Display module and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a display module and a manufacturing method thereof. The display module includes a display panel, and a light control layer disposed on the display panel, the light control layer including a plurality of light control patterns extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of light control patterns including: a protruding pattern extending in a first direction; the substrate extends in a first direction and comprises a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface in a second direction; a first light shielding pattern disposed on the first side surface; and a second light shielding pattern disposed on the second side surface, in which each of the first light shielding pattern and the second light shielding pattern includes amorphous carbon or silicon carbide.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0034196 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display module including a light-controlling layer that controls light having an exit angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for various display devices to display images is increasing. For example, display devices are integrated into various electronic products such as smartphones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation units, and smart TVs. In addition, they are used in center information displays (CIDs) installed on vehicle dashboards, such as center consoles or instrument panels.

[0005] What is needed is a method to control light emitted laterally from a display device to increase its forward brightness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a display module having a light control layer designed to enhance forward brightness and ensure privacy protection.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a display module having a light control layer designed to enhance forward brightness and ensure privacy protection.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display module, which includes a display panel and a light control layer arranged on the display panel, the light control layer including a plurality of light control patterns extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of light control patterns including: a protruding pattern extending in the first direction and including a first side surface and a second side surface, the second side surface being opposite to the first side surface in the second direction; a first light shading pattern arranged on the first side surface; and a second light shading pattern arranged on the second side surface, wherein each of the first light shading pattern and the second light shading pattern includes amorphous carbon or silicon carbide.

[0009] An extinction coefficient of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is greater than an extinction coefficient of the protruding pattern.

[0010] An extinction coefficient of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is greater than or equal to 0.32 and less than or equal to 0.43.

[0011] The light-controlling layer further includes a coating layer disposed on the light-controlling pattern.

[0012] Each of the protruding pattern and the coating layer includes acrylic-based resin, methacrylic-based resin, polyisoprene-based resin, vinyl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, urethane-based resin, cellulose-based resin, siloxane-based resin, polyimide-based resin, polyamide-based resin, or perylene-based resin.

[0013] The light-control layer further includes a hole between two adjacent light-control patterns, and the coating layer includes a first portion in the hole and a second portion disposed on the first portion and the plurality of light-control patterns.

[0014] The first portion directly contacts each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern.

[0015] The first light-shielding pattern is directly disposed on the first side surface, and the second light-shielding pattern is directly disposed on the second side surface.

[0016] A width of each of the plurality of light-controlling patterns in the second direction is greater than a distance between two adjacent light-controlling patterns in the second direction.

[0017] A width of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern in the second direction is smaller than a width of the protruding pattern in the second direction.

[0018] A width of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is equal to or less than 2 micrometers.

[0019] A height of each of the first and second light-shielding patterns is substantially the same as a height of the protruding pattern.

[0020] The display panel includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements overlaps with two or more of the plurality of light-controlling patterns when viewed in plane.

[0021] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display module, which includes: forming a preliminary first light control layer on a display panel; etching the preliminary first light control layer to form a preliminary second light control layer, the preliminary second light control layer including a plurality of protruding patterns and a plurality of preliminary holes between two adjacent protruding patterns, the plurality of protruding patterns extending in a first direction and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction; forming a light shading layer, the light shading layer including a first light shading pattern portion overlapping with each of the plurality of preliminary holes, a second light shading pattern portion arranged on the plurality of protruding patterns, a third light shading pattern portion arranged on the first side surface, and a fourth light shading pattern portion arranged on the second side surface; and etching the first light shading pattern portion and the second light shading pattern portion to form a plurality of light control patterns, each of the plurality of light control patterns including one of the plurality of protruding patterns, a first light shading pattern arranged on the first side surface, and a second light shading pattern arranged on the second side surface, wherein the first light shading pattern and the second light shading pattern include amorphous carbon or silicon carbide.

[0022] The method further includes forming a coating layer including a first portion filling the hole between two adjacent light-controlling patterns and a second portion disposed on the first portion, the first light-shielding pattern, the second light-shielding pattern, and the protruding pattern.

[0023] Forming the light shielding layer includes depositing a light shielding material including amorphous carbon or silicon carbide on the display panel by chemical vapor deposition.

[0024] The preliminary first light control layer is formed by inkjet printing.

