View angle adjusting device and display device including the same

Abstract

A viewing angle adjusting device and a display device including the same are discussed. The viewing angle adjusting device can include a first protective layer, a second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer, a light conversion layer disposed between the first protective layer and the second protective layer and including a dispersion liquid having dispersed floating particles, and an auxiliary light conversion layer disposed on the second protective layer. The auxiliary light conversion layer can include a first pattern in a central region provided with a light absorbing layer and a transparent layer, and a second pattern in an edge region provided with a light absorbing layer, a transparent layer, and a reflective layer.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0188023, filed on December 27, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a viewing angle adjustment device and a display device including the viewing angle adjustment device. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, with the increasing importance of protecting user privacy, display devices equipped with viewing angle adjustment mechanisms for privacy protection have been supplied. These display devices limit the viewing angle of the display device through the viewing angle adjustment mechanism, preventing people around the user from seeing the content displayed on the display device.

[0005] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1 with viewing angle adjustment device 20 includes a display panel 10 and a viewing angle adjustment device 20. The viewing angle adjustment device 20 is disposed on the surface of the display panel 10 and limits the viewing angle of the image displayed on the display panel 10. For example, the viewing angle adjustment device 20 includes multiple partitions 21 made of light-blocking material inside, thus opening the light path towards the front of the display panel 10 and closing the light path towards the sides of the display panel 10. Therefore, only users using the display device 1 from the front of the display panel 10 can view the image displayed on the display panel 10, while people around the user looking at the display device 1 find it difficult to view the image displayed on the display panel 10.

[0006] If the display device is a large-area device, the user located at the center of the display device may actually be positioned to the side relative to the edge of the display device. If the viewing angle adjustment device 20 is applied to a large-area device, the following limitations may exist: the user's viewing angle in the edge area may be limited and the brightness in the edge area may be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure provides a viewing angle adjustment device and a display device including the viewing angle adjustment device, which can open a portion of the viewing angle to the inner surface in the edge region by using an auxiliary light conversion layer in the edge region that has a stacked light absorption layer, a transparent layer and a reflective layer.

[0009] Technical solutions

[0010] One embodiment relates to providing a viewing angle adjustment device, comprising: a first protective layer; a second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer; a light conversion layer disposed between the first and second protective layers and comprising a dispersion having dispersed floating particles; and an auxiliary light conversion layer disposed on the second protective layer.

[0011] The auxiliary light conversion layer may include: a first pattern having a light absorption layer and a transparent layer in the central region, and a second pattern having a light absorption layer, a transparent layer and a reflective layer in the edge region.

[0012] The second pattern may have a structure in which a light-absorbing layer, a transparent layer, and a reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0013] The edge area can be the area where the user's field of view is 30 degrees or greater when located in front of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0014] The reflective layer can refract a portion of the light that enters the auxiliary light conversion layer after being emitted from the light conversion layer, and also emit a portion of the refracted light in the inward direction of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0015] For edge areas, the viewing angle of the viewing angle adjustment device can be adjusted inwards by opening a reflective layer.

[0016] The light conversion layer may have a structure in which a partition wall portion and a container portion filled with a dispersion liquid are alternately arranged, and the height of the first pattern and the second pattern of the auxiliary light conversion layer may be 1 / 10 or less of the height of the container portion.

[0017] The density of the second pattern in the edge region can be gradually increased toward the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0018] The density of the second pattern throughout the entire region of the auxiliary light conversion layer can have a Gaussian distribution.

[0019] The auxiliary light conversion layer may also include a reflective pattern that protrudes from the inner surface of the reflective layer and has an inverted conical inner surface.

[0020] The auxiliary light conversion layer may also include light diffusion beads disposed on the inner surface of the reflective layer.

[0021] The transparent layer can have an inverted triangular prism cross-section, the light-absorbing layer can be formed to cover the inner surface of the transparent layer, and the reflective layer can be formed to cover the light-absorbing layer.

[0022] The reflective layer can be formed by coating the surface of the transparent layer with a white reflective material or a silver high-reflective coating agent, or it can be made of acrylic resin.

[0023] The reflective layer can have a higher refractive index than the light-absorbing layer and the transparent layer.

[0024] Another embodiment relates to providing a display device, including: a display panel having pixels disposed thereon and displaying an image; a viewing angle adjustment device for adjusting the viewing angle of the display panel by controlling the path of light emitted by the display panel according to a driving mode; and a cover plate disposed on the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0025] The viewing angle adjustment device may include: a first protective layer; a second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer; a light conversion layer disposed between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, and comprising a dispersion having dispersed floating particles; and an auxiliary light conversion layer disposed on the second protective layer.

[0026] The auxiliary light conversion layer may include: a first pattern having a light absorption layer and a transparent layer in the central region, and a second pattern having a light absorption layer, a transparent layer and a reflective layer in the edge region.

