Light control film and display device including the same

Abstract

A light control film and a display device including the light control film are disclosed. The display device includes a light control film including a first alignment pattern. The display device further includes a display panel including a second alignment pattern. The first alignment pattern and the second alignment pattern at least partially overlap each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0094408, filed on August 2, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to display devices, and more specifically, to light control films and display devices including such films. Background Technology

[0003] A display device is a device configured to display images. Display devices are widely integrated into various electronic devices such as cellular phones or smartphones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers (PCs), televisions, and vehicle information display devices (such as in-vehicle infotainment systems and / or navigation guidance systems).

[0004] In the case of vehicle information displays, bright sunlight can sometimes make the displays difficult to read. Additionally, the displays may be too bright, making it difficult for drivers to see the road at night (especially when light from the displays is reflected off the vehicle's windows). These disturbances can pose a serious danger to the driver and others.

[0005] To reduce problems related to sunlight entering the vehicle through the windows or light from the display device being reflected back into the windows, a barrier film is installed around the display device. However, as the size of vehicle display devices increases, it may become more difficult to install a separate barrier film. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light control film comprising a first alignment pattern. The display panel includes a second alignment pattern. The first alignment pattern and the second alignment pattern are at least partially superimposed on each other.

[0007] The light control film may also include a base film that is at least partially superimposed on the display panel. Multiple viewing angle control patterns are at least partially superimposed on the base film.

[0008] Multiple view control patterns may include a first pattern with a continuous shape and / or a second pattern with a discontinuous shape.

[0009] Multiple viewpoint control patterns can include both a first pattern and a second pattern.

[0010] The display panel may include a first light-emitting area corresponding to a first color, a second light-emitting area corresponding to a second color, and a third light-emitting area corresponding to a third color.

[0011] The second pattern has a shape that extends substantially along the first direction. The second pattern can be disposed between adjacent first and second light-emitting areas.

[0012] The first luminescent region and the second luminescent region can be separated from each other along a second direction that is different from the first direction.

[0013] The first pattern has a shape that extends substantially along a first direction. The first pattern can be positioned between adjacent third light-emitting areas.

[0014] The plurality of adjacent third luminescent regions can be separated from each other along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0015] A second pattern can be placed between two adjacent first patterns.

[0016] The first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area can be alternately arranged along the first direction, and the third light-emitting area can be arranged between two adjacent first light-emitting areas along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0017] The plurality of view control patterns can be set between at least one of the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area and the third light-emitting area.

[0018] The display panel may include a non-light-emitting area disposed between adjacent first, second, and third light-emitting areas. Viewing angle control patterns and alignment patterns may be at least partially superimposed on the non-light-emitting area.

[0019] The light control film may include a plurality of first alignment patterns. At least one of the plurality of first alignment patterns may be separated from a second alignment pattern in a planar view.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of the light control film according to this disclosure includes a base film. A plurality of viewing angle control patterns are at least partially superimposed on the base film. An alignment pattern is at least partially superimposed on the base film. The plurality of viewing angle control patterns include a first pattern and a second pattern having shapes different from each other.

[0021] Each of the first and second patterns may have a stripe shape that extends substantially in one direction, and the length of the first pattern in that one direction may be greater than the length of the second pattern in that one direction.

[0022] The light control film may include a resin layer disposed between the base film and the plurality of viewing angle control patterns.

[0023] The resin layer can be disposed between the upper surface of the base film and the lower surface of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns.

[0024] The multiple view control patterns and alignment patterns may include black pigments, gray pigments, black dyes, gray dyes, carbon black, photoresists, and / or metals.