[0025] The first light-shielding pattern portion and the second light-shielding pattern portion are removed by an anisotropic dry etching process when forming the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern.

[0026] An extinction coefficient of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is equal to or greater than 0.32 and equal to or less than 0.43.

[0027] Each of the plurality of preliminary holes completely penetrates the preliminary second light-management layer.

[0028] As described above, the display module includes a light control layer that absorbs side-emitted light and provides excellent forward brightness, thereby enhancing display quality and privacy protection.

[0029] The manufacturing method of the display module, including forming a light shielding layer, ensures excellent forward brightness and improves product yield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3A is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Area T Enlarged plan view of Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A Line I- a cutaway sectional view; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Area A An enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a method of manufacturing a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure can be modified and implemented in various ways using the specific embodiments shown in the drawings and described in detail below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific forms, but should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents or replacements consistent with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] In the present disclosure, when an element (or region, layer or portion) is mentioned as being “disposed on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element (or region, layer or portion), it means that it may be directly disposed on, connected or coupled to the other element (or region, layer or portion) or intervening elements (or regions, layers or portions) may be present.

[0033] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout this disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportions, and sizes of components are exaggerated to enhance the clarity of the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any combination of one or more of the listed items.

[0034] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates an exception.

[0035] Spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relative positions of elements or features as illustrated in the figures.

[0036] It will also be understood that the terms “include” and / or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this 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 art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B Shown from different angles, Figure 1A 8 is a side perspective view of a display device DD shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 1A While portable electronic devices are shown as representative examples of display devices DD, the present disclosure is not limited to or constrained thereby. Display devices DD can be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, or outdoor billboards, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, car navigation units, gaming units, smartphones, tablet computers, and cameras. However, these are merely examples, and display devices DD can be applied to other electronic devices as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The display device DD may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a thickness in a third direction DR3 on a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, this is merely an example, and the display device DD may have various shapes.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the upper (or front) surface and the lower (or rear) surface of each member may be described with respect to the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the upper surface and the lower surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0043] The first direction DR1 , the second direction DR2 , and the third direction DR3 are relative to each other and can be adjusted or redirected as needed.

[0044] The display device DD can display an image IM through the display surface IS. The display surface IS may include a display area DA in which the image IM is displayed and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The image IM is not displayed through the non-display area NDA. The image IM may include a video or a still image. Figure 1A A plurality of application icons and a clock widget are shown as representative examples of the image IM.

[0045] The display area DA may have a quadrilateral shape. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, they should not be limited to this configuration, and the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be designed to correspond to each other. In addition, the non-display area NDA may not exist on the front surface of the display device DD.

[0046] The display device DD may be flexible. The term "flexible," as used herein, means capable of bending. Flexible display devices may include any structure, ranging from fully bendable to structures that bend on a scale of a few nanometers. For example, the display device DD may be a curved display device or a foldable display device, but is not limited to or constrained by these. Depending on the embodiment, the display device DD may also be rigid.

[0047] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the brightness rate of the display device DD can be changed according to the user's gaze. In other words, the brightness of the display device DD can be adjusted based on the user's gaze. When the user views the display area DA of the display device DD in front of the display device DD, the brightness rate of the display device DD perceived by the user can be maximized. On the other hand, when the user views the display area DA of the display device DD at one side of the display device DD, that is, when the angle between the user's gaze and the display area DA (referred to as a "viewing angle") is less than 90 degrees, the perceived brightness rate of the display device DD may be reduced. For example, when the viewing angle is equal to or less than 45 degrees, the brightness rate of the display device DD drops to less than 1% compared to its brightness rate at an angle of about 90 degrees, making the image IM look like Figure 1B The ones shown in are not identifiable to the user.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, the display device DD includes a plurality of light control patterns LCP (refer to Figure 5 ), which increases the ratio of light propagating in the third direction DR3 to the total amount of light emitted by the display device DD (referred to as the “forward brightness rate”).

[0049] Figure 2 : is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display panel DP, a sensor layer TU, and a light-control layer AR sequentially stacked in the third direction DR3.

