Optical film and display device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical film and a display device, the optical film comprising: a first pattern layer including a base portion and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base portion and having a first refractive index; and a second pattern layer disposed on the first pattern layer and having a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index. Each of the protrusions comprises: a bottom surface adjacent to the base portion; an upper surface opposite to and parallel to the bottom surface; and a side surface disposed between the bottom surface and the upper surface. The side surface comprises three or more sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other, or comprises a curved surface convex in the direction of the second pattern layer.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0137324, filed on October 31, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an optical film and a display device including the optical film, and more particularly to an optical film including two pattern layers having refractive indices different from each other and a liquid crystal display device including the optical film. Background Art

[0003] Various types of display devices are widely used in various fields to provide image information. Among the various types of display devices, liquid crystal display devices are widely used in large display devices or mobile display devices, etc. due to desirable characteristics such as low power consumption.

[0004] The liquid crystal display device provides light emitted from a backlight to a liquid crystal display panel and displays an image. In addition, the liquid crystal display device further includes optical films having various functions in the exterior of the liquid crystal display panel to improve display quality. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an optical film for improving the side viewing angle characteristics of a display device.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a display device having improved side viewing angle characteristics by optimizing the shape of a pattern layer in an optical film.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical film includes: a first pattern layer including a base portion and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base portion, wherein the first pattern layer has a first refractive index; and a second pattern layer disposed on the first pattern layer, wherein the second pattern layer has a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index. In such an embodiment, each of the protrusions includes: a bottom surface adjacent to the base portion; an upper surface opposite to and parallel to the bottom surface; and a side surface disposed between the bottom surface and the upper surface. In such an embodiment, the side surface includes n sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other, or includes a curved surface convex in the direction of the second pattern layer, wherein each of the inclination angles of the n sub-inclined surfaces is an acute angle of each of the n sub-inclined surfaces relative to the bottom surface, and n is an integer of 3 or greater.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first inclination angle of a first sub-inclined surface adjacent to the base portion among the n sub-inclined surfaces may be greater than a second inclination angle of a second sub-inclined surface that is farther away from the base portion than the first sub-inclined surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, an inclination angle of a sub-inclined surface connected to the base portion among the n sub-inclined surfaces may be in a range of about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0010] In one embodiment, a ratio of a width of the upper surface to a width of the bottom surface in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion may be in a range of about 0.35 to about 0.50.

[0011] In one embodiment, the protrusions may extend in a first direction and be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, a pitch of the arranged protrusions may be in a range of about 10 micrometers (μm) to about 100 μm.

[0013] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the intervals between adjacent protrusions and the width of the bottom surface may satisfy the following inequality: 0.4×W P ≤W DS ≤0.7×W P , where W DS represents the width of the bottom surface, and W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the interval between adjacent protrusions and the height of each of the protrusions may satisfy the following inequality: H EP / W P ≥0.8, where W P H represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction, and H EP The height is expressed as the minimum distance between the bottom surface and the upper surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the intervals between adjacent protrusions and the radius of curvature of the curved surface may satisfy the following inequality: 1.5×W P ≤R≤4.0×W P , where W Prepresents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction, and R represents a radius of curvature of the curved surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, lengths of inclined sides of the n inclined sub-surfaces may be equal to each other.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the protrusions may include n sub-protrusions, the width of the sub-bottom surface of the mth sub-protrusion may be equal to the width of the sub-upper surface of the m-1th sub-protrusion, and m may be an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to n.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ratio of the height of the mth sub-protrusion to the height of the m-1th sub-protrusion may be in the range of about 0.8:1 to about 1:1, the height of the mth sub-protrusion may be the minimum distance between the sub-bottom surface and the sub-upper surface of the mth sub-protrusion, and the height of the m-1th sub-protrusion may be the minimum distance between the sub-bottom surface and the sub-upper surface of the m-1th sub-protrusion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the side surface includes n sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other, each of the protrusions may include n sub-protrusions, and in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, each of the n sub-protrusions may have a trapezoidal shape.

[0020] In an embodiment, the curved surface may have a radius of curvature in a range of about 40 μm to about 120 μm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the side surface may include: a lower sub-side surface connected to the bottom surface and having an inclination angle in a range of about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the bottom surface; and a sub-curved surface arranged between the lower sub-side surface and the upper surface, wherein the sub-curved surface may be convex in the direction of the second pattern layer.

[0022] In an embodiment, a difference between the first refractive index and the second refractive index may be about 0.1 or greater.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical film includes: a first pattern layer including a base portion and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base portion, wherein the protrusions have a first refractive index; and a second pattern layer disposed on the first pattern layer, wherein the second pattern layer has a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index. In such an embodiment, each of the protrusions includes: a bottom surface adjacent to the base portion; an upper surface opposite to and parallel to the bottom surface; and a side surface disposed between the bottom surface and the upper surface. In such an embodiment, the side surface includes n sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other, or a curved surface convex in the direction of the second pattern layer, each of the inclination angles of the n sub-inclined surfaces is an acute angle of each of the n sub-inclined surfaces relative to the bottom surface, and n is an integer of 3 or greater. In such an embodiment, on a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the ratio of the width of the upper surface to the width of the bottom surface is in the range of about 0.35 to about 0.50.

[0024] In one embodiment, an inclination angle of a sub-inclined surface connected to the base portion among the n sub-inclined surfaces may be in a range of about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0025] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the separation interval between adjacent protrusions and the width of the bottom surface may satisfy the following inequality: 0.4×W P ≤W DS ≤0.7×W P , where W DS represents the width of the bottom surface, and W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction.

[0026] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the intervals between adjacent protrusions and the radius of curvature of the curved surface may satisfy the following inequality: 1.5×W P ≤R≤4.0×W P , where W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction, and R represents the curvature radius of the curved surface.

[0027] In an embodiment, each of the protrusions may have a shape symmetrical with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center and extending in the thickness direction, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, as the n sub-inclined surfaces become farther away from the base portion, the inclination angles of the n sub-inclined surfaces may decrease.

