Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device includes: a display panel; a window over the display panel; and a light control layer between the display panel and the window and including a plurality of light blocking members spaced apart from each other, a first refractive layer on a side surface of the light blocking members to expose an upper surface of the light blocking members, and a second refractive layer on the first refractive layer, and a refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than a refractive index of the first refractive layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0152681 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 7, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0004] The display device may include a display panel that displays an image, a window located on the display panel (as used herein, "on" may mean "above"), and a functional panel interposed between the display panel and the window to receive touch input or prevent reflection of external light.

[0005] The display panel includes a light emitting element, and light emitted from the light emitting element may pass through the functional panel and the window, and may be emitted toward a front surface of the display device.

[0006] At this time, with the development of technology, the automobile beyond the simple means of transportation can include various display devices. Through the display device, the driver can obtain various information, including real-time traffic information and the status of the automobile.

[0007] However, when the light emitted from the display device is reflected from the front glass of the car, the driver's vision may be blocked. In order to reduce or prevent visual obstruction, a light control film that can limit the exit angle of the light emitted from the display device can be used.

[0008] The above content is only intended to help understanding the background, and thus should not be construed as content corresponding to the prior art known to those skilled in the art in the field of the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device, which can reduce or prevent unintended output of light using a light control layer and can improve light output efficiency.

[0010] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display panel; a window above the display panel; and a light control layer between the display panel and the window, and includes a plurality of light blocking members spaced apart from each other, a first refraction layer on a side surface of the light blocking member to expose an upper surface of the light blocking member, and a second refraction layer on the first refraction layer, and a refractive index of the second refraction layer is greater than a refractive index of the first refraction layer.

[0011] The light blocking member may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0012] An inclination angle between the first refraction layer and a plane where the display panel is located may be about 70 degrees or more and about 89 degrees or less.

[0013] The tilt angle may correspond to a refractive index of the first refractive layer and a refractive index of the second refractive layer.

[0014] The first refraction layer may include an inorganic material, wherein the second refraction layer includes an organic material.

[0015] The first refraction layer may include at least one of LiF and MgF.

[0016] The light control layer may further include a light blocking layer between one of the plurality of light blocking members and the first refraction layer.

[0017] The refractive index of the light blocking layer may be greater than the refractive index of the light blocking member, and less than the refractive index of the first refractive layer.

[0018] The light blocking member may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0019] The display device may further include an input sensing layer between the display panel and the light control layer.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a display device. The method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: providing a display panel; forming a light control layer above the display panel; and arranging a window above the light control layer, wherein forming the light control layer includes: arranging a plurality of light blocking members spaced apart from each other; forming a first refractive layer on the light blocking member; and arranging a second refractive layer on the first refractive layer, the refractive index of the second refractive layer being greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer.

[0021] The light blocking member may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view, wherein an inclined angle between the first refraction layer and a plane where the display panel is located is about 70 degrees or more and about 89 degrees or less.

[0022] Forming the light-controlling layer may further include exposing an upper surface of the light blocking member.

[0023] Exposing the upper surface of the light blocking member may include an etching process.

[0024] Forming the first refraction layer may include an evaporation process, wherein the first refraction layer includes an organic material.

[0025] Forming the light control layer may further include forming a light blocking layer between one of the plurality of light blocking members and the first refraction layer.

[0026] The light blocking member may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0027] A method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes: providing a display panel; forming a light control layer above the display panel; and arranging a window above the light control layer, wherein forming the light control layer includes: forming a first refraction layer on the display panel; etching the first refraction layer to expose the display panel; arranging a light blocking member filling the etched first refraction layer; and arranging a second refraction layer on the first refraction layer, the refractive index of the second refraction layer being greater than the refractive index of the first refraction layer.

[0028] The first refraction layer may include a plurality of protrusions having a trapezoidal shape.

[0029] The light blocking member may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0030] The display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may reduce or prevent unexpected output of light, and may improve light output efficiency of the display device.

[0031] Effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the above-exemplified contents, and more various effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of a display device taken along line II'.

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a light management layer.

[0035] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 FIG. 5 is a graph showing a ratio of the inclination angle of the first refractive layer to the brightness of light output to the front surface of the display device.

