Display device including a light control panel

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device including an optical control panel. The optical control panel includes: a first substrate; an optical control layer including a plurality of first light-blocking portions and a plurality of second light-blocking portions, the plurality of first light-blocking portions and the plurality of second light-blocking portions being disposed on the first substrate, extending along a first direction, and spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second substrate disposed on the optical control layer. The plurality of first light-blocking portions and the plurality of second light-blocking portions are alternately arranged along the second direction. A first width of each of the plurality of first light-blocking portions in the second direction and a second width of each of the plurality of second light-blocking portions in the second direction are different from each other.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0170955, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 19, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an optical control panel and a display device including the optical control panel. Background Art

[0004] Organic light - emitting display devices (OLED devices) are regarded as next - generation display devices due to low voltage driving, light weight, thin profile, wide viewing angle, fast response, etc. Specifically, recently, research on display devices for vehicles has been carried out.

[0005] A display device for a vehicle includes a light control film (LCF), which controls a reflected image by blocking light toward a windshield of the vehicle to ensure the safety of a driver. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments provide an optical control panel that reduces moiré phenomena and ensures multiple viewing angles, and a display device including the optical control panel.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an optical control panel including: a first substrate; an optical control layer including a plurality of first light - blocking portions and a plurality of second light - blocking portions, the plurality of first light - blocking portions and the plurality of second light - blocking portions being disposed on the first substrate, extending along a first direction, and spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second substrate disposed on the optical control layer, wherein the plurality of first light - blocking portions and the plurality of second light - blocking portions are alternately arranged along the second direction, and wherein a first width of each of the plurality of first light - blocking portions in the second direction is different from a second width of each of the plurality of second light - blocking portions in the second direction.

[0008] A first distance may be different from a second distance, wherein the first distance is a distance in the second direction between a first light - blocking portion adjacent to a first side of a second light - blocking portion among the plurality of second light - blocking portions and the second light - blocking portion, and the second distance is a distance in the second direction between another first light - blocking portion adjacent to a second side of the second light - blocking portion and the second light - blocking portion.

[0009] Each of the first distance and the second distance may be in the range of 10 μm to 75 μm.

[0010] Each of the first width and the second width may be in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm. The ratio of the height in the third direction of each of the plurality of first light blocking portions to the first width and the ratio of the height in the third direction of each of the plurality of second light blocking portions to the second width may be in the range of 5:1 to 20:1, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction.

[0011] The plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions may include different light absorbing materials.

[0012] Each of the first substrate and the second substrate may have a light refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.8.

[0013] The light control layer may further include a light transmissive layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The light transmissive layer may be formed to surround the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions.

[0014] The light refractive index of the second substrate may be greater than that of the light transmissive layer.

[0015] The light control layer may further include a plurality of third light blocking portions, wherein the plurality of third light blocking portions are respectively disposed between a pair of adjacent first light blocking portion and second light blocking portion among the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device including a light control panel, wherein the light control panel includes: a first substrate; a light control layer including a plurality of first light blocking portions and a plurality of second light blocking portions, the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions are disposed on the first substrate, extend along a first direction, and are spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second substrate disposed on the light control layer, wherein the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions are alternately arranged along the second direction, wherein a first distance is different from a second distance, wherein the first distance is the distance in the second direction between a first light blocking portion adjacent to a first side of a second light blocking portion among the plurality of second light blocking portions and the second light blocking portion, and the second distance is the distance in the second direction between another first light blocking portion adjacent to a second side of the second light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion.

[0017] The display device may include a display panel including a plurality of pixels, wherein the light control panel is disposed on the display panel. Each of the plurality of pixels may include a first electrode, a second electrode disposed opposite to the first electrode, and an organic emission layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0018] Each of the plurality of first light-blocking portions may have a first width in the second direction that is different from the second width in the second direction of each of the plurality of second light-blocking portions. Each of the first width and the second width may be in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm.

[0019] Each of the first distance and the second distance may be in the range of 10 μm to 75 μm.

[0020] The ratio of the height in the third direction to the first width of each of the plurality of first light-blocking portions and the ratio of the height in the third direction to the second width of each of the plurality of second light-blocking portions may be in the range of 5:1 to 20:1, where the third direction is perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction.

[0021] The first substrate and the second substrate may have a refractive index of light in the range of 1.3 to 1.8.