[0029] In an embodiment, each of the protrusions may have a stripe shape extending in a predetermined direction.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a liquid crystal display panel; and an optical film disposed on the upper side of the liquid crystal display panel. In such an embodiment, the optical film includes: a first pattern layer including a base portion and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base portion, wherein the first pattern layer has a first refractive index; and a second pattern layer disposed on the first pattern layer, wherein the second pattern layer has a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index. In such an embodiment, each of the protrusions includes: a bottom surface adjacent to the base portion; an upper surface opposite to and parallel to the bottom surface; and a side surface disposed between the bottom surface and the upper surface. In such an embodiment, the side surface includes n sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other, or includes a curved surface convex in the direction of the second pattern layer, wherein each of the inclination angles of the n sub-inclined surfaces is an acute angle of each of the n sub-inclined surfaces relative to the bottom surface, and n is an integer of 3 or greater.

[0031] In one embodiment, a first inclination angle of a first sub-inclined surface adjacent to the base portion among the n sub-inclined surfaces may be greater than a second inclination angle of a second sub-inclined surface that is farther away from the base portion than the first sub-inclined surface.

[0032] In one embodiment, an inclination angle of a sub-inclined surface connected to the base portion among the n sub-inclined surfaces may be in a range of about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0033] In one embodiment, a ratio of a width of the upper surface to a width of the bottom surface in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion may be in a range of about 0.35 to about 0.50.

[0034] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the separation intervals between adjacent protrusions among the protrusions and the width of the bottom surface may satisfy the following inequality: 0.4×W P ≤W DS ≤0.7×W P , where W DS represents the width of the bottom surface, and W Prepresents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the separation intervals between adjacent protrusions among the protrusions and the curvature radius of the curved surface may satisfy the following inequality: 1.5×W P ≤R≤4.0×W P , where W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction, and R represents a radius of curvature of the curved surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in more detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a light source component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pattern layer of an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pattern layer of an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig.10is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film used in a comparative example;

[0048] Fig. 12A The following is a diagram showing the use of a comparative example. Fig.11 A graph showing a viewing angle characteristic evaluation result in a display device of an optical film of FIG.

[0049] Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C are graphs respectively showing evaluation results of viewing angle characteristics in display devices according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.13A is a graph showing the evaluation results of viewing angle characteristics in a display device according to a comparative example;

[0051] Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C are graphs respectively showing evaluation results of viewing angle characteristics in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0054] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or an intermediate third element or layer may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers.

[0055] On the other hand, “directly disposed” may mean that there is no additional layer, film, region, plate, etc. between one part and another part of the layer, film, region, plate, etc. For example, “directly disposed” may mean that the arrangement of two layers or two members is performed without using an additional member such as an adhesive member between the two layers or two members.

[0056] The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same elements. In addition, in the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical contents, the thickness, ratio and size of the elements are exaggerated.

[0057] “Or” means “and / or.” As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated items.

[0058] Terms such as first and second etc. can be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are usually only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component can be referred to as the second component, or similarly, the second component can be referred to as the first component. As used herein, the singular forms "a, an" and "said / the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0059] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under ...", "under ...", "under ...", "on ..." and "on ..." can be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature as shown in the figure to another (multiple) element or (multiple) feature. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatially relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure flips, the element or feature described as "under" or "under" other elements or features will then be oriented to "on" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "under ..." can include two orientations of "on ..." and "under ...". In addition, the device can be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this article can be interpreted accordingly. As used herein, the term "disposed on ..." can refer not only to the upper portion of any member, but also to its lower portion.

[0060] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as those commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and in the disclosure of this article, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this article.

[0062] It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” and / or “includes”, “including” specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0063] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Thus, deviations from the illustrated shapes, for example due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, will be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown herein, but will include shape deviations, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of an optical film and a display device including the optical film according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the electronic device ED shown in FIG. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit LU according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 10 are diagrams of optical films OF, OF-a, and OF-b according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical film OF according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film OF according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pattern layer (eg, a first pattern layer RP1 ) of the optical film OF according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film OF-a according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film OF-b according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] In one embodiment, the electronic device ED may be a large-sized electronic device, such as a television, a monitor, and an outdoor billboard. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device ED may be a small-sized or medium-sized electronic device, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, a vehicle navigator, a game console, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or a camera, etc. However, these are purely exemplary and may be adopted in another electronic device without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0068] An embodiment of the electronic device ED may include a display device DD and a housing HAU. The electronic device ED may display an image IM via a display surface IS. Figure 1 As shown in , the display surface IS may be parallel to a surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2, the second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1. However, this is purely exemplary, and in an alternative embodiment, the display surface IS of the electronic device ED may have a curved shape, or may include a curved surface.

[0069] In the thickness direction of the electronic device ED, the normal direction of the display surface IS or the direction in which the image IM is displayed is indicated by the third directional axis DR3. In addition, in the thickness direction of the electronic device ED, the direction opposite to the third directional axis DR3 is indicated by the fourth directional axis DR4. The front surface (or top surface) and the rear surface (or bottom surface) of each component are defined based on the third directional axis DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2, the third directional axis DR3, and the fourth directional axis DR4 are relative concepts and may be referred to as other directions.

[0070] The housing HAU may receive or accommodate the display device DD. The housing HAU may be configured to cover the display device DD and expose a top surface of the display device DD, which is a display surface IS of the display device DD. The housing HAU may cover the side surface and the bottom surface of the display device DD and expose the entire top surface of the display device DD. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the housing HAU may also cover a portion of the top surface as well as the side surface and the bottom surface of the display device DD.

[0071] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in , the display device DD may include a light source member LU, a liquid crystal display panel DP, and an optical member OU. The light source member LU may be disposed under the liquid crystal display panel DP, and the optical member OU may be disposed on the liquid crystal display panel DP.

[0072] In one embodiment of the display device DD, the optical member OU includes an optical film OF. The optical film OF may be disposed on the liquid crystal display panel DP. Figure 3 As shown in , the optical member OU may include an optical film OF and a base film BS for supporting the optical film OF.