[0025] Light control films can be used in automotive display devices. Attached Figure Description

[0026] A more complete understanding of this disclosure and its many accompanying aspects will be readily obtained as they become better understood by referring to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a top plan view showing a light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken from line II-II';

[0029] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken from line III-III';

[0030] Figure 4 This is a top plan view showing a light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top plan view showing a light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the sequence of the manufacturing process of a light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a top plan view showing the light-emitting and non-light-emitting areas on the light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic top plan view showing a light control film attached to a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic top plan view showing a light control film attached to a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 11This is a schematic top plan view showing a light control film attached to a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic top plan view showing a light control film attached to a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic top plan view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the path of light emitted from a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view showing the path of light emitted from the display device according to the comparative example;

[0043] Figure 17 It is a graph showing the brightness of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 18 A schematic top plan view of a display device according to a comparative example is shown; and

[0045] Figure 19 It shows according to Figure 18 A graph showing the brightness of a display device as a comparison example. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been used for clarity. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0047] Throughout the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals may denote the same elements.

[0048] Furthermore, for better understanding and ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of constituent components such as layers, films, panels, and regions shown in the figures may be exaggerated. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses shown. Nevertheless, the relative dimensions, shapes, and angles shown in the figures can be understood as representing at least certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0049] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present. Additionally, in the specification, the terms "on" or "above" may mean being located on or below a target portion, and does not necessarily mean being positioned on the upper side of the target portion based on the direction of gravity.

[0050] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the words “including” and variations such as “comprising” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated elements but not exclusion of any other elements. However, the use of the phrase “consisting of” will be understood to imply exclusive inclusion of the stated elements and exclusion of any other elements.

[0051] Now, referring to Figures 1 to 3 A light control film 10 is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 This is a top plan view showing a light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken from line II-II'. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base film 11 and a plurality of viewing angle control patterns 13 at least partially superimposed on the base film 11. The light control film 10 includes a resin layer 12 disposed between the base film 11 and the plurality of viewing angle control patterns 13. The light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in automotive display devices, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] The base film 11 may include an isotropic material having relatively high visible light transmittance. For example, the base film 11 may include polyimide (PI), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polynorbornene (PNB), polyethersulfone (PES), etc. For example, the base film 11 may be a barrier film attached to the upper surface of an encapsulation layer included in an organic light-emitting panel.

[0054] The resin layer 12 may be disposed on the base film 11. The resin layer 12 may include a resin that can be embossed or patterned.

[0055] The light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a viewing angle control pattern 13 and a first alignment pattern 14 disposed on a base film 11 and a resin layer 12. The resin layer 12 may be disposed between the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the base film 11, and the resin layer 12 may also be disposed between the first alignment pattern 14 and the base film 11. For example, the resin layer 12 may be disposed between the lower surface of the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the upper surface of the base film 11, and the resin layer 12 may also be disposed between the lower surface of the first alignment pattern 14 and the upper surface of the base film 11.

[0056] The viewing angle control pattern 13 can narrow the viewing angle of the display panel by blocking some of the incident light (e.g., light incident from the display panel), as described later. The viewing angle control pattern 13 blocks light incident and / or emitted from the display panel at an angle greater than a certain angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the display panel.

[0057] The thickness of the viewing angle control pattern 13 can be varied according to the viewing angle of the display panel. For example, the viewing angle control pattern 13 can have a thickness of tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers, but the invention is not limited thereto. The viewing angle control pattern 13 can have sufficient thickness to block light traveling from the display panel at angles of ±30 degrees or greater above and below and / or left and right in directions perpendicular to the display panel. However, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned angles and can have any thickness that blocks light traveling at angles greater than a predetermined angle selected according to an exemplary embodiment in the upward, downward, and / or left and right directions.

[0058] The view control pattern 13 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first pattern 13a extending substantially along a first direction x and having a continuous stripe shape, and a second pattern 13b extending substantially along the first direction x and having a discontinuous stripe shape. The first pattern 13a and the second pattern 13b may have different forms.