[0022] The light control layer may further include a light-transmitting layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The light-transmitting layer may be formed to surround the plurality of first light-blocking portions and the plurality of second light-blocking portions.

[0023] The refractive index of light of the second substrate may be greater than the refractive index of light of the light-transmitting layer.

[0024] The light control layer may further include a plurality of third light-blocking portions respectively disposed between a pair of adjacent first and second light-blocking portions among the plurality of first light-blocking portions and the plurality of second light-blocking portions.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a light control panel including a first substrate and a light control layer, wherein the light control layer includes a plurality of first light-blocking portions and a plurality of second light-blocking portions, the plurality of first light-blocking portions and the plurality of second light-blocking portions are alternately disposed on the first substrate, extend along a first direction, and are spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first light-blocking portions has a first width in the second direction that is different from the second width in the second direction of each of the plurality of second light-blocking portions, and wherein the ratio of the height in the third direction to the first width of each of the plurality of first light-blocking portions and the ratio of the height in the third direction to the second width of each of the plurality of second light-blocking portions are in the range of 5:1 to 20:1, where the third direction is perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction.

[0026] The light control panel may further include a second substrate disposed on the light control layer. The first distance is different from the second distance, where the first distance is the distance in the second direction between a first light blocking portion among the plurality of first light blocking portions that is adjacent to a first side of a second light blocking portion among the plurality of second light blocking portions and the second light blocking portion, and the second distance is the distance in the second direction between another first light blocking portion among the plurality of first light blocking portions that is adjacent to a second side of the second light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a plan view of a light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in

[0029] Figure 3 is a plan view of a light control panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' in

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates a method for simulating a viewing angle of a light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are graphs of viewing angle simulation results of a light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, these exemplary embodiments may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0036] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, dimensions may be exaggerated. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, the element may be the only element between the two elements, or there may also be one or more intervening elements. The same reference numerals may denote the same elements throughout.

[0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a plan view of a light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in

[0039] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, according to an embodiment, the light control panel LCP includes a first substrate SUB1, a light control layer LCL, and a second substrate SUB2. The first substrate SUB1, the light control layer LCL, and the second substrate SUB2 are stacked in sequence.

[0040] Each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the rigid substrate may be one of a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a glass-ceramic substrate, and a crystallized glass substrate.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the flexible substrate may be one of a plastic substrate and a film substrate including a polymer organic material. For example, the flexible substrate may include one of polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In addition, the flexible substrate may include fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0043] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, all or at least a part of each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be flexible. Each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 is a transparent substrate through which light can transmit. That is, the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are formed of a transparent material.

[0044] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light control layer LCL includes a first light blocking portion LB1 and a second light blocking portion LB2. The first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 extend along a first direction DR1 on the first substrate SUB1. In addition, the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other along a second direction DR2 that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, according to an embodiment, the first light blocking part LB1 and the second light blocking part LB2 are alternately arranged with each other along the second direction DR2. Each of the first light blocking parts LB1 has a first width d1 along the second direction DR2. All the first light blocking parts LB1 may have the same first width d1, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the first light blocking parts LB1 have different first widths d1.

[0046] According to an embodiment, each of the second light blocking parts LB2 has a second width d2 along the second direction DR2. All the second light blocking parts LB2 may have the same second width d2, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the second light blocking parts LB2 have different second widths d2.

[0047] In various embodiments, the first width d1 of the first light blocking part LB1 and the second width d2 of the second light blocking part LB2 are different from each other. The first light blocking part LB1 and the second light blocking part LB2 are alternately arranged on the first substrate SUB1, and the first width d1 of the first light blocking part LB1 and the second width d2 of the second light blocking part LB2 are different from each other, so that moiré phenomena can be suppressed when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel, and thus the viewing angle of the light control panel LCP can be controlled differently.

[0048] In various embodiments, each of the first width d1 and the second width d2 is about 5 μm to about 20 μm. Specifically, the first width d1 of the first light blocking part LB1 may be in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm, 10 μm to 18 μm, 15 μm to 17 μm, or 16 μm to 20 μm. In addition, the second width d2 of the second light blocking part LB2 may be in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm, 8 μm to 15 μm, 10 μm to 14 μm, or 15 μm to 18 μm.

