Optical path control member and display device comprising the same

Abstract

The optical path control member according to the embodiment includes a lower substrate, a lower electrode provided on an upper surface of the lower substrate, an upper substrate provided on the lower substrate, an upper electrode provided on a lower surface of the upper substrate, an optical conversion unit provided between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and an adhesive layer provided between the optical conversion unit and the upper electrode, wherein the optical conversion unit includes a partition wall portion and a housing portion alternately provided, the housing portion has a light transmittance that varies according to application of a voltage, and when a ratio of a thickness of the housing portion to a dielectric constant thereof (thickness / dielectric constant) is defined as A and a ratio of a thickness of the adhesive layer to a dielectric constant thereof (thickness / dielectric constant) is defined as B, a value of A is greater than a value of B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment provides an optical path control component that has improved driving characteristics by controlling the thickness and dielectric constant of the adhesive layer between the patterned layer and the electrode layer. Background Technology

[0002] The light-shielding film blocks the transmission of light from the light source and is attached to the front surface of the display panel (which is a display device used in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, vehicle navigation devices, vehicle touch screens, etc.). This allows the light-shielding film to adjust the viewing angle of the light according to the incident angle of the light, so as to display a clear image quality at the user's desired viewing angle when the display transmits the image.

[0003] In addition, shading film can be used on windows of vehicles, buildings, etc., to partially block external light, thereby preventing glare or preventing the interior from being seen from the outside.

[0004] In other words, a light-blocking film can control the path of light, block light in a specific direction, and allow light in a specific direction to pass through.

[0005] At the same time, this light-blocking film can be applied to display devices in mobile devices such as vehicles (e.g., navigation devices or vehicle dashboards). In other words, the light-blocking film can be applied to various fields for various purposes.

[0006] In addition, blackout film can be used in various environments for users. For example, blackout film can be used during the day or at night and can be applied in various environments, such as when users need a specific viewing angle or improved visibility.

[0007] However, since the light transmittance of the light-blocking pattern of the light-blocking film is fixed, users may be limited in their use of the light-blocking film in various environments.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for optical path control components with new structures that can be applied to various usage environments. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The embodiment provides an optical path control member that is driven in another mode according to the application of voltage and has improved driving characteristics, and a display device including the optical path control member.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] The optical path control component according to an embodiment includes: a lower substrate; a lower electrode disposed on the upper surface of the lower substrate; an upper substrate disposed on the lower substrate; an upper electrode disposed on the lower surface of the upper substrate; a light conversion unit disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; and an adhesive layer disposed between the light conversion unit and the upper electrode. The light conversion unit includes alternately arranged partition walls and receiving portions. The receiving portions change their light transmittance according to the application of voltage. When the ratio of the thickness of the receiving portion to its dielectric constant (thickness / dielectric constant) is defined as A, and the ratio of the thickness of the adhesive layer to its dielectric constant (thickness / dielectric constant) is defined as B, the value of A is greater than the value of B.

[0013] Beneficial effects

[0014] The optical path control component according to the embodiment may include an optical conversion unit in which the light transmittance changes according to the application of voltage.

[0015] In other words, when no voltage is applied, the light conversion unit of the light path control member according to this embodiment can be driven as a light blocking part, while when a voltage is applied, the light conversion unit can be driven as a light transmitting part.

[0016] Therefore, the optical path control component according to the embodiment can be applied in various ways depending on the user's usage environment. That is, the optical path control component according to the embodiment can be driven with a switchable light-blocking film.

[0017] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the receiving portion of the light conversion unit of the optical path control member extends from the light incident portion toward the light emitting portion, and the width of the receiving portion can be widened. Moreover, when a voltage is applied, since the light absorbing particles move in the direction of narrowing width, the light absorbing particles can be easily moved, thereby improving the efficiency of the optical path control member.

[0018] Furthermore, the housing of the light conversion unit can be configured to be spaced apart from the electrodes in the direction of the viewing surface or from the electrodes in the opposite direction of the viewing surface, in order to reduce the decrease in light transmittance due to the housing and increase brightness. Therefore, the visibility of the optical path control component can be improved.

[0019] Furthermore, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can control the characteristics of the adhesive layer between the receiving portion and the upper electrode.

[0020] Specifically, when the adhesive layer has dielectric properties, the capacitance of the adhesive layer can be increased by increasing the dielectric constant and decreasing the thickness of the adhesive layer. Therefore, more voltage can be applied to the receiving portion from the upper electrode, and the voltage in the receiving portion can be increased, thereby reducing the response speed of the optical path control component. Thus, the driving characteristics of the optical path control component can be improved by reducing its response speed.

[0021] Furthermore, when the adhesive layer has resistive properties, controlling the volume resistivity of the adhesive layer to a specific range increases the voltage transmission from the upper electrode to the receiving portion, thereby reducing the response speed of the optical path control component. Therefore, the driving characteristics of the optical path control component can be improved by reducing its response speed. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the optical path control component according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are perspective views showing the lower substrate and lower electrode, and the upper substrate and upper electrode of the optical path control member according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figures 4 to 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path control component according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a view used to describe the driving characteristics of the optical path control component according to the thickness of the adhesive layer according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a view used to describe the voltage transmission of the optical path control component according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figures 11 to 18 This is a view used to describe a method of manufacturing an optical path control component according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19 This is a view showing a cross-sectional view of a display device that applies a light path control component according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 20 and 21 This is a view used to describe an embodiment of a display device that applies a light path control component according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit and scope of the invention are not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various other forms, and one or more elements of the embodiments may be selectively combined and substituted within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly defined and described, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, and terms (e.g., terms defined in common dictionaries) may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the prior art.