[0059] The view control pattern 13 may include a plurality of first patterns 13a. Each of the plurality of first patterns 13a may be separated from each other along a second direction y perpendicular to the first direction x. Additionally, the view control pattern 13 may include a plurality of second patterns 13b. The plurality of second patterns 13b may be arranged continuously along the first direction x and the second direction y, and each of the plurality of second patterns 13b may be separated from each other. The first patterns 13a and the second patterns 13b may be alternately arranged along the second direction y.

[0060] The first pattern 13a may be in the form of stripes extending substantially from one edge of the light control film 10 toward the opposite edge facing it. The length of the first pattern 13a in the first direction x may be greater than the length of the second pattern 13b in the first direction x.

[0061] The light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first alignment pattern 14. While this specification shows a configuration in which the first alignment pattern 14 has a cross shape in a plane, the invention is not limited thereto, and the first alignment pattern 14 may have various different shapes such as circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and / or polygons. Furthermore, this specification only shows a configuration in which a plurality of first alignment patterns 14 are arranged along a first direction x, but the invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of first alignment patterns 14 may be arranged along a second direction y.

[0062] Each of the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the first alignment pattern 14 may include a light-shielding material such as a dark pigment (such as black or gray pigment), a dark dye (such as black or gray dye), carbon black, or a photoresist, or may include a reflective material such as a metal (such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag)).

[0063] Each of the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the first alignment pattern 14 can be formed by a printing process or a patterning process. For example, the printing process can use methods known in the art such as roller printing, embossing, screen printing, gravure printing, gravure-offset printing, or flexographic printing. The patterning process can include a process of forming a mask pattern material on the base film 11 and an etching process of selectively etching the mask pattern material, and the etching process can be a wet etching process, a dry etching process, or a laser scribing process.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the resin layer 12 may be disposed between the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the base film 11, and between the first alignment pattern 14 and the base film 11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto; when the height of the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the first alignment pattern 14 in the z-direction increases, the viewing angle control pattern 13 and the first alignment pattern 14 may completely penetrate the resin layer 12 while contacting the base film 11.

[0065] The light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of viewing angle control patterns 13 and a plurality of first alignment patterns 14. The light-emitting area of ​​the display panel, which will be described later, can be disposed between the plurality of viewing angle control patterns 13. The viewing angle control patterns 13 can be at least partially superimposed with non-light-emitting areas. The light control film 10 may include viewing angle control patterns 13 at least partially superimposed with non-light-emitting areas to block light emitted from the display panel at an angle larger than a certain angle while transmitting residual light emitted from the light-emitting areas. Therefore, the viewing angle can be limited as needed while increasing the brightness in the forward direction. Furthermore, since the light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes the first alignment patterns 14, the viewing angle control patterns 13 can be easily arranged to at least partially superimpose with the non-light-emitting areas.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A light control film 10 is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a top plan view showing a light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (The details regarding the connection between the film and the light control film are omitted.) Figures 1 to 3 The light control film 10 described herein consists of the same constituent elements as those described elsewhere in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that the omitted details are at least similar to those provided elsewhere for the corresponding elements.

[0067] First, refer to Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may include a first alignment pattern 14 and a viewing angle control pattern 13 in the shape of stripes extending substantially along a first direction x.

[0068] The light control film 10 may include a plurality of viewing angle control patterns 13. In this case, the viewing angle control pattern 13 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include only a first pattern 13a of a continuous shape and exclude a second pattern 13b. The first pattern 13a may have a shape that extends substantially from one edge of the light control film 10 to the other edge facing it.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may include a viewing angle control pattern 13 and a first alignment pattern 14.

[0070] The view control pattern 13 may include a plurality of second patterns 13b that extend substantially along the first direction x and have a discontinuous shape. The second patterns 13b may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction x and the second direction y, and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 6A method for manufacturing a light control film 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process used to manufacture the light control film 10.

[0072] Referring to element (a), a predetermined resin is coated on the base film 11 to form a first layer 12a.