[0027] The second pattern may have a structure in which a light-absorbing layer, a transparent layer, and a reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0028] The light conversion layer may have a structure in which a partition wall portion and a container portion injected with a dispersion liquid are alternately arranged, and the height of the first pattern and the second pattern of the auxiliary light conversion layer may be 1 / 10 or less of the height of the container portion.

[0029] The density of the second pattern in the edge region can be gradually increased toward the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0030] The auxiliary light conversion layer may also include a reflective pattern that protrudes from the inner surface of the reflective layer and has an inverted conical inner surface.

[0031] The auxiliary light conversion layer may also include light diffusion beads disposed on the inner surface of the reflective layer.

[0032] The transparent layer can have an inverted triangular prism cross-section, the light-absorbing layer can be formed to cover the inner surface of the transparent layer, and the reflective layer can be formed to cover the light-absorbing layer.

[0033] Another embodiment relates to providing a viewing angle adjustment device, comprising: a first protective layer; a second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer; a first electrode disposed on the upper surface of the first protective layer; a second electrode disposed on the lower surface of the second protective layer; a light conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and including alternately disposed partition walls and receiving portions, the receiving portions including a dispersion liquid and floating particles dispersed within the dispersion liquid; and an auxiliary light conversion layer disposed on the second protective layer.

[0034] The auxiliary light conversion layer may include: a first pattern having a light absorption layer and a transparent layer in the central region, and a second pattern having a light absorption layer, a transparent layer and a reflective layer in the edge region.

[0035] The second pattern may have a structure in which a light-absorbing layer, a transparent layer, and a reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0036] Another embodiment relates to providing a display device, including: a display panel having pixels disposed thereon and displaying an image; a viewing angle adjustment device for adjusting the viewing angle of the display panel by controlling the path of light emitted by the display panel according to a driving mode; and a cover plate disposed on the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0037] The viewing angle adjustment device may include: a first protective layer; a second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer; a first electrode disposed on the upper surface of the first protective layer; a second electrode disposed on the lower surface of the second protective layer; a light conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and including alternately arranged partition walls and containment portions, the containment portions including a dispersion liquid and floating particles dispersed inside the dispersion liquid; and an auxiliary light conversion layer disposed on the second protective layer.

[0038] The auxiliary light conversion layer may include: a first pattern having a light absorption layer and a transparent layer in the central region, and a second pattern having a light absorption layer, a transparent layer and a reflective layer in the edge region.

[0039] The second pattern may have a structure in which a light-absorbing layer, a transparent layer, and a reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

[0040] Beneficial effects

[0041] The viewing angle adjustment device according to the embodiment and the display device including the viewing angle adjustment device protect the privacy of users of large-area display devices without restricting the user's viewing area.

[0042] Furthermore, the viewing angle adjustment device according to the embodiment and the display device including the viewing angle adjustment device can solve the problem of reduced brightness in the edge area of ​​a large-area display device including the viewing angle adjustment device and improve its quality. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display device including a viewing angle adjustment device.

[0044] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the central region of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge region on one side of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge region on the other side of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to describe the light travel path of the viewing angle adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the viewing angle at each position of the viewing angle adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective adjustment device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the distribution of the second pattern of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the reflective layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a reflective layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective adjustment device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a display device including a viewing angle adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0056] In the following description, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. When an element (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is "on", "connected" to, or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element, or a third intermediate element may be disposed between the element and the other element.

[0057] The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings denote the same elements. Furthermore, for ease of description, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the elements in the drawings have been exaggerated. The term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items in association, as well as all combinations of one or more.

[0058] Although terms such as “first” or “second” are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms expressed herein are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0059] Terms such as "below," "at the bottom," "above," and "at the top" are used to describe the positional relationships of the parts shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are interpreted based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0060] It should be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are used only to specify the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof; however, such terms do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Furthermore, all components of the perspective adjustment device and any equipment including the device are operatively coupled and configured in all embodiments of this disclosure.

[0062] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The light blocking mode of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 is shown, and Figure 3 The light transmission mode of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 is shown.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The viewing angle adjustment device 100 according to the first embodiment may include a first protective layer 110, a second protective layer 120, a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, a light conversion layer 300, and an auxiliary light conversion layer 400.

[0064] The first protective layer 110 is the base substrate of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 and can be a light-transmitting substrate. The first protective layer 110 can be a rigid substrate including glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate made of plastic. For example, the first protective layer 110 is a flexible polymer film and can be formed from 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 protective layer 110 is not limited to these.