[0073] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light source component LU according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the light source member LU may include a light source LS and a functional layer FL for transmitting light emitted from the light source LS to the liquid crystal display panel DP. The functional layer FL may include a guide panel GP, a low refractive layer LRL disposed on the guide panel GP, and a color conversion layer CCL disposed on the low refractive layer LRL. The light source LS may be disposed on at least one side of the guide panel GP or facing at least one side of the guide panel GP. In one embodiment, the light source member LU may further include a blocking layer CPL disposed on the color conversion layer CCL. In one embodiment, a plurality of light output pattern portions CP may be disposed on the bottom surface of the guide panel GP.

[0074] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in , the light source LS in the light source assembly LU may include a circuit board PB and a plurality of light emitting element packages LD disposed on the circuit board PB. The light emitting element package LD may emit light within a predetermined wavelength range. Alternatively, the light source LS may include a plurality of light emitting element packages LD for emitting light within wavelength ranges different from each other. In one embodiment, the light emitting element package LD may emit a first light having a center wavelength within a wavelength range of about 440 nanometers (nm) to about 460 nm. In one embodiment, the light emitting element package LD may emit blue light.

[0075] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in , the light source LS may be disposed adjacent to a single side surface of the guide panel GP, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the light source LS may be additionally disposed adjacent to a plurality of side surfaces of the guide panel GP.

[0076] In another alternative embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the light source LS may be disposed on the lower surface of the guide panel GP. In such an embodiment, the light source LS may be provided in a direct type.

[0077] In one embodiment, the guide panel GP may be a glass substrate, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the guide panel GP may be a transparent resin substrate. In one embodiment, the guide panel GP may include, for example, acrylic resin.

[0078] The light output pattern portion CP provided on the bottom surface of the guide panel GP may transmit light emitted from the light source LS and incident on one side surface of the guide panel GP to the other side surface of the guide panel GP, or change the direction of the light so that light incident in the direction of the bottom surface of the guide panel GP is transmitted in one direction to the light output surface which is the top surface of the guide panel GP.

[0079] The low refractive layer LRL may be disposed on the guide panel GP. The low refractive layer LRL may be disposed directly on the guide panel GP. The refractive index of the low refractive layer LRL may be less than the refractive index of the guide panel GP, so that the low refractive layer LRL may enable light incident from the light source LS to one side surface of the guide panel GP to be effectively transmitted to another side surface of the guide panel GP relatively far from the light source LS. In such an embodiment of the light source assembly LU, the guide panel GP and the low refractive layer LRL provided on the guide panel GP may be used as an optical waveguide plate.

[0080] The light source member LU includes a color conversion layer CCL disposed on the low refractive layer LRL. The color conversion layer CCL may change the color of the light provided from the light source LS to transmit the color-changed light to the liquid crystal display panel DP. In one embodiment, for example, the light provided from the light source LS may pass through the color conversion layer CCL to be converted into white light, and then provided to the liquid crystal display panel DP as white light. In one embodiment, the color conversion layer CCL may include a plurality of quantum dots QD1 and QD2 for converting incident light into light in different wavelength ranges. In one embodiment in which the light provided from the light source LS is first light in the blue light wavelength range, the color conversion layer CCL may include a first quantum dot Q1 excited by the blue light to emit green light and a second quantum dot QD2 excited by the blue light to emit red light.

[0081] The barrier layer CPL may be disposed on the color conversion layer CCL. The barrier layer CPL may prevent moisture and / or oxygen (hereinafter, "moisture / oxygen") from penetrating into the color conversion layer CCL. The barrier layer CPL may cover the color conversion layer CCL.

[0082] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid crystal display panel DP is disposed on the light source unit LU. The liquid crystal display panel DP may include first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2 facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer LCL disposed between the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2.

[0083] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in , the liquid crystal display panel DP may be divided into a display area DA and an edge area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA is an area where an image is displayed on a plane, and the edge area NDA is an area adjacent to the display area on a plane and where no image is displayed. The liquid crystal display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels (not shown) disposed in the display area DA.

[0084] The pixel circuits of the signal lines and pixels are provided on any one of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 (hereinafter, the array substrate). The array substrate may be connected to the main circuit board through a chip on film ("COF") or the like. A central control circuit for driving the liquid crystal display panel DP may be provided in the main circuit board. The central control circuit may be a microprocessor. The chip of the COF may be a data drive circuit. The gate drive circuit may be mounted to the array substrate, or may be integrated on the array substrate in a low temperature polysilicon ("LTPS") type.

[0085] The liquid crystal layer LCL includes liquid crystals. In one embodiment, the liquid crystal layer LCL of the liquid crystal display panel DP may include vertically aligned ("VA") liquid crystals. The liquid crystals included in the liquid crystal layer LCL may be vertically aligned relative to the first substrate SUB1 or the second substrate SUB2. In one embodiment, for example, the liquid crystals may be aligned to have an inclination angle of about 88° to about 90° relative to the top surface of the first substrate SUB1 or the bottom surface of the second substrate SUB2. In one embodiment of the display device DD, the liquid crystal display panel DP may be a VA mode liquid crystal display panel.

[0086] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in an alternative embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel DP may be one of various types of modes such as a twisted nematic ("TN") mode, a horizontal alignment mode, a super vertical alignment ("SVA") mode, a super patterned vertical alignment ("S-PVA") mode, an optically compensated bend ("OCB") mode, or an electrically controlled birefringence ("ECB") mode. In an embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel DP may have a display panel driving method and an alignment manner of liquid crystal molecules different from those of the exemplary liquid crystal display panel.

[0087] The liquid crystal display panel DP may include polarization layers POL-T and POL-B. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal display panel DP may include a bottom polarization layer POL-B arranged on the bottom of a first substrate SUB1 and a top polarization layer POL-T arranged on the top of a second substrate SUB2, the first substrate SUB1 is the bottom substrate of the liquid crystal display panel DP, and the second substrate SUB2 is the top substrate of the liquid crystal display panel DP.

[0088] The polarization layers POL-T and POL-B may include a linear polarizer. The linear polarizer may linearly polarize the provided light in one direction. The linear polarizer may be a film-type polarizer including a stretched polymer film. For example, the stretched polymer film may be a stretched polyvinyl alcohol film. In addition, the linear polarizer may be a coating-type polarizing layer.