[0036] Figure 5 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of a display device taken along line II'.

[0037] Figure 6 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of a display device taken along line II'.

[0038] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of one or more implementations of operation S720.

[0040] Figures 9 to 12 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating each manufacturing operation of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] Fig.13 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of one or more implementations of operation S720.

[0042] Figures 14 to 16 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating each manufacturing operation of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] By referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, it is easier to understand the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing them. The embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the aspects of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments, or processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure can be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, in the entire drawings and written descriptions, the same reference numerals, characters or combinations thereof represent the same elements, and therefore, their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0044] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. When describing the embodiments, the use of "can", "may", or "may not" corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope of the ideas and techniques of the present disclosure. In addition, each of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in its entirety, and various interlocks and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in association.

[0045] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity / descriptive purposes. In addition, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading is often provided in the drawings to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements, unless otherwise indicated.

[0046] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes of the diagrams due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are anticipated. In addition, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the shapes of the elements, layers, or regions shown, but rather include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing.

[0047] For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place.

[0048] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "lower", "lower side", "below", "above", "upper", "upper side" etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another (multiple) element or feature as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below", "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" and "below" may include both the orientations of above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first portion is described as being arranged "on" a second portion, this means that the first portion is arranged at the upper or lower side of the second portion, without being limited to its upper side based on the direction of gravity.

[0049] In addition, the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when a schematic cross-section taken by vertically cutting a portion of an object is viewed from the side. The terms "face" and "facing" may mean that a first object may be directly or indirectly opposite to a second object. In the case where a third object is interposed between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object may be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other, although still facing each other.

[0050] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed" "on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, such that there may be one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components. Furthermore, this may refer collectively to direct or indirect coupling or connection, and integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or directly electrically coupled to the other layer, region, or component, or there may be one or more intervening layers, regions, or components. One or more intervening components may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. When describing the embodiments, unless explicitly described as directly connected, the expression of connection indicates electrical connection, and "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected or coupled to another component or on another component without intermediate components.

[0051] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upper direction, but includes forming the part on the side surface or in the lower direction. On the contrary, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this not only includes the situation that the part is "directly" "below" another part, but also includes the situation that there is another other part between the part and the other part. At the same time, other expressions such as "between...", "directly between..." or "adjacent to..." and "directly adjacent to..." that describe the relationship between components can be interpreted similarly. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers can also be present.

[0052] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of ...," "any of ...," or "one or more of ...," when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, rather than modifying individual elements in the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XY, YZ, and XZ, or any variation thereof. Similarly, the expression "at least one of A and B" may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, expressions such as "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of ...," "a plurality of," "one of ...," and other prepositional phrases, when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, rather than modifying individual elements in the list.

[0053] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a specific order, position or priority, and are only used to distinguish an element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or part from another element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or part. Therefore, the first element, first component, first area, first layer or first section described below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second area, second layer or second section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used to distinguish elements of different categories or different groups in this article. For the sake of simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first category (or first group)", "second category (or second group)", etc.

[0054] In the example, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and / or the DR3 axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. The same applies to the first direction, the second direction, and / or the third direction.

[0055] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to also include the plural forms, and the plural forms are also intended to include the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprise", "including", "have", "having", "including" and "including" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0056] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described successively can be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order to the described order.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", "approximately" and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially" may include a range of ±5% of the corresponding value. In view of the measurement discussed and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system), "about" or "approximately" as used herein include the value and mean within the acceptable deviation range of the particular value as determined by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the value. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such in this article.

[0059] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 1The display device DD shown in the figure may be a vehicle information display (or a central information display (CID)). The display device DD may be a device that is activated according to an electrical signal. The display device DD may include various embodiments. For example, the display device DD may be provided to a transportation device such as a car, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a ship, an airplane, etc. In addition, the display device DD may be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, electronic signs, etc., and small and medium-sized electronic devices such as tablet computers, navigation devices, game consoles, smart watches, etc. In addition, the display device DD may be applied to wearable electronic devices such as head-mounted displays, etc. This is an example and may be applied to other display devices without departing from the concept of the present disclosure.