[0073] Next, a mold A, on which a predetermined pattern is formed, is disposed on the base film 11 and the first layer 12a, and an imprinting process is performed thereon. Thus, the first layer 12a has the predetermined pattern of the mold A used in the imprinting process.

[0074] In this configuration, mold A may include a first protrusion a forming a first alignment pattern 14, a second protrusion b forming a first pattern 13a, and a third protrusion c forming a second pattern 13b. The shape and type of the protrusions may vary as needed. The second protrusion b may have a continuous shape as described above in conjunction with the first pattern 13a, and the third protrusion c may have a discontinuous shape as described above in conjunction with the second pattern 13b.

[0075] Next, as shown in component (b), a UV curing process is performed on the first patterned layer 12b. Next, as shown in component (c), mold A is removed to form a resin layer 12 on the base film 11. Finally, as shown in component (d), black pigment or the like can be injected into the concave space formed by mold A and cured to form a viewing angle control pattern 13 positioned on the resin layer 12. The first alignment pattern 14 can also be formed in the same manner. In this case, at least one of gray pigment, black dye, carbon black, photoresist, and metal, instead of black pigment, can be included.

[0076] The light control film 10 manufactured according to the exemplary embodiment can be cut and used according to the required size.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 A display device 1 is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a top plan view showing the light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3 and the non-light-emitting region NE on the light control film 10.

[0078] First, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light control film 10 and a display panel 20 that is at least partially superimposed on the light control film 10.

[0079] The display panel 20 may include light-emitting areas E1, E2, and E3 and a non-light-emitting area NE. The light-emitting areas E1, E2, and E3 may include a first light-emitting area E1 emitting light of a first color, a second light-emitting area E2 emitting light of a second color, and a third light-emitting area E3 emitting light of a third color. The first color, second color, and third color may be different colors from each other; for example, the first color may be red, the second color may be green, and the third color may be blue, but the first to third colors are not limited to these. The non-light-emitting area NE may be located between adjacent light-emitting areas E1, E2, and E3.

[0080] The first light-emitting region E1, the second light-emitting region E2, and the third light-emitting region E3 can have various planar shapes and can be arranged in various forms. The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have a form in which the first light-emitting region E1 and the second light-emitting region E2 are alternately arranged along a second direction y. Furthermore, the third light-emitting region E3 can be arranged between adjacent first light-emitting regions E1 along the first direction x or between adjacent second light-emitting regions E2 along the first direction x.

[0081] The planar dimensions (e.g., two-dimensional dimensions in a planar view) of the third luminous region E3 can be larger than the planar dimensions of the first luminous region E1, and can be larger than the planar dimensions of the second luminous region E2. For example, the length of the second direction y of the third luminous region E3 can be larger than the length of the second direction y of the first luminous region E1, and can be larger than the length of the second direction y of the second luminous region E2. The third luminous region E3 can have a long rectangular shape in the plane where its longitudinal length is greater than its transverse length.

[0082] The display panel 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second alignment pattern AM disposed in a non-light-emitting area NE.

[0083] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 is configured to be at least partially superimposed on the display panel 20. For example, a viewing angle control pattern 13 and a first alignment pattern 14 included in the light control film 10 are described.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may include a viewing angle control pattern 13, which may include a first pattern 13a and a second pattern 13b.

[0085] The first pattern 13a may have a stripe shape that extends substantially along a first direction x. The first pattern 13a may be disposed in a non-light-emitting region NE between a first light-emitting region E1 and a second light-emitting region E2. The first light-emitting region E1, the first pattern 13a, and the second light-emitting region E2 may be disposed along a second direction y. The first pattern 13a may also be disposed in a non-light-emitting region NE between adjacent third light-emitting regions E3 along the second direction y. The third light-emitting region E3, the first pattern 13a, and the third light-emitting region E3 may be disposed along the second direction y.