[0049] According to an embodiment, when the first width d1 of the first light blocking part LB1 and the second width d2 of the second light blocking part LB2 are within the above ranges, the viewing angle of the light control panel LCP can be ensured more differently. In addition, when the first width d1 of the first light blocking part LB1 and the second width d2 of the second light blocking part LB2 are controlled to be within these ranges, moiré phenomena that may occur when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel can be reduced.

[0050] Although in Figure 1 and Figure 2An embodiment is shown in which the first width d1 of the first light-blocking portion LB1 is greater than the second width d2 of the second light-blocking portion LB2, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, different from the embodiments shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the embodiment shown, the first width d1 of the first light-blocking portion LB1 is less than the second width d2 of the second light-blocking portion LB2.

[0051] According to an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first light-blocking portion LB1 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are alternately arranged, and thus, one second light-blocking portion LB2 is provided between two adjacent first light-blocking portions LB1. Similarly, one first light-blocking portion LB1 is provided between two adjacent second light-blocking portions LB2.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first light-blocking portion LB1 adjacent to the first side EP1 of the second light-blocking portion LB2 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance p1 in the second direction DR2. In addition, another first light-blocking portion LB1 adjacent to the second side EP2 of the second light-blocking portion LB2 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance p2 in the second direction DR2.

[0053] In other words, according to an embodiment, any first light-blocking portion LB1 adjacent to the first side EP1 of the second light-blocking portion LB2 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance p1 in the second direction DR2. In addition, another first light-blocking portion LB1 adjacent to the second side EP2 of the second light-blocking portion LB2 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance p2 in the second direction DR2. In other words, the first light-blocking portion LB1 facing the first side EP1 of the second light-blocking portion LB2 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance p1 in the second direction DR2. In addition, another first light-blocking portion LB1 facing the second side EP2 of the second light-blocking portion LB2 and the second light-blocking portion LB2 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance p2 in the second direction DR2. The first distance p1 and the second distance p2 are different from each other. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first distance p1 is less than the second distance p2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the first distance p1 is greater than the second distance p2.

[0054] According to an embodiment, a first distance p1 and a second distance p2 between the first light blocking part LB1 and the second light blocking part LB2 are different from each other, thereby suppressing a moiré phenomenon when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel, and thereby the viewing angle of the light control panel LCP can be controlled differently.

[0055] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first distance p1 and the second distance p2 is in the range of 10 μm to 75 μm. Specifically, the first distance p1 may be in the range of 20 μm to 70 μm, 30 μm to 60 μm, or 35 μm to 55 μm. In addition, the second distance p2 may be in the range of 15 μm to 65 μm, 25 μm to 50 μm, or 30 μm to 45 μm.

[0056] According to an embodiment, by controlling the first distance p1 and the second distance p2 within the above ranges, a moiré phenomenon is suppressed when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel.

[0057] Referring to Figure 2 , according to an embodiment, each of the first light blocking parts LB1 has a first height h1 in a third direction DR3 perpendicular to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. Each of the first light blocking parts LB1 has the same first height h1, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, each of the first light blocking parts LB1 has different first heights h1.

[0058] According to an embodiment, each of the second light blocking parts LB2 has a second height h2 in the third direction DR3. Each of the second light blocking parts LB2 has the same second height h2, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, each of the second light blocking parts LB2 has different second heights h2.

[0059] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of the first height h1 to the first width d1 of each of the first light blocking parts LB1 is in the range of 5:1 to 20:1. Specifically, the ratio of the first height h1 to the first width d1 of each of the first light blocking parts LB1 may be in the range of 7:1 to 18:1 or 10:1 to 15:1. In addition, the ratio of the second height h2 to the second width d2 of each of the second light blocking parts LB2 is in the range of 5:1 to 20:1. Specifically, the ratio of the second height h2 to the second width d2 of each of the second light blocking parts LB2 may be in the range of 7:1 to 18:1 or 10:1 to 15:1.

[0060] According to an embodiment, when the ratio of the first height h1 to the first width d1 of each of the first light blocking portions LB1 and the ratio of the second height h2 to the second width d2 of each of the second light blocking portions LB2 are controlled within the above ranges, the viewing angle of the light control panel LCP can be ensured more differently.

[0061] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2 include a light absorbing material. By including the light absorbing material, the first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2 can prevent light from transmitting through them. The first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2 are formed of an opaque material.

[0062] According to an embodiment, light absorbing materials known in the art can be adopted and used in the first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2 without limitation thereto. For example, the light absorbing material may include dark pigments such as black pigments or gray pigments, dark dyes, metals such as aluminum or silver, metal oxides, or dark polymers.