[0032] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, unless specifically stated in the wording, the singular form may also include the plural form, and when described as “at least one (or more) of A(and) B and C,” it may include at least one of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0033] Furthermore, when describing the elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish elements from other elements, and these terms are not limited to the substance, order, or sequence of the elements.

[0034] In addition, when an element is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “bonded” to another element, it can include not only the element being directly “connected,” “coupled,” or “bonded” to the other element, but also the element being “connected,” “coupled,” or “bonded” to another element through which the element is connected to the other element.

[0035] Furthermore, when described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" each element, "above" or "below" can include not only two elements directly connected to each other, but also one or more other elements formed or disposed between the two elements.

[0036] Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below", based on a single element, it can include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction.

[0037] In the following description, an optical path control component according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The optical path control component described below relates to a switching optical path control component that is driven in different modes according to the application of voltage. The optical path control component according to the embodiment can be used as a light-blocking film. The optical path control component according to the embodiment can be used as a privacy film.

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to the embodiment, the optical path control component may include a lower substrate 110, an upper substrate 120, a lower electrode 210, an upper electrode 220, and an optical conversion unit 300.

[0039] The lower substrate 110 can support the lower electrode 210. The lower substrate 110 can be rigid or flexible.

[0040] Alternatively, the lower substrate 110 may be transparent. For example, the lower substrate 110 may include a transparent substrate capable of transmitting light.

[0041] The lower 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), polyethersulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS). The foregoing materials are merely examples, and the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0042] In addition, the lower substrate 110 can be a flexible substrate with flexible properties.

[0043] Furthermore, the lower substrate 110 can be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the lower substrate 110 can also be formed to have flexible, curved, or bent characteristics. Therefore, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be modified into various designs.

[0044] The lower substrate 110 may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

[0045] The lower electrode 210 can be disposed on one surface of the lower substrate 110. More specifically, the lower electrode 210 can be disposed on the upper surface of the lower substrate 110. That is, the lower electrode 210 can be disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120.

[0046] The lower electrode 210 may comprise a transparent conductive material. For example, the lower electrode 210 may comprise a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc.

[0047] The lower electrode 210 can be disposed on the lower substrate 110 in the form of a film. In addition, the light transmittance of the lower electrode 210 can be approximately 80% or more.

[0048] The lower electrode 210 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

[0049] Alternatively, the lower electrode 210 may comprise various metals to achieve low resistance. For example, the lower electrode 210 may comprise at least one of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

[0050] Alternatively, the lower electrode 210 may include multiple conductive patterns. For example, the lower electrode 210 may include multiple intersecting grid lines and multiple grid openings formed by the grid lines.

[0051] Therefore, even if the lower electrode 210 contains metal, visibility can be improved since the lower electrode 210 is not visible from the outside. Furthermore, the increased light transmittance through the opening enhances the brightness of the optical path control component according to the embodiment.

[0052] The upper substrate 120 may be disposed on the lower substrate 110. More specifically, the upper substrate 120 may be disposed on the lower electrode 210 on the lower substrate 110.

[0053] The upper substrate 120 may contain a light-transmitting material. The upper substrate 120 may contain a transparent material. The upper substrate 120 may contain the same or similar material as the lower substrate 110 described above.

[0054] For example, the upper substrate 120 may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For instance, the flexible polymer film may be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS). This is just one example, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0055] In addition, the upper substrate 120 can be a flexible substrate with flexible properties.

[0056] Furthermore, the upper substrate 120 can be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the upper substrate 120 can also be formed to have flexible, curved, or bent characteristics. Therefore, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be modified into various designs.

[0057] The upper substrate 120 may have a thickness of less than about 1 mm.

[0058] The upper electrode 220 can be disposed on one surface of the upper substrate 120. Specifically, the upper electrode 220 can be disposed on the lower surface of the upper substrate 120. That is, the upper electrode 220 can be disposed on the surface of the upper substrate 120 facing the lower substrate 110. In other words, the upper electrode 220 can be configured to face the lower electrode 210 on the lower substrate 110. In other words, the upper electrode 220 can be disposed between the lower electrode 210 and the upper substrate 120.

[0059] The upper electrode 220 may comprise a transparent conductive material. For example, the upper electrode 220 may comprise a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc.

[0060] The upper electrode 220 can be disposed on the lower substrate 110 in the form of a film. In addition, the light transmittance of the upper electrode 220 can be approximately 80% or more.

[0061] The upper electrode 220 can have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

[0062] Alternatively, the upper electrode 220 may comprise various metals to achieve low resistance. For example, the upper electrode 220 may comprise at least one of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

[0063] Alternatively, the upper electrode 220 may include multiple conductive patterns. For example, the upper electrode 220 may include multiple intersecting grid lines and multiple grid openings formed by the grid lines.