[0061] A display area DA and a non-display area NDA may be defined in the display device DD. The display area DA may be an area where an image IM is displayed. Figure 1 , a traffic condition is shown as an example of the image IM. The non-display area NDA may be an area where the image IM is not displayed. The display area DA may be parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1.

[0062] In the present specification, the upper surface (or front surface) and the lower surface (or rear surface) of each member may be defined based on the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The upper surface and the lower surface may face each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the upper surface and the lower surface may be parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0063] Figure 2 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of a display device taken along line II'. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a light management layer.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISU, a light control layer LCL and a window WIN.

[0065] The display panel DP may include a base layer SUB, a circuit layer CL, a display element layer OEL, and an encapsulation layer TFE. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, etc. However, this is an example, and the type of the display panel DP is not limited thereto.

[0066] The base layer SUB may be a polymer substrate, a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, etc. The base layer SUB may be a transparent insulating substrate. The base layer SUB may be rigid. The base layer SUB may be flexible.

[0067] The circuit layer CL may be located on the base layer SUB (as used herein, "on" may mean "above"), and the circuit layer CL may include a plurality of transistors, and each of the transistors may include a control electrode, an input electrode, and an output electrode. For example, the circuit layer CL may include a switch transistor and a driving transistor for driving the light emitting element OD of the display element layer OEL.

[0068] The display element layer OEL may include a plurality of light emitting elements OD. The light emitting element OD may include a first electrode EL1, a functional layer LD, and a second electrode EL2 stacked in sequence. The functional layer LD may include a hole transport region, a light emitting layer, and an electron transport region stacked in sequence. Each of the plurality of light emitting elements OD may emit light of a different wavelength range. Conversely, each of the plurality of light emitting elements OD may emit light of the same wavelength range.

[0069] The pixel defining layer PDL may be defined in the display element layer OEL. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may be formed to include a polyacrylate-based resin or a polyimide-based resin. Conversely, the pixel defining layer PDL may be formed of an inorganic material. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may be formed to include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, etc. In the display element layer OEL, the light emitting element OD may be separated by the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0070] The encapsulation layer TFE may be located on the display element layer OEL to seal the display element layer OEL. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the display element layer OEL from moisture and / or oxygen, and may protect the display element layer OEL from foreign substances such as dust particles. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer or at least one organic layer. The encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which organic layers and inorganic layers are alternately stacked. For example, the encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer are stacked in sequence.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments, the display device DD may further include an input sensing layer ISU located on the display panel DP. For example, the input sensing layer ISU may be located on the encapsulation layer TFE. The input sensing layer ISU may sense externally applied input. The input may be provided in various forms. For example, the external input may include various types, such as a part of the user's body, a stylus, light, heat, pressure, and the like. In addition, the external input may include contact with a part of the user's body (such as the user's hand), and touching or occupying a nearby or adjacent space (e.g., hovering).

[0072] The light control layer LCL may include a light blocking member BM, a first refraction layer AL1, and a second refraction layer AL2.

[0073] The light blocking member BM may be located on the display panel DP or the input sensing layer ISU. For example, the light blocking members BM may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 on the display panel DP or the input sensing layer ISU.

[0074] Each of the light blocking members BM may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view. For example, each of the light blocking members BM may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0075] The light blocking member BM may block some of the light incident on the light control layer LCL. For example, the light blocking member BM may absorb some of the light incident on the light control layer LCL and may reduce or block the light emitted toward the window WIN and / or the user of the display device DD.

[0076] The first refractive layer AL1 may be located on the light blocking member BM (e.g., on the side thereof). The first refractive layer AL1 may expose the upper surface of the light blocking member BM. For example, the first refractive layer AL1 may be located on the side surface of the light blocking member BM having a trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the first refractive layer AL1 may be inclined at a certain angle (e.g., a specific / corresponding angle) from the plane of the display panel DP.

[0077] The first refraction layer AL1 may include an inorganic material. For example, the first refraction layer AL1 may include LiF, MgF, and SiO n (n is a natural number of 1 or greater) at least one inorganic layer.

[0078] The second refractive layer AL2 may be located on the first refractive layer AL1 (e.g., located on the side / over the first refractive layer AL1). For example, the first refractive layer AL1 may be located on the light blocking member BM spaced apart (e.g., at a predetermined distance), and the second refractive layer AL2 may be located in a space defined by the first refractive layers AL1 spaced apart from each other.