[0089] In addition, unlike what is shown, the polarization layer POL-T or POL-B may be an in-cell type polarization layer independently disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the liquid crystal layer LCL and between the second substrate SUB2 and the liquid crystal layer LCL, respectively.

[0090] In one embodiment, for example, the bottom polarizing layer POL-B may be a coating type polarizing layer or a polarizing layer provided by deposition. In one embodiment, the bottom polarizing layer POL-B may be provided by coating with a material including a dichroic dye and a liquid crystal compound. Alternatively, the bottom polarizing layer POL-B may be a wire grid type polarizing layer. In another alternative embodiment, the bottom polarizing layer POL-B may be a film type and disposed on the lower side of the liquid crystal display panel DP. In such an embodiment, an adhesive layer may be further disposed between the bottom polarizing layer POL-B and the liquid crystal display panel DP.

[0091] In one embodiment, the top polarizing layer POL-T may be a coating type polarizing layer or a polarizing layer provided by deposition.

[0092] The transmission axis of the linear polarizer included in the top polarization layer POL-T disposed on the top of the second substrate SUB2 may be orthogonal to the transmission axis of the linear polarizer included in the bottom polarization layer POL-B. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0093] In one embodiment, the polarization layers POL-T and POL-B may further include a phase retardation layer or an optical compensation layer, etc. The phase retardation layer or the optical compensation layer, etc. may be disposed on the top surface or the bottom surface of the linear polarizer. In one embodiment, for example, an adhesive layer may be further included between the linear polarizer and the phase retardation layer or between the linear polarizer and the optical compensation layer.

[0094] In an embodiment of the display device DD, the optical member OU may be further disposed on the top of the liquid crystal display panel DP. The optical member OU may include an optical film OF. In an embodiment, the optical member OU may further include a base film BS provided on the optical film OF.

[0095] The optical film OF may be disposed on the top of the liquid crystal display panel DP. In one embodiment, the optical film OF may be disposed on the top polarizing layer POL-T. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer AD may be disposed between the top polarizing layer POL-T and the optical film OF.

[0096] The base film BS may be disposed on the optical film OF. The base film BS may be used as a support for supporting the optical film OF or a protective layer for protecting the optical film OF. In one embodiment, for example, the base film BS may be a polyethylene terephthalate film.

[0097] In one embodiment, the optical film OF may include a first pattern layer RP1 and a second pattern layer RP2. In one embodiment, the first pattern layer RP1 may be disposed adjacent to the liquid crystal display panel DP, and the second pattern layer RP2 may be disposed on the first pattern layer RP1 or disposed to cover the first pattern layer RP1.

[0098] refer to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the first pattern layer RP1 includes a plurality of protrusions EP, and the concave portions VP may be defined between adjacent protrusions EP. The second pattern layer RP2 may cover the protrusions EP of the first pattern layer RP1 and be configured to fill the concave portions VP.

[0099] The refractive index of the second pattern layer RP2 may be greater than the refractive index of the first pattern layer RP1. In one embodiment, the absolute value of the difference between the refractive index of the first pattern layer RP1 and the refractive index of the second pattern layer RP2 may be about 0.1 or more. In one embodiment, for example, the absolute value of the difference between the refractive index of the first pattern layer RP1 and the refractive index of the second pattern layer RP2 may be about 0.12 or more. In one embodiment of the optical film OF, the refractive index of the first pattern layer RP1 may be in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.47. In such an embodiment, the refractive index of the second pattern layer RP2 may be in the range of about 1.57 to about 1.7. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the refractive index of each pattern layer may be adjusted in various ways within the range where the refractive index difference between the first pattern layer RP1 and the second pattern layer RP2 remains about 0.1 or more.

[0100] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first pattern layer RP1 may include a base portion BL and a plurality of protrusions EP. The protrusions EP may be arranged and disposed on the base portion BL. In an embodiment, the second pattern layer RP2 may be disposed on the first pattern layer RP1 and filled between the first pattern layer RP1 and the second pattern layer RP2.

[0101] In one embodiment, each of the protrusions EP may extend in a predetermined direction. Figure 5 , each of the protrusions EP may extend in the direction of the second direction axis DR2. In such an embodiment, adjacent protrusions EP may be separately arranged on the first direction axis DR1 orthogonal to the second direction axis DR2. In such an embodiment, the protrusions EP may be arranged to present a stripe pattern on a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2.

[0102] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, the protrusions EP are arranged at a pitch W P It may be in the range of about 10 micrometers (μm) to about 100 μm. In one embodiment, for example, the pitch W of the protrusions EP is arranged P It may be in the range of about 10 μm to about 50 μm, or may be in the range of about 20 μm to about 40 μm.

[0103] refer to Figures 1 to 5 When viewed in a direction facing the display surface IS of the electronic device ED, the extension direction of the protrusion EP of the optical film OF may be parallel to the up-down direction or parallel to the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment of the display device DD shown in , the extension direction of the protrusion EP of the optical film OF may be parallel to the second direction axis DR2 , and the second direction axis DR2 is parallel to the short side of the display device DD.

[0104] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in , the left-right direction (or horizontal direction) of the display surface IS of the electronic device ED may be the long side direction, and the up-down direction (or vertical direction) may be the short side direction, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, in the direction in which the user views the electronic device ED, the left-right direction of the display surface IS of the electronic device ED may be the short side direction, and the up-down direction may be the long side direction. In such an embodiment, the extension direction of the protrusion EP of the optical film OF may be a direction parallel to the long side of the display device DD.

[0105] In another alternative embodiment, depending on the application environment of the electronic device ED, the extension direction of the protrusion EP may be parallel to the left-right direction or the horizontal direction when viewed in a direction facing the display surface IS of the electronic device ED.

[0106] refer to Figures 6 to 10 In the embodiments of the optical films OF, OF-a, and OF-b, each of the protrusions EP, EP-a, and EP-b may include a bottom surface DS adjacent to the base portion BL, an upper surface US opposite to the bottom surface DS, and side surfaces SS, SS-a, and SS-b disposed between the bottom surface DS and the upper surface US. In the protrusions EP, EP-a, and EP-b, the upper surface US may be a plane surface parallel to the bottom surface DS. The side surfaces SS, SS-a, and SS-b may connect the bottom surface DS and the upper surface US.