[0063] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, different light absorbing materials are included in the first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2. The first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2 include different light absorbing materials, so that moiré phenomena that may occur when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel can be further reduced.

[0064] However, according to an embodiment, depending on the design of the light control panel LCP, the same light absorbing material may be included in the first light blocking portions LB1 and the second light blocking portions LB2.

[0065] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light control layer LCL includes a light transmissive layer TL disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The light transmissive layer TL allows light to transmit through it and includes a transparent resin. For example, the light transmissive layer TL may include one of polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).

[0066] As Figure 2As shown, according to an embodiment, the light transmissive layer TL is disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 in the third direction DR3. The light transmissive layer TL substantially completely fills the space between the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 disposed on the first substrate SUB1, and forms a layer between the top surfaces of the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 and the second substrate SUB2. That is, the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are disposed in the light transmissive layer TL.

[0067] By a method used in the art, the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are disposed in the light transmissive layer TL. For example, an adhesive layer may be disposed on the first substrate SUB1, and the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 may be attached to the adhesive layer. Subsequently, a transparent resin composition is disposed on the adhesive layer to which the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are attached, and the light transmissive layer TL is formed by curing the transparent resin composition.

[0068] In another example, a transparent resin composition is applied to a release film, and then imprinting is performed using a mold in which the shapes of the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are embossed. The light transmissive layer TL is formed by curing the transparent resin composition in the imprinting process. Subsequently, the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are formed by removing the mold, filling the engraved pattern formed in the light transmissive layer TL with a light absorbing material, and curing the light absorbing material. The light transmissive layer TL in which the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are disposed is adhered to the first substrate SUB1.

[0069] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 has a light refractive index between 1.3 and 1.8. When the first substrate SUB1 is attached to a display panel to be described below, the light refractive index of the second substrate SUB2 is greater than that of the first substrate SUB1.

[0070] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light transmissive layer TL has a light refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.8. In addition, the light refractive index of the second substrate SUB2 is greater than that of the light transmissive layer TL. Specifically, when the first substrate SUB1 is attached to a display panel to be described below, the light refractive index of the second substrate SUB2 is greater than that of the light transmissive layer TL.

[0071] According to an embodiment, when the light control panel LCP is incorporated into a display device, the refractive index of light of the second substrate SUB2 disposed at the outermost portion is greater than the refractive index of light of the light transmission layer TL, so that the viewing angle of the display device including the light control panel LCP can be more easily ensured.

[0072] Figure 3 is a plan view of a light control panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in

[0073] In the embodiment, parts different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described to avoid redundancy. Parts not specifically described in this embodiment are similar to those of the above-described embodiment. In addition, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and similar reference numerals denote similar components. This is the same as the embodiments to be described below.

[0074] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in

[0075] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 according to an embodiment, the third light blocking portion LB3 extends along a first direction DR1 on the first substrate SUB1. In addition, the third light blocking portion LB3 is spaced apart from the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 in a second direction DR2.

[0076] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in

[0077] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a first distance p1 between the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 between which the third light blocking portion LB3 is disposed is greater than a second distance p2 between the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 between which the third light blocking portion LB3 is not disposed.

[0078] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the third light blocking portions LB3 has a third width d3 in the second direction DR2. The third light blocking portions LB3 have the same third width d3, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the third light blocking portions LB3 have different third widths d3.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the third width d3 of the third light blocking portion LB3 is different from the first width d1 of the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second width d2 of the second light blocking portion LB2. The third width d3 of the third light blocking portion LB3 is different from the first width d1 and the second width d2, so that moiré phenomenon can be suppressed when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel, and thus the viewing angle of the light control panel LCP can be controlled differently.

[0080] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the third width d3 of the third light blocking portion LB3 is in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm. Specifically, the range of the third width d3 of the third light blocking portion LB3 may be in the range of 5 μm to 10 μm or 12 μm to 16 μm.

[0081] Refer to Figure 4 , according to an embodiment, each of the third light blocking portions LB3 has a third height h3 in the third direction DR3 on the first substrate SUB1. The third light blocking portions LB3 have the same third height h3, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the third light blocking portions LB3 have different third heights h3.

