Light path control device and display device comprising the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a light path control device and a display device including the same. A display device includes a light path control device including a first substrate, a first electrode disposed above the first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, a second electrode disposed below the second substrate, and a light conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including partition wall portions and accommodation portions alternately disposed with each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light path control device and a display device including the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] A light shielding film controls a light moving path according to an incident angle of external light, and thus can be used as a light path control device that blocks light from a specific direction and transmits light from another specific direction. Such a light shielding film is attached to a display device such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a car navigation device, etc., and thus can adjust a wide viewing angle when an image is output, or can achieve clear image quality within a specific viewing angle. SUMMARY

[0003] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] Recently, a switchable light shielding film capable of turning on / off a viewing angle control mode according to a user environment has been developed. The switchable light shielding film blocks or opens a light path by using dispersion and aggregation of particles of electrical behavior particles dispersed in a solvent. However, although a privacy mode and a sharing mode of a display device can be implemented using such a switchable light shielding film, there is a problem that even in the sharing mode in which a light path should be opened, emission is limited by the electrical behavior particles, and thus brightness of light is reduced.

[0005] In addition, a flow rate and a flow efficiency of the solvent and the particles of the switchable light shielding film can vary depending on an environmental temperature. For example, when the display device is used at a low temperature (for example, a navigation device provided in a vehicle in winter), behavior of the particles can be lowered, and thus it can not be properly controlled in its viewing angle.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a light path control device that secures an aperture ratio using a patterned electrode and a display device including the same.

[0007] In addition, the present disclosure provides a light path control device that includes a planar heating element that stabilizes movement of electrical behavior particles even at a low temperature and a display device including the same.

[0008] In addition, the present disclosure provides a light path control device that secures brightness of light and improves an optical profile by patterning an electrode that drives a planar heating element and a display device including the same.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0010] The light path control device according to embodiments can include a first substrate, a first electrode disposed above the first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, a second electrode disposed below the second substrate, and a light conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including partition wall portions and accommodation portions alternately disposed with each other, wherein the accommodation portions can include conversion portions including a dispersion liquid and suspended particles dispersed in the dispersion liquid.

[0011] The first electrode can include at least one pattern portion patterned to overlap at least a portion of the accommodation portions.

[0012] The pattern portion can include a plurality of first pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the first substrate while extending in one direction, and a second pattern portion spaced apart from each other on the first substrate while extending in one direction, wherein the first pattern portions and the second pattern portion can be alternately disposed on the first substrate with each other.

[0013] The second electrode can include a plurality of third pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the second substrate while extending in one direction and respectively facing the first pattern portions, and a plurality of fourth pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the second substrate while extending in one direction and respectively facing the second pattern portions, wherein the third pattern portions and the fourth pattern portions can be alternately disposed on the second substrate with each other.

[0014] The first electrode can further include a first connection portion connecting the first pattern portions, and a second connection portion connecting the second pattern portions, and the second electrode can further include a third connection portion connecting the third pattern portions, and a fourth connection portion connecting the fourth pattern portions.

[0015] Different levels of voltage can be applied to the first pattern portions and the second pattern portions, and different levels of voltage can be applied to the third pattern portions and the fourth pattern portions.

[0016] Either one of a low potential voltage and a high potential voltage can be applied to the first pattern portions and the fourth pattern portions, and the other one of the low potential voltage and the high potential voltage can be applied to the second pattern portions and the third pattern portions.

[0017] The first electrode can be patterned to include a plurality of concentric circles, or to include a plurality of extension portions and connection portions connecting them.

[0018] The light conversion layer can be disposed adjacent to the first electrode or the second electrode, and can further include a light blocking layer having a lower refractive index than the dispersion liquid in which the suspended particles are dispersed.

[0019] The optical path control device may also include an adhesive layer inserted between the first electrode and the light conversion layer and / or between the second electrode and the light conversion layer; and a heating layer configured to generate heat in response to an applied voltage.

[0020] The heating layer can be inserted between the first substrate and the first electrode, and can generate heat when a voltage is applied through the first electrode.

[0021] The optical path control device may also include a heating electrode configured to apply a voltage to the heating layer.

[0022] The optical path control device may further include: an insulating layer disposed on the second electrode; a first-2 electrode disposed on the insulating layer; a second-2 electrode disposed on the first-2 electrode; and a second optical conversion layer disposed between the first-2 electrode and the second-2 electrode.

[0023] The display device according to the embodiments may include: a display panel having pixels and configured to display an image; a gating driver configured to apply a gating signal to the pixels; a data driver configured to apply a data signal to the pixels in synchronization with the gating signal; a controller configured to display an image on the display panel by controlling the gating driver and the data driver; and a light path control device configured to control the path of light emitted from the display panel according to an operating mode.

[0024] The optical path control device may include: a first substrate; a first electrode disposed in an upper portion of the first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed in a lower portion of the second substrate; and a light conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a partition wall portion and a receiving portion disposed alternately thereon.

[0025] The containment portion may include a conversion portion comprising a dispersion and suspended particles dispersed in the dispersion, and the first electrode may include at least one patterned portion patterned to overlap with at least a portion of the containment portion.

[0026] The pattern portion may include: a plurality of first pattern portions that extend in one direction and are spaced apart from each other on a first substrate; and a second pattern portion that extends in one direction and is spaced apart from each other on a first substrate, wherein the first pattern portions and the second pattern portions may be alternately disposed on the first substrate.

[0027] The second electrode can include a plurality of third pattern portions extending in one direction while being spaced apart from each other on the second substrate and respectively facing the first pattern portions, and a plurality of fourth pattern portions extending in one direction while being spaced apart from each other on the second substrate and respectively facing the second pattern portions, wherein the third pattern portions and the fourth pattern portions can be alternately disposed on the second substrate.

[0028] Different levels of voltage can be applied to the first pattern portions and the second pattern portions, and different levels of voltage can be applied to the third pattern portions and the fourth pattern portions.

[0029] The light conversion layer can be disposed adjacent to the first electrode or the second electrode, and can further include a light blocking layer having a lower refractive index than a dispersion liquid in which the suspended particles are dispersed.

[0030] The light path control apparatus can include a temperature sensor configured to sense an external temperature, and a heating layer configured to generate heat energy when a voltage is applied from at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode based on the sensed temperature.