[0064] Therefore, even though the upper electrode 220 contains metal, visibility can be improved because the upper electrode 220 is not visible from the outside. Furthermore, by increasing light transmittance through the opening, the brightness of the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

[0065] The light conversion unit 300 can be disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120. More specifically, the light conversion unit 300 can be disposed between the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220.

[0066] refer to Figures 4 to 7 The light conversion unit 300 may include a partition wall portion 310 and a receiving portion 320.

[0067] The partition wall portion 310 can be defined as a partition wall region for separating the region of the light conversion unit, and the receiving portion 320 can be defined as a variable region that can be changed into a light blocking unit and a light transmission unit depending on the application of voltage.

[0068] The partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be provided alternately. The partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be provided with different widths. For example, the width of the partition wall portion 310 can be greater than the width of the receiving portion 320.

[0069] The partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 may be configured to contact at least one of the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220.

[0070] For example, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be configured to directly contact the lower electrode 210 or to indirectly contact the upper electrode 220. That is, the adhesive layer 400 for bonding the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120 can be provided on the light conversion unit 300, and the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be configured to indirectly contact the upper electrode 220.

[0071] In other words, the adhesive layer 400 can be disposed between the light conversion unit 300 and the upper electrode 220. The adhesive layer 400 can have dielectric or resistive properties. Specifically, the adhesive layer 400 can have dielectric or resistive properties, so that the voltage at the upper electrode 220 on the adhesive layer can be easily transmitted to the receiving portion 320 of the light conversion unit 300.

[0072] The adhesive layer 400 will be described in detail below.

[0073] However, the embodiments are not limited to this, and the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 may be configured to be spaced apart from the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220.

[0074] Specifically, a buffer layer for improving the adhesion between the lower electrode 210 and the light conversion unit 300 can be provided between the lower electrode 210 and the light conversion unit 300. Therefore, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be configured to be spaced apart from both the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220.

[0075] The partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be arranged alternately. In detail, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be arranged alternately. That is, each partition wall portion 310 can be arranged between adjacent receiving portions 320, and each receiving portion 320 can be arranged between adjacent partition wall portions 310.

[0076] The partition wall 310 may contain a transparent material. The partition wall 310 may contain a material that can transmit light.

[0077] The partition wall portion 310 may contain a resin material. For example, the partition wall portion 310 may contain a photocurable resin material. For example, the partition wall portion 310 may contain a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the partition wall portion 310 may contain a polyurethane resin or an acrylic resin.

[0078] The partition wall 310 allows light incident on either the lower substrate 110 or the upper substrate 120 to be transmitted toward the other substrate.

[0079] For example, in Figures 4 to 7 In this configuration, light can be incident on the lower substrate 110 and emitted onto the lower substrate 110. The partition wall portion 310 can transmit light, and the transmitted light can move in the direction of the upper substrate 120.

[0080] The containment portion 320 may include an electrolyte 320a and light-absorbing particles 320b. Specifically, the containment portion 320 is filled with the electrolyte 320a, and a plurality of light-absorbing particles 320b may be dispersed in the electrolyte 320a. That is, a light conversion material containing the electrolyte 320a and the light-absorbing particles 320b can be contained in the containment portion 320.

[0081] Electrolyte 320a can be a material used to disperse light-absorbing particles 320b. Electrolyte 320a can contain a transparent material. Electrolyte 320a can contain a paraffin solvent. In addition, electrolyte 320a can contain a material capable of transmitting light.

[0082] The light-absorbing particles 320b can be configured to be dispersed in the electrolyte 320a. Specifically, multiple light-absorbing particles 320b can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the electrolyte 320a.

[0083] The light-absorbing particles 320b may be colored. For example, the light-absorbing particles 320b may include black light-absorbing particles. For example, the light-absorbing particles 320b may include carbon black.

[0084] The light-absorbing particles 320b can be formed into spheres. The light-absorbing particles 320b can have a diameter of several nanometers.

[0085] The light transmittance of the receiving portion 320 can be changed by the light-absorbing particles 320b. Specifically, the light transmittance of the receiving portion 320 can be changed by the light-absorbing particles 320b into a light-blocking portion and a light-transmitting portion.

[0086] For example, the optical path control component according to the embodiment can change from a first mode to a second mode or from a second mode to a first mode by applying a voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0087] In other words, the optical path control component can be driven simultaneously from the initial mode to the first mode and the second mode based on the application of voltage.

[0088] In detail, in the optical path control component according to the embodiment, the receiving portion 320 acts as a light blocking portion in the first mode, and can block light at a specific angle. That is, the user's viewing angle from the outside may be narrowed.

[0089] In detail, in the first mode where no voltage is applied to the patterned portion, the light-absorbing particles 320b are uniformly dispersed in the electrolyte 320a, so that the containment portion 320 can block light through the light-absorbing particles.

[0090] Furthermore, in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, the receiving portion 320 becomes a light transmission portion in the second mode, and in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, light can be transmitted through both the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320. That is, the user's viewing angle from the outside can be widened.

[0091] In detail, in the second mode where a voltage is applied to the patterned portion, the light-absorbing particles 320b aggregate into a region of the electrolyte 320a, allowing the containment portion 320 to transmit light through the electrolyte.

