Light path control component and display device including the same

Abstract

According to an embodiment, the light path control component includes: a first substrate, to which light is incident from an external area; a first electrode, arranged on the upper surface of the first substrate; a second substrate, arranged above the first substrate; a second electrode, arranged on the lower surface of the second substrate; and a light conversion unit, arranged between the second electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit includes alternately arranged partition wall units and receiving units, each receiving unit having a light transmittance that changes according to the application of voltage, the refractive index of the partition wall unit is greater than the refractive index of the external area, and the difference between the refractive index of the partition wall unit and the refractive index of the external area is greater than 0.3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiment relates to a light path control member capable of improving front brightness and being switchable, and to a display device including the light path control member. Background Art

[0002] The light-shielding film blocks the transmission of light from the light source and is attached to the front of the display panel of a display device used in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, car navigation devices, vehicle touch screens, etc., so that when the display transmits the picture, the light-shielding film adjusts the viewing angle of the light according to the incident angle of the light to display clear image quality at the viewing angle required by the user.

[0003] In addition, the light-shielding film may be used for windows of vehicles, buildings, and the like to partially shield external light to prevent glare, or to prevent the interior from being visible from the outside.

[0004] That is, the light-shielding film can control the movement path of light, block light in a specific direction, and transmit light in a specific direction.

[0005] At the same time, this light-shielding film can be applied to a display device such as a navigation device or a vehicle instrument panel in a mobile device such as a vehicle. That is, the light-shielding film can be applied to various fields according to various uses.

[0006] In addition, the light-shielding film can be used in various environments of the user. For example, the light-shielding film can be used during the day or at night and can be applied to various environments, such as when the user needs a specific viewing angle or needs improved visibility.

[0007] However, since the light transmittance of the light shielding pattern of the light shielding film is fixed, users are limited in using the light shielding film in various environments.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an optical path control member having a new structure that can be applied to various usage environments. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The embodiment is directed to providing a light path control member that is driven in another mode according to application of voltage and has improved front brightness, and a display device including the same.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] According to an embodiment, the light path control component includes: a first substrate, to which light is incident from an external area; a first electrode, which is arranged on the upper surface of the first substrate; a second substrate, which is arranged above the first substrate; a second electrode, which is arranged on the lower surface of the second substrate; and a light conversion unit, which is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit includes alternately arranged partition wall units and receiving units, the receiving unit changes the light transmittance according to the application of voltage, the refractive index of the partition wall unit is greater than the refractive index of the external area, and the difference between the refractive index of the partition wall unit and the refractive index of the external area is greater than 0.3.

[0013] Beneficial effects

[0014] The light path control member according to the embodiment may include a light conversion unit in which light transmittance is changed according to application of a voltage.

[0015] That is, the light conversion unit of the light path control member according to the embodiment may be driven as a light blocking portion when no voltage is applied, and may be driven as a light transmitting portion when a voltage is applied.

[0016] Therefore, the light path control member according to the embodiment can be applied in various ways according to the use environment of the user.

[0017] In addition, the light-transmitting portion of the light-path control member according to the embodiment can be made wider while extending from the light-incident portion toward the light-emitting portion. Furthermore, when a voltage is applied, the light-absorbing particles move in the direction in which the width is narrowed, making it easier for the light-absorbing particles to move, thereby improving the efficiency of the light-path control member.

[0018] In addition, by setting the light transmission part to be spaced apart from the electrode in the direction of the viewing surface or the electrode in the direction opposite to the viewing surface, the reduction in light transmittance according to the light transmission part is reduced, so the brightness can be increased, thereby improving the visibility of the light path control component.

[0019] In addition, in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, the refractive index of the partition wall unit can be controlled. Specifically, when the optical path control member is driven in the first mode, i.e., the narrow viewing angle mode in which the receiving unit acts as a light shield, the refractive index of the receiving unit can be controlled so that the light transmittance in the lateral direction is reduced.

[0020] That is, the scattering angle of light scattered from the partition wall unit can be controlled by making the refractive index of the partition wall unit greater than that of the outer region while controlling the refractive index within a certain range.

[0021] Therefore, by controlling the scattering angle of light scattered from the partition wall unit, light passes through the interior of the partition wall unit at a sufficient distance, minimizing transmittance of light emitted in the lateral direction in the first mode, thereby improving efficiency of the light blocking mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light path control member according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are views showing a perspective view of a first substrate and a first electrode and a perspective view of a second substrate and a second electrode of a light path control member according to an embodiment, respectively.

[0024] Figures 4 to 7 are views showing various cross-sectional views of a light path control member according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a view showing a light path when the light path control member according to the embodiment is driven in the first mode.