[0031] The controller can be configured to control at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode such that a voltage is applied to the heating layer when the sensed temperature is lower than a preset threshold.

[0032] The light path control apparatus can be configured to operate in a light blocking mode in which the suspended particles are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid in a privacy mode, and operate in a light transmission mode in which the suspended particles are gathered in at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode in a sharing mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light path control apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a plan view of an electrode according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a plan view of a light conversion layer in a light transmission mode according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is a graph for explaining an increase in aperture ratio of a light path control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C Various shapes of the first electrode according to the second embodiment are illustrated.

[0040] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 12 is a plan view of a light conversion layer according to the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 15 and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 17 and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0046] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. When an element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present.

[0049] Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the specification. In the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and size of each element are exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] Although the terms "first", "second", and the like are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element mentioned below could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0051] Terms such as "below," "under," "above," "over," and the like, can be used in this specification to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device and its components in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures.

[0052] The terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", and / or "including", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups of them, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light path control device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a plan view of an electrode according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a plan view of a light conversion layer in a light transmission mode according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining an increase in aperture ratio of a light path control device according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the light path control device 1 can include a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, and a light conversion layer 300.

[0055] The first substrate 110 is a base substrate of the light path control device 1, and can be a light-transmissive substrate. The first substrate 110 can be a rigid substrate including glass or strengthened glass, or a flexible substrate of a plastic material. For example, the first substrate 110 can be a flexible polymer film and can include 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), and polystyrene (PS). However, the material of the first substrate 110 is not limited thereto.

[0056] The first electrode 210 can be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 110. The first electrode 210 is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 to be described below. For example, the first electrode 210 can be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110 in the form of a surface electrode. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the first electrode 210 can be disposed on the first substrate 110 in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4 The first electrode 210 can include first pattern portions 211 and second pattern portions 212. The first pattern portions 211 are formed to be spaced apart from each other on the first substrate 110 and extend in one direction. The first pattern portions 211 can be connected to each other by connection portions 211a. The second pattern portions 212 are formed to be spaced apart from each other on the first substrate 110 and extend in one direction. The second pattern portions 212 can extend substantially in parallel to the first pattern portions 211. The second pattern portions 212 can be connected to each other by connection portions 212a.

[0058] The first pattern portions 211 and the second pattern portions 212 are alternately disposed on the first substrate 110 along a direction perpendicular to the one direction. That is, the second pattern portions 212 can be disposed between adjacent first pattern portions 211, and the first pattern portions 211 can be disposed between adjacent second pattern portions 212.

[0059] The first pattern portions 211 and the second pattern portions 212 can have the same or different widths W. A gap G between the first pattern portions 211 and the second pattern portions 212 disposed adjacent to each other can secure an aperture ratio of the light path control device 1, and can be appropriately selected to achieve a light-transmissive mode and a light-blocking mode, which will be described below.

[0060] The first electrode 210 can include a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode 210 can be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide, or the like. In an embodiment, the light transmittance of the first electrode 210 can be greater than or equal to about 80%. Then, the first electrode 210 cannot be visually recognized from the outside and its light transmittance is increased, so that the brightness of a display device including a light path control device can be improved.

[0061] In another embodiment, the first electrode 210 can include various metals having low resistance. For example, the first electrode 210 can include at least one metal among chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and an alloy thereof.

[0062] The second substrate 120 can be disposed on the first substrate 110. The second substrate 120 is a light-transmissive substrate and can include the same or similar material as the first substrate 110.

[0063] The second electrode 220 can be disposed on one surface (for example, a lower surface) of the second substrate 120. The second electrode 220 is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. For example, the second electrode 220 can be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 120 in the form of a surface electrode. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the second electrode 220 can be disposed on the second substrate 120 in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5 , the second electrode 220 can include first pattern portions 221 and second pattern portions 222. The first pattern portions 221 are formed to be spaced apart from each other on the second substrate 120 and extend in one direction. The first pattern portions 221 can be connected to each other by connection portions 221a. The second pattern portions 222 are formed to be spaced apart from each other on the second substrate 120 and extend in one direction. The second pattern portions 222 can extend substantially in parallel to the first pattern portions 221. The second pattern portions 222 can be connected to each other by connection portions 222a.

[0065] The first pattern portions 221 and the second pattern portions 222 are alternately disposed on the second substrate 120 from each other. That is, the second pattern portions 222 can be disposed between adjacent first pattern portions 221, and the first pattern portions 221 can be disposed between adjacent second pattern portions 222.

[0066] The first pattern portions 221 and the second pattern portions 222 can have the same or different widths W. The gaps G between the first pattern portions 221 and the second pattern portions 222 adjacently disposed can ensure the aperture ratio of the light path control device 1, and can be appropriately selected to achieve the light transmission mode and the light blocking mode.

[0067] The pattern portions 221 and 222 of the second electrode 220 are disposed to at least partially or entirely overlap or at least be adjacent to the pattern portions 211 and 212 of the first electrode 210. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, an electric field is generated between the pattern portions 211, 212, 221, and 222. In an embodiment, the first pattern portion 211 of the first electrode 210 can be disposed to overlap the first pattern portion 221 of the second electrode 220, and the second pattern portion 212 of the first electrode 210 can be disposed to overlap the second pattern portion 222 of the second electrode 220.

[0068] The second electrode 220 can include a transparent conductive material, and can include various metals having low resistance. The second electrode 220 can include the same or similar material as the first electrode 210.

[0069] The light conversion layer 300 can be interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. The light conversion layer 300 can include a partition wall portion 310 and a receiving portion 320. Specifically, the light conversion layer 300 can include the receiving portion 320 divided into a plurality of regions by the partition wall portion 310.

[0070] In the light conversion layer 300, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be alternately disposed with each other in one direction. In this case, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can have the same or different widths with respect to one direction.

[0071] The partition wall portion 310 can include a transparent light-transmissive material. For example, the partition wall portion 310 can be formed of a UV resin or a photoresist resin as a photocurable resin, or can be formed of a polyurethane resin, an acrylic resin, or the like. Such a partition wall portion 310 can transmit light incident to the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 120 in the opposite direction.

[0072] As illustrated, the receiving portion 320 can have one end and the other end having the same or different widths. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 320 is described by way of example in which the width of the one end adjacent to the first substrate 110 is wider than the width of the other end adjacent to the second substrate 120.