[0092] The switching from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the conversion of the receiving part 320 from the light blocking part to the light transmitting part, can be achieved by moving the light absorbing particles 320b of the receiving part 320.

[0093] In detail, the receiving part 320 can be electrically connected to the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220.

[0094] At this time, when no voltage is applied to the optical path control member from the outside, the light-absorbing particles 320b of the containment 320 are uniformly dispersed in the electrolyte 320a, and the containment 320 can block light through the light-absorbing particles. Therefore, in the first mode, the containment 320 can be driven as a light-blocking part.

[0095] Alternatively, the light-absorbing particles 320b can be moved when a voltage is applied to the optical path control member from the outside. For example, the light-absorbing particles 320b can be gathered by moving towards one end or the other end of the receiving portion 320 through a voltage transmitted via the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220. That is, the light-absorbing particles 320b can be gathered by moving from the receiving portion 320 towards the lower electrode or the upper electrode.

[0096] As a method for moving light-absorbing particles, the light-absorbing particles, including carbon black, can first be charged. For example, micelles can be formed, and the carbon black light-absorbing particles can be charged by making the carbon black light-absorbing particles themselves negatively charged or by introducing functional group chemistry similar to surfactants to the surface of the carbon black light-absorbing particles to produce a charging effect.

[0097] Subsequently, when a voltage is applied to the lower electrode 210 and / or the upper electrode 220, an electric field is formed between the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220, and using the electrolyte 320a as a medium, the charged carbon black light-absorbing particles can move toward the positive electrodes of the lower electrode 210 and the upper electrode 220.

[0098] That is, when voltage is not applied to the lower electrode 210 and / or the upper electrode 220, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the light-absorbing particles 320b can be uniformly dispersed in the electrolyte 320a, thereby driving the containment portion 320 with a light-blocking portion.

[0099] Additionally, when voltage is applied to the lower electrode 210 and / or the upper electrode 220, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the light-absorbing particle 320b can move toward the upper electrode 220 in the electrolyte 320a. That is, the light-absorbing particle 320b moves in one direction, and the receiving portion 320 can be driven as a light-transmitting portion.

[0100] Therefore, the optical path control component according to the embodiment can be driven in two modes depending on the user's surrounding environment. That is, when the user needs light transmission only at a specific viewing angle, the receiving part is driven as a light blocking part, or when the user needs high brightness, a voltage can be applied to drive the receiving part as a light transmitting part.

[0101] Therefore, since the optical path control component according to the embodiment can be implemented in two modes according to the user's needs, the optical path control component can be applied regardless of the user's environment.

[0102] Meanwhile, the receiving part 320 can be formed into various shapes.

[0103] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The width of the receiving portion 320 can be changed as it extends from one end to the other.

[0104] For example, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The receiving portion 320 can be formed in a trapezoidal shape. In detail, the receiving portion 320 can be formed such that the width of the receiving portion 320 increases as it extends from the lower electrode 210 toward the upper electrode 220.

[0105] In other words, the width of the receiving portion 320 can narrow as it extends from the user's viewing surface to its opposite surface. Furthermore, when voltage is applied to the light conversion unit, the light-absorbing particles in the receiving portion 320 can move in the direction in which the width of the receiving portion narrows.

[0106] In other words, the width of the receiving portion 320 can be widened as it extends from the light incident portion toward the light emitting portion.

[0107] In other words, the light-absorbing particles in the receiving part 320 can move toward the lower electrode 210.

[0108] Therefore, since the light-absorbing particles move toward the opposite surface of the field of view rather than toward the field of view, the blocking of light emitted toward the field of view can be prevented, thereby improving the brightness of the light path control component.

[0109] In addition, since the light-absorbing particles move from the wide area to the narrow area, the light-absorbing particles can move easily.

[0110] In addition, because the light-absorbing particles move to a narrow area of ​​the housing, the amount of light transmitted toward the user's field of vision increases, thereby improving the front brightness.

[0111] Alternatively, the receiving portion 320 may be configured such that the width of the receiving portion 320 narrows as it extends from the lower electrode 210 toward the upper electrode 220.

[0112] In other words, the width of the receiving portion 320 can increase as it extends from the user's viewing surface toward its opposite surface. Furthermore, when a voltage is applied to the light-transmitting portion, the light-absorbing particles in the receiving portion 320 can move in the direction in which the width of the receiving portion increases.

[0113] In other words, the width of the receiving portion 320 can be narrowed as it extends from the light incident portion toward the light emitting portion.

[0114] In other words, the light-absorbing particles in the receiving part 320 can move toward the lower electrode 210.

[0115] Therefore, the contact area between the lower electrode and a surface of the receiving part through which the light-absorbing particles move increases, thereby increasing the moving speed of the light-absorbing particles, i.e., the driving speed.

[0116] Meanwhile, the receiving portion 320 can be configured to be spaced apart from the lower electrode 210 or the upper electrode 220.

[0117] For example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The receiving portion 320 is formed to partially pass through the light conversion unit 300, therefore, the base portion can be disposed between the receiving portion 320 and the first electrode 210. The base portion can include the same material as the partition wall portion 310 and can be integrally formed with the partition wall portion 310.