[0026] Figures 10 to 17 1 and 2 are views for describing a method of manufacturing a light path control member according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a display device to which the light path control member according to the embodiment is applied.

[0028] Figure 19 and Figure 20 is a view for describing one embodiment of a display device to which the light path control member according to the embodiment is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to a part of the described embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms, and within the spirit and scope of the present invention, one or more of the embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced.

[0030] In addition, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having the same meaning as that commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present invention belongs, and terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0031] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, unless otherwise specified in the wording, a singular form may also include a plural form, and when described as "at least one (or more) of A (and), B and C", it may include at least one of all combinations that can be combined in A, B, C.

[0032] In addition, when describing the elements of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from other elements, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the elements.

[0033] In addition, when an element is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “combined” to another element, it may include not only the case where the element is directly “connected,” “coupled” or “combined” to the other element, but also the case where the element is “connected,” “coupled” or “combined” to the other element through another element between the element and the other element.

[0034] In addition, when described as being formed or arranged "on (above)" or "under (below)" each element, "on (above)" or "under (below)" may include not only the case where the two elements are directly connected to each other, but also the case where one or more other elements are formed or arranged between the two elements.

[0035] In addition, when expressed as “upper (above)” or “lower (lower)”, it may include not only an upper direction based on one element but also a lower direction based on the one element.

[0036] Hereinafter, a light path control member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The light path control member described below relates to a switchable light path control member that is driven in various modes according to application of voltage.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the light path control member according to the embodiment may include a first substrate 110 , a second substrate 120 , a first electrode 210 , a second electrode 220 , and a light conversion unit 300 .

[0038] The first substrate 110 may support the first electrode 210. The first substrate 110 may be rigid or flexible.

[0039] In addition, the first substrate 110 may be transparent. For example, the first substrate 110 may include a transparent substrate capable of transmitting light.

[0040] The first substrate 110 may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS), which are examples only, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0041] In addition, the first substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

[0042] In addition, the first substrate 110 may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the light path control member including the first substrate 110 may also be formed to have flexible, curved, or bent characteristics. Therefore, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be changed to various designs.

[0043] The first substrate 110 may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

[0044] The first electrode 210 may be provided on one surface of the first substrate 110. In detail, the first electrode 210 may be provided on an upper surface of the first substrate 110. That is, the first electrode 210 may be provided between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120.

[0045] The first electrode 210 may include a transparent conductive material, such as a metal oxide, such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or the like.

[0046] The first electrode 210 may be provided in a film shape on the first substrate 110. In detail, the light transmittance of the first electrode 210 may be about 80% or more.

[0047] The first electrode 210 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 mm.

[0048] Alternatively, the first electrode 210 may include various metals to achieve low resistance. For example, the first electrode 210 may include at least one metal selected from chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

[0049] Alternatively, the first electrode 210 may include a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the first electrode 210 may include a plurality of grid lines crossing each other and a plurality of grid openings formed by the grid lines.

[0050] Therefore, even if the first electrode includes metal, since the first electrode cannot be seen from the outside, visibility can be improved. In addition, the light transmittance is improved by the opening, so that the brightness of the light path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

[0051] The second substrate 120 may be disposed on the first substrate 110. In detail, the second substrate 120 may be disposed on the first electrode 210 on the first substrate 110.

[0052] The second substrate 120 may include a material capable of transmitting light, a transparent material, or a material that is the same as or similar to the first substrate 110 described above.

[0053] For example, the second substrate 120 may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS), which are only examples, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0054] In addition, the second substrate 120 may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

[0055] In addition, the second substrate 120 may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the light path control member including the second substrate 120 may also be formed to have flexible, curved or bent characteristics. Therefore, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be changed to various designs.

[0056] The second substrate 120 may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

[0057] The second electrode 220 may be provided on one surface of the second substrate 120. Specifically, the second electrode 220 may be provided on the lower surface of the second substrate 120. That is, the second electrode 220 may be provided on a surface on which the second substrate 120 faces the first substrate 110. That is, the second electrode 220 may be provided to face the first electrode 210 on the first substrate 110. That is, the second electrode 220 may be provided between the first electrode 210 and the second substrate 120.

[0058] The second electrode 220 may include a transparent conductive material, such as a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or the like.

[0059] The second electrode 220 may be provided in a film shape on the first substrate 110. In addition, the light transmittance of the second electrode 220 may be about 80% or more.

[0060] The second electrode 220 may have a thickness of 10 nm to about 50 nm.