[0065] The first electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the top surface) of the first protective layer 110. The first electrode 210 is disposed between the first protective layer 110 and the second protective layer 120, which will be explained later. For example, the first electrode 210 may be disposed on the top surface of the first protective layer 110 by having a planar electrode shape. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and in another embodiment, the first electrode 210 may be disposed in the form of a patterned electrode including a regular pattern on the first protective layer 110.

[0066] The first electrode 210 can be formed of 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), or titanium oxide. In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the first electrode 210 can be about 80% or higher. Then, the first electrode 210 cannot be identified from the outside, and the light transmittance is increased, thereby improving the brightness of the display device 1.

[0067] In another embodiment, 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.

[0068] The second protective layer 120 may be disposed on the first protective layer 110. The second protective layer 120 is a light-transmitting layer and may be formed of the same or similar material as the material included in the first protective layer 110.

[0069] The second electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the second protective layer 120 (e.g., below the second protective layer 120). The second electrode 220 is disposed between the first protective layer 110 and the second protective layer 120. For example, the second electrode 220 may be disposed below the second protective layer 120 by having a planar electrode shape. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and in another embodiment, the second electrode 220 may be disposed as a patterned electrode with a regular pattern on the second protective layer 120.

[0070] The second electrode 220 may be formed of a transparent conductive material and may include various metals to achieve low resistance. The second electrode 220 may be formed of the same or similar material as that included in the first electrode 210.

[0071] The light conversion layer 300 may be disposed between the first protective layer 110 and the second protective layer 120. The light conversion layer 300 may include a partition wall portion 310 and a receiving portion 320. Specifically, the light conversion layer 300 may include a receiving portion 320 divided into multiple regions by the partition wall portion 310.

[0072] In the light conversion layer 300, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can be alternately arranged along one direction. In this case, the partition wall portion 310 and the receiving portion 320 can have the same or different widths in said one direction. In an embodiment, the width (W) of the pattern formed by a partition wall portion 310 and an adjacent receiving portion 320 can be about 45 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The partition wall 310 can be formed of a transparent, light-transmitting material. For example, the partition wall 310 can be formed of a UV-curable resin or a photoresist resin. Alternatively, the partition wall 310 can be formed of at least one of a UV-curable resin, a polyurethane resin, and an acrylic resin. The partition wall 310 allows light entering the first protective layer 110 or the second protective layer 120 to pass through in opposite directions.

[0074] The receiving portion 320 can be formed to penetrate from the top to the bottom of the partition wall portion 310. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the receiving portion 320 can be formed by adopting a shape that does not penetrate the partition wall portion 310. Depending on the height of the receiving portion 320, the viewing angle of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 can be changed in the light blocking mode described later. In this embodiment, the height (H) of the receiving portion 320 can be about 100 μm to 140 μm, but it is not limited to this.

[0075] The width of one end of the receiving portion 320 may be the same as or different from the width of the other end. The width of one end of the receiving portion 320 adjacent to the first protective layer 110 may be wider than the width of the other end of the receiving portion 320 adjacent to the second protective layer 120. Depending on the width of the receiving portion 320, the transmittance of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 may be changed in the light transmission mode described later.

[0076] The receiving portion 320 is disposed such that at least one region overlaps with the first electrode 210. The receiving portion 320 may include a dispersion 321 and floating particles 322 dispersed within the dispersion 321. For example, in the receiving portion 320, the dispersion 321 is filled and the floating particles 322 may be dispersed within the dispersion 321.

[0077] Dispersion 321 is a solvent in which floating particles 322 are dispersed, and may be a transparent insulating solvent with low viscosity. For example, dispersion 321 may include at least one of halogenated hydrocarbon oil, paraffin oil, and isopropanol.

[0078] The floating particles 322 can be colored electrophoretic particles, such as black particles. The floating particles 322 can be carbon black particles, but are not limited to these. The receiving portion 320 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, and the arrangement of the charged floating particles 322 can be controlled according to the voltage difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. Depending on the arrangement of the floating particles 322, the light conversion layer 300 can achieve both light transmission and light blocking modes.

[0079] More specifically, if no voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, then as Figure 2 As shown, the floating particles 322 are uniformly dispersed within the dispersion liquid 321, thereby achieving a light-blocking mode where the transmission of external light is blocked. In this case, external light applied to the partition wall 310 can pass through the light conversion layer 300, and the external light can be identified from the front of the viewing angle adjustment device 100. For example, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 can achieve a private mode, wherein the viewing angle adjustment device 100 opens the field of view to a specific viewing angle (e.g., a frontal view) while blocking the field of view to other viewing angles (e.g., a side view).

[0080] If a voltage is applied to at least one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, then as Figure 3 As shown, the floating particle 322 can move in the direction of the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220 by an electric field. At this time, the direction of movement of the floating particle 322 can be controlled according to the polarity (negative or positive) of the floating particle 322 and the relative magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0081] If the floating particles 322 gather around the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220, a light transmission mode can be achieved when external light passes through the partition wall 310 and the receiving portion 320. In other words, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 can achieve a shared mode that provides open views from both the front and sides.