[0079] The window WIN may be located on the light control layer LCL. For example, the window WIN may be located on the light control layer LCL to protect the upper surface of the display device DD.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the optical layer may be located between the window WIN and the light control layer LCL. Therefore, in some embodiments, the light control layer LCL and the window WIN may be spaced apart. For example, the upper surface of the light blocking member BM and the lower surface of the window WIN may be spaced apart from each other without contacting each other.

[0081] The window WIN may include an optically transparent insulating material. For example, the window WIN may include glass or plastic. In addition, the window WIN may have a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the window WIN may include a plurality of plastic films bonded with an adhesive, or may include a glass substrate and a plastic film bonded with an adhesive.

[0082] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display panel DP may emit a plurality of lights. For example, the display panel DP may emit a first light L1, a second light L2, and a third light L3.

[0083] Each of the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may be incident on the light control layer LCL at a certain angle (e.g., a predetermined angle). For example, the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may be incident on a first point P1 of the light control layer LCL at incident angles ANG1, ANG2, and ANG3, respectively, based on the vertical line VL.

[0084] The first light L1 may be incident on the first point P1 at a first incident angle ANG1. The first light L1 may travel directly toward the window WIN. For example, the first light L1 may not be incident on the first refractive layer AL1.

[0085] The second light L2 may be incident on the first point P1 at a second incident angle ANG2. The second light L2 may pass through the second refraction layer AL2 and may be obliquely incident on the first refraction layer AL1. For example, the first refraction layer AL1 may have an inclined surface AL1_TS inclined relative to the upper surface of the display panel DP, and the second light L2 may be incident on the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refraction layer AL1. The inclination angle ANG_T of the inclined surface AL1_TS may be substantially equal to the angle at which the side surface of the light blocking member BM is inclined relative to the upper surface of the display panel DP. According to an embodiment, the inclination angle ANG_T of the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refraction layer AL1 may be about 70 degrees to about 89 degrees.

[0086] The second light L2 may be reflected (e.g., totally reflected) at the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refractive layer AL1. The refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2 may be greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1. Therefore, the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refractive layer AL1 may form a totally reflecting surface in relation to the second refractive layer AL2, and the second light L2 may be totally reflected from the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refractive layer AL1 (e.g., at a corresponding angle) to travel straight or directly toward the window WIN. The reflected second light L2 may travel straight at a reflection angle ANG_R based on the vertical line VL, and the reflection angle ANG_R may be less than the second incident angle ANG2. Therefore, the light output efficiency of the display device DD may be increased, and the brightness of the image viewed by the user of the display device DD may be increased.

[0087] The tilt angle ANG_T may be determined by the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2, or may correspond to the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2. For example, the critical angle of total reflection may be determined by the difference between the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2, or may correspond to the difference between the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2. In addition, for example, the tilt angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1 may be determined based on the critical angle of total reflection and the second incident angle ANG2 of the second light L2 emitted from the display panel DP. That is, the tilt angle (or cone angle) of the light blocking member BM may be determined based on the above content. For example, the greater the difference between the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2, the greater the tilt angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1.

[0088] The third light L3 may be incident on the first point P1 at a third incident angle ANG3. The third light L3 may travel straight toward the first refractive layer AL1, and the third light L3 may not be reflected by the first refractive layer AL1, but may be absorbed by the light blocking member BM. For example, the angle at which the third light L3 is incident on the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refractive layer AL1 may exceed the critical angle of total reflection. Therefore, the third light L3 may pass through the first refractive layer AL1 to be absorbed in / by the light blocking member BM.

[0089] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device DD can reduce or prevent the user of the display device DD from seeing the light incident on the light control layer LCL and exceeding the critical angle (of total reflection). For example, the first refraction layer AL1 may not reflect the light exceeding the critical angle of total reflection incident on the inclined surface AL1_TS of the first refraction layer AL1, and the corresponding light may be absorbed in the light blocking member BM. Therefore, the display device DD can reduce or prevent unexpected light (e.g., the third light L3) from being output to the front surface of the display device DD.