[0061] Alternatively, the second electrode 220 may include various metals to achieve low resistance. For example, the second electrode 220 may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

[0062] Alternatively, the second electrode 220 may include a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the second electrode 220 may include a plurality of grid lines crossing each other and a plurality of grid openings formed by the grid lines.

[0063] Therefore, even if the second electrode 220 includes metal, visibility can be improved because the second electrode 220 is not visible from the outside. In addition, light transmittance is increased by the opening, so that the brightness of the light path control member according to the embodiment can be improved.

[0064] The light conversion unit 300 may be disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In detail, the light conversion unit 300 may be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0065] Reference Figures 4 to 7 , the light conversion unit 300 may include a partition wall unit 310 and a receiving unit 320 .

[0066] The partition wall unit 310 may be defined as a partition wall region for dividing a region of the light conversion unit, and the receiving unit 320 may be defined as a variable region changeable into a light blocking unit and a light transmitting unit according to application of a voltage.

[0067] The partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 may be alternately provided. The partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 may be provided with different widths. For example, the width of the partition wall unit 310 may be greater than the width of the receiving unit 320.

[0068] The partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 may be disposed to directly or indirectly contact at least one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 .

[0069] For example, the partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 may be disposed in direct contact with the first electrode 210 and in indirect contact with the second electrode 220. That is, the adhesive layer 400 for bonding the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be disposed on the light conversion unit 300, and the partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 may be disposed in indirect contact with the second electrode 220.

[0070] Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, a buffer layer for improving adhesion between the light conversion unit and the first electrode 210 may be provided between the light conversion unit and the first electrode 210, and the receiving unit 310 and the first electrode 210 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other.

[0071] The partition wall units 310 and the receiving units 320 may be alternately arranged. Specifically, the partition wall units 310 and the receiving units 320 may be alternately arranged. That is, each partition wall unit 310 may be arranged between adjacent receiving units 320, and each receiving unit 320 may be arranged between adjacent partition wall units 310.

[0072] The partition wall unit 310 may include a transparent material. The partition wall unit 310 may include a material that can transmit light.

[0073] The partition wall unit 310 may include a resin material. For example, the partition wall unit 310 may include a light-curable resin material. As an example, the partition wall unit 310 may include a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the partition wall unit 310 may include a polyurethane resin or an acrylic resin.

[0074] The partition wall unit 310 may transmit light incident on any one of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 toward the other substrate.

[0075] For example, in Figures 4 to 7 In the embodiment, light may be emitted in a direction of the first substrate 110, and the light may be incident on the first substrate 110. The partition wall unit 310 may transmit light, and the transmitted light may move in a direction of the second substrate 120.

[0076] The partition wall unit 310 may have a specific refractive index. Specifically, the partition wall unit 310 may be controlled to have a refractive index within a specific range to improve the light blocking effect. To this end, the partition wall unit 310 may further include an additive for controlling the refractive index.

[0077] The refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 will be described in detail below.

[0078] The receiving unit 320 may include a light conversion material including an electrolyte 320a and light absorbing particles 320b. In detail, the receiving unit 320 is filled with the electrolyte 320a, and a plurality of light absorbing particles 320b may be dispersed in the electrolyte 320a.

[0079] The electrolyte 320a may be a material for dispersing the light absorbing particles 320b. The electrolyte 320a may include a transparent material. The electrolyte 320a may include a paraffin solvent. Alternatively, the electrolyte 320a may include a material capable of transmitting light.

[0080] The light absorbing particles 320b may be disposed to be dispersed in the electrolyte 320a. In detail, a plurality of light absorbing particles 320b may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the electrolyte 320a.

[0081] The light absorbing particles 320b may have a color. For example, the light absorbing particles 320b may be black light absorbing particles. As an example, the light absorbing particles 320b may include carbon black. That is, the light absorbing particles 320b may be carbon black particles.

[0082] The light absorbing particles 320b may be formed in a spherical or round shape and may have a diameter of several nanometers.

[0083] The light transmittance of the receiving unit 320 may be changed by the light absorbing particles 320b. In detail, the receiving unit 320 may be changed into a light blocking portion and a light transmitting portion by changing the light transmittance due to the movement of the light absorbing particles 320b.

[0084] For example, the light path controlling member according to the embodiment may be changed from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode by voltages applied to the first and second electrodes 210 and 220 .

[0085] In detail, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the receiving unit 320 becomes a light blocking portion in the first mode, and light of a specific angle may be blocked by the receiving unit 320. That is, the user's viewing angle from the outside may be narrowed.

[0086] In addition, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the receiving unit 320 becomes a light transmitting portion in the second mode, and in the light path control member according to the embodiment, light can be transmitted through both the partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320. That is, the user's viewing angle from the outside can be widened.