[0118] In detail, the receiving portion 320 may be configured to be spaced apart from the first electrode 210.

[0119] Therefore, the brightness of the optical path control component can be increased by increasing the transmittance of light emitted toward the field of view, thereby improving its visibility.

[0120] As described above, in the optical path control component, an adhesive layer 400 can be provided between the light conversion unit 300 and the upper electrode 220 to bond the light conversion unit 300 on the lower substrate 110 and the upper electrode 220 on the substrate 120 to each other.

[0121] The adhesive layer 400 may include a material that transmits light so that light passing through the patterned portion in the lower substrate 110 is emitted toward the upper substrate 120. Specifically, the adhesive layer 400 may have a light transmittance of about 85% or more, a haze of about 1.0 or less, and a chromaticity index (b*) of about 0.2 or less.

[0122] Additionally, the adhesive layer 400 can be formed to have a thickness of approximately 5 μm to 100 μm. More specifically, the adhesive layer 400 can be formed to have a thickness of approximately 5 μm to 30 μm.

[0123] When the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 is less than about 5 μm, the adhesion between the light conversion unit 300 and the upper electrode 220 may decrease, thus potentially degrading the reliability of the optical path control component. Furthermore, when the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 exceeds about 150 μm, the thickness of the optical path control component may increase, and voltage loss may increase as the number of paths from the upper electrode 220 to the light conversion unit 300 increases.

[0124] Simultaneously, the voltage transmitted from the upper electrode 220 can be applied to the receiving portion 320 of the light conversion unit 300 to move the light-absorbing particles 320b within the receiving portion 320. At this time, as the voltage transmitted from the upper electrode 220 to the receiving portion 320 increases, the movement of the light-absorbing particles in the receiving portion 320 can be smoothed, thereby improving the driving characteristics of the optical path control component.

[0125] For example, the adhesive layer 400 may have dielectric or resistive properties, thereby allowing voltage to be transmitted from the upper electrode 220 to the receiving portion 320 through the adhesive layer 400.

[0126] In this case, the driving speed for the movement of light-absorbing particles in the containment section can be defined by the following equation.

[0127] [Equation 1]

[0128]

[0129] [Equation 2]

[0130]

[0131] [Equation 3]

[0132]

[0133] That is, it can be seen that as the electrophoretic mobility increases, the voltage increases, and the distance between the electrodes decreases, the response time t related to the driving speed of the movement of the light-absorbing particles in the containment decreases. In summary, it can be seen that in order to improve the driving characteristics of the optical path control component by making the response speed of the optical path control component smaller, i.e., faster, the voltage applied to the containment should be increased.

[0134] Therefore, the adhesive layer 400 can have dielectric or resistive properties.

[0135] For example, adhesive layer 400 can have dielectric properties.

[0136] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 When the adhesive layer 400 acts as a dielectric, the optical path control member becomes a capacitor connected in series between the adhesive layer 400 and the receiving portion 320. It can be seen that in order to apply more voltage to the receiving portion 320, the voltage of the adhesive layer 400 needs to be very high.

[0137] Therefore, the adhesive layer 400 can have dielectric properties, and the dielectric constant and thickness T2 of the adhesive layer 400 and the dielectric constant and thickness T1 of the receiving portion 320 can be controlled.

[0138] like Figure 9 As shown, the capacitance of the adhesive layer and the receiving portion is directly proportional to the dielectric constant and inversely proportional to the thickness, and the voltage of the adhesive layer and the receiving portion can be inversely proportional to the dielectric constant and directly proportional to the thickness.

[0139] In this case, in order to increase the voltage applied to the receiving portion, the dielectric constant of the receiving portion should be small and the thickness should be large, and in order to increase the voltage applied to the receiving portion, the capacitance of the adhesive layer 400 should be increased. That is, in the case of the adhesive layer, when the dielectric constant is large and the thickness is small, the capacitance of the adhesive layer can be increased.

[0140] Specifically, when the ratio of the thickness of the receiving portion 320 to its dielectric constant (thickness / dielectric constant) is defined as A and the ratio of the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 to its dielectric constant (thickness / dielectric constant) is defined as B, the value of A can be greater than the value of B. More specifically, the ratio A of the thickness of the receiving portion 320 to its dielectric constant can be more than 5 times the ratio B of the thickness of the adhesive layer 400. Even more specifically, the ratio A of the thickness of the receiving portion 320 to its dielectric constant can be more than 10 times the ratio B of the thickness of the adhesive layer 400.

[0141] In detail, the receiving portion 320 may have a dielectric constant (F / m) of 2 to 4, a thickness of about 40 μm to 150 μm, and the ratio A of the thickness of the receiving portion 320 to the dielectric constant may be about 20 to 40.

[0142] The adhesive layer 400 may have a dielectric constant (F / m) of 2 to 9, a thickness of about 5 μm to 100 μm, and the ratio B of the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 to the dielectric constant may be 1 to 50.

[0143] By controlling the range of thickness and dielectric constant of each component of the receiving portion 320 and the adhesive layer 400, the optical path control component can be configured such that the ratio A of the thickness of the receiving portion 320 to the dielectric constant is more than 5 times, preferably more than 10 times, the ratio B of the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 to the dielectric constant.