[0073] The accommodation portion 320 is disposed such that at least one area thereof overlaps with the pattern portions 211 and 212 of the first electrode 210. Also, the accommodation portion 320 is disposed such that at least one area thereof overlaps with the pattern portions 221 and 222 of the second electrode 220. That is, the first electrode 210 includes at least one pattern portion 211, 212 overlapping at least one area of the accommodation portion 320, and the second electrode 220 includes at least one pattern portion 221, 222 overlapping at least one area of the accommodation portion 320.

[0074] The accommodation portion 320 can include a dispersion liquid 321 and suspended particles 322 dispersed in the dispersion liquid 321. That is, the dispersion liquid 321 can be filled in the accommodation portion 320, and the suspended particles 322 can be dispersed in the dispersion liquid 321.

[0075] The dispersion liquid 321, which is a solvent in which the suspended particles 322 are dispersed, can be an insulating solvent that is transparent and has low viscosity. For example, the dispersion liquid 321 can include at least one of a halogen hydrocarbon-based oil, a paraffin oil, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0076] The suspended particles 322 can be colored electrically active particles, such as black particles. The suspended particles 322 can be, but are not limited to, carbon black particles. The accommodation portion 320 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, and can control the charged suspended particles 322 in terms of their arrangement state according to a voltage difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. According to the arrangement state of the suspended particles 322, the light conversion layer 300 can implement a light transmission mode and a light blocking mode.

[0077] Specifically, when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, the suspended particles 322 are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid 321, as shown in FIG. 2A, thus implementing the light blocking mode of blocking transmission of external light. Here, since the external light applied to the partition wall portion 310 can pass through the light conversion layer 300, the external light can be visually recognized from the front of the light path control apparatus 1. That is, the light path control apparatus 1 can implement a privacy mode in which viewing for a specific viewing angle (e.g., a front viewing angle) is open and viewing for another viewing angle (e.g., a side viewing angle) is blocked. Figure 2

[0078] When a voltage is applied to at least one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, the suspended particles 322 can move in the direction of the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220 by an electric field, as shown in FIG. 2B. Here, the moving direction of the suspended particles 322 can be controlled according to the polarity (negative or positive) of the suspended particles 322 and the relative magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. Figure 3 ​​

[0079] When the suspended particles 322 gather around the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220, external light passes through the division wall portion 310 and the accommodation portion 320 through which a light transmission mode can be implemented. That is, the light path control device 1 can implement a sharing mode that opens a view for both the front and the side.

[0080] In an embodiment, the first pattern portion 211 and the second pattern portion 212 of the first electrode 210 can receive different levels of voltage. For example, a high potential voltage (e.g., a positive voltage) is applied to the first pattern portion 211 of the first electrode 210, and a low potential voltage (e.g., a negative voltage) can be applied to the second pattern portion 212 thereof. Similarly, different levels of voltage can be applied to the first pattern portion 221 and the second pattern portion 222 of the second electrode 220. For example, a low potential voltage (e.g., a negative voltage) is applied to the first pattern portion 221 of the second electrode 220, and a high potential voltage (e.g., a positive voltage) can be applied to the second pattern portion 222 thereof.

[0081] In the present embodiment, since the directions of the electric fields formed between the first pattern portions 211 and 221 and between the second pattern portions 212 and 222 are opposite to each other, the moving directions of the suspended particles 322 between the first pattern portions 211 and 221 and between the second pattern portions 212 and 222 can be opposite to each other. For example, the suspended particles 322 between the first pattern portions 211 and 221 can gather around the first electrode 210, and the suspended particles 322 between the second pattern portions 212 and 222 can gather around the second electrode 220 (move up and down in a zigzag manner).

[0082] As described above, when the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 are patterned and the suspended particles 322 move up and down in a zigzag manner in the accommodation portion 320, the area through which light can pass increases between adjacent accommodation portions 320, as shown. Figures 6 to 8 Thus, since the side aperture ratio of the light conversion layer 300 is improved and the angle of the side viewing angle is also expanded, the brightness at the side can be improved in the sharing mode.

[0083] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A bonding layer 400 can also be provided between the light conversion layer 300 and the first substrate 110 and / or between the light conversion layer 300 and the second substrate 120. For example, the bonding layer 400 can be interposed between the light conversion layer 300 and the first electrode 210 and / or between the light conversion layer 300 and the second electrode 220. In Figure 2 and Figure 3In the present embodiment, an example in which the adhesive layer 400 is provided between the light conversion layer 300 and the second substrate 120 is illustrated. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0084] The adhesive layer 400 is formed on the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 for coatability and adhesion, and can be, for example, a conductive primer. In such an embodiment, the conductive primer can include a curable resin cured by energy such as heat, ultraviolet rays, or electron rays. The curable resin can be, for example, but is not limited to, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a melamine resin, a polyester resin, or a polyurethane resin, etc.

[0085] Further referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heating layer 500 can be further provided between the light conversion layer 300 and the first substrate 110 and / or between the light conversion layer 300 and the second substrate 120. In the present embodiment, an example in which the heating layer 500 is provided between the light conversion layer 300 and the first substrate 110 is illustrated. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. Figure 2 Figure 3 In the present embodiment, an example in which the heating layer 500 is provided between the light conversion layer 300 and the first substrate 110 is illustrated. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0086] The heating layer 500 is a heating element that generates heat energy when electricity is applied thereto, and can be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or silver nanowires. The heating layer 500 can include a transparent light-transmitting material, and the light transmittance of the heating layer 500 can be, for example, greater than or equal to about 70%. The heating layer 500 can generate heat by receiving a voltage through the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 or an additionally provided electrode.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the heating layer 500 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220. As illustrated, in a case where the heating layer 500 is provided between the light conversion layer 300 and the first substrate 110, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210, the heating layer 500 can generate heat by receiving the voltage from the first electrode 210. The heat generated in the heating layer 500 is transferred to the light conversion layer 300, thus increasing the activity of the dispersion liquid 321 and the suspended particles 322 in the dispersion liquid 321. When the moving speed of the suspended particles 322 is thus increased, the switching speed between the light-blocking mode and the light-transmitting mode can be improved. In addition, since the temperature of the light conversion layer 300 is appropriately maintained by the heating layer 500, the influence of the ambient temperature on the light path control device 1 can be reduced, and the operating temperature range of the light path control device 1 can be enhanced.