[0087] The switching from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the conversion of the receiving unit 320 from the light blocking portion to the light transmitting portion, may be achieved by the movement of the light absorbing particles 320 b of the receiving unit 320 .

[0088] In detail, the receiving unit 320 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 .

[0089] In this case, when a voltage is not externally applied to the light path control member, the light absorbing particles 320b of the receiving unit 320 are uniformly dispersed in the electrolyte 320a, and light may be blocked by the light absorbing particles in the receiving unit 320. Therefore, in the first mode, the receiving unit 320 may be driven as a light blocking unit.

[0090] Alternatively, when a voltage is externally applied to the light path control member, the light absorbing particles 320b may move. For example, the light absorbing particles 320b may be moved toward one end or the other end of the receiving unit 320 by a voltage transmitted via the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. In other words, the light absorbing particles 320b may move from the receiving unit 320 toward the first electrode or the second electrode.

[0091] As a method for moving light-absorbing particles, first, the light-absorbing particles including carbon black can be charged. For example, micelles can be formed, and a charging effect can be generated by making the carbon black light-absorbing particles themselves negatively charged or by chemically introducing a functional group similar to a surfactant into the surface of the carbon black light-absorbing particles to charge the light-absorbing particles.

[0092] Subsequently, when voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and / or the second electrode 220, an electric field is formed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, and using the electrolyte 320a as a medium, the charged carbon black light, i.e., the light absorbing particles, can move toward the positive poles of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0093] That is, when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and / or the second electrode 220, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the light absorbing particles 320 b may be uniformly dispersed in the electrolyte 320 a to drive the receiving unit 320 as a light blocking portion.

[0094] In addition, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and / or the second electrode 220, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the light absorbing particles 320b may move in the electrolyte 320a toward the second electrode 220. That is, the light absorbing particles 320b move in one direction, and the receiving unit 320 may be driven as a light transmitting portion.

[0095] Therefore, the light path control member according to the embodiment can be driven in two modes according to the user's surrounding environment. That is, when the user requires light transmission only at a specific viewing angle, the receiving unit is driven as a light blocking unit, or in an environment where the user requires high brightness, a voltage can be applied to drive the receiving unit as a light transmitting unit.

[0096] Therefore, since the light path control member according to the embodiment can be implemented in two modes according to the needs of the user, the light path control member can be applied regardless of the environment of the user.

[0097] Meanwhile, the receiving unit 320 may be formed in various shapes.

[0098] Or, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the width of the receiving unit 320 may be changed while the receiving unit 320 extends from one end of the receiving unit 320 to the other end of the receiving unit 320 .

[0099] For example, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the receiving unit 320 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape. In detail, the receiving unit 320 may be formed such that the width of the receiving unit 320 becomes wider while extending from the first electrode 210 toward the second electrode 220.

[0100] That is, the width of the receiving unit 320 may narrow while extending from the user's field of view surface toward its opposite surface. In addition, when voltage is applied to the light conversion unit, the light absorbing particles of the receiving unit 320 may move in a direction in which the width of the receiving unit narrows.

[0101] That is, the width of the receiving unit 320 may become wider while extending from a light incident portion where light is incident toward a light emitting portion where light is emitted.

[0102] That is, the light absorbing particles of the receiving unit 320 may move toward the first electrode 210 .

[0103] Therefore, since the light absorbing particles move toward the opposite surface of the viewing surface rather than toward the viewing surface, light emitted toward the viewing surface can be prevented from being blocked, thereby improving the brightness of the light path control member.

[0104] In addition, since the light absorbing particles move from the wide area toward the narrow area, the light absorbing particles can move easily.

[0105] In addition, since the light absorbing particles move toward the narrow area of ​​the receiving unit, the amount of light transmitted toward the user's visual field surface increases, thereby improving the front brightness.

[0106] Alternatively, conversely, the receiving unit 320 may be formed such that the width of the receiving unit 320 becomes narrower while extending from the first electrode 210 toward the second electrode 220 .

[0107] That is, the width of the receiving unit 320 may widen as the receiving unit 320 extends from the user's visual field surface toward its opposite surface. In addition, when voltage is applied to the light transmitting portion, the light absorbing particles of the receiving unit 320 may move in the direction in which the width of the receiving unit widens.

[0108] That is, the width of the receiving unit 320 may be narrowed while the receiving unit 320 extends from a light incident portion where light is incident toward a light emitting portion where light is emitted.

[0109] That is, the light absorbing particles of the receiving unit 320 may move toward the first electrode 210 .