[0090] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 FIG. 5 is a graph showing a ratio of the inclination angle of the first refractive layer to the brightness of light output to the front surface of the display device.

[0091] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the brightness ratio of light output from the display panel DP to the front surface of the display device DD may vary according to the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refraction layer AL1. For example, according to the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refraction layer AL1, the brightness ratio of light output to the front surface of the display device DD among the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may vary.

[0092] The brightness ratio of the light output from the display panel DP to the front surface of the display device DD may be based on the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refraction layer AL1 of about 90 degrees. For example, when the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refraction layer AL1 is about 90 degrees, the brightness ratio of the light output to the front surface of the display device DD among the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may be about 100%. The refractive index of the first refraction layer AL1 may be about 1.39, the second refraction layer AL2 may include an organic material, and the refractive index of the second refraction layer AL2 may be about 1.53. In addition, the refractive index of the window WIN may be about 1.5. In addition, the light blocking member BM may include an organic material, and the distances at which the light blocking members BM are spaced apart from each other may be substantially constant. For example, the angle formed between a point on the bottom side of one of the light blocking members BM in a trapezoidal shape and another point on the top side of another light blocking member BM adjacent thereto and the plane where the light control layer LCL is located may be constant. For example, the corresponding angle may be 51.34 degrees.

[0093] If the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1 is about 79.8 degrees, the brightness ratio of the light output to the front surface of the display device DD among the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may be about 110%. In addition, when the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1 is about 70.2 degrees, the brightness ratio of the light output to the front surface of the display device DD among the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may be about 107%. However, when the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1 is about 65.3 degrees, the brightness ratio of the light output to the front surface of the display device DD among the first light L1, the second light L2, and the third light L3 may be about 97%. That is, when the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1 is about 70.2 degrees or more and about 89 degrees or less, the light output efficiency of the display device DD may be relatively greater than the light output efficiency when the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refractive layer AL1 is about 90 degrees. Therefore, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when the inclination angle ANG_T of the first refraction layer AL1 is about 70 degrees or more and about 89 degrees or less, the light output efficiency of the display device DD may be relatively improved.

[0094] Figure 5 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of a display device taken along line II'.

[0095] refer to Figure 5 , the display device DD′ may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISU, a light control layer LCL′ and a window WIN.

[0096] Figure 5 The display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISU and the window WIN may be similar to Figure 2 The display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISU and the window WIN are described in detail. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the optical layer may be located between the window WIN and the light control layer LCL'. Therefore, the light control layer LCL' and the window WIN may be spaced apart. For example, the upper surface of the light blocking member BM and the lower surface of the window WIN may be spaced apart from each other without contacting each other.

[0098] The light controlling layer LCL' may include a light blocking member BM, a light blocking layer BML, a first refraction layer AL1, and a second refraction layer AL2. Figure 5 The light blocking member BM, the first refractive layer AL1 and the second refractive layer AL2 may be similar to Figure 2 The light blocking member BM, the first refraction layer AL1, and the second refraction layer AL2 are described in detail, and redundant descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0099] The light blocking layer BML may be located on the light blocking member BM. For example, the light blocking layer BML may be located between any one of the light blocking members BM and the corresponding first refractive layer AL1.

[0100] The refractive index of the light blocking layer BML may be greater than the refractive index of the light blocking member BM, and may be less than the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1. Therefore, the light blocking layer BML may stably absorb the light to be blocked among the light incident on the first refractive layer AL1 into the light blocking member BM. For example, the difference between the refractive indexes of the first refractive layer AL1 and the light blocking layer BML may be relatively smaller than the difference between the refractive indexes of the first refractive layer AL1 and the light blocking member BM. Therefore, the refraction degree of the light incident from the first refractive layer AL1 to the light blocking layer BML may not be relatively large.

[0101] If only the first refractive layer is located on the light blocking member, light may be directly incident from the first refractive layer to the light blocking member, and the refraction degree of the corresponding light may be relatively greater than the refraction degree of the light incident from the first refractive layer to the light blocking layer. Some of the light may be excessively refracted to be directed toward the window without being absorbed by the light blocking member, and the visibility of the display device may be reduced due to the unexpected output of light.