[0107] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, OF-a or OF-b, the side surface SS, SS-a or SS-b may include n sub-slanted surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn (e.g., Figure 6 ), or may include a curved surface (e.g., as Fig. 9 The side surface SS-a shown in FIG. Fig.10 The upper sub-side surface SS-S2 shown in FIG.

[0108] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, the width W of the upper surface US of the protrusion EP is US and the width W of the bottom surface DS DS The ratio of W to the width of the upper surface US may be in the range of about 0.35 to about 0.50. US and the width W of the bottom surface DS DS Satisfies the following inequality: 0.35≤WUS / W DS ≤0.50.

[0109] In this article, the width corresponds to the minimum width in a direction parallel to the first direction axis DR1 on a cross section, and the height corresponds to the minimum distance in a direction parallel to the third direction axis DR3. In this article, the width refers to the width on a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL, and represents the width in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the protrusion EP.

[0110] In a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL, the interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is P and the width W of the bottom surface DS DS The following inequality (1) can be satisfied.

[0111] 0.4×W P ≤W DS ≤0.7×W P …………(1)

[0112] In inequality (1), W P W represents the separation interval between adjacent protrusions EP, that is, the pitch of the protrusions EP. P represents the width W of the bottom surface DS DS The minimum distance W between adjacent protrusions EP LS On the other hand, W DS and W LS are all distances in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the first direction is the extending direction of the protrusion EP. Figure 6 , W P , W DS and W LS All are distances in the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0113] In one embodiment, for example, the separation interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is P and the width W of the bottom surface DS DS The following inequality can be satisfied: 0.5×W P ≤W DS ≤0.6×W P However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0114] In a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL, the interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is P and the height H of each of the protrusions EP EP The relationship of the following inequality (2) can be satisfied.

[0115] H EP / W P≥0.8……………………(2)

[0116] In inequality (2), W P represents the width W of the bottom surface DS DS The minimum distance W between the adjacent protrusion EP LS On the other hand, W DS and W LS are all distances in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the first direction is the extending direction of the protrusion EP. In inequality (2), H EP Denotes the minimum distance between the bottom surface DS and the upper surface US of the protrusion EP.

[0117] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, the height H of the protrusion EP is EP Corresponding to the separation interval W of the protrusion EP P However, the height H of the protrusion EP can be adjusted within a range of EP , wherein within this range, the width W of the upper surface US of the protrusion EP US and the width W of the bottom surface DS DS The ratio is in the range of about 0.35 to about 0.50.

[0118] refer to Figures 6 to 8 In one embodiment, the side surface SS of the optical film OF includes n sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn, and the inclination angles θ of the sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn are 1 ,θ 2 ,θ 3 , ..., θ n-1 , and θ n may be different from each other. Here, the tilt angle θ 1 ,θ 2 ,θ 3 , ..., θ n-1 , or θ n Corresponding to the acute angle formed by a corresponding one of the sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn relative to the bottom surface DS. Here, n is an integer of 3 or more, and in an embodiment of the optical film OF, each side surface SS of the protrusion EP may include three or more sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other.

[0119] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, n may be an integer of 4 or greater. Figure 8As shown in , the protrusion EP of the first pattern layer RP1 includes four sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 having different inclination angles from each other. In an alternative embodiment, n may increase to infinity (∞) so that the side surface SS of the protrusion EP may define a curved surface.

[0120] refer to Figures 6 to 8 In one embodiment, the protrusion EP included in the optical film OF may have a polygonal shape on a plane parallel to a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the third direction axis DR3 (the plane is a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL). In one embodiment, for example, on a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL, each of the protrusions EP may have a polygonal shape defined by two side surfaces SS, each including a bottom surface DS, an upper surface US, and sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS (n-1), and SSn. Each of the protrusions EP may have a shape in which one side surface SS includes n sides on a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL.

[0121] The lengths of the n sides that collectively define one side surface SS may be substantially equal to each other. In such an embodiment, the lengths of the sides of the sub-slanted surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn on a cross section perpendicular to the base bottom BL may be substantially equal to each other.

[0122] As each of the n sub-slanted surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn ... becomes farther away from the base portion BL, the inclination angle θ of the n sub-slanted surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn 1 ,θ 2 ,θ 3 , ..., θ n-1 , and θ n In one embodiment, for example, the first inclination angle θ of the first sub-inclined surface SS1 adjacent to the base portion BL among the n sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, ..., SS(n-1), and SSn is 1 The second inclination angle θ may be greater than the second inclination angle θ of the second sub-slanted surface SS2 separated from the base bottom BL. 2 .

[0123] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, the inclination angle θ of the sub-inclined surface SS1 connected to the base portion BL among the n sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, . . . , SS(n-1), and SSn is 1 θ may be in the range of about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees. In one embodiment, for example, the inclination angle θ of the sub-slanted surface SS1 connected to the base portion BL is1 It may be in the range of about 85 degrees to about 88 degrees.

[0124] In one embodiment, the inclination angle θ of the nth sub-slanted surface SSn connected to the base bottom portion BL is n is smaller than the inclination angle θ of the n-1th sub-slanted surface SS(n-1) n-1 , and may be about 70 degrees or less. In such an embodiment, the inclination angle θ of the nth sub-slanted surface SSn may be n Various adjustments are made to allow the width W of the upper surface US to US and the width W of the bottom surface DS of the protrusion EP DS The ratio is in the range of about 0.35 to about 0.50.

[0125] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, each of the protrusions EP may have a symmetrical pattern shape. In such an embodiment, the protrusion EP may have a symmetrical shape with respect to an imaginary line IML that passes through the center of the protrusion EP and extends in the direction of the third directional axis DR3 that is the thickness direction of the optical film OF.

[0126] In an embodiment of the optical film OF in which the side surface SS of the protrusion EP includes n different sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, . . . , SS(n-1), and SSn having different inclination angles from each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in , the protrusion EP may include n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SP(n-1), and SPn. In such an embodiment, each of the protrusions EP may include n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SP(n-1), and SPn. Here, n is an integer of 3 or more, and the protrusion EP may include 3 or more sub-protrusions.