[0110] Therefore, the contact area between the first electrode and one surface of the receiving unit through which the light absorbing particles move increases, so that the moving speed of the light absorbing particles, ie, the driving speed, can be increased.

[0111] Meanwhile, the receiving unit 320 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220. That is, the receiving unit 320 may be disposed to be in contact with only one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0112] For example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the receiving unit 320 may be spaced apart from the first electrode 210 and may be in contact with the second electrode 220. That is, the receiving unit 320 may be in indirect contact with the second electrode 220 through the adhesive layer 400.

[0113] A material that is the same as or similar to that of the partition wall unit 310 may be provided in a region where the receiving unit 320 and the first electrode 210 are spaced apart from each other.

[0114] Therefore, the brightness of the light path control member can be increased by increasing the transmittance of light emitted in the direction of the observation surface, thereby improving visibility.

[0115] As described above, in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 can be controlled to improve the light blocking effect. Specifically, when the optical path control member is driven in the first mode, the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 can be controlled to narrow the viewing angle in the left and right directions.

[0116] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a light path when the light path control member according to the embodiment is driven in the first mode, that is, when the receiving unit functions as a light blocking portion.

[0117] Reference Figure 8 , light incident on the light path control member from the external area may be incident at a first angle θ1. The light incident at the first angle θ1 may be defined as an incident angle. In addition, light incident on the light path control member and incident on the partition wall unit 310 may be incident at a second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 may be defined as a scattering angle.

[0118] Reference Figure 8 , the light emitted in the direction of the second substrate can be changed according to the size of the scattering angle of the light incident in the direction of the partition wall unit 310. In detail, it can be seen that as the scattering angle of the light incident into the inside of the partition wall unit 310 becomes smaller, the amount of transmitted light increases compared to the amount of blocked light, thereby reducing the light blocking effect.

[0119] That is, when the scattering angle of light incident into the interior of the partition wall unit 310 becomes smaller, the light incident into the interior of the partition wall unit 310 does not pass through the receiving unit 320 at all or the distance through the receiving unit 320 is reduced, and the light shielding effect of the side surface of the light path control component may be reduced.

[0120] The scattering angle of light incident on the partition wall unit 310 is related to the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310. Therefore, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the refractive index 310 of the partition wall unit can be controlled within a specific range to control the scattering angle of light incident on the partition wall unit 310.

[0121] In detail, according to Snell's law, the scattering angle of the partition wall unit may be changed by a difference between the refractive index of the outside and the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 when light is incident on the partition wall unit 310 of the light path control member from the outside.

[0122] In detail, as the scattering angle becomes smaller, the transmittance of light transmitted toward the upper portion of the partition wall unit 310 may increase, and as the scattering angle becomes larger, the transmittance of light transmitted toward the upper portion of the partition wall unit 310 may decrease.

[0123] In this case, in the first mode, ie, the light blocking mode, when the light transmittance exceeds about 1%, a user's viewing angle may increase, and thus the light shielding effect may be reduced.

[0124] Therefore, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the scattering angle inside the partition wall unit 310 can be controlled so that the light transmittance is approximately 1% or less in the first mode. That is, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 can be controlled so that the light transmittance is approximately 1% or less in the first mode.

[0125] Specifically, when the refractive index of the outer region A into which light is incident in the direction of the light path control member is defined as a first refractive index, and the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 of the light path control member is defined as a second refractive index, the second refractive index may be greater than the first refractive index, and the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index may be 0.3 or greater. Specifically, the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index may be 0.4 or greater. More specifically, the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index may be 0.45 or greater.

[0126] As an example, the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index may be 0.3 to 0.9. In detail, the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index may be 0.4 to 0.8. In more detail, the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index may be 0.45 to 0.5.

[0127] For example, when the outer area is defined as air having a refractive index of 1, the refractive index of the partition wall unit 310 may be 1.3 or greater. Specifically, the refractive index of the partition wall unit may be 1.4 or greater. More specifically, the refractive index of the partition wall unit may be 1.45 or greater. More specifically, the refractive index of the partition wall unit may be 1.5 or greater.

[0128] When the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index is less than about 0.3, the distance of light passing through the receiving unit is reduced, and thus the light transmittance is increased, and thus the light blocking effect may be reduced. In addition, when the difference between the second refractive index and the first refractive index exceeds about 0.9, the distance of light passing through the receiving unit is reduced, or light does not pass through the receiving unit, and thus the light transmittance is increased, and thus the light blocking effect may be reduced.

[0129] That is, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the following formula can be satisfied by controlling the refractive index of the receiving unit.