[0050] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels in an area corresponding to the display area DA. The pixels may correspond to a plurality of pixel areas PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G (refer to FIG. Figure 3A ). The pixels may generate light in response to the electrical signals. The display area DA may display an image IM corresponding to the light generated by the pixels.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the display panel DP may be a self-luminous display panel. For example, the display panel DP may be a micro-light-emitting diode (LED) display panel, a nano-LED display panel, an organic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. However, this is merely an example. The display panel DP should not be limited to or restricted by this as long as the display panel DP is a self-luminous display panel.

[0052] 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 and / or quantum rods. The micro-LED display panel may include micro-light-emitting diode elements as micro-light-emitting elements, and the nano-LED display panel may include nano-light-emitting diode elements. Hereinafter, the organic light-emitting display panel will be described as a display panel DP. The components of the display panel DP will be referred to as Figures 3A to 4 Detailed description.

[0053] The light control layer AR may be provided on the display panel DP. The light control layer AR may absorb light propagating toward the side surface of the display device DD and may improve the forward brightness rate. The structure and function of the light control layer AR will be referred to in detail. Figure 3B and Figure 4 Detailed description.

[0054] The sensor layer TU may be disposed between the display panel DP and the light control layer AR. The sensor layer TU may obtain information required to generate an image IM in the display panel DP in response to an external input applied to the display panel DP. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various forms of external input, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure.

[0055] Figure 3A is a plan view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Area T Enlarged plan view. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A Line I- Cut-away cross-sectional view. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Area A An enlarged cross-sectional view of .

[0056] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 4 , the display device DD may include a display module DM. In the present disclosure, the display device DD may have substantially the same configuration as the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display panel DP and a light control layer AR. The display module DM may also include a sensor layer TU. Since the display module DM includes both the display panel DP and the sensor layer TU, the display module DM may display an image IM (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1A ) while sensing external inputs.

[0057] The display panel DP may include a base substrate BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, and a display element layer DP-ED stacked in sequence. The display element layer DP-ED may include a pixel defining layer PDL, a light emitting element ED disposed in a pixel opening OH formed in the pixel defining layer PDL, and an encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the light emitting element ED.

[0058] The base substrate BS may be rigid or flexible. The base substrate BS may be a polymer substrate, a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a composite material substrate. The base substrate BS may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The base substrate BS may include a synthetic resin film, and the base substrate BS may have a multi-layer structure of multiple synthetic resin films. The synthetic resin film may include a polyimide-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, an ethylene-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. However, the material of the synthetic resin film should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0059] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base substrate BS. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and signal lines. The circuit layer DP-CL may include a plurality of transistors formed by the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal lines. Each transistor may include a control electrode, an input electrode, and an output electrode. For example, the circuit layer DP-CL may include a switching transistor and a driving transistor to drive the light-emitting element ED.

[0060] The display element layer DP-ED may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The display element layer DP-ED may include a pixel defining layer PDL, a light emitting element ED, and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0061] The light-emitting element ED may include a plurality of light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. Each of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may include a first electrode EL1, a hole transport region HTR, a corresponding one of the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-B, and EML-G, an electron transport region ETR, a second electrode EL2, and a capping layer CPL. The first light-emitting element ED-1 may include a first light-emitting layer EML-R overlapping with the first pixel region PXA-R. The second light-emitting element ED-2 may include a second light-emitting layer EML-B overlapping with the second pixel region PXA-B. The third light-emitting element ED-3 may include a third light-emitting layer EML-G overlapping with the third pixel region PXA-G.

[0062] The pixel defining layer (PDL) may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may include a pixel opening (OH) formed therein. The pixel openings (OH) may correspond to the pixel regions (PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G), respectively. A light shielding region (NPXA) may be defined between adjacent pixel regions (PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G), and the light shielding region (NPXA) may correspond to the pixel defining layer (PDL).

[0063] The pixel defining layer (PDL) may have light-absorbing properties. For example, the pixel defining layer (PDL) may be black. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may include a black colorant. The black colorant may include a black dye or a black pigment. The black colorant may include a metallic material (such as chromium or its oxide) or carbon black. The pixel defining layer (PDL) may correspond to a light-shielding pattern having light-shielding properties.

[0064] The pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic resin or an inorganic material. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may include a polyacrylate-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ) or silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ).