[0082] The viewing angle adjustment device 100 can be applied to large-area display devices. When operating the large-area display device in shared mode, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 operates in a light transmission mode, thereby opening the viewing angle to the user who is typically located at the center of the front of the display device and to people around the user located on the sides of the display device. When operating the large-area display device in private mode, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 operates in a light blocking mode, in which the viewing angle is open to the user but blocked to people around the user.

[0083] At this time, if the large-area display device is located near the user, the user's viewing angle may be limited at the edges of the large-area display device, and the brightness of the edge area may be reduced. To solve this problem, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 also includes an auxiliary light conversion layer 400, which opens a portion of the viewing angle so that light incident from the edge area can be emitted to one side.

[0084] The detailed structure of the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 will be described below.

[0085] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the central region of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge region on one side of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge region on the other side of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the first embodiment.

[0086] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The viewing angle adjustment device 100 according to the first embodiment includes an auxiliary light conversion layer 400. The auxiliary light conversion layer 400 may be disposed on another surface (e.g., the top surface) of the second protective layer 120.

[0087] like Figure 4As shown, in the central region (CA), the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 includes a first pattern (P1) formed by a light absorption layer 410 and a transparent layer 420 disposed adjacent to each other. The light absorption layer 410 and the transparent layer 420 may each have the same or different widths. The width (W1) of the light absorption layer 410 may be shorter than the width (W2) of the transparent layer 420. For example, the width (W1) of the light absorption layer 410 may be about 1 μm to 3 μm, and the width (W2) of the transparent layer 420 may be about 30 μm to 40 μm. In an embodiment, when the width (W1) of the light absorption layer 410 is 3 μm and the width (W2) of the transparent layer 420 is 40 μm, the width (W3) of the first pattern (P1) may be about 43 μm. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0088] In this embodiment, the height (h) of the first pattern (P1) may be smaller than the height (H) of the receiving portion 320 of the light conversion layer 300. More specifically, the height (h) of the first pattern (P1) may be about 1 / 10 or less of the height (H) of the receiving portion 320 of the light conversion layer 300. For example, when the height (H) of the receiving portion 320 is 104 μm, the height (h) of the first pattern (P1) may be about 10 μm, but this is not a limitation.

[0089] The light-absorbing layer 410 can be formed to penetrate the auxiliary light conversion layer 400, or it can be formed in the shape of a non-penetrating receiving groove. The light-absorbing layer 410 can be formed of a colored light-absorbing material. For example, the light-absorbing layer 410 can be formed of electronic ink including black particles, but is not limited thereto. The light-absorbing layer 410 can block light incident from the light conversion layer 300 from passing through in the opposite direction.

[0090] The transparent layer 420 can be formed of a transparent, light-transmitting material. For example, the transparent layer 420 can be a photocurable resin, and can be formed of a UV resin or a photoresist resin. Alternatively, the transparent layer 420 can be formed of at least one of a polyurethane resin and an acrylic resin. The transparent layer 420 allows light incident from the light conversion layer 300 to pass through in the opposite direction.

[0091] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the edge region (EA), the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 includes a second pattern (P2) in which a light absorption layer 410, a transparent layer 420, and a reflective layer 430 are disposed adjacent to each other (a three-layer structure). In the second pattern (P2), the light absorption layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 are arranged sequentially along a direction (D1) from the inside to the outside of the auxiliary light conversion layer 400. Therefore, in the edge region (EA) on one side of the auxiliary light conversion layer 400, as... Figure 5As shown, the second pattern (P2) has a structure in which the light absorption layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 are arranged along one direction (D1), and in the edge region (EA) at the other end of the auxiliary light conversion layer 400, as shown... Figure 6 As shown, the second pattern (P2) has a structure in which the light-absorbing layer 410, the transparent layer 420 and the reflective layer 430 are arranged along one direction (D1).

[0092] The light-absorbing layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 can have the same or different widths. The width (W1) of the light-absorbing layer 410 and the width (W4) of the reflective layer 430 can be shorter than the width (W2) of the transparent layer 420. For example, the width (W1) of the light-absorbing layer 410 is about 1 μm to 3 μm, the width (W2) of the transparent layer 420 is about 30 μm to 40 μm, and the width (W4) of the reflective layer 430 can be 1 μm to 3 μm. In an embodiment, when the width (W1) of the light-absorbing layer 410 is 3 μm, the width (W2) of the transparent layer 420 is 40 μm, and the width (W4) of the reflective layer 430 is 3 μm, the width (W5) of the pattern formed by a light-absorbing layer 410, a transparent layer 420 adjacent to the light-absorbing layer 410, and a reflective layer 430 adjacent to the transparent layer 420 can be about 46 μm. However, this implementation is not limited to this.