[0144] Therefore, because the adhesive layer 400 has a small thickness and a large dielectric constant, its capacitance can be increased, allowing a larger voltage to be applied to the receiving portion 320. Furthermore, because the receiving portion 320 has a large thickness and a small dielectric constant, the response speed of the optical path control component can be increased by increasing the voltage applied to the receiving portion 320, thereby improving the driving characteristics of the optical path control component.

[0145] Or, refer to Figure 10 The adhesive layer 400 can have resistive properties.

[0146] For details, please refer to Figure 10 The optical path control component becomes an RC circuit in which the adhesive layer 400 and the receiving part 320 are connected in series, and in the RC circuit, after a predetermined time, all the electromotive force can be applied to the capacitor.

[0147] The adhesive layer 400 can have approximately 10 7 Volume resistivity above Ωcm. Specifically, the adhesive layer 400 can have a volume resistivity of approximately 10 Ωcm. 7 Ωcm to 10 12 Volume resistivity in Ωcm.

[0148] When the volume resistivity of the adhesive layer 400 is less than 10 7 When the volume resistivity of the adhesive layer 400 exceeds Ωcm, the conductivity of the adhesive layer 400 increases excessively, causing the upper electrode 220 and the adhesive layer 400 to be energized, and when the volume resistivity of the adhesive layer 400 exceeds 10 Ωcm... 12 When the conductivity is less than Ωcm, the conductivity of the adhesive layer 400 is excessively reduced, which may reduce the voltage transfer efficiency from the upper electrode 220 to the receiving portion 320.

[0149] The optical path control component according to the embodiment may include a patterned portion whose light transmittance changes according to the application of voltage.

[0150] In other words, when no voltage is applied, the patterned portion of the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be driven as a light blocking portion, and when a voltage is applied, the patterned portion can be driven as a light transmitting portion.

[0151] Therefore, the optical path control components according to the embodiments can be applied in various ways depending on the user's usage environment.

[0152] Furthermore, the width of the patterned portion can be widened as the patterned portion of the optical path control member according to the embodiment extends from the light incident portion toward the light emitting portion. Additionally, when a voltage is applied, the bead moves easily in the direction of narrowing width, thereby improving the efficiency of the optical path control member.

[0153] Furthermore, the patterned portion can be configured to be spaced apart from the electrode in the direction of the viewing surface or in the opposite direction to the viewing surface, in order to reduce the decrease in light transmittance and increase brightness. Therefore, the visibility of the optical path control component can be improved.

[0154] Furthermore, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can control the characteristics of the adhesive layer between the receiving portion and the upper electrode used as a variable pattern portion.

[0155] Specifically, when the adhesive layer has dielectric properties, the capacitance of the adhesive layer can be increased by increasing the dielectric constant and decreasing the thickness of the adhesive layer. Therefore, more voltage can be applied to the receiving portion from the upper electrode, and the voltage in the receiving portion can be increased, thereby reducing the response speed of the optical path control component. Thus, the driving characteristics of the optical path control component can be improved by reducing its response speed.

[0156] Furthermore, when the adhesive layer has resistive properties, controlling the volume resistivity of the adhesive layer within a specific range increases the voltage transmission from the upper electrode to the receiving portion, thereby reducing the response speed of the optical path control component. Therefore, the driving characteristics of the optical path control component can be improved by reducing its response speed.

[0157] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 11 to 18 A method for manufacturing an optical path control component according to an embodiment is described.

[0158] First, refer to Figure 11 An electrode material is prepared to form the lower substrate 110 and the lower electrode. Subsequently, the electrode material can be formed on one surface of the lower substrate 110 by a coating or deposition process. Specifically, the electrode material can be formed on the entire surface of the lower substrate 110. Therefore, the lower electrode 210, formed as a surface electrode, can be formed on the lower substrate 110.

[0159] Subsequently, reference Figure 12 A resin layer can be formed by coating the lower electrode 210 with a resin material. Specifically, a resin layer can be formed by coating the lower electrode 210 with polyurethane resin or acrylic resin.

[0160] Subsequently, a patterned portion can be formed on the resin layer using a mold. Specifically, holes or grooves are formed in the resin layer by pressing the mold, so that the partition wall portion can be formed with the remaining resin layer. That is, the aforementioned partition wall portion 310 and receiving portion 320 can be formed on the resin layer.

[0161] Subsequently, reference Figure 13 An electrode material is prepared to form the upper substrate 120 and the upper electrode. Subsequently, the electrode material can be formed on one surface of the upper substrate 120 by a coating or deposition process. Specifically, the electrode material can be formed on the entire surface of the upper substrate 120. Therefore, the upper electrode 220, formed as a surface electrode, can be formed on the upper substrate 120.

[0162] Subsequently, reference Figure 14 An adhesive layer 400 can be formed by coating an adhesive material onto the upper electrode 220. The adhesive layer 400 can be formed on a portion of the upper electrode 220.

[0163] Subsequently, reference Figure 15 The pre-manufactured lower substrate 110 and upper substrate 120 can be bonded together. Specifically, the lower substrate 110 and upper substrate 120 can be bonded together by the adhesive layer 400 on the upper substrate 120.