[0082] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of the third height h3 of each of the third light blocking portions LB3 to the third width d3 is in the range of 5:1 to 20:1. Specifically, the ratio of the third height h3 of each of the third light blocking portions LB3 to the third width d3 may be in the range of 7:1 to 18:1 or 10:1 to 15:1.

[0083] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in, according to an embodiment, the third light blocking portion LB3 is disposed between a pair of adjacent first light blocking portions LB1 and second light blocking portions LB2 among the plurality of first light blocking portions LB1 and the plurality of second light blocking portions LB2. Disposing the third light blocking portion LB3 between a pair of adjacent first light blocking portions LB1 and second light blocking portions LB2 among the plurality of first light blocking portions LB1 and the plurality of second light blocking portions LB2 can suppress moiré phenomenon when the light control panel LCP is combined with the display panel.

[0084] Figure 5Is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 Is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 5 Line III-III' in

[0085] Referring to Figure 5 And Figure 6 According to an embodiment, the display device DD includes a display panel DP and a light control panel LCP. The light control panel LCP is disposed on a light-emitting surface of the display panel DP, wherein light emitted from pixels in the display panel DP is radiated from the light-emitting surface.

[0086] As Figure 6 Shown in

[0087] According to an embodiment, a plurality of pixels PX are disposed in a display area of the display panel DP. A driving unit for driving the pixels PX and a part of a line unit connecting the pixels PX and the driving unit are disposed in a non-display area of the display panel DP.

[0088] According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of pixels PX is a unit for displaying an image. The pixels PX emit white light or colored light. Each pixel PX emits one of red light, green light, and blue light, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, each pixel PX emits one of cyan light, magenta light, yellow light, and white light.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX are arranged in a matrix form. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the pixels PX are arranged in various other forms.

[0090] According to an embodiment, each of the pixels PX includes a display element connected to a thin film transistor. The display element may be any one of a liquid crystal display element (LCD element), an electrophoretic display element (EPD element), an electro-wetting display element (EWD element), or an organic light-emitting display element (OLED element). Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the case of using an OLED element as the display element is described as an example.

[0091] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the pixels PX includes a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2 opposite to the first electrode EL1, and an organic emission layer EML disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0092] As Figure 6As shown, according to an embodiment, a first electrode EL1 is disposed on a pixel circuit layer PCL, an organic emission layer EML is disposed on the first electrode EL1, and a second electrode EL2 is disposed on the organic emission layer EML.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the first electrode EL1 includes a reflective layer, which includes one or more of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), or titanium (Ti) and their compounds. The first electrode EL1 further includes a transparent layer having a high work function formed on the reflective layer. The transparent layer includes one of indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. In addition, the first electrode EL1 may include various other materials known in the art. The first electrode EL1 is an anode electrode.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the second electrode EL2 is a transmissive electrode. For example, the second electrode EL2 is formed with a semi-transmissive layer formed very thinly using a metal having a low work function (such as an alkali metal such as lithium (Li) or cesium (Cs), an alkaline earth metal such as magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), or strontium (Sr), or their compounds). The second electrode EL2 further includes a transparent conductive layer formed on the top or bottom of the semi-transmissive layer of the metal. The transparent conductive layer includes indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. The second electrode EL2 is a cathode electrode.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the organic emission layer EML is disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. A hole transport layer and a hole injection layer may be formed between the first electrode EL1 and the organic emission layer EML. In addition, an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer may be formed between the organic emission layer EML and the second electrode EL2. The organic emission layer EML includes one of a red emission layer, a green emission layer, and a blue emission layer.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the pixel circuit layer PCL includes a driving transistor, a switching transistor, a storage capacitor, etc. The driving transistor includes a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The first electrode EL1 is electrically connected to the drain electrode of the driving transistor in the pixel circuit layer PCL.

[0097] Referring to Figure 6 , according to an embodiment, a pixel defining layer PDL is defined between the first electrodes EL1, and the pixel defining layer PDL overlaps with the ends of the plurality of first electrodes EL1 to define a sub-pixel region in the first electrodes EL1. For example, the sub-pixel region corresponds to the organic emission layer EML between adjacent pixel defining layers PDL.

[0098] According to an embodiment, sub-pixel regions defined by a pixel defining layer PDL output different colors. For example, a sub-pixel region including a red emission layer for emitting red light, a sub-pixel region including a green emission layer for emitting green light, and a sub-pixel region including a blue emission layer for emitting blue light are arranged in sequence.