[0102] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when light output from the display panel DP passes through the first refraction layer AL1, the light blocking layer BML may allow light to be blocked among the output light to stably enter the light blocking member BM. Therefore, visibility of the display device DD' may be improved.

[0103] Figure 6 It is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments of a display device taken along line II'.

[0104] refer to Figure 6 , the display device DD" may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISU, a light control layer LCL" and a window WIN.

[0105] Figure 6 The display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISU and the window WIN may be similar to Figure 2 The display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISU and the window WIN are described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0106] The light control layer LCL" may include a light blocking member BM', a first refraction layer AL1', and a second refraction layer AL2. Figure 6 The second refractive layer AL2 may be similar to Figure 2 The second refractive layer AL2 will be described below, and redundant description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the optical layer may be located between the window WIN and the light control layer LCL". Therefore, the light control layer LCL" and the window WIN may be spaced apart. For example, the upper surface of the light blocking member BM' and the lower surface of the window WIN may be spaced apart from each other without contacting each other.

[0108] The light blocking member BM′ may be located on the display panel DP or the input sensing layer ISU. For example, the light blocking members BM may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 on the display panel DP or the input sensing layer ISU.

[0109] Each of the light blocking members BM' may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view. For example, each of the light blocking members BM' may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0110] The light blocking member BM' may block some of the light incident on the light control layer LCL". For example, the light blocking member BM' may absorb some of the light incident on the light control layer LCL" and may reduce or prevent light from being emitted toward the window WIN and / or a user of the display device DD".

[0111] The first refraction layer AL1' may include an inorganic material. For example, the first refraction layer AL1' may include LiF, MgF and SiO n (n is a natural number of 1 or greater) at least one inorganic layer.

[0112] The first refraction layer AL1' may be located on the light blocking member BM' (e.g., located on the surface of the light blocking member BM' or contacting the surface of the light blocking member BM'). The first refraction layer AL1' may expose the upper surface of the light blocking member BM' (e.g., the upper surface of the light blocking member BM' may be surrounded by one or more first refraction layers AL1'). For example, the first refraction layer AL1' may be located on the side surface of each of the light blocking members BM' having an inverted trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the first refraction layer AL1' may be inclined at a certain angle from the plane where the display panel DP is located. For example, the first refraction layer AL1' may be inclined at an acute angle between the plane formed by the display panel DP and the left and right surfaces of each of the light blocking members BM'.

[0113] The refractive index of the second refractive layer AL2 may be greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer AL1'. Therefore, the inclined surface of the first refractive layer AL1' may form a total reflection surface in relationship with the second refractive layer AL2, and some of the light incident on the first refractive layer AL1' may be totally reflected by the inclined surface of the first refractive layer AL1'. For example, among the light incident on the first refractive layer AL1', light having an incident angle exceeding a critical angle for total reflection of the first refractive layer AL1' may be totally reflected by the inclined surface of the first refractive layer AL1'.

[0114] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when light output from the display panel DP passes through the first refraction layer AL1', light to be blocked in the output light may be stably incident on the light blocking member BM'. For example, among the light incident on the side surface of the first refraction layer AL1', light that is not totally reflected may be refracted by the first refraction layer AL1'. The refracted light may be incident on the light blocking member BM' having an inverted trapezoidal shape to be stably absorbed by the light blocking member BM'. Therefore, when light output from the display panel DP passes through the first refraction layer AL1', the light blocking member BM' may reduce or prevent the light to be blocked from being inadvertently seen by a user of the display device DD".

[0115] Next, we will refer to Figures 7 to 12 A method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments is described. Repeated descriptions will be briefly explained or not repeated.

[0116] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of one or more implementations of operation S720. Figures 9 to 12 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating each manufacturing operation of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0117] refer to Figure 7 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device DD includes: providing a display panel (S710); forming a light control layer on the display panel (S720); and setting (e.g., positioning or arranging) a window on the light control layer (S730).

[0118] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 In operation S710, a display panel DP may be provided. For example, a display panel DP in which a base layer SUB, a circuit layer CL, a display element layer OEL, and an encapsulation layer TFE are sequentially stacked may be provided. According to an embodiment, an input sensing layer ISU may be located on the display panel DP.