[0127] In one embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the protrusions EP includes n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, . . . , SP(m-1), SPm, . . . , and SPn. The m-1th sub-protrusion SP(m-1) may include a sub-bottom surface DS (m-1) and the sub-bottom surface DS (m-1) Relative sub-upper surface US (m-1) , and the m-th sub-protrusion SPm may include a sub-upper surface US having an m-1-th sub-protrusion SP(m-1) (m-1) The width W of the sub-bottom surface DSm of the m-th sub-protrusion SPm is adjacent to the sub-bottom surface DSm and the sub-upper surface USm opposite to the sub-bottom surface DSm. DS-m The width W of the sub-upper surface US(m-1) of the m-1th sub-protrusion SP(m-1) may beUS-(m-1) m may be an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to n.

[0128] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, the height H of the m-th sub-protrusion SPm is m and the height H of the m-1th sub-protrusion SP(m-1) (m-1) The ratio may be in the range of about 0.8:1 to about 1: 1. Each height of the mth sub-protrusion SPm and the (m-1)th sub-protrusion SP(m-1) may be a minimum distance between a sub-bottom surface and a sub-upper surface thereof on the third direction axis DR3.

[0129] In one embodiment of the optical film OF, each of the n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SP(n-1), and SPn may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL. The n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SP(n-1), and SPn may be provided on the base portion BL in a sequential stacking type.

[0130] Each of the n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, . . . , SP(n-1), and SPn may include a sub-bottom surface closer to the base portion BL, a sub-upper surface facing the sub-bottom surface, and a side surface for connecting the sub-bottom surface and the sub-upper surface.

[0131] The sub-bottom surface of the first sub-protrusion SP1 adjacent to the base bottom BL among the n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SP(n-1), and SPn can become the bottom surface DS of the protrusion EP, and the sub-upper surface of the nth sub-protrusion SPn, which is the uppermost among the n sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SP(n-1), and SPn, can be the upper surface US of the protrusion EP.

[0132] In one embodiment of the optical film OF where n is 4, the separation interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is P It may be in the range of about 20 μm to about 30 μm. In such an embodiment, the separation interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is P It may be, for example, about 27.5 μm. The separation interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is P In one embodiment, the width W of the bottom surface DS is in the range of about 20 μm to about 30 μm. DS The width W of the bottom surface DS may be in the range of about 8 μm to about 21 μm. DS It may be, for example, about 16 μm. The separation interval W between adjacent protrusions EP is PIn one embodiment, the height H of the protrusion EP is in the range of about 20 μm to about 30 μm. EP It may be about 16 μm or greater. In such an embodiment, the height H of the protrusion EP EP It may be, for example, about 22 μm. The width W at the bottom surface DS DS In one embodiment, in the range of about 8 μm to about 21 μm, the width W of the upper surface US is US In one embodiment, the inclination angle θ formed by the bottom surface DS and the sub-inclined surfaces SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4 of the four sub-protrusions SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 is θ. 1 ,θ 2 ,θ 3 , and θ 4 The difference between the angles θ and θ may be in the range of about 5.5 degrees to about 6 degrees. 1 ,θ 2 ,θ 3 , and θ 4 Each difference (θ 1 -θ 2 ), (θ 2 -θ 3 ), and (θ 3 -θ 4 ) may be in the range of about 5.5 degrees to about 6 degrees. In one embodiment, for example, θ 1 can be about 87.1 degrees, θ 2 can be about 81.4 degrees, θ 3 can be approximately 75.5 degrees, and θ 4 It may be about 69.5 degrees. However, the shape, distance, and angle of the protrusion EP described above when n is 4 are purely exemplary, and the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0133] In an embodiment, side surfaces of the protrusions EP-a and EP-b included in the optical films OF-a and OF-b may include curved surfaces. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Examples of optical films OF-a and OF-b whose side surfaces include curved surfaces are shown.

[0134] In one embodiment, if Fig. 9 As shown in , the optical film OF-a includes a first pattern layer RP1-a and a second pattern layer RP2, and the protrusion EP-a may include a bottom surface DS, an upper surface US, and a side surface SS-a defined by a curved surface. The side surface SS-a may be a curved surface convex in the direction of the second pattern layer RP2.

[0135] In an alternative embodiment, Fig.10 As shown in , the optical film OF-b includes a first pattern layer RP1-b and a second pattern layer RP2, and the protrusion EP-b may include a bottom surface DS, an upper surface US, and a side surface SS-b including a curved surface. The side surface SS-b may include: a lower sub-side surface SS-S1 having an inclination angle θ of about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the bottom surface DS; and an upper sub-side surface SS-S2, which is a curved surface and protrudes in the direction of the second pattern layer RP2. The lower sub-side surface SS-S1 may be connected to the bottom surface DS, and the upper sub-side surface SS-S2 may be disposed between the sub-side surface SS-S1 and the upper surface US. In such an embodiment of the optical film OF-b, the protrusion EP-b may include: a lower sub-protrusion SP-S1, whose side surface (e.g., the lower sub-side surface SS-S1) has a straight line shape in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL; and an upper sub-protrusion SP-S2, whose side surface (e.g., the upper sub-side surface SS-S2) has a curved shape.

[0136] In a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL, the interval W between adjacent protrusions EP-a or EP-b is P And for example Fig. 9 The side surface SS-a of the protrusion EP-a in the optical film OF-a shown in FIG. Fig.10 The curvature radius R of the curved surface of the upper sub-side surface SS-S2 of the protrusion EP-b of the optical film OF-b shown in may satisfy the following inequality (3).

[0137] 1.5×W P ≤R≤4.0×W P ……………………(3)

[0138] In inequality (3), W P It is represented by dividing the width W of the bottom surface DS by DS The minimum distance W between the adjacent protrusion EP-a or EP-b LS The separation interval between adjacent protrusions EP-a or EP-b is obtained by adding, wherein W DS and W LS is a distance along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the first direction being an extending direction of the protrusion EP-a or EP-b, and R represents a radius of curvature of the curved surface.