[0086] The second pattern 13b may have a shape that extends substantially along the first direction x. The length of the second pattern 13b in the first direction x may be smaller than the length of the first pattern 13a in the first direction x. Multiple second patterns 13b may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction x and the second direction y. The second pattern 13b may be arranged in a non-light-emitting region NE between the first light-emitting region E1 and the second light-emitting region E2 on a plane. The first light-emitting region E1, the second pattern 13b, and the second light-emitting region E2 may be arranged along the second direction y.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle control pattern 13 is at least partially superimposed on the non-light-emitting region NE, but not on the light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3 included in the display panel 20. The viewing angle control pattern 13 may not block light emitted in the positive direction in the light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3.

[0088] The light control film 10 may include a first alignment pattern 14, and the display panel 20 may include a second alignment pattern AM disposed in the non-light-emitting area NE. The first alignment pattern 14 and the second alignment pattern AM may be at least partially superimposed on each other in the non-light-emitting area NE.

[0089] In the process of at least partially stacking the display panel 20 and the light control film 10, the second alignment pattern AM of the display panel 20 and the first alignment pattern 14 of the light control film 10 can be configured to at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, since the viewing angle control pattern 13 included in the light control film 10 can be separated from the light-emitting areas E1, E2, and E3, while being at least partially overlapped with the non-light-emitting area NE of the display panel 20, the reduction in brightness can be suppressed without blocking the light emitted in the forward direction.

[0090] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 12 A display device 1 is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12This is a schematic top plan view of a display panel 20 in which a light control film 10 is attached, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, luminescent regions E1, E2, and E3 and a non-luminescent region NE are shown on the light control film 10. Descriptions of components identical to those described above are omitted. However, it should be understood that the omitted details are at least similar to those provided elsewhere in this disclosure for the corresponding components.

[0091] First, refer to Figure 9 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may consist only of a viewing angle control pattern 13 with a discontinuous shape.

[0092] The view control pattern 13 may include only the second pattern 13b.

[0093] The viewing angle control pattern 13 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second pattern 13b disposed between a first light-emitting region E1 and a second light-emitting region E2 adjacent along the second direction y, and a second pattern 13b disposed between a third light-emitting region E3 adjacent along the second direction y. A plurality of second patterns 13b included in the viewing angle control pattern 13 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction x and the second direction y, while at least partially overlapping with the non-light-emitting region NE.

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 10 The display panel 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3 and a non-light-emitting region NE. The light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3 may include a first light-emitting region E1 emitting light of a first color, a second light-emitting region E2 emitting light of a second color, and a third light-emitting region E3 emitting light of a third color. The first color, the second color, and the third color may be different colors from each other. The non-light-emitting region NE may be disposed between adjacent light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3.

[0095] The first light-emitting region E1, the second light-emitting region E2, and the third light-emitting region E3 can have various planar shapes and can be arranged in various shapes. The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have a shape in which the first light-emitting region E1 and the second light-emitting region E2 are alternately arranged along a first direction x. Furthermore, the third light-emitting region E3 can be arranged between adjacent first light-emitting regions E1 along a second direction y or between adjacent second light-emitting regions E2 along the second direction y.

[0096] The planar dimensions of the third light-emitting region E3 can be larger than those of the first light-emitting region E1, and also larger than those of the second light-emitting region E2. For example, the length of the third light-emitting region E3 in the first direction x can be greater than the length of the first light-emitting region E1 in the first direction x, or greater than the length of the second light-emitting region E2 in the first direction x. The third light-emitting region E3 can have a rectangular shape in which the lateral length is greater than the longitudinal length in the plane.

[0097] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 is configured to be at least partially superimposed on the display panel 20. For example, a viewing angle control pattern 13 and a first alignment pattern 14 included in the light control film 10 are described.

[0098] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may include a viewing angle control pattern 13, which may include a first pattern 13a and a second pattern 13b.