[0119] refer to Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 12 In operation S720, a light control layer LCL may be formed on the display panel DP. For example, the light control layer LCL including the light blocking member BM, the first refraction layer AL1, and the second refraction layer AL2 may be formed on the display panel DP.

[0120] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Fig.12 In operation S730, the window WIN may be positioned on the light control layer LCL. Therefore, the upper surface of the display device DD may be protected from air or dust.

[0121] refer to Figure 8 , operation S720 may include: disposing (e.g., positioning or arranging) light blocking members spaced apart from each other (S810); forming a first refraction layer on the light blocking member (S820); and disposing a second refraction layer on the first refraction layer, the refractive index of the second refraction layer being greater than the refractive index of the first refraction layer (S830).

[0122] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In operation S810, the light blocking members BM may be spaced apart from each other. For example, a material including black carbon may be provided to form the light blocking members BM on the display panel DP. Therefore, the light blocking members BM may be located on the display panel DP so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Fig. 9 The light blocking member BM may be similar to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The light blocking member BM will be described below.

[0123] In this operation, according to an embodiment, a light blocking layer BML (see Figure 5 For example, the light blocking layer BML may be located on a side surface of each of the light blocking members BM. The refractive index of the light blocking layer BML may be greater than that of the light blocking member BM, and may be less than that of the first refractive layer AL1.

[0124] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 In operation S820, a first refraction layer AL1 may be formed on the light blocking member BM. For example, an inorganic layer for forming the first refraction layer AL1 may be positioned on the display panel DP and the light blocking member BM. The inorganic layer may include LiF, MgF, and SiO n (n is a natural number of 1 or greater).

[0125] According to an embodiment, the first refraction layer AL1 may be formed on the light blocking member BM by an evaporation process. However, the method is not limited thereto as long as the first refraction layer AL1 may be formed on the light blocking member BM. Therefore, the first refraction layer AL1 may be formed to have a relatively thin and substantially uniform thickness. The first refraction layer AL1 may include an organic material. For example, the first refraction layer AL1 may be an organic material including acrylate.

[0126] refer to Fig.11 In this operation, a portion of the first refractive layer AL1 may be removed. For example, the first refractive layer AL1 may be etched, and thus the upper surface of the light blocking member BM may be exposed. However, it is not limited thereto as long as the upper surface of the light blocking member BM can be exposed. Fig.11 The first refractive layer AL1 may be similar to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The first refractive layer AL1 is described below.

[0127] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Fig.12 In operation S830, a second refractive layer AL2 having a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer AL1 may be positioned on the first refractive layer AL1. Thus, one surface of the first refractive layer AL1 may be configured as a total reflection surface relative to the second refractive layer AL2.

[0128] The second refraction layer AL2 may be made of an optically transparent material. For example, the second refraction layer AL2 may be made of a transparent material capable of transmitting light incident to the light control layer LCL. The second refraction layer AL2 may include an organic material. For example, the second refraction layer AL2 may include an acrylic resin.

[0129] Next, refer to Figures 13 to 16 , a method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments will be described. Repeated descriptions will be briefly explained or not repeated.

[0130] Fig.13 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of one or more implementations of operation S720. Figures 14 to 16 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating each manufacturing operation of a method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0131] refer to Figure 7 , Fig.13 and Fig.14In operation S1310, a first refraction layer AL1' may be formed on the display panel DP. For example, the first refraction layer AL1' including a plurality of protrusions PT1 to PT4 may be formed on the display panel DP.

[0132] The plurality of protrusions PT1 to PT4 may have a trapezoidal shape. For example, the first protrusion PT1, the second protrusion PT2, the third protrusion PT3, and the fourth protrusion PT4 may have a trapezoidal shape and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 on the display panel DP.

[0133] refer to Figure 7 , Fig.13 and Fig.15 In operation S1320, the first refractive layer AL1' may be etched to expose the display panel DP. For example, central portions of the plurality of protrusions PT1 to PT4 may be etched to expose the upper surface of the display panel DP.