[0088] ​In the following embodiments, the heating layer 500 can be thus between the first substrate 110 and the first electrode 210 and / or between the second substrate 120 and the second electrode 220. Alternatively, in the following embodiments, the heating layer 500 can be omitted.

[0089] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to a second embodiment. Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C Various shapes of the first electrode according to the second embodiment are exemplified. The light path control device 2 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the shapes of the first electrode 210' and the second electrode 220'. Therefore, detailed description of components other than the first electrode 210' and the second electrode 220' will be omitted below.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8 , the light path control device 2 can include the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, the first electrode 210', the second electrode 220', and the light conversion layer 300.

[0091] The first electrode 210' can be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 110. The first electrode 210' is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In an embodiment, the first electrode 210' is disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110 in the form of a pattern electrode having a uniform pattern.

[0092] The first electrode 210' can be patterned into a plurality of concentric circles, as shown in Figure 9A , or can include a plurality of extension portions 211' and 212' and connection portions 211'a and 212'a for connecting the extension portions 211' and 212', as shown in Figure 9B and Figure 9C However, the shape of the first electrode 210' is not limited thereto.

[0093] The second electrode 220' can be disposed on one surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the second substrate 120. The second electrode 220' is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In an embodiment, the second electrode 220' can be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 120 in the form of a surface electrode.

[0094] The light conversion layer 300 can include a partition wall portion 310 and a containment portion 320. The containment portion 320 can include a dispersion liquid 321 and suspended particles 322 dispersed in the dispersion liquid 321.

[0095] A part of the area of the accommodation portion 320 is set to overlap with the pattern of the first electrode 210'. That is, the first electrode 210' can include at least one pattern overlapping with at least one area of the accommodation portion 320.

[0096] When a voltage is applied to at least one of the first electrode 210' and the second electrode 220', the suspended particles 322 can move in the direction of the first electrode 210' or the second electrode 220' by an electric field. For example, the suspended particles 322 can be gathered around the first electrode 210' as Figure 8 indicated, thereby realizing a light transmission mode.

[0097] Since the first electrode 210' is patterned with a part of the area of the accommodation portion 320, in the area overlapping with the first electrode 210', the suspended particles 322 of the accommodation portion 320 are gathered around the first electrode 210'. In the area not overlapping with the first electrode 210', the accommodation portion 320 can be a void in which the suspended particles 322 are not present.

[0098] In such an embodiment, the gap G between the gathered suspended particles 322 can be controlled according to the pattern of the first electrode 210'. When the shape and pitch of the constituting pattern of the first electrode 210' (for example, Figure 9A indicated concentric circles or Figure 9B and Figure 9C indicated extension portions 121' and 122') are adjusted, the distance G between the suspended particles 322 gathered around the first electrode 210' in the light transmission mode can be adjusted.

[0099] When the distance G between the suspended particles 322 gathered in the light transmission mode is thus adjusted, the area through which light can pass between adjacent suspended particles 322 increases. Therefore, the side surface aperture ratio of the light conversion layer 300 increases, and the angle of the side surface viewing angle is also expanded, so that the luminance can be improved. In an embodiment, the aperture ratio of the light path control device 2 can be 50% to 90%, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to a third embodiment. Figure 12 is a plan view of a light conversion layer according to the third embodiment. The light path control device 3 according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the first and second embodiments except for the first electrode 210" and the heating electrode 510. Therefore, detailed descriptions of components other than the first electrode 210" and the heating electrode 510 will be omitted below.

[0101] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11The light path control device 3 according to the third embodiment can include a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a first electrode 210", a second electrode 220', and a light conversion layer 300.

[0102] The first electrode 210" can be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 110. The first electrode 210" is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In one embodiment, the first electrode 210" is disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110 in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern.

[0103] Referring to Figure 12 The first electrode 210" can include pattern portions 211" spaced apart from each other on the first substrate 110 and extending in one direction. The pattern portions 211" can be connected to each other by connection portions 211"a.

[0104] A heating layer 500 can also be disposed between the light conversion layer 300 and the first substrate 110. The heating layer 500 is a heating element that generates heat energy when electricity is applied thereto, and can be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or silver nanowires.

[0105] A heating electrode 510 can be further disposed between the heating layer 500 and the first substrate 110. The heating electrode 510 is disposed to supply an externally applied voltage to the heating layer 500. In an embodiment, the heating electrode 510 can be configured to receive a voltage independently of the first electrode 210" and the second electrode 220', or to receive a voltage independently of at least one of the first electrode 210" and the second electrode 220'.

[0106] The heating electrode 510 can be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 110. The heating electrode 510 is disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110 in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern.

[0107] For example, the heating electrode 510 can be formed of pattern portions 511 spaced apart from each other on the first substrate 110 and extending in one direction. The pattern portions 511 can be connected to each other by connection portions 511a.

[0108] The first electrode 210" and the heating electrode 510 have the heating layer 500 interposed therebetween and are respectively provided on both surfaces thereof. Here, the pattern portions 211" of the first electrode 210" and the pattern portions 511 of the heating electrode 510 are alternately provided on the first substrate 110 in a plan view. That is, in a plan view, the pattern portions 511 of the heating electrode 510 are provided between the pattern portions 211" adjacent to the first electrode 210", and the pattern portions 211" of the first electrode 210" can be provided between the adjacent pattern portions 511 of the heating electrode 510.

[0109] The gap G between the pattern portions 211" of the first electrode 210" and the pattern portions 511 of the heating electrode 510, which are adjacently provided, can be appropriately selected to sufficiently secure the aperture ratio of the light path control device 3.

[0110] When the heating electrode 510 is separately provided as in the third embodiment, heat can be stably applied to the light conversion layer 300 regardless of the structure and mode of the light conversion layer 300. Then, the reliability and the operation characteristics of the mode switching speed of the light conversion layer 300 can be further improved. Specifically, in this structure, patterning the heating electrode 510 to correspond to the first electrode 210" can secure the aperture ratio of the light path control device 3 and improve the brightness.

[0111] Figure 13 And Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to a fourth embodiment. The light path control device 4 according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the first to third embodiments except for the structure of the light conversion layer 300. Therefore, detailed description of components except for the structure of the light conversion layer 300 will be omitted below.