[0099] The first pattern 13a may have a stripe shape that extends substantially along a first direction x. The first pattern 13a may be configured to at least partially overlap with the non-light-emitting region NE between the first light-emitting region E1 and the third light-emitting region E3, or the non-light-emitting region NE between the second light-emitting region E2 and the third light-emitting region E3. The first light-emitting region E1, the first pattern 13a, and the third light-emitting region E3 may be positioned along a second direction y. Furthermore, the second light-emitting region E2, the first pattern 13a, and the third light-emitting region E3 may also be positioned along the second direction y.

[0100] The second pattern 13b may have a shape that extends substantially along the first direction x. The length of the second pattern 13b in the first direction x may be smaller than the length of the first pattern 13a in the first direction x. Multiple second patterns 13b may be arranged repeatedly along the first direction x and the second direction y. The second pattern 13b may be arranged on a plane between the first light-emitting region E1 and the third light-emitting region E3 or between the second light-emitting region E2 and the third light-emitting region E3.

[0101] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the degree to which the light emitted in the first light-emitting region E1 along the upward and downward directions is blocked by the viewing angle control pattern 13 can be substantially equal to the degree to which the light emitted in the second light-emitting region E2 along the upward and downward directions is blocked by the viewing angle control pattern 13. Furthermore, the degree to which the light emitted in the first light-emitting region E1 along the upward and downward directions is blocked by the viewing angle control pattern 13 can be substantially the same as the degree to which the light emitted in the third light-emitting region E3 along the upward and downward directions is blocked by the viewing angle control pattern 13. In each of the first light-emitting region E1, the second light-emitting region E2, and the third light-emitting region E3, the light emitted vertically relative to the display panel is blocked by the viewing angle control pattern 13 to have substantially the same viewing angle, thereby providing uniform brightness and improving the display quality of the display device.

[0102] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle control pattern 13 is at least partially superimposed on the non-light-emitting region NE, but not on the light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3 included in the display panel 20. The viewing angle control pattern 13 may not block light emitted in the positive direction in the light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3.

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 11 The viewing angle control pattern 13 may include only the second pattern 13b and exclude the first pattern 13a. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle control pattern 13 may include a second pattern 13b disposed between the first light-emitting region E1 and the third light-emitting region E3, and a second pattern 13b disposed between the second light-emitting region E2 and the third light-emitting region E3. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may include only a plurality of second patterns 13b and exclude any first pattern 13a. The plurality of second patterns 13b may be repeatedly disposed along the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 12 The viewing angle control pattern 13 may include only the first pattern 13a and exclude the second pattern 13b. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle control pattern 13 may include a first pattern 13a disposed between a first light-emitting region E1 and a third light-emitting region E3, and a first pattern 13a disposed between a second light-emitting region E2 and a third light-emitting region E3. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light control film 10 may include only a plurality of first patterns 13a and exclude any second pattern 13b. The plurality of first patterns 13a may be repeatedly arranged along a second direction y.

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 13 A display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 13 This is a schematic top plan view of a display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 13 The display device 1 may include a first alignment pattern 14 and a second alignment pattern AM that are at least partially superimposed on the non-display area PA surrounding the display area DA.

[0107] The number of second alignment patterns AM included in the display panel 20 may differ from the number of first alignment patterns 14 included in the light control film 10. The number of first alignment patterns 14 included in the light control film 10 may be greater than the number of second alignment patterns AM included in the display panel 20. Some of the plurality of first alignment patterns 14 included in the light control film 10 may at least partially overlap with the second alignment patterns AM, and the remaining first alignment patterns 14 may at least partially overlap with the non-display area PA. Figure 13 As shown, the second alignment pattern AM and the first alignment pattern 14, which are arranged near the four vertices of the plane of the display device 1, can be at least partially superimposed on each other. The remaining first alignment pattern 14, which is arranged between the first alignment patterns 14, may not be superimposed on the second alignment pattern AM.