[0134] In this operation, each of the plurality of protrusions PT1 to PT4 may include a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion. For example, the first protrusion PT1 whose central portion is etched may include a first sub-protrusion PT1_a and a second sub-protrusion PT1_b, the second protrusion PT2 whose central portion is etched may include a first sub-protrusion PT2_a and a second sub-protrusion PT2_b, the third protrusion PT3 whose central portion is etched may include a first sub-protrusion PT3_a and a second sub-protrusion PT3_b, and the fourth protrusion PT4 whose central portion is etched may include a first sub-protrusion PT4_a and a second sub-protrusion PT4_b.

[0135] refer to Figure 7 , Fig.13 and Fig.16 In operation S1330, a light blocking member BM' filling the etched first refractive layer AL1' may be positioned or disposed. The light blocking member BM' may fill the plurality of protrusions PT1 to PT4. For example, the first protrusion PT1 may include a filling space between a first sub-protrusion PT1_a and a second sub-protrusion PT1_b spaced apart from each other. The light blocking member BM' may be located in the corresponding filling space. Fig.16 The light blocking member BM′ may be similar to Figure 6 The light blocking member BM' will be described.

[0136] The light blocking member BM' may have an inverted trapezoidal shape. For example, a filling space between the first sub-protrusion PT1_a and the second sub-protrusion PT1_b may have an inverted trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the light blocking member BM' located in the corresponding filling space may have an inverted trapezoidal shape.

[0137] refer to Figure 7 , Fig.13 and Fig.16 In operation S1340, a second refractive layer AL2 having a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer AL1' may be positioned on the first refractive layer AL1'. Thus, one surface of the first refractive layer AL1' may be configured as a total reflection surface relative to the second refractive layer AL2.

[0138] Although specific embodiments and applications are described herein, other embodiments and variations can be derived from the above description. Therefore, the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the scope of the claims set forth, various obvious modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; a window above the display panel; as well as A light control layer, between the display panel and the window, and comprising: a plurality of light blocking members spaced apart from one another; a first refractive layer on a side surface of the light blocking member to expose an upper surface of the light blocking member; and The second refractive layer is on the first refractive layer and has a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light blocking member has a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: An inclination angle between the first refraction layer and a plane where the display panel is located is 70 degrees or more and 89 degrees or less.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The tilt angle corresponds to the refractive index of the first refractive layer and the refractive index of the second refractive layer.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first refractive layer includes an inorganic material, and Wherein, the second refraction layer comprises an organic material.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first refractive layer includes at least one of LiF and MgF. 7 . The display device of claim 1 , the light control layer further comprising a light blocking layer between one of the plurality of light blocking members and the first refraction layer.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: A refractive index of the light blocking layer is greater than a refractive index of the light blocking member, and is smaller than the refractive index of the first refractive layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light blocking member has an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

10. The display device of claim 1, further comprising an input sensing layer between the display panel and the light control layer.

11. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: providing a display panel; forming a light control layer above the display panel; as well as Arranging a window above the light control layer, Wherein, forming the light control layer comprises: arranging a plurality of light blocking members spaced apart from each other; forming a first refractive layer on the light blocking member; and A second refractive layer is disposed on the first refractive layer, and a refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than a refractive index of the first refractive layer.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The light blocking member has a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view, and Wherein, an inclination angle between the first refraction layer and the plane where the display panel is located is 70 degrees or more and 89 degrees or less.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: Forming the light control layer further includes exposing an upper surface of the light blocking member.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 13, wherein: Exposing the upper surface of the light blocking member includes an etching process.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: forming the first refractive layer comprises an evaporation process, and Wherein, the first refraction layer comprises organic material.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: Forming the light control layer further includes forming a light blocking layer between one of the plurality of light blocking members and the first refractive layer.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The light blocking member has an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

18. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: providing a display panel; forming a light control layer above the display panel; as well as Arranging a window above the light control layer, Wherein, forming the light control layer comprises: forming a first refractive layer on the display panel; etching the first refractive layer to expose the display panel; disposing a light blocking member filling the etched first refraction layer; and A second refractive layer is disposed on the first refractive layer, and a refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than a refractive index of the first refractive layer.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein: The first refraction layer includes a plurality of protrusions having a trapezoidal shape.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 19, wherein: The light blocking member has an inverted trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view.

Images