[0112] Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the light path control device 4 can include a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a first electrode 210", a second electrode 220', and a light conversion layer 300.

[0113] The first electrode 210" can be provided on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 110. The first electrode 210" is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In an embodiment, the first electrode 210" is provided in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern on the upper surface of the first substrate 110.

[0114] The second electrode 220' can be provided on one surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the second substrate 120. The second electrode 220' is interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In an embodiment, the second electrode 220' can be provided in the form of a surface electrode on the lower surface of the second substrate 120.

[0115] The light conversion layer 300 can include a partition wall portion 310 and a containing portion 320. The containing portion 320 can include a dispersion liquid 321 and suspended particles 322 dispersed in the dispersion liquid 321.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the light conversion layer 300 can further include a light absorption layer (or light blocking layer) 330. The light absorption layer 330 can be provided at an end of the light conversion layer 300 adjacent to the first electrode 210" or the second electrode 220'. For example, in the light transmission mode, the light absorption layer 330 can be provided adjacent to the electrode provided in the moving direction of the suspended particles 322.

[0117] The light absorption layer 330 can be formed of a material having a lower refractive index than the dispersion liquid 321 including the suspended particles 322. For example, the light absorption layer 330 can include a hardened material having a low viscosity, and can be formed, for example, by injecting a conductive additive into carbon fibers. Further, the light absorption layer 330 can be formed by dotting a solidified material into the containing portion 320 by inkjet or the like.

[0118] Since the light conversion layer 300 further includes the light absorption layer 330, the light blocking efficiency can be improved in the light blocking mode. In addition, when switched to the light transmission mode, the moving distance of the suspended particles 322 is shortened, making it possible to change the fast mode. In this way, the light path control device 4 can perform light path control more accurately and efficiently in the light blocking mode and the light transmission mode.

[0119] Figure 15 and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0120] Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the light path control device 5 according to the fifth embodiment can include a first substrate 1100, a second substrate 1200, a first electrode 2100, a second electrode 2200, and a light conversion layer 3000.

[0121] The first substrate 1100 is a base substrate of the light path control device 5, and can be a light-transmissive substrate. The first substrate 1100 can be a rigid substrate including glass or strengthened glass, or a flexible substrate of a plastic material. For example, the first substrate 1100 can be a flexible polymer film and can include any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI), and polystyrene (PS). However, the material of the first substrate 1100 is not limited thereto.

[0122] The first electrode 2100 can be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 1100. The first electrode 2100 is interposed between the first substrate 1100 and a second substrate 1200 to be described below. For example, the first electrode 2100 can be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 1100 in the form of a surface electrode. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the first electrode 2100 can be disposed on the first substrate 1100 in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern.

[0123] The first electrode 2100 can include a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode 2100 can be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide, or the like. In an embodiment, the light transmittance of the first electrode 2100 can be greater than or equal to about 80%. Then, the first electrode 2100 cannot be visually recognized from the outside and its light transmittance increases, so that the brightness of a display device including the light path control device 5 can be improved.

[0124] In another embodiment, the first electrode 2100 can include various metals having low resistance. For example, the first electrode 2100 can include at least one metal among chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

[0125] The second substrate 1200 can be disposed on the first substrate 1100. The second substrate 1200 is a light-transmissive substrate, and can include the same or similar material as the first substrate 1100.

[0126] The second electrode 2200 can be disposed on one surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the second substrate 1200. The second electrode 2200 is interposed between the first substrate 1100 and the second substrate 1200. For example, the second electrode 2200 can be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 1200 in the form of a surface electrode. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the second electrode 2200 can be disposed on the second substrate 1200 in the form of a pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern.

[0127] The second electrode 2200 can include a transparent conductive material, and can include various metals having low resistance. The second electrode 2200 can include the same or similar material as the first electrode 2100.

[0128] The light conversion layer 3000 can be interposed between the first substrate 1100 and the second substrate 1200. The light conversion layer 3000 can include a partition wall portion 3100 and a containment portion 3200. Specifically, the light conversion layer 3000 can include the containment portion 3200 divided into a plurality of regions by the partition wall portion 3100.

[0129] In the light conversion layer 3000, the partition wall portion 3100 and the containment portion 3200 can be disposed alternately with each other in one direction. In this case, the partition wall portion 3100 and the containment portion 3200 can have the same or different widths with respect to the one direction.

[0130] The partition wall portion 3100 can include a transparent light-transmitting material. For example, the partition wall portion 3100 can be formed of a photoresist resin or a UV resin as a photocurable resin, or can be formed of a polyurethane resin, an acrylic resin, or the like. Such a partition wall portion 3100 can transmit light incident to the first substrate 1100 or the second substrate 1200 in the opposite direction.

[0131] As illustrated, the containment portion 3200 can have one end and the other end having the same or different widths from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the containment portion 3200 is described by way of example in which the width of the one end adjacent to the first substrate 1100 is wider than the width of the other end adjacent to the second substrate 1200.

[0132] The containment portion 3200 can include a dispersion liquid 3210 and a suspended particle 3220 dispersed in the dispersion liquid 3210. That is, the dispersion liquid 3210 can be filled in the containment portion 3200, and the suspended particle 3220 can be dispersed in the dispersion liquid 3210.

[0133] The dispersion liquid 3210, which is a solvent in which the suspended particle 3220 is dispersed, can be an insulating solvent that is transparent and has low viscosity. For example, the dispersion liquid 3210 can include at least one of a halogen hydrocarbon-based oil, a paraffin oil, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0134] The suspended particles 3220 can be colored electrically active particles, for example, black particles. The suspended particles 3220 can be, but are not limited to, carbon black particles. The containment portion 3200 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 2100 and the second electrode 2200, and can control the charged suspended particles 3220 in terms of their arrangement state according to a voltage difference between the first electrode 2100 and the second electrode 2200. According to the arrangement state of the suspended particles 3220, the light conversion layer 3000 can implement a light transmission mode and a light blocking mode.