[0099] As Figure 6 shown, according to an embodiment, a display panel DP includes a encapsulation layer ENC disposed on a second electrode EL2. The encapsulation layer ENC is formed of a transparent material such that light emitted from a pixel PX passes through the encapsulation layer ENC.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the encapsulation layer ENC may include glass, a transparent film, or an organic layer. In addition, the encapsulation layer ENC includes a plurality of organic layers and a plurality of inorganic layers stacked alternately. For example, in some embodiments, the encapsulation layer ENC has a structure in which organic layers and inorganic layers are stacked alternately therein.

[0101] Referring to Figure 6 , according to an embodiment, the display panel DP includes a cover layer CVL disposed on the encapsulation layer ENC, a polarization layer POL disposed on the cover layer CVL, and a first adhesive layer ADH1 disposed on the polarization layer POL. The cover layer CVL is formed of a transparent material such that light emitted from the pixel PX passes through the cover layer CVL. The cover layer CVL prevents oxygen, moisture, etc. from penetrating into the pixel PX.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the polarization layer POL is a polarizing film or a polarizing plate. In some embodiments, the polarization layer POL is replaced by a color filter. The polarization layer POL prevents reflection of external light, thereby improving the visibility of light emitted from each pixel PX.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the first adhesive layer ADH1 is an optically clear adhesive (OCA) that allows light to pass through it. The first adhesive layer ADH1 has a refractive index of 1.3 to 1.8.

[0104] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, according to an embodiment, a light control panel LCP is disposed on the display panel DP. Specifically, a first substrate SUB1 of the light control panel LCP is attached to the first adhesive layer ADH1 of the display panel DP. The light control panel LCP of the display device DD is the light control panel LCP described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 .

[0105] Referring to Figure 6, according to an embodiment, a second adhesive layer ADH2 is provided on the first substrate SUB1. The second adhesive layer ADH2 is an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) that allows light to transmit therethrough. The second adhesive layer ADH2 has a refractive index of 1.3 to 1.8. The refractive indices of the first adhesive layer ADH1 and the second adhesive layer ADH2 may be equal to or different from each other.

[0106] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 , according to an embodiment, a light control layer LCL is provided on the second adhesive layer ADH2, and a second substrate SUB2 is provided on the light control layer LCL. A first light blocking portion LB1 and a second light blocking portion LB2 are attached to the second adhesive layer ADH2. The first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are alternately arranged on the second adhesive layer ADH2, and a first width d1 of the first light blocking portion LB1 and a second width d2 of the second light blocking portion LB2 are different from each other. A light transmission layer TL is formed to surround the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2.

[0107] A light control panel LCP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on a display panel DP, so that the occurrence of moiré phenomena in the display device DD can be reduced, and the viewing angle of an image output from the display device DD can be controlled differently.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the display device DD is applicable to a vehicle. Specifically, the display device DD may be located at the lower side of a windshield of the vehicle to display various information to a driver.

[0109] Figure 7 A method for simulating the viewing angle of a light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8A And Figure 8B is a graph of the viewing angle simulation result of a light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] As Figure 7 shown, according to an embodiment, by simulation, viewing angles θ3 and θ4 are measured, where the viewing angles θ3 and θ4 are the angles of light emitted from the organic emission layer EML of a pixel PX and transmitted through the light control panel LCP.

[0111] Specifically, according to an embodiment, by emitting at an angle θ1, an angle θ3 is obtained, which is the maximum viewing angle at which an experimenter can recognize the light emitted from the organic emission layer EML and transmitted through the light control panel LCP. In addition, by emitting at an angle θ2, an angle θ4 is obtained, which is the maximum viewing angle at which an experimenter can recognize the light emitted from the organic emission layer EML and transmitted through the light control panel LCP.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the refractive index of the second substrate SUB2 is set to 1.6, and the refractive index of air is set to 1.0. In addition, the first width d1 of the first light blocking portion LB1 is set to 15 μm, and the second width d2 of the second light blocking portion LB2 is set to 10 μm. In addition, the distances sp1 and sp2 between the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 are set to 60 μm.

[0113] Subsequently, according to an embodiment, the field of view angles θ3 and θ4 with respect to the reference line RL are obtained respectively, while moving the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 5 μm along the simulation direction SDR.