[0108] Next, refer to Figures 14 to 16 The light emitted from the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and the display device of the comparative example are described. Figure 14 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the path of light emitted from a display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view showing the path of light emitted from a display device according to a comparative example.

[0109] Reference Figure 14 The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 20 comprising a plurality of light-emitting regions E1, E2, and E3 and a non-light-emitting region NE, an adhesive layer 21 disposed on the display panel 20, a light control film 10 disposed on the adhesive layer 21, and an adhesive layer 21 and a window 30 disposed on the light control film 10. Here, the adhesive layer 21 may be transparent and may be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), a photocurable resin (OCR), or an ultraviolet resin.

[0110] Light emitted from the light-emitting areas E1, E2, and E3 can pass through the light control film 10 and the window 30 and become visible to the user. At this time, light emitted at a predetermined angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the window 30, or light emitted at an angle higher or lower than the predetermined angle, can be blocked by the viewing angle control pattern 13 included in the light control film 10.

[0111] Therefore, as Figure 15As shown, light emitted toward a vehicle window (e.g., windshield) can be blocked in the display device 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light emitted from the display device from being reflected by the vehicle's windshield. By blocking light heading toward the vehicle's windshield, reflected images can be prevented, and driver safety can be ensured.

[0112] However, if this light control film 10 is not included, such as Figure 16 As shown, because the light emitted from the display device is emitted at various angles, some of the light will be reflected toward the vehicle's windshield and may be perceived by the user as a reflected image, which could potentially distract the driver.

[0113] Next, refer to Figures 17 to 19 Describes positive brightness according to exemplary embodiments and comparative examples of this disclosure. Figure 17 This is a graph showing the brightness of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 This is a schematic top view of a display device based on a comparative example. Figure 19 It shows according to Figure 18 A graph showing the brightness of a display device as a comparison example.

[0114] Reference Figure 17 The light control film, including the alignment pattern, can provide a viewing angle control pattern that does not overlap with the light-emitting area of ​​the display panel. Since the light control film does not block light emitted in the vertical direction (e.g., the forward direction) toward the plane of the display device, it can be noted that the forward direction brightness has the same brightness level as a display device (Ref) without the light control film.

[0115] Furthermore, in the case of the display device according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, since the viewing angle control pattern of the light control film does not overlap with the light-emitting area, moiré effect does not occur, thereby providing improved display quality.

[0116] However, as Figure 18 As shown, in a comparative example including a light control film without an alignment pattern, the viewing angle control pattern 13 is superimposed on the light-emitting areas E1, E2, and E3. The light control film is attached to the display panel in a random shape, so some light emitted from the light-emitting areas may be blocked.

[0117] Since the light emitted in the forward direction of the display device according to the comparative example is blocked by the viewing angle control pattern of the light control film, it can be confirmed that it has only about 78% of the brightness compared to the display device (Ref) without the light control film. The light-emitting area is blocked by the light control film attached in a random shape, which leads to the problem of reduced forward brightness of the light emitted from the display panel.

[0118] Furthermore, it has been confirmed that, based on a predetermined area in the display device where the left and right viewing angles are 30 degrees, the upward viewing angle is 20 degrees, and the downward viewing angle is 10 degrees, the exemplary embodiment has approximately 51% brightness, while the comparative example has approximately 35% brightness. In the case of the exemplary embodiment, it has been confirmed that increased brightness is provided for the same standard.

[0119] Furthermore, for the display device according to the comparative example, the viewing angle control pattern may be attached at an angle in a first or second direction to prevent moiré patterns between the light control film and the display panel. Therefore, the area of ​​the viewing angle control pattern intersecting with each of the first, second, and third light-emitting areas may differ from each other. Moreover, the area of ​​the viewing angle control pattern intersecting with each of multiple first, second, or third light-emitting areas may also vary therebetween. This could potentially lead to the problem of emitting light of varying brightness from each light-emitting area.