[0135] Specifically, when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 2100 and the second electrode 2200, the suspended particles 3220 are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid 3210, as shown in FIG. 3B, thus implementing the light blocking mode of blocking transmission of external light. Here, since the external light applied to the partition wall portion 3100 can pass through the light conversion layer 3000, the external light can be visually recognized from the front of the light path control device 5. That is, the light path control device 5 can implement a privacy mode in which a view is opened for a specific viewing angle (e.g., a front view angle) and a view is blocked for another viewing angle (e.g., a side view angle). Figure 15

[0136] When a voltage is applied to at least one of the first electrode 2100 and the second electrode 2200, the suspended particles 3220 can move in the direction of the first electrode 2100 or the second electrode 2200 by an electric field, as shown in FIG. 3C. Here, the moving direction of the suspended particles 3220 can be controlled according to the polarity (negative or positive) of the suspended particles 3220 and the relative magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode 2100 and the second electrode 2200. Figure 16

[0137] When the suspended particles 3220 are gathered around the first electrode 2100 or the second electrode 2200, external light passes through the partition wall portion 3100 and the containment portion 3200, through which the light transmission mode can be implemented. That is, the light path control device 5 can implement a sharing mode in which a view is opened for both the front and the side.

[0138] The adhesive layers 4100 and 4200 can each also be provided between the light conversion layer 3000 and the first substrate 1100 and / or between the light conversion layer 3000 and the second substrate 1200. For example, the adhesive layer 4000 can be interposed between the light conversion layer 3000 and the first electrode 2100 and / or between the light conversion layer 3000 and the second electrode 2200.

[0139] ​​The adhesive layers 4100 and 4200 are each formed on the first substrate 1100 and the second substrate 1200 for paintability and adhesion, and can be, for example, a conductive primer. In such an embodiment, the conductive primer can include a curable resin cured by energy such as heat, ultraviolet rays, or electron rays. The curable resin can be, for example, but is not limited to, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a melamine resin, a polyester resin, or a polyurethane resin, etc.

[0140] A heating layer 5000 can also be provided on the other surface of the first substrate 1100. The heating layer 5000 is a heating element that generates heat energy when electricity is applied thereto, and can be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or silver nanowires. The heating layer 5000 can include a transparent light-transmitting material, and the light transmittance of the heating layer 5000 can be, for example, greater than or equal to about 70%.

[0141] The heating layer 5000 can generate heat by receiving a voltage via the heating electrodes 5100 and 5200 provided on the first and second sides thereof, respectively. The heating layer 5000 can be electrically connected to the heating electrodes 5100 and 5200. The heating layer 5000 can have insulating films 5300 and 5400 on both sides thereof to prevent the heating electrodes 5100 and 5200 from shorting with surrounding components.

[0142] The heat generated in the heating layer 5000 is transferred to the light conversion layer 3000 via the first substrate 1100, thus increasing the activity of the dispersion liquid 3210 and the suspended particles 3220 in the dispersion liquid 3210. When the moving speed of the suspended particles 3220 is thus increased, the switching speed between the light-blocking mode and the light-transmitting mode can be improved. In addition, since the temperature of the light conversion layer 3000 is appropriately maintained by the heating layer 5000, the influence of the ambient temperature on the light path control device 5 can be reduced, and the operating temperature range of the light path control device 5 can be enhanced.

[0143] Figure 17 and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a light path control device according to a sixth embodiment. The light path control device 6 according to the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as the fifth embodiment except that the first electrodes 2100 and the heating electrodes 5100 and 5200 are integrally formed. Therefore, detailed descriptions of components other than the first electrodes 2110 and 2120 will be omitted below.

[0144] Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the light path control device 6 can include the first substrate 1100, the second substrate 1200, the first electrodes 2110 and 2120, the second electrode 2200, and the light conversion layer 300.

[0145] The first electrodes 2110 and 2120 can include a plurality of patterned portions 2110 and 2120. For example, the first patterned portion 2110 can be disposed on a first side of the first substrate 1100, and the second patterned portion 2120 can be disposed on a second side of the first substrate 1100.

[0146] The heating layer 5000 can be disposed between the patterned portions 2110 and 2120 of the first electrodes 2110 and 2120. In this embodiment, the heating layer 5000 can generate heat by receiving a voltage through the patterned portions 2110 and 2120 of the first electrodes 2110 and 2120. That is, the patterned portions 2110 and 2120 of the first electrodes 2110 and 2120 function as heating electrodes.

[0147] In the optical path control device 6 according to the sixth embodiment, the first electrodes 2110 and 2120 are integrated with the heating electrodes, and thus the size of the optical path control device 6 and the manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced, and the production efficiency can be increased by simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0148] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of an optical path control device according to a seventh embodiment.

[0149] The optical path control device 7 according to the seventh embodiment is substantially the same as the third embodiment shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 except that the light conversion layer 300 is disposed as a plurality of layers. Therefore, detailed descriptions of components other than the light conversion layer 300 will be omitted below.

[0150] Referring to Figure 19 , the optical path control device 7 can include a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, and a plurality of light conversion layers 301 and 302 interposed therebetween.

[0151] Specifically, on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the first substrate 110, a first-1 electrode 210a, a first light conversion layer 301, and a second-1 electrode 220a can be stacked. A heating layer 500 can also be disposed between the first light conversion layer 301 and the first substrate 110. For example, the heating layer 500 can be disposed between the first electrode 210a and the first substrate 110.

[0152] The second substrate 120 can be disposed on the first substrate 110. In addition, on one side (e.g., a lower surface) of the second substrate 120, a second-2 electrode 220b, a second light conversion layer 302, and a first-2 electrode 210b can be stacked.

[0153] When no voltage is applied to the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302, the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302 can implement a light blocking mode. When a voltage is applied to the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302, the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302 can implement a light transmission mode.

[0154] In this case, the electric field applied to the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302 can be the same or different in magnitude and direction. For example, the same voltage can be applied to the first-1 electrode 210a and the first-2 electrode 210b, and the same voltage can be applied to the second-1 electrode 220a and the second-2 electrode 220b. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and an electric field of different magnitude and / or different direction can be applied to only one of the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302, or to the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302.

[0155] The insulating layer 600 is interposed between the first light conversion layer 301 and the second light conversion layer 302, and thus can insulate the second-1 electrode 210a and the second-2 electrode 220b from each other.

[0156] In such an embodiment, the heating layer 500 can transfer heat to the first light conversion layer 301 and / or the second light conversion layer 302, thus increasing the activity of the suspended particles 322 disposed therein.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating layer 500 can transfer heat to the first light conversion layer 301 and / or the second light conversion layer 302, thus increasing the activity of the suspended particles 322 disposed therein. For example, heat applied to the heating layer 500 can be indirectly transferred to the second light conversion layer 302 via the insulating layer 600. To this end, the insulating layer 600 can include an insulating material having good thermal conductivity. In another embodiment, a separate heating layer for transferring heat to the second light conversion layer 302 can be provided between the second substrate 120 and the second light conversion layer 302.