[0139] In one embodiment, the curvature radius R of the curved surface included in the protrusion EP-a or EP-b of the optical film OF-a or OF-b may be in the range of about 40 μm to about 120 μm. Fig. 9The curvature radius of the side surface SS-a of the protrusion EP-a of one curved surface of the optical film OF-a shown in FIG. Fig.10 The curvature radius of the upper sub-side surface SS-S2 in the optical film OF-b shown in the figure may be in the range of about 40 μm to about 120 μm. In one embodiment, for example, the curvature radius R of the curved surface included in the protrusion EP-a or EP-b of the optical film OF-a or OF-b may be in the range of about 40 μm to about 60 μm.

[0140] In such Fig.10 In one embodiment of the optical film OF-b shown in FIG. 1 , the height H of the lower sub-protrusion SP-S1 in the optical film OF-b is S1 and the total height H of the protrusion EP-b EP The ratio may be in the range of about 0.15 to about 0.25.

[0141] In reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the embodiments of the optical films OF-a and OF-b described above, the separation interval W between adjacent protrusions EP-a and EP-b is P , the width W of the bottom surface DS of the protrusions EP-a and EP-b DS Width W from the upper surface US US The ratio of the protrusions EP-a and EP-b is P The width W of the bottom surface DS of the protrusions EP-a and EP-b is DS The ratio of EP-a and EP-b, and the separation interval W between the protrusions EP-a and EP-b P The height H of the protrusions EP-a and EP-b EP The relationship between Figures 6 to 8 The relationship is the same as described above, and any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] In reference Figures 6 to 10 In the above-mentioned embodiments of the optical films OF, OF-a, and OF-b, the refractive index value of the first pattern layer RP1, RP1-a, or RP1-b is less than the refractive index value of the second pattern layer RP2. In one embodiment of the display device DD, the first pattern layer RP1, RP1-a, or RP1-b can be arranged closer to the liquid crystal display panel DP than the second pattern layer RP2.

[0143] An embodiment of an optical film, in which the side surface of a protrusion included in a pattern layer includes a plurality of sub-inclined surfaces having different inclination angles from each other, or the side surface includes a curved surface, can help enhance the optical characteristics of a display device. In one embodiment, for example, the optical film can effectively prevent a phenomenon in which brightness varies unevenly across viewing angles in the direction of the side surface, and can help achieve a display device with improved brightness characteristics. In such an embodiment, by including the optical film on a liquid crystal display panel, the display device can have enhanced viewing angle characteristics.

[0144] Fig.11 : is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical film OF' in a comparative example. The optical film OF' in the comparative example includes: a first pattern layer RP1' including a protrusion EP' having a trapezoidal shape in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion BL'; and a second pattern layer RP2' disposed on the first pattern layer RP1'. The optical film OF' in the comparative example has a side surface SS' having a shape different from that of the side surface SS of the optical film OF in the exemplary embodiment. In the comparative example, the side surface SS' of the protrusion EP' in the optical film OF' has a certain inclination angle θ relative to the bottom surface DS. r Sloped flat or straight shapes.

[0145] In the following, reference will be made to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C as well as FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The viewing angle characteristic evaluation of the comparative example and the embodiment is described in detail. In the viewing angle characteristic evaluation of the comparative example and the embodiment, the separation interval W between the adjacent protrusions EP' of the optical film OF' in the comparative example P , the width W of the bottom surface DS DS and the width W of the upper surface US US The separation interval W between the adjacent protrusions EP' of the optical film OF in the embodiment is P , the width W of the bottom surface DS DS and the width W of the upper surface US US The inclination angle θ of the side surface SS' in the comparative example is r It is about 87.1 degrees.

[0146] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C and FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Evaluation results of viewing angle characteristics of a display device including an optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention and a display device including an optical film according to a comparative example are shown.

[0147] Fig. 12A Shown for including Fig.11 1 and 2 show the evaluation results of the brightness characteristics of the display device according to the viewing angle of the optical film OF′ of the comparative example shown in FIG. Fig. 12BThe evaluation results of the brightness characteristics of a display device including an optical film of an embodiment in which n is 3 (ie, the side surface includes three sub-surfaces having mutually different inclination angles) are shown. Fig. 12C The luminance characteristic evaluation results of a display device including an optical film of an embodiment where n is 4 (ie, the side surface includes four sub-surfaces with different inclination angles) are shown. In the evaluation, the remaining configurations except the optical film are provided identically in the comparative example and the embodiment.

[0148] refer to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C , when compared with the comparative example, the problem of brightness non-uniformity in the side viewing angle is improved in the embodiment. Fig. 12A As shown in FIG. 1 , in the comparative example, the brightness variation characteristic appears relatively large in the viewing angle direction of about 30 degrees to the left and right relative to the front direction of about 0 degrees, whereas Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C In the embodiment of the present invention, in the viewing angle direction of about 30 degrees, the brightness variation is relatively reduced, and the brightness uniformity is increased. Figures 6 to 8 The lateral display quality in the display device of the optical film of one embodiment configured as described above can be improved over the lateral display quality in the display device including the optical film of the comparative example.

[0149] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The optical characteristic evaluation results of the display devices in the comparative example and the embodiment are shown, in which the side surface of the protrusion included in the optical film has a curved surface shape. Fig.13A A comparative example is shown in which the relationship between the separation interval between adjacent protrusions and the curvature radius of the side surface of the protrusion does not satisfy the inequality (3) described above. Fig.13A The optical film used in the comparative example shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the side surface of the protrusion with a separation interval W between adjacent protrusions. P The case is bent with a radius of curvature that is eight times greater than that of the original case. Fig. 13B The side surfaces of the protrusions correspond to the separation interval W between adjacent protrusions. P The curvature radius is twice that of the curved case, and Fig. 13C The side surfaces of the protrusions correspond to the separation interval W between adjacent protrusions. P The case of a bend with a radius of curvature that is four times that of the original.

[0150] and Fig. 12A Compared with the comparative example in Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C The embodiment has improved optical properties in the viewing angle direction. Fig.13A Compared with the comparative example, Fig. 13B and 13C The embodiments have improved optical properties in the viewing angle direction.