[0093] In the implementation, the height (h) of the second pattern (P2) is substantially the same as the height (h) of the first pattern (P1).

[0094] The reflective layer 430 may be formed of a material capable of reflecting and / or refracting light incident from the light conversion layer 300. In an embodiment, the reflective layer 430 may be a white reflective material applied to a transparent surface of the layer, such that incoming light can be reflected and / or refracted on the surface. For example, the reflective layer 430 may be formed by coating the surface with titanium dioxide (TiO2) or a silver high-reflectivity coating agent.

[0095] Alternatively, the reflective layer 430 may be formed of an acrylic resin, such that light incident from the boundary region between the reflective layer 430 and the light-absorbing layer 410 can be reflected and / or refracted. The acrylic resin is a polymer of acetone, cyanic acid, and methyl methacrylate, and may have a refractive index corresponding to the polymerization conditions. Therefore, when each of the reflective layer 430 and the light-absorbing layer 410 is formed using an acrylic resin prepared under different polymerization conditions, light in the boundary region between the reflective layer 430 and the light-absorbing layer 410 can be refracted at a desired angle. In such an embodiment, the refractive index of the reflective layer 430 may be higher than that of the light-absorbing layer 410 and the transparent layer 420. For example, the refractive index of the reflective layer 430 may be about 1.6, and the refractive index of the light-absorbing layer 410 and the transparent layer 420 may be about 1.49, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The starting point of the edge region (EA) on which the second pattern (P2) is disposed can be determined based on the size of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 and the general (or expected) distance between the viewing angle adjustment device 100 and the user. For example, the starting point of the second pattern (P2) can be a point at approximately 30 degrees from the viewing angle of the user looking at the center of the front of the viewing angle adjustment device 100.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to describe the light travel path of the viewing angle adjustment device according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 It is a graph showing the viewing angle at each position of the viewing angle adjustment device according to the first embodiment.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 Light emitted from the light conversion layer 300 can enter the auxiliary light conversion layer 400. A portion of the light emitted vertically from the light conversion layer 300 is blocked by the light absorption layer 410, while another portion of the light emitted vertically from the light conversion layer 300 passes through the transparent layer 420 and / or the reflective layer 430, thus opening the frontal viewing angle.

[0099] Light emitted obliquely from the light conversion layer 300 and entering the central region (CA) of the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 is typically blocked by the light absorption layer 410, thus obstructing the side view. At least a portion of the light emitted obliquely from the light conversion layer 300 and entering the edge region (EA) of the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 is reflected and / or refracted on the surface of the reflective layer 430 and / or at the boundary region between the reflective layer 430 and the light absorption layer 410, and is emitted to one side. In this case, one side is the inner surface of the viewing angle adjustment device 100, specifically, one side can be the front center direction.

[0100] Therefore, through the auxiliary light conversion layer 400, in the edge region (EA) of the viewing angle adjustment device 100, not only can the viewing angle be opened to the front, but also to one side. Here, the side to which the viewing angle is opened by the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 can be inward, that is, in the direction of the center of the front of the viewing angle adjustment device 100. Therefore, with respect to the auxiliary light conversion layer 400 according to the embodiment, the viewing angle opened in the edge region (EA) is wider than the viewing angle opened in the center region (CA).

[0101] Reference Figure 8 According to the first embodiment, the viewing angle in the central region (CA) of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 is limited to 35 degrees. On the other hand, the edge region (EA) allows a significantly wider viewing angle than 35 degrees because a portion of the viewing angle to the inner surface is open. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the viewing angle in the edge region (EA) is limited to 35 to 50 degrees.

[0102] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective adjustment device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 It is a graph showing the distribution of the second pattern of the auxiliary light conversion layer according to the second embodiment.

[0103] Apart from the structure of the auxiliary light conversion layer 401, the viewing angle adjustment device 101 according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the viewing angle adjustment device 100 of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the other components except for the auxiliary light conversion layer 401 will be omitted below.

[0104] Reference Figure 9 The viewing angle adjustment device 101 according to the second embodiment may include a first protective layer 110, a second protective layer 120, a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, a light conversion layer 300, and an auxiliary light conversion layer 401.

[0105] The auxiliary light conversion layer 401 includes a first pattern (P1) in which a light absorption layer 410 and a transparent layer 420 are disposed adjacent to each other.

[0106] The light-absorbing layer 410 can be formed in the shape of a receiving groove that may or may not penetrate the auxiliary light conversion layer 401. The light-absorbing layer 410 can be a colored light-absorbing material. For example, the light-absorbing layer 410 can be formed from electronic ink including black particles, but is not limited thereto. The light-absorbing layer 410 can block light entering from the light conversion layer 300 from passing through in the opposite direction.