[0114] In addition, according to an embodiment, a simulation for obtaining the field of view angles θ3 and θ4, which is the same as the simulation of the method described above, is performed on the light control panel LCP having only the first light blocking portion LB1 in the light control layer LCL. The refractive index of the second substrate SUB2 is set to 1.6, and the refractive index of air is set to 1.0. The first width d1 of the first light blocking portion LB1 is set to 15 μm, and the distances sp1 and sp2 between the first light blocking portions LB1 are set to 60 μm.

[0115] In addition, according to an embodiment, a simulation for obtaining the field of view angles θ3 and θ4, which is the same as the simulation of the method described above, is performed on the light control panel LCP having only the second light blocking portion LB2 in the light control layer LCL. The refractive index of the second substrate SUB2 is set to 1.6, and the refractive index of air is set to 1.0. The second width d2 of the second light blocking portion LB2 is set to 10 μm, and the distances sp1 and sp2 between the second light blocking portions LB2 are set to 60 μm.

[0116] The results of three simulations performed using the above method are shown in Table 1 and Table 2, where the units of the field of view angles θ3 and θ4 are degrees (°).

[0117] Table 1

[0118]

[0119] Table 2

[0120]

[0121]

[0122] The sum of the field of view angles θ3 and θ4 according to the results of three simulations performed using the above method is shown in Table 3 and Table 4, where the unit of the sum of the field of view angles θ3 and θ4 is degrees (°).

[0123] Table 3

[0124]

[0125] Table 4

[0126]

[0127] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are graphs showing the simulation results of the viewing angle of the light control panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 8A shows the simulation results for the viewing angle θ3 in Tables 1 and 2, while Figure 8B shows the simulation results for the viewing angle θ4 in Tables 1 and 2.

[0128] Referring to Tables 1 to 4 and Figure 8A and Figure 8B , according to the embodiment, it can be seen that by disposing the light control panel LCP according to the embodiment of the present disclosure on the display panel DP, the viewing angle of the display device DD can be controlled more diversely and easily.

[0129] That is, compared with a light control panel having a single light blocking portion arranged regularly, the light control panel LCP including the first light blocking portion LB1 and the second light blocking portion LB2 can control its viewing angle more precisely. In addition, through the light control panel LCP, light emitted in different directions is mixed, thereby reducing the moiré phenomenon.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a light control panel that can reduce the moiré phenomenon and ensure a variety of viewing angles, and a display device including the light control panel is provided.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion included in the light control panel have different widths, thereby suppressing the moiré phenomenon and ensuring a variety of viewing angles.

[0132] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, these terms are used only in a general and descriptive sense, or are to be interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as of the filing of this application, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features, characteristics, or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with features, characteristics, or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A light control panel, wherein the light control panel comprises: A first substrate; A light control layer including a plurality of first light blocking portions and a plurality of second light blocking portions, the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions being disposed on the first substrate, extending along a first direction, and being spaced apart from each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and A second substrate disposed on the light control layer, wherein the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions are alternately arranged along the second direction, wherein a first distance is different from a second distance, the first distance being the distance in the second direction between a first light blocking portion adjacent to a first side of a second light blocking portion among the plurality of second light blocking portions and the second light blocking portion, the second distance being the distance in the second direction between another first light blocking portion adjacent to a second side of the second light blocking portion among the plurality of first light blocking portions and the second light blocking portion, and wherein along a third direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, a first width of each of the plurality of first light blocking portions in the second direction is constant and a second width of each of the plurality of second light blocking portions in the second direction is constant, and the first width is different from the second width.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A display panel including a plurality of pixels, wherein the light control panel is disposed on the display panel, wherein each of the plurality of pixels comprises: A first electrode; A second electrode disposed opposite to the first electrode; and An organic emission layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first width and the second width is in the range of 5 μm to 20 μm.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first distance and the second distance is in the range of 10 μm to 75 μm.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The ratio of the height of each of the plurality of first light blocking portions in the third direction to the first width and the ratio of the height of each of the plurality of second light blocking portions in the third direction to the second width are in the range of 5:1 to 20:

1.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first substrate and the second substrate have a light refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.

8.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light control layer further includes a light transmission layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the light transmission layer is formed to surround the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The light refractive index of the second substrate is greater than that of the light transmission layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light control layer further includes a plurality of third light blocking portions, the plurality of third light blocking portions being respectively disposed between a pair of adjacent first light blocking portions and second light blocking portions among the plurality of first light blocking portions and the plurality of second light blocking portions.

Images