[0151] Therefore, in the Figures 9 and 10 In the display device of the optical film of one embodiment configured as described above, the lateral display quality can be improved compared with the lateral display quality of the comparative example.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the optical film may include a protrusion having a side surface including a plurality of sub-inclined surfaces, or include a protrusion having a side surface including a curved surface, so that the side viewing angle characteristics of a display device including the optical film can be improved by expanding the dispersion direction of light incident into the optical film and by preventing the phenomenon of light emitted at a specific angle from being concentrated.

[0153] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD-1 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Except for omitting the adhesive layer AD, Fig.14 A display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and Figures 1 to 3 The display device DD of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same. Fig.14 The same or similar elements shown in FIG. 1 have been used as those used to describe Figures 1 to 3 The display device DD of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 , and any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified hereinafter.

[0155] In one embodiment, if Fig.14 As shown in , the display device DD-1 may include: a light source member LU disposed under the liquid crystal display panel DP; and an optical member OU disposed on the liquid crystal display panel DP and including an optical film OF.

[0156] In such an embodiment, the optical film OF in the display device DD-1 includes a first pattern layer RP1 and a second pattern layer RP2. The difference between the refractive index of the first pattern layer RP1 and the refractive index of the second pattern layer RP2 may be greater than about 0.1. The refractive index of the first pattern layer RP1 is less than the refractive index of the second pattern layer RP2, and the first pattern layer RP1 may be disposed closer to the liquid crystal display panel DP.

[0157] In such an embodiment, the optical film OF in the display device DD-1 is similar to the reference film OF in the display device DD-1. Figures 5 to 10 The optical films OF, OF-a, and OF-b described above are substantially the same, and any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] In such an embodiment, the first pattern layer RP1 in the optical film OF may be used as an adhesive layer. The first pattern layer RP1 may be used as an adhesive member for combining the polarization layer POL-T and the optical member OU of the liquid crystal display panel DP adjacent to each other. In an embodiment, for example, the first pattern layer RP1 may be an optically transparent adhesive layer.

[0159] In such an embodiment, the optical film OF in the display device DD-1 may be directly disposed on the liquid crystal display panel DP. In such an embodiment, the adhesive layer AD between the liquid crystal display panel DP and the optical member OU may be omitted.

[0160] In one embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the optical member OU may further include an organic layer (not shown) between the optical film OF and the base film BS. The organic layer (not shown) may be disposed between the second pattern layer RP2 and the base film BS, and may be a primer layer for increasing the adhesion of the optical film OF to the base film BS. The refractive index value of the organic layer (not shown) is not limited, and may be the same as the refractive index value of the first pattern layer RP1 or the second pattern layer RP2. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may include an optical film having two pattern layers having refractive indices different from each other and disposed on a liquid crystal display panel, so that the display device is allowed to have improved viewing angle characteristics and brightness characteristics.

[0162] In an embodiment of the present invention, the optical film includes a protrusion, each of which has a side surface defined by a plurality of sub-inclined surfaces in the optical pattern layer, or includes a protrusion, each of which has a side surface including a curved surface, and thus an optical scattering effect is increased in the side surface of the protrusion. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the display device can have an improved display quality. In an embodiment of the present invention, the optical film includes a protrusion, wherein the separation intervals of adjacent protrusions, the number of sub-inclined surfaces defining the side surface of the protrusion, the inclination angle of the sub-inclined surface, the radius of curvature when the side surface includes a curved surface, and the size of the protrusion are adjusted or determined in various ways as described herein, and thus the display device can have an improved display quality.

[0163] An embodiment may provide an optical film by which the display quality of a display device may be improved by including a pattern layer having a shape of a protrusion optimized.

[0164] An embodiment may provide a display device having improved display quality in a side viewing direction by including an optical film in which the side shape, size, and arrangement interval of protrusions in a pattern layer are optimized.

[0165] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0166] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An optical film, wherein: The optical film comprises: A first pattern layer comprising a base portion and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base portion, wherein the first pattern layer has a first refractive index; and A second pattern layer, disposed on the first pattern layer, wherein the second pattern layer has a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index; Wherein, each of the protrusions comprises: a bottom surface adjacent to the base; an upper surface opposite to and parallel to the bottom surface; and a side surface disposed between the bottom surface and the upper surface, The side surface includes a curved surface protruding in the direction of the second pattern layer, wherein, on a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the separation interval of adjacent protrusions and the curvature radius of the curved surface satisfy the following inequality: 1.5×W P ≤R≤4.0×W P , Among them, W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction, and R represents the radius of curvature of the curved surface.

2. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein A ratio of a width of the upper surface to a width of the bottom surface in a cross section perpendicular to the base portion is in a range of 0.35 to 0.

50.

3. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein Each of the protrusions extends in a first direction, and The protrusions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

4. The optical film according to claim 3, wherein: The pitch of the protrusions is in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm.

5. The optical film according to claim 3, wherein: In a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the intervals between adjacent protrusions and the width of the bottom surface satisfy the following inequality: 0.4×W P ≤W DS ≤0.7×W P , Among them, W DS represents the width of the bottom surface, and W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being distances in the second direction.

6. The optical film according to claim 3, wherein: In a cross section perpendicular to the base portion, the interval between adjacent protrusions and the height of each of the protrusions satisfy the following inequality: H EP / W P ≥0.8, Among them, W P represents the separation interval obtained by adding the width of the bottom surface and the minimum distance between the adjacent protrusions, the width and the minimum distance being the distances in the second direction, and H EP The height is expressed as the minimum distance between the bottom surface and the upper surface.

7. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein: The curved surface has a radius of curvature in a range of 40 μm to 120 μm.

8. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein: The side surface comprises: a lower sub-side surface connected to the bottom surface and having an inclination angle in a range of 85 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the bottom surface; and A sub-curved surface is disposed between the lower sub-side surface and the upper surface, wherein the sub-curved surface is convex in a direction of the second pattern layer.

9. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein: A difference between the first refractive index and the second refractive index is 0.1 or more.

10. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: Liquid crystal display panel; and The optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 9, arranged on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display panel.

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