 45° to the upper surface of the above light conversion unit is 7% to 12%,
The transmittance of light transmitted at angles of 30° and 60° to the upper surface of the above light conversion part is 13% to 27%,
The transmittance of light transmitted at angles of 40° and 50° to the upper surface of the above light conversion part is 8% to 15%,
The above-described barrier portion includes a first barrier portion that is positioned closer to the first electrode than to the second electrode and is defined as an area between the first electrode and the receiving portion, and a second barrier portion that is positioned closer to the second electrode than to the first electrode and is defined as an area between the first barrier portion and the second electrode.
The refractive index of the first bulkhead part and the refractive index of the second bulkhead part are different from each other,
A display device wherein the ratio of the refractive indices of the first bulkhead portion, the second bulkhead portion, and the receiving portion is 0.9 to 1:0.95 to 1.05:1. delete

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