[0130] [formula]

[0131] Width of receiving unit*0.9<Distance of light passing through receiving unit<Width of receiving unit*1.7

[0132] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by comparing the light transmittance of the light path control member according to the embodiment and the comparative example. These embodiments are only used to describe the present invention in more detail. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0133] Example

[0134] Light incident from the air region having a refractive index of 1 is incident into the interior of the partition wall unit through the first substrate and the first electrode.

[0135] At this time, the second refractive index of the partition wall unit is greater than the first refractive index of the air area, and when the second refractive index of the partition wall unit is changed from 1.3 to 1.9, the scattering angle inside the partition wall unit, the distance D that the incident light passes through the receiving unit including black light-absorbing particles and acting as a light shielding unit, as well as the optical density and light transmittance are measured.

[0136] At this time, the maximum width of the partition wall unit and the receiving unit was set to 30 μm, and the maximum height of the partition wall unit and the receiving unit was set to 100 μm.

[0137] Comparative Example

[0138] Similar to the embodiment, except that the second refractive index of the partition wall unit is greater than the first refractive index of the air region and the second refractive index of the partition wall unit is changed from 2.0 to 2.6, the scattering angle inside the partition wall unit, the distance D that the incident light passes through the receiving unit including black light-absorbing particles and acting as a light shielding unit, as well as the optical density and light transmittance are measured.

[0139] [Table 1]

[0140]

[0141] Refer to Table 1 and Figure 9 It can be seen that the light incident on the inside of the partition wall unit of the light path control member according to the embodiment passes through the partition wall unit over a longer distance than that of the light path control member according to the comparative example.

[0142] That is, when the refractive index of the partition wall unit is 1.3 to 1.9, ie, the refractive index difference between the outer area and the partition wall unit is 0.3 to 0.9, the distance of light incident on the partition wall unit through the receiving unit increases, so that light transmittance may decrease.

[0143] On the other hand, it can be seen that the light incident on the inside of the partition wall unit passes through a shorter distance of the partition wall unit in the light path control member according to the comparative example than in the light path control member according to the embodiment.

[0144] Specifically, when the refractive index of the partition wall unit is less than 1.3, that is, the refractive index difference between the external area and the partition wall unit is less than 0.3, the path of light incident on the partition wall unit through the receiving unit is reduced, so that the transmittance of light passing toward the user is increased.

[0145] In addition, when the refractive index of the partition wall unit exceeds 1.9, that is, the difference in refractive index between the external area and the partition wall unit exceeds 0.9, the path of the light incident on the partition wall unit through the receiving unit is reduced, or the light does not pass through the partition wall unit, so that it can be seen that the transmittance of the light passing toward the user is increased.

[0146] The light path control member according to the embodiment may include a light conversion unit in which light transmittance is changed according to application of a voltage.

[0147] That is, the light conversion unit of the light path control member according to the embodiment may be driven as a light blocking portion when no voltage is applied, and may be driven as a light transmitting portion when a voltage is applied.

[0148] Therefore, the light path control member according to the embodiment can be applied in various ways according to the use environment of the user.

[0149] In addition, the light-transmitting portion of the light-path control member according to the embodiment can be made wider while extending from the light-incident portion toward the light-emitting portion. Furthermore, when a voltage is applied, the light-absorbing particles move in the direction in which the width is narrowed, making it easier for the light-absorbing particles to move, thereby improving the efficiency of the light-path control member.

[0150] In addition, by setting the light transmission part to be spaced apart from the electrode in the direction of the viewing surface or the electrode in the direction opposite to the viewing surface, the reduction in light transmittance according to the light transmission part can be reduced, so the brightness can be increased, thereby improving the visibility of the light path control component.

[0151] In addition, in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, the refractive index of the partition wall unit can be controlled. Specifically, when the optical path control member is driven in the first mode, i.e., the narrow viewing angle mode in which the receiving unit acts as a light shield, the refractive index of the receiving unit can be controlled so that the light transmittance in the lateral direction is reduced.

[0152] That is, the scattering angle of light scattered from the partition wall cells can be controlled by making the refractive index of the partition wall cells larger than that of the external region and controlling the refractive index within a certain range.

[0153] Therefore, by controlling the scattering angle of light scattered from the partition wall unit, light passes through the interior of the partition wall unit by a sufficient distance, thereby minimizing transmittance of light emitted to the lateral direction in the first mode, thereby improving efficiency of the light blocking mode.

[0154] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 17 A method of manufacturing the light path control member according to the embodiment is described.

[0155] First, refer to Figure 10 , prepare an electrode material for forming the first substrate 110 and the first electrode. Subsequently, the electrode material can be formed on one surface of the first substrate 110 through a coating or deposition process. In detail, the electrode material can be formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 110. Therefore, the first electrode 210 formed as a surface electrode can be formed on the first substrate 110.