[0107] The transparent layer 420 can be formed of a transparent, light-transmitting material. For example, the transparent layer 420 can be a photocurable resin, and can be formed of a UV resin or a photoresist resin. Alternatively, the transparent layer 420 can be formed of at least one of a polyurethane resin and an acrylic resin. The transparent layer 420 allows light entering from the light conversion layer 300 to pass through in the opposite direction.

[0108] In the edge region (EA), the auxiliary light conversion layer 401 includes a second pattern (P2) in which a light absorption layer 410, a transparent layer 420, and a reflective layer 430 are disposed adjacent to each other (a three-layer structure). In the second pattern (P2), the light absorption layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 are arranged sequentially along a direction (D1) from the inside to the outside of the auxiliary light conversion layer 401. Therefore, in the edge region (EA) on one side of the auxiliary light conversion layer 401, the second pattern (P2) has a structure in which the light absorption layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 are disposed, and in the edge region (EA) at the other end of the auxiliary light conversion layer 401, the second pattern (P2) has a structure in which the light absorption layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 are disposed.

[0109] The density of the second pattern in the edge region (EA) can gradually increase towards the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device 101. In other words, the number of repeating second patterns (P2) in the edge region (EA) can gradually increase towards the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device 101.

[0110] For example, a first pattern (P1) and a second pattern (P2) can be set on one side of the contact center region (CA). In this case, the first pattern (P1) is set more frequently as it gets closer to the center region (CA) in the edge region (EA), while the second pattern (P2) is set more frequently only as it gets further away from the center region (CA) (in other words, at the end of the viewing angle adjustment device 101). For example, on one side of the contact center region (CA), the second pattern (P2) is set for every n (random natural number) first patterns (P1), and the interval between setting the second pattern (P2) decreases, and at the end of the viewing angle adjustment device 101, the second pattern (P2) can be set continuously only. Figure 9 The example shown illustrates setting n to 2; however, this implementation is not limited to this. Figure 10 As shown, the density of the second pattern (P2) in the entire region of the auxiliary light conversion layer 401 can have a Gaussian distribution.

[0111] According to the second embodiment, the brightness between the center region (CA) and the edge region (EA) of the viewing angle adjustment device 101 is gradually improved. Therefore, the user can view the image with improved brightness throughout the entire area of ​​the viewing angle adjustment device 101 without the user perceiving any boundary lines or differences.

[0112] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the reflective layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 11 The auxiliary light conversion layer 402 according to the embodiment may further include a reflective pattern 440. The reflective pattern 440 has an inverted cone shape protruding from the surface of the reflective layer 430. For example, the reflective pattern 440 may be formed on the inner surface of the reflective layer 430 (e.g., the surface adjacent to the central region (CA)). Such a reflective pattern 440 may be formed of the same or similar material as the material forming the reflective layer 430.

[0114] Multiple reflective patterns 440 can be formed on a reflective layer 430. The multiple reflective patterns 440 can be arranged regularly or irregularly on the surface of the reflective layer 430.

[0115] The reflective pattern 440 can be formed in such a way that its inner surface has an inverted conical shape. For example, the reflective pattern 440 can be formed such that the width of the end through which light enters from the light conversion layer 300 can be formed to be narrower than the width of the other end through which light is emitted.

[0116] Because the side surface of the reflective pattern 440 is inverted conical, light incident obliquely from the lower part of the auxiliary light conversion layer 402 is reflected by the reflective pattern 440 and can be further concentrated at the front center of the viewing angle adjustment device 100. Therefore, while the viewing angle adjustment device 100 partially opens the viewing angle to the inner surface in the edge region (EA) through the auxiliary light conversion layer 402, it ensures that the user's privacy is not violated by blocking the viewing angle to other side surfaces.

[0117] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a reflective layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 12 The auxiliary light conversion layer 403 according to the embodiment may further include light diffusion beads 450. The light diffusion beads 450 may be disposed on one surface of the reflective layer 430. For example, the light diffusion beads 450 may be formed on the inner surface of the reflective layer 430 (in other words, the surface adjacent to the central region (CA)).

[0119] When light diffusion beads 450 are involved, multiple light diffusion beads 450 can be formed on a reflective layer 430. Multiple light diffusion beads 450 can be arranged regularly or irregularly on a surface of the reflective layer 430.

[0120] The light diffusion bead 450 can be, for example, a silicon bead or PMMA with a spherical shape, but is not limited to these.

[0121] Light entering the lower part of the auxiliary light conversion layer 403 at an angle is diffused by the light diffusion beads 450 and can be further concentrated at the front center of the viewing angle adjustment device 100. Therefore, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 can effectively open the viewing angle to the inner surface in the edge region (EA) and improve the brightness in the edge region (EA) through the auxiliary light conversion layer 403.