[0164] In this case, the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120 can be bonded in different directions. Specifically, the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 120 can be bonded to each other such that the long side direction of the lower substrate 110 and the short side direction of the upper substrate 120 overlap each other.

[0165] Subsequently, reference Figure 16 A dam portion 600 can be formed on the lower substrate 110. Specifically, the dam portion 600 can be provided above and below the receiving portion 320 provided on the lower substrate 110. That is, the dam portion 600 can be configured such that the receiving portion 320 is disposed between the dam portions 600.

[0166] Subsequently, reference Figure 17 The light conversion material can be injected between the receiving portions 320, i.e., between the partition walls 310. Specifically, the light conversion material can be injected between the receiving portions 320, i.e. between the partition walls, where light-absorbing particles such as carbon black are dispersed in an electrolyte solvent containing paraffin solvent. Therefore, the aforementioned receiving portions 320 can be formed between the partition walls 310.

[0167] Subsequently, reference Figure 18 The light conversion material inside the receiving portion can be sealed from the outside by forming a sealing portion 500 in the transverse direction of the receiving portion 320. Subsequently, the final optical path control component can be formed by cutting the substrate 110.

[0168] In the following text, see references Figures 19 to 21 The present invention will describe a display device and a display apparatus that utilize the optical path control component according to an embodiment.

[0169] refer to Figure 19 According to the embodiment, the optical path control component 1000 can be disposed on the display panel 2000.

[0170] The display panel 2000 and the optical path control component 1000 can be configured to be bonded to each other. For example, the display panel 2000 and the optical path control component 1000 can be bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 1500. The adhesive layer 1500 can be transparent. For example, the adhesive layer 1500 can include an adhesive or adhesive layer containing an optically transparent adhesive material.

[0171] The adhesive layer 1500 may include a release film. Specifically, when bonding the optical path control component to the display panel, the optical path control component can be bonded to the display panel after the release film is removed.

[0172] 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 such a structure that the first substrate 2100, which includes thin film transistors (TFTs) and pixel electrodes, is bonded to the second substrate 2200, which includes a color filter layer, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate 2100 and the second substrate 2200.

[0173] Alternatively, the display panel 2000 can be a liquid crystal display panel with a color filter on transistor (COT) structure. In this structure, thin-film transistors, color filters, and a black matrix are formed on the first substrate 2100, and the second substrate 2200 is bonded to the first substrate 2100. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate 2100 and the second substrate 2200. That is, thin-film transistors can be formed on the first substrate 2100, a protective film can be formed on the thin-film transistors, and a color filter layer can be formed on the protective film. Additionally, pixel electrodes that contact the thin-film transistors can be formed on the first substrate 2100. In this case, to improve the aperture ratio and simplify the masking process, the black electrolyte can be omitted, and a common electrode can be formed to serve as the black matrix.

[0174] 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.

[0175] Alternatively, when the display panel 2000 is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the display panel 2000 may include self-emissive elements that do not require a separate light source. In the display panel 2000, thin-film transistors may be formed on the first substrate 2100, and organic light-emitting elements that are in contact with the thin-film transistors may be formed. The organic light-emitting element may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light-emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. Furthermore, a second substrate 2200 may be further included on the organic light-emitting element, the second substrate 2200 being configured as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation.

[0176] Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, a polarizing plate can be further disposed between the optical path control member 1000 and the display panel 2000. The polarizing plate can be a linear polarizing plate or a polarizing plate that prevents external light reflection. For example, when the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate can be a linear polarizing plate. Alternatively, when the display panel 2000 is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the polarizing plate can be a polarizing plate that prevents external light reflection.

[0177] Furthermore, additional functional layers 1300, such as anti-reflective layers and anti-glare layers, can be further provided on the optical path control component 1000. Specifically, the functional layer 1300 can be adhered to one surface of the substrate 100 of the optical path control component. Although not shown in the figures, the functional layer 1300 can be adhered to the base 100 of the optical path control component via an adhesive layer. In addition, a release film for protecting the functional layer can be further provided on the functional layer 1300.

[0178] Additionally, a touch panel can be further installed between the display panel and the optical path control components.

[0179] Although the accompanying drawings show the light path control component disposed at the upper part of the display panel, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The light path control component can be disposed in various positions, such as the position of the adjustable light, i.e., the lower part of the display panel between the upper substrate and the lower substrate of the display panel.

[0180] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The optical path control component according to the embodiment can be applied to a display device for a display.

[0181] For example, when no power is applied to the optical path control component, such as Figure 20 As shown, the receiving portion functions as a light-blocking portion, causing the display device to be driven in a light-blocking mode. When electricity is applied to the light path control component, as... Figure 21 As shown, the housing portion functions as a light transmission portion, allowing the display device to be driven in an open mode.

[0182] Therefore, users can easily drive the display device in either privacy mode or normal mode depending on the amount of power applied.

[0183] Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the display device employing the optical path control component according to the embodiment can also be used inside a vehicle.

[0184] For example, a display device including the optical path control component according to an embodiment can display video confirmation information of the vehicle and the vehicle's movement route. The display device can be disposed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle.