[0156] Then, refer to Figure 11 The resin layer may be formed by coating a resin material on the first electrode 210. In detail, the resin layer may be formed by coating a polyurethane resin or an acrylic resin on the first electrode 210.

[0157] Subsequently, a mold may be used to form a pattern portion on the resin layer. Specifically, by embossing the mold to form holes or grooves in the resin layer, the remaining resin layer may be used to form a partition wall unit. In other words, the partition wall unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 may be formed on the resin layer.

[0158] Then, refer to Figure 12 , prepare the electrode material forming the second substrate 120 and the second electrode. Subsequently, the electrode material can be formed on one surface of the second substrate 120 through a coating or deposition process. In detail, the electrode material can be formed on the entire surface of the second substrate 120. Therefore, the second electrode 220 formed as a surface electrode can be formed on the second substrate 120.

[0159] Then, refer to Figure 13 The adhesive layer 400 may be formed by coating an adhesive material on the second electrode 220. The adhesive layer 400 may be formed on a partial region of the second electrode 220.

[0160] Then, refer to Figure 14 , the prefabricated first substrate 110 may be bonded to the second substrate 120. In detail, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be bonded to each other by the adhesive layer 400 on the second substrate 120.

[0161] In this case, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be bonded in different directions. Specifically, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be bonded to each other such that the long side direction of the first substrate 110 and the short side direction of the second substrate 120 overlap each other.

[0162] Then, refer to Figure 15 , the dam 600 may be formed on the first substrate 110. In detail, the dam 600 may be provided above and below the receiving unit 320 provided on the first substrate 110. That is, the dam 600 may be provided so that the receiving unit 320 is provided between the dams 600.

[0163] Then, refer to Figure 16A light-conversion material may be injected between the receiving cells 320, i.e., the partition wall cells 310. Specifically, a light-conversion material may be injected between the receiving cells 320, i.e., the partition wall cells. In the light-conversion material, light-absorbing particles such as carbon black are dispersed in an electrolyte solvent containing a paraffin solvent. Thus, the partition wall cells 310 described above may be formed between the receiving cells 320.

[0164] Then, refer to Figure 17 The light conversion material inside the receiving unit can be sealed from the outside by forming a sealing portion 500 in the lateral direction of the receiving unit 320. Subsequently, the final light path control member can be formed by cutting the first substrate 110.

[0165] In the following, reference is made to Figures 18 to 20 , a display device and a display apparatus to which the light path control member according to the embodiment is applied will be described.

[0166] Reference Figure 18 , the light path controlling member 1000 according to the embodiment may be disposed on the display panel 2000 .

[0167] The display panel 2000 and the light path control member 1000 may be arranged to be bonded to each other. For example, the display panel 2000 and the light path control member 1000 may be bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 1500. The adhesive layer 1500 may be transparent. For example, the adhesive layer 1500 may include an adhesive or an adhesive layer containing an optically transparent adhesive material.

[0168] The adhesive layer 1500 may include a release film. Specifically, when the light path control member and the display panel are bonded, the light path control member and the display panel may be bonded after removing the release film.

[0169] The display panel 2000 may include a first substrate 2100 and a second substrate 2200. When the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 2000 may be formed in a structure in which the first substrate 2100 including thin film transistors (TFTs) and pixel electrodes and the second substrate 2200 including a color filter layer are bonded with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

[0170] In addition, the display panel 2000 can be a liquid crystal display panel of a color filter on transistor (COT) structure, in which a thin film transistor, a color filter and a black matrix are formed on the first substrate 2100 and the second substrate 2200 is bonded to the first substrate 2100 by a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate 2100 and the second substrate 2200. That is, a thin film transistor can be formed on the first substrate 2100, a protective film can be formed on the thin film transistor, and a color filter layer can be formed on the protective film. In addition, a pixel electrode in contact with the thin film transistor can be formed on the first substrate 2100. At this point, in order to increase the aperture ratio and simplify the mask process, the black matrix can be omitted, and a common electrode can be formed to serve as the black matrix.

[0171] In addition, when the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit that provides light from a rear surface of the display panel 2000 .

[0172] Alternatively, when the display panel 2000 is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the display panel 2000 may include a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 2000, a thin film transistor may be formed on a first substrate 2100, and an organic light-emitting element may be formed in contact with the thin film transistor. The organic light-emitting element may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light-emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, a second substrate 2200 may be further included on the organic light-emitting element, and the second substrate 2200 is configured to serve as an encapsulation substrate for packaging.