[0122] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the viewing angle adjustment device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Except for the structure of the auxiliary light conversion layer 404, the viewing angle adjustment device 104 according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the viewing angle adjustment device 100 of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the remaining components, except for the auxiliary light conversion layer 404, will be omitted or briefly discussed.

[0123] Reference Figure 13 In the edge region (EA), the auxiliary light conversion layer 404 includes a second pattern (P2) in which the light absorption layer 410, the transparent layer 420, and the reflective layer 430 are disposed adjacent to each other. The transparent layer 420 may be formed with a cross-sectional shape of an inverted triangular prism, as shown. The light absorption layer 410 may be formed on the side surface of the transparent layer 420 having an inverted prism shape. For example, in the side surface of the transparent layer 420, the light absorption layer 410 may be formed to cover the inner surface adjacent to the central region (CA) of the viewing angle adjustment device 104. The reflective layer 430 may be formed on the light absorption layer 410. For example, the reflective layer 430 may be formed to cover the light absorption layer 410.

[0124] When the auxiliary light conversion layer 404 includes an inverted prism pattern, light entering the lower part of the auxiliary light conversion layer 404 at an angle can be further concentrated at the front center of the viewing angle adjustment device 104. Therefore, while the viewing angle adjustment device 104 provides limited access to the inner surface in the edge region (EA) through the auxiliary light conversion layer 404, it prevents user privacy from being violated by blocking access to other side surfaces.

[0125] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the auxiliary light conversion layer 404 may not include any pattern in the central region (CA). However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the auxiliary light conversion layer 404 may be provided with a first pattern (P1) according to the aforementioned embodiment in the central region (CA).

[0126] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a display device including a viewing angle adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Reference Figure 14 The display device 2 may include a display panel 11, a viewing angle adjustment device 100, and a cover plate 12.

[0128] Display panel 11 may include a plurality of pixels and a driver disposed in an active region near the base substrate for driving the plurality of pixels. A pixel may include a transistor (TFT) connected to the driver via a control signal line, and a light-emitting diode (OLED) connected to the transistor. The transistor adjusts the amount of current applied to the OLED by turning it on or off according to a control signal applied via the control signal line. The OLED may emit light with a brightness corresponding to the amount of current applied via the transistor. Display panel 11 may also include an encapsulation layer (Encap) and an upper protective substrate (Pol) encapsulating the OLED.

[0129] The viewing angle adjustment device 100 can be disposed on the display panel 11. In an embodiment, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 can be based on a reference. Figures 1 to 13 A perspective adjustment device according to one embodiment of the described implementation.

[0130] The viewing angle adjustment device 100 can adjust the viewing angle of the display panel 11 by controlling the light travel path generated in the display panel 11 according to the driving mode of the display device 2. For example, when the display device 2 is driven in the sharing mode, the light conversion layer 300 of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 is controlled in the light transmission mode, thereby opening up the field of view to the front and sides of the display device 2.

[0131] Alternatively, when the display device 2 is driven in private mode, the light conversion layer 300 of the viewing angle adjustment device 100 is controlled in light blocking mode, thereby opening the field of view to the front of the display device 2 and blocking the field of view to its sides. In this case, the viewing angle adjustment device 100 can partially open the viewing angle to one side surface in the edge region through the auxiliary light conversion layer 400. Here, one side surface is the inner surface of the viewing angle adjustment device 100, and specifically, one side surface can be the center direction of the front of the display device 2.

[0132] The cover substrate 12 can be disposed on the viewing angle adjustment device 100. The cover substrate 12 can be disposed to protect the display device 2 from external impacts or foreign objects. The cover substrate 12 can be a light-transmitting substrate, and can be a rigid substrate including glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate made of plastic.

[0133] In some embodiments, the display device 2 may further include a touch panel 13. The touch panel 13 is configured as capacitive or resistive, and can sense user touch input.

[0134] The display panel 11, the viewing angle adjustment device 100, the touch panel 13, and the cover plate 12 can be bonded together by an adhesive layer 14. The adhesive layer 14 can be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) or an optically transparent resin (OCR).

[0135] Embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the technical configurations of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in other specific forms by those skilled in the art without departing from its technical concept or essential characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the specific embodiments. Moreover, it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure covers all modifications or variations derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims.

Claims

1. A viewing angle adjustment device, comprising: First protective layer; The second protective layer is disposed on the first protective layer; A light conversion layer is disposed between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, and includes a dispersion of dispersed floating particles; as well as An auxiliary light conversion layer is disposed on the second protective layer. The auxiliary light conversion layer includes: A first pattern with a light-absorbing layer and a transparent layer in the central area, and A second pattern is provided in the edge region, comprising the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer.

2. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The second pattern has a structure in which the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

3. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The edge region is the area where the user's field of view is 30 degrees or greater when located in front of the viewing angle adjustment device.

4. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The reflective layer refracts a portion of the light emitted from the light conversion layer and then entering the auxiliary light conversion layer, and refracts a portion of the refracted light in the inward direction of the viewing angle adjustment device.

5. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 4, in, For the edge region, the reflective layer opens the inward viewing angle of the viewing angle adjustment device.

6. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The light conversion layer has a structure in which partition walls and a container filled with the dispersion are alternately arranged, and The height of the first and second patterns of the auxiliary light conversion layer is 1 / 10 or less of the height of the accommodating portion.

7. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The density of the second pattern in the edge region gradually increases toward the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

8. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The density of the second pattern in the entire region of the auxiliary light conversion layer has a Gaussian distribution.

9. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The auxiliary light conversion layer also includes a reflective pattern that protrudes from the inner surface of the reflective layer and has an inverted conical inner surface.

10. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The auxiliary light conversion layer also includes light diffusion beads disposed on the inner surface of the reflective layer.

11. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The transparent layer has an inverted triangular prism cross-section. The light-absorbing layer covers the inner surface of the transparent layer, and The reflective layer covers the light-absorbing layer.

12. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The reflective layer is formed by coating the surface of the transparent layer with a white reflective material or a silver high-reflective coating agent, or it is made of acrylic resin.

13. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The reflective layer has a higher refractive index than the light-absorbing layer and the transparent layer.

14. A display device, comprising: A display panel, which includes pixels and is configured to display images; A viewing angle adjustment device configured to adjust the viewing angle of the display panel by controlling the path of light emitted by the display panel according to a driving mode; as well as The cover plate is mounted on the viewing angle adjustment device. The viewing angle adjustment device includes: First protective layer; The second protective layer is disposed on the first protective layer; A light conversion layer, disposed between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, and comprising a dispersion of dispersed floating particles; and An auxiliary light conversion layer is disposed on the second protective layer, and The auxiliary light conversion layer includes: A first pattern with a light-absorbing layer and a transparent layer in the central area, and A second pattern is provided in the edge region, comprising the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer.

15. The display device according to claim 14, in, The second pattern has a structure in which the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

16. The display device according to claim 14, in, The light conversion layer has a structure in which partition walls and a container filled with the dispersion are alternately arranged, and The height of the first and second patterns of the auxiliary light conversion layer is 1 / 10 or less of the height of the accommodating portion.

17. The display device according to claim 14, in, The density of the second pattern in the edge region gradually increases toward the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

18. The display device according to claim 14, in, The auxiliary light conversion layer also includes a reflective pattern that protrudes from the inner surface of the reflective layer and has an inverted conical inner surface.

19. The display device according to claim 14, in, The auxiliary light conversion layer also includes light diffusion beads disposed on the inner surface of the reflective layer.

20. The display device according to claim 14, in, The transparent layer has an inverted triangular prism cross-section. The light-absorbing layer covers the inner surface of the transparent layer, and The reflective layer covers the light-absorbing layer.

21. A viewing angle adjustment device, comprising: First protective layer; The second protective layer is disposed on the first protective layer; The first electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the first protective layer; The second electrode is disposed on the lower surface of the second protective layer; A light conversion layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and includes alternately arranged partition walls and containment portions, wherein the containment portions include a dispersion liquid and floating particles dispersed within the dispersion liquid; as well as An auxiliary light conversion layer is disposed on the second protective layer. The auxiliary light conversion layer includes: A first pattern with a light-absorbing layer and a transparent layer in the central area, and A second pattern is provided in the edge region, comprising the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer.

22. The viewing angle adjustment device according to claim 21, in, The second pattern has a structure in which the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

23. A display device, comprising: A display panel, which includes pixels and is configured to display images; A viewing angle adjustment device configured to adjust the viewing angle of the display panel by controlling the path of light emitted by the display panel according to a driving mode; as well as The cover plate is mounted on the viewing angle adjustment device. The viewing angle adjustment device includes: First protective layer; The second protective layer is disposed on the first protective layer; The first electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the first protective layer; The second electrode is disposed on the lower surface of the second protective layer; A light conversion layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and includes alternately arranged partition walls and containment portions, the containment portions including a dispersion and floating particles dispersed within the dispersion; and An auxiliary light conversion layer is disposed on the second protective layer, and The auxiliary light conversion layer includes: A first pattern with a light-absorbing layer and a transparent layer in the central area, and A second pattern is provided in the edge region, comprising the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer.

24. The display device according to claim 23, in, The second pattern has a structure in which the light-absorbing layer, the transparent layer, and the reflective layer are stacked sequentially along a direction from the inside to the outside of the viewing angle adjustment device.

Images