[0158] As described above, when the light conversion layers 301 and 302 are formed of a plurality of layers, the light conversion layers 301 and 302 can be independently controlled, so that the degree of light blocking can be adjusted, and more various modes can be implemented.

[0159] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0160] Referring to Figure 20 The display device 7 can include a display panel 10, a light path control device 1, and a cover substrate 30.

[0161] The display panel 10 can include a plurality of pixels disposed in a display area of a base substrate and a driving unit disposed in a non-display area around the display area for driving the pixels. The pixel can include a transistor TFT connected to the driving unit through a control signal line and a light emitting element OLED connected to the transistor. The transistor is turned on or off according to a control signal applied through the control signal line, and thus adjusts an amount of current applied to the light emitting element. The light emitting element can emit light having a brightness corresponding to the amount of current applied through the transistor. The display panel 10 can further include a protection layer Encap encapsulating the light emitting element OLED and an upper protection substrate Pol.

[0162] The light path control device 1 can be disposed on the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the light path control device 1 can be the light path control device according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light path control device 1 can be the light path control device according to any one of the second to sixth embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 18. Figures 1 to 7 The light path control device 1 can be disposed on the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the light path control device 1 can be the light path control device according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light path control device 1 can be the light path control device according to any one of the second to sixth embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 18. Figures 8 to 17 The light path control device 1 can be disposed on the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the light path control device 1 can be the light path control device according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light path control device 1 can be the light path control device according to any one of the second to sixth embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 18.

[0163] The light path control device 1 can control the light path generated in the display panel 10 according to an operation mode of the display device 7. For example, when the display device 7 operates in a privacy mode, the light conversion layer 300 of the light path control device 1 is controlled to be in a light blocking mode, and thus can be open to a front view and blocked to a side view for the display device 7. When the display device 7 operates in a sharing mode, the light conversion layer 300 of the light path control device 1 is controlled to be in a light transmission mode, and thus can be open to a front view and a side view for the display device 7.

[0164] The cover substrate 30 can be disposed on the light path control device 1. The cover substrate 30 can be disposed to protect the display device 7 from external impact or foreign matter. The cover substrate 30 can be a light transmission substrate and can be a rigid substrate including glass or strengthened glass, or a flexible substrate of a plastic material.

[0165] In an embodiment, the display device 7 can further include a touch panel 40. The touch panel 40 can be configured to be a capacitive type or a resistive film type, and thus can sense a touch input of a user.

[0166] The display panel 10, the light path control device 1, the touch panel 40, and the cover substrate 30 can be attached to each other through an adhesive layer 50. The adhesive layer 50 can be an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or an optical clear resin (OCR).

[0167] Figure 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0168] Referring to Figure 21The display device 7 according to the embodiment includes the display panel 10, the light path control device 1, the controller 60, and the gate driver 70, the data driver 80, and the temperature sensor 90.

[0169] A plurality of pixels PX are provided on the display panel 10. For example, the pixels PX can be provided on the display panel 10 in the form of a matrix. The pixels PX can emit light having luminance corresponding to a gate signal and a data signal provided through the gate lines GL1 to GLn and the data lines DL1 to DLm. In the embodiment, each of the pixels PX can represent any one of red, green, blue, and white, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0170] The light path control device 1 is provided on the display panel 10 and can control a light path emitted from the display panel 10. In the embodiment, the light path control device 1 can be a light path control device according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light path control device 1 can be a light path control device according to any one of the second to sixth embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15. Figures 1 to 7 Figures 8 to 17

[0171] The controller 60 controls the gate driver 70 and the data driver 80 so that an image is displayed on the display panel 10. For example, the controller 60 can receive an image signal RGB and a control signal CS from the outside. The image signal RGB can include a plurality of gradation data. The control signal CS can include, for example, a horizontal synchronization signal, a vertical synchronization signal, and a clock signal.

[0172] The controller 60 processes the image signal RGB and the control signal so as to be suitable for an operating condition of the display panel 10, and thus can generate and output an image data DATA, a gate drive control signal CONT1, and a data drive control signal CONT2.

[0173] The gate signal can be generated based on the gate drive control signal CONT1 output from the controller 60. The gate driver 70 can provide the generated gate signal to the pixels PX through the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn.

[0174] The data driver 80 can generate the data signal based on the image data DATA and the data drive control signal CONT2 output from the controller 60. The data driver 80 can provide the generated data signal to the pixels PX through the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm.

[0175] ​​The temperature sensor 90 can measure the ambient temperature of the display device 7 and transmit information about the measured temperature to the controller 60. When the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 90 is higher than a preset threshold, the controller 60 can control the first electrode 210 or a separately provided heating electrode so that no electricity is applied to the heating layer 500 of the light path control device 1. In contrast, when the measured ambient temperature is less than the preset threshold, the controller 60 can apply a voltage to the first electrode 210 or the heating electrode so that electricity is applied to the heating layer 500 of the light path control device 1. When the heating layer 500 generates heat by the voltage applied to the heating layer 500, the temperature of the light path control device 1 is appropriately increased, and thus the operating efficiency of the light conversion layer 300 can be improved.

[0176] The light path control device according to the embodiments and the display device including the same can secure an aperture ratio and improve brightness in a sharing mode by patterning the electrode.

[0177] In addition, the light path control device according to the embodiments and the display device including the same can reduce the influence of the ambient temperature and improve the operating temperature range.

[0178] In addition, the light path control device according to the embodiments and the display device including the same can be efficiently driven in a vehicle navigation or the like even in winter when the ambient temperature is low. For example, the light control panel according to the embodiments and the display device including the same can open a side view angle of the navigation even when a user gets in a car in winter, so that a welcome scene is viewed by a driver.

[0179] The light path control device according to the embodiments and the display device including the same improve the switching speed between the light blocking mode and the light transmission mode and obtain a better optical distribution.