[0173] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, a polarizing plate may be further provided between the light path control member 1000 and the display panel 2000. The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or a polarizing plate for preventing external light reflection. For example, when the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. Furthermore, when the display panel 2000 is an organic light emitting display panel, the polarizing plate may be a polarizing plate for preventing external light reflection.

[0174] In addition, an additional functional layer 1300, such as an anti-reflection layer, an anti-glare layer, etc., may be further provided on the light path control member 1000. Specifically, the functional layer 1300 may be bonded to one surface of the substrate of the light path control member. Although not shown in the figure, the functional layer 1300 may be bonded to the base 100 of the light path control member via an adhesive layer. In addition, a release film may be further provided on the functional layer 1300 to protect the functional layer.

[0175] In addition, a touch panel may be further provided between the display panel and the light path control member.

[0176] Although the light path control member is shown in the drawings as being disposed at the upper portion of the display panel, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the light path control member can be disposed at various positions, such as a position where light can be adjusted, i.e., the lower portion of the display panel, between the second substrate and the first substrate of the display panel, etc.

[0177] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the light path control member according to the embodiment can be applied to a vehicle.

[0178] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the light path control member according to the embodiment can be applied to a display device that displays a display.

[0179] For example, Figure 19 When no power is applied to the light path control member, the receiving unit functions as a light blocking portion, so that the display device is driven in the light blocking mode. Figure 20 As shown, when power is applied to the light path control member, the receiving unit functions as a light transmitting portion, so that the display device can be driven in the open mode.

[0180] Therefore, the user can easily drive the display device in the privacy mode or the normal mode according to the application of power.

[0181] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the display device to which the light path control member according to the embodiment is applied can also be applied inside a vehicle.

[0182] For example, a display device including the light path control member according to the embodiment can display video confirmation information of the vehicle and a moving route of the vehicle.The display device can be provided between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle.

[0183] In addition, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to a dashboard that displays the speed, engine, warning signal, etc. of a vehicle.

[0184] In addition, the light path controlling member according to the embodiment may be applied to a front glass (FG) or left and right window glasses of a vehicle.

[0185] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, but are not limited to only one embodiment. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine or modify the features, structures, and effects shown in each embodiment for other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that such combinations and modifications are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0186] In addition, the above mainly describes the embodiments, but these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and applications not described above can be made without departing from the basic features of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be changed. In addition, it should be understood that differences related to such changes and such applications are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light path control component, comprising: a first substrate, light is incident on the first substrate from an external region; a first electrode, the first electrode being disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate; a second substrate, the second substrate being disposed above the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on a lower surface of the second substrate; as well as a light conversion unit, the light conversion unit being disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit includes partition wall units and receiving units that are alternately arranged, and the receiving units are formed such that a width of the receiving units becomes wider as the receiving units extend from the first electrode toward the second electrode, The receiving unit changes light transmittance according to the application of voltage, The refractive index of the partition wall unit is greater than the refractive index of the outer region, and wherein the refractive index of the partition wall unit is 1.5 to 1.9, The difference between the refractive index of the partition wall unit and the refractive index of the outer region is 0.5 to 0.9, wherein the receiving unit operates in a first mode to block light incident from the external area and operates in a second mode to transmit light incident from the external area based on an applied voltage, wherein, in the first mode, light incident from the external region toward the first substrate at an angle of 45 degrees is provided to the partition wall unit at a scattering angle of 21.85° to 28.13°, Wherein, in the first mode, light incident at the scattering angle passes through the receiving unit within a distance range of 27.13 μm to 49.75 μm, and wherein, in the first mode, the transmittance of light incident on the partition wall unit and emitted toward the second electrode is 0.003 to 0.362, Wherein, the receiving unit includes: electrolytes; and a plurality of light absorbing particles, the plurality of light absorbing particles being dispersed in the electrolyte, and When a voltage is applied to the light conversion unit, the light absorbing particles move in the receiving unit along a direction from the first electrode to the second electrode.

2. The light path control member according to claim 1, wherein When the voltage is applied, the receiving unit is driven as a light transmitting portion, and When the voltage is not applied, the receiving unit is driven as a light blocking portion.

3. The light path control member according to claim 2, wherein: The light incident on the partition wall unit passes through the receiving unit, and The light passing through the receiving unit satisfies the following formula: [formula] The width of the receiving unit*0.9<the distance of the light passing through the receiving unit<the width of the receiving unit*1.

7.

4. The light path control member according to claim 1, wherein At least one of one end and the other end of the receiving unit is disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode. 5 . The light path control member according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer provided between the light conversion unit and the second electrode.

6. A display device comprising: Display panel; as well as The light path control member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light path control member is provided on the display panel.

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