[0185] Furthermore, the optical path control component according to the embodiment can be applied to an instrument panel that displays vehicle speed, engine, alarm signals, etc.

[0186] In addition, the optical path control component according to the embodiment can be applied to the windshield or the right-side window and left-side window of a vehicle.

[0187] The features, structures, and effects described in the above embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, but are not limited to one embodiment. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine or modify the features, structures, and effects shown in each embodiment with respect to other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that such combinations and modifications are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0188] Furthermore, while the foregoing primarily describes embodiments, these descriptions are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and applications not explicitly stated above can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically represented in the embodiments may be modified. Moreover, it should be understood that differences associated with such changes and applications are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical path control component, comprising: lower base plate; A lower electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the lower substrate; An upper substrate, wherein the upper substrate is disposed on the lower substrate; An upper electrode is disposed on the lower surface of the upper substrate; A light conversion unit is disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; as well as An adhesive layer is provided between the light conversion unit and the upper electrode, wherein the light conversion unit includes alternately arranged partition walls and receiving portions. The width of the receiving portion decreases in the horizontal direction from the upper electrode toward the lower electrode. The width of the partition wall portion in the horizontal direction increases from the upper electrode toward the lower electrode. The receiving portion has its maximum width in the region closest to the adhesive layer. The partition wall portion has the smallest width in the region closest to the adhesive layer. The maximum width of the receiving portion is less than the minimum width of the partition wall portion. Light-absorbing particles are disposed in the receiving portion to change the light transmittance, and the light-absorbing particles move and aggregate in the direction toward the lower electrode according to the applied voltage. When the ratio of the thickness of the receiving portion to the dielectric constant, i.e., thickness / dielectric constant, is defined as A, and the ratio of the thickness of the adhesive layer to the dielectric constant, i.e., thickness / dielectric constant, is defined as B, The value of A is greater than the value of B. The thickness of the adhesive layer is less than the thickness of the receiving portion, and The dielectric constant of the adhesive layer is greater than the dielectric constant of the accommodating portion.

2. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The value of A is more than 5 times the value of B.

3. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric constant, F / m, of the adhesive layer is 2 to 9, and The dielectric constant, F / m, of the accommodating portion is 2 to 4.

4. The optical path control component according to claim 3, wherein, The thickness of the adhesive layer is from 5 μm to 100 μm, and The thickness of the receiving portion is 80 μm to 120 μm.

5. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The value of A is 20*10 -6 Up to 60*10 -6 , The value of B is 1*10 -6 Up to 50*10 -6 ,and Within the aforementioned range, the value of A is more than 5 times the value of B.

6. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The adhesive layer has a transmittance of over 85%, a haze of less than 1.0, and a chromaticity index (b*) of less than 0.

2.

7. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The volume resistivity of the adhesive layer is 10. 7 Ωcm to 10 12 Ωcm.

8. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The electrolyte and the light-absorbing particles are disposed together in the containment.

9. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The partition wall includes a light-transmitting material.

10. The optical path control component according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving portion changes to a first mode and a second mode by the application of voltage, and The accommodating portion blocks light in the first mode and transmits light in the second mode.

11. A display device, comprising: Display panel; as well as An optical path control component is disposed on the display panel. The optical path control component includes: lower base plate; A lower electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the lower substrate; An upper substrate, wherein the upper substrate is disposed on the lower substrate; An upper electrode is disposed on the lower surface of the upper substrate; A light conversion unit, wherein the light conversion unit is disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; and An adhesive layer is provided between the light conversion unit and the upper electrode, wherein the light conversion unit includes alternately arranged partition walls and receiving portions. The width of the receiving portion decreases in the horizontal direction from the upper electrode toward the lower electrode. The width of the partition wall portion in the horizontal direction increases from the upper electrode toward the lower electrode. The receiving portion has its maximum width in the region closest to the adhesive layer. The partition wall portion has the smallest width in the region closest to the adhesive layer. The maximum width of the receiving portion is less than the minimum width of the partition wall portion. Light-absorbing particles are disposed in the receiving portion to change the light transmittance, and the light-absorbing particles move and aggregate in the direction toward the lower electrode according to the applied voltage. When the ratio of the thickness of the receiving portion to its dielectric constant, i.e., thickness / dielectric constant, is defined as A, and the ratio of the thickness of the adhesive layer to its dielectric constant, i.e., thickness / dielectric constant, is defined as B, the value of A is greater than the value of B. The thickness of the adhesive layer is less than the thickness of the receiving portion, and The dielectric constant of the adhesive layer is greater than the dielectric constant of the accommodating portion.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The dielectric constant, F / m, of the adhesive layer is 2 to 9, and The dielectric constant, F / m, of the accommodating portion is 2 to 4.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The thickness of the adhesive layer is from 5 μm to 100 μm, and The thickness of the receiving portion is 80 μm to 120 μm.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The value of A is 20*10 -6 Up to 60*10 -6 , The value of B is 1*10 -6 Up to 50*10 -6 ,and Within the aforementioned range, the value of A is more than 5 times the value of B.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The volume resistivity of the adhesive layer is 10. 7 Ωcm to 10 12 Ωcm.

16. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The display panel includes a liquid crystal display panel or an organic light-emitting display panel.

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