[0120] However, the light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of viewing angle control patterns and a plurality of first alignment patterns. The plurality of viewing angle control patterns may be at least partially superimposed with the non-light-emitting areas and may be separated from the light-emitting areas by the first alignment patterns. Since the light control film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes viewing angle control patterns that are at least partially superimposed with the non-light-emitting areas, it allows the remaining light emitted from the light-emitting areas to be transmitted while blocking light emitted from the display panel at an angle larger than a certain angle, thereby providing the viewing angle required by the display device and increased forward directional brightness.

[0121] An exemplary embodiment provides a light control film for controlling a wide viewing angle to a narrow viewing angle. Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment provides a display device including a light control film with improved positive brightness. According to the exemplary embodiment, the reflection of a predetermined image on a substrate (or windshield) can be controlled by the light control film. Additionally, a display device with improved display quality can be provided by increasing the amount of light emitted in the positive direction.

[0122] While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not exclusively limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A light control film includes: a first alignment pattern; and multiple viewing angle control patterns, including a first pattern and a second pattern having different shapes from each other; and Display panel, including a second alignment pattern Wherein, the first alignment pattern and the second alignment pattern are at least partially overlapped. In the plan view, the first pattern and the second pattern extend along a first direction and are spaced apart from each other and alternately arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The light control film blocks light emitted from the display panel at an angle greater than a predetermined angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the light control film, while transmitting residual light emitted from the light-emitting area of ​​the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light control film also includes: The base film is at least partially superimposed on the display panel, and The plurality of view control patterns include a first pattern having a continuous shape and / or a second pattern having a discontinuous shape.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The light-emitting area of ​​the display panel includes: The first luminous area corresponds to the first color; The second luminescent area corresponds to the second color; and The third luminous area corresponds to the third color.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The second pattern is disposed between the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area, and The first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region are separated along the second direction.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The display panel further includes an additional first light-emitting area, an additional second light-emitting area, and an additional third light-emitting area, wherein the first pattern extends along the first direction and is disposed between the third light-emitting area and the additional third light-emitting area. The third light-emitting region and the additional third light-emitting region are separated from each other along the second direction.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The display panel further includes an additional first light-emitting area, an additional second light-emitting area, and an additional third light-emitting area. The first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area are alternately arranged along the first direction, and The third light-emitting region is disposed between the first light-emitting region and the additional first light-emitting region, and the additional first light-emitting region is adjacent to the first light-emitting region along the second direction. The plurality of viewing angle control patterns are disposed between the first luminous area and the second luminous area and between the third luminous area, or between the first luminous area and the third luminous area and between the second luminous area and the third luminous area.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The display panel further includes a non-light-emitting area, which is disposed between the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area, between the second light-emitting area and the third light-emitting area, and / or between the first light-emitting area and the third light-emitting area. The view control pattern, the first alignment pattern, and the second alignment pattern are at least partially superimposed on the non-luminous area.

8. A light control film, the light control film comprising: Base film; Multiple viewpoint control patterns are at least partially superimposed on the base film; as well as Align the pattern and at least partially overlap it with the base film. The plurality of view control patterns include a first pattern and a second pattern having shapes that differ from each other. In the plan view, the first pattern and the second pattern extend along a first direction and are spaced apart from each other and alternately arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The light control film blocks light emitted at an angle greater than a predetermined angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the light control film while transmitting the remaining light.

9. The light control film according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the first pattern and the second pattern has a stripe shape extending along the first direction, and The length of the first pattern along the first direction is greater than the length of the second pattern along the first direction, and The plurality of view control patterns and the alignment patterns each include black pigment, gray pigment, black dye, gray dye, carbon black, photoresist and / or metal.

10. The light control film according to claim 8, wherein, The light control film further includes a resin layer disposed between the base film and the plurality of viewing angle control patterns, and The resin layer is disposed between the upper surface of the base film and the lower surface of the plurality of viewing angle control patterns.

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