[0180] Although the embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the technical configuration of the disclosure can be implemented in other detailed forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are provided by way of example, and should not be construed as limiting. In addition, the scope of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims rather than the detailed description provided above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims and all variations or modifications derived from equivalents thereof should be understood to fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0181] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0182] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0188116, filed on December 27, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An optical path control device, the optical path control device comprising: a first substrate; a first electrode over the first substrate; a second substrate on the first substrate; a second electrode under the second substrate; a heating layer between the first substrate and the first electrode, the heating layer configured to generate heat energy in response to a voltage applied through the first electrode; and a light conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the light conversion layer including partition wall portions and accommodation portions disposed alternately with each other, wherein the accommodation portions include: conversion portions including a dispersion liquid and suspended particles dispersed in the dispersion liquid, and wherein the first electrode includes: at least one pattern portion overlapping at least a portion of the accommodation portions. the at least one pattern portion includes:

2. The optical path control device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of first pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the first substrate while extending in one direction; and a plurality of second pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the first substrate while extending in the one direction, wherein the plurality of first pattern portions and the plurality of second pattern portions are disposed alternately with each other on the first substrate. the second electrode includes:

3. The optical path control device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of third pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the second substrate while extending in the one direction, the plurality of third pattern portions facing the plurality of first pattern portions; and a plurality of fourth pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the second substrate while extending in the one direction, the plurality of fourth pattern portions facing the plurality of second pattern portions, wherein the plurality of third pattern portions and the plurality of fourth pattern portions are disposed alternately with each other on the second substrate. the first electrode further includes:

4. The optical path control device according to claim 3, wherein a first connection portion connecting the plurality of first pattern portions together; and a second connection portion connecting the plurality of second pattern portions together, and the second electrode further includes: a third connection portion connecting the plurality of third pattern portions together; and a fourth connection portion connecting the plurality of fourth pattern portions together. different levels of voltage are applied to the plurality of first pattern portions and the plurality of second pattern portions, and different levels of voltage are applied to the plurality of third pattern portions and the plurality of fourth pattern portions.

5. The optical path control device according to claim 3, wherein either a low potential voltage and a high potential voltage are applied to the plurality of first pattern portions and the plurality of fourth pattern portions, and the other of the low potential voltage and the high potential voltage are applied to the plurality of second pattern portions and the plurality of third pattern portions.

6. The optical path control device according to claim 5, wherein the first electrode includes a plurality of concentric circles, or includes a plurality of extension portions and a connection portion connecting the plurality of extension portions together.

7. The optical path control device according to claim 1, wherein ​ 8. The optical path control device according to claim 1, wherein The light conversion layer is adjacent to the first electrode or the second electrode, and the light conversion layer further includes a light-blocking layer having a lower refractive index than a refractive index of the dispersion liquid in which the suspended particles are dispersed.

9. The optical path control device according to claim 8, wherein The light-blocking layer is in the accommodation portion and is disposed adjacent to an electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode that is disposed in a direction in which the suspended particles move.

10. The optical path control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bonding layer between the first electrode and the light conversion layer, or between the second electrode and the light conversion layer.

11. The optical path control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a heating electrode configured to apply the voltage to the heating layer.

12. The optical path control device according to claim 11, wherein The heating electrode is between the heating layer and the first electrode.

13. The optical path control device according to claim 11, wherein The heating electrode is at both ends of the heating layer.

14. The optical path control device according to claim 13, wherein The heating electrode is integrated with the first electrode.

15. The optical path control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an insulating layer on the second electrode; a third electrode on the insulating layer; a fourth electrode on the third electrode; and a second light conversion layer disposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

16. A display device comprising: a display panel including pixels, the display panel configured to display an image; a gate driver configured to apply a gate signal to the pixels; a data driver configured to apply a data signal to the pixels in synchronization with the gate signal; a controller configured to control the gate driver and the data driver; and an optical path control device configured to control a path of light emitted from the display panel according to an operation mode, wherein the optical path control device includes: a first substrate; a first electrode in an upper portion of the first substrate; a second substrate on the first substrate; a second electrode on a lower portion of the second substrate; a heating layer between the first substrate and the first electrode, the heating layer configured to generate heat energy in response to an applied voltage through the first electrode or the second electrode; and a light conversion layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the light conversion layer including partition wall portions and accommodation portions disposed alternately with each other, wherein the accommodation portions include: a conversion portion including a dispersion liquid and suspended particles dispersed in the dispersion liquid, and wherein the first electrode includes: at least one pattern portion overlapping at least a portion of the accommodation portions. The at least one pattern portion includes: a plurality of first pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the first substrate while extending in one direction; and 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein, ​ ​ a plurality of second pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the first substrate while extending in the one direction, wherein the plurality of first pattern portions and the plurality of second pattern portions are alternately arranged on the first substrate.

18. The display device of claim 17, wherein, the second electrode includes: a plurality of third pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the second substrate while extending in the one direction, the plurality of third pattern portions facing the plurality of first pattern portions; and a plurality of fourth pattern portions spaced apart from each other on the second substrate while extending in the one direction, the plurality of fourth pattern portions respectively facing the plurality of second pattern portions, wherein the plurality of third pattern portions and the plurality of fourth pattern portions are alternately arranged on the second substrate.

19. The display device of claim 18, wherein, different levels of voltage are applied to the plurality of first pattern portions and the plurality of second pattern portions, and different levels of voltage are applied to the plurality of third pattern portions and the plurality of fourth pattern portions.

20. The display device of claim 16, wherein, the light conversion layer is adjacent to the first electrode or the second electrode, and the light conversion layer further includes a light blocking layer having a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the dispersion liquid in which the suspended particles are dispersed.

21. The display device of claim 20, wherein, the light blocking layer is in the accommodation portion and is arranged adjacent to an electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode arranged in a direction in which the suspended particles move.

22. The display device of claim 16, wherein, the light path control device further includes: a temperature sensor configured to sense an external temperature, wherein the heating layer is further configured to generate heat energy in response to a voltage applied from at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode based on the sensed temperature.

23. The display device of claim 22, wherein, the controller is configured to control at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to apply the voltage to the heating layer in response to the sensed temperature being less than a preset threshold.

24. The display device of claim 16, wherein, in a privacy mode, the light path control device is configured to operate in a light blocking mode in which the suspended particles are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid, and in a sharing mode, the light path control device is configured to operate in a light transmission mode in which the suspended particles are gathered in at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode.

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