[0065] Figure 4 A structure is shown in which the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-B, and EML-G of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 are disposed in the pixel opening OH formed in the pixel defining layer PDL. In addition, the hole transport region HTR, the electron transport region ETR, the second electrode EL2, and the cap layer CPL are commonly disposed in the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. However, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. Unlike Figure 4 In the structure shown in FIG, the hole transport region HTR, the electron transport region ETR, the second electrode EL2, and the cap layer CPL may be disposed in the pixel opening OH formed in the patterned pixel defining layer PDL. For example, according to an embodiment, at least one of the hole transport region HTR, the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-B, and EML-G, the electron transport region ETR, the second electrode EL2, and the cap layer CPL of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be patterned by inkjet printing.

[0066] In the light emitting element ED, the first electrode EL1 may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The first electrode EL1 may be an anode or a cathode. In addition, the first electrode EL1 may be a pixel electrode. The first electrode EL1 may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive electrode, or a reflective electrode.

[0067] The hole transport region HTR may be disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the light-emitting layer EML. The hole transport region HTR may include at least one of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and an electron blocking layer. The hole transport region HTR may be commonly disposed to overlap with the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G, and a pixel defining layer PDL disposed between the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G to distinguish the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G from each other, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the hole transport region HTR may be patterned into a plurality of portions to be disposed in the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G, respectively.

[0068] The light-emitting layer EML may be disposed on the first electrode EL1. The light-emitting layer EML may include light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-B, and EML-G. The first light-emitting layer EML-R may overlap with the first pixel region PXA-R and may emit a first light. The second light-emitting layer EML-B may overlap with the second pixel region PXA-B and may emit a second light. The third light-emitting layer EML-G may overlap with the third pixel region PXA-G and may emit a third light. The first light, second light, and third light emitted from the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3, respectively, may have different wavelength ranges. For example, the first light may be red light within a wavelength range of 625 nm or greater and 675 nm or less. For example, the second light may be blue light within a wavelength range of 410 nm or greater and 480 nm or less. For example, the third light may be green light within a wavelength range of 500 nm or greater and 570 nm or less.

[0069] The electron transport region ETR may be disposed between the light-emitting layer EML and the second electrode EL2. The electron transport region ETR may include at least one of an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, and a hole blocking layer. The electron transport region ETR may be commonly disposed to overlap with the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G, and a pixel defining layer PDL disposed between the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G to distinguish the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G from each other, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the electron transport region ETR may be patterned into a plurality of portions to be disposed in the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G, respectively.

[0070] The second electrode EL2 may be disposed on the electron transport region ETR. The second electrode EL2 may be a common electrode. The second electrode EL2 may be a cathode or an anode, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example, when the first electrode EL1 is an anode, the second electrode EL2 may be a cathode, and when the first electrode EL1 is a cathode, the second electrode EL2 may be an anode. The second electrode EL2 may be a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive semi-reflective electrode, or a reflective electrode.

[0071] A cap layer CPL may be further provided on the second electrode EL2. The cap layer CPL may have a single layer or a multi-layer structure. According to an embodiment, the cap layer CPL may be an organic layer or an inorganic layer. For example, when the cap layer CPL includes an inorganic material, the inorganic material may include SiON, SiN x 、SiO y , alkali metal compounds (such as LiF), alkaline earth metal compounds (such as MgF2), or the like. For example, when the cap layer CPL includes an organic material, the organic material may include α-NPD, NPB, TPD, m-MTDATA, Alq3, CuPc, TPD15 (N4,N4,N4',N4'-tetrakis(biphenyl-4-yl)biphenyl-4,4'-diamine), TCTA (4,4',4"-tris(carbazol-9-yl)triphenylamine), or the like, or may include an epoxy resin or an acrylate (such as methacrylate), however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0072] The cover layer CPL may have a refractive index equal to or greater than 1.6. Specifically, for light having a wavelength range equal to or greater than 550 nm and equal to or less than 660 nm, the refractive index of the cover layer CPL may be equal to or greater than 1.6.

[0073] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and may cover the light emitting element ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the cover layer CPL and may fill a portion of the pixel opening OH. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element ED from moisture and oxygen, and may also protect the light emitting element ED from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0074] Figure 4 The encapsulation layer TFE is shown as a single layer; however, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one organic layer, at least one inorganic layer, or both organic and inorganic layers. The encapsulation layer TFE may have a thin film encapsulation layer structure including at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer. For example, the encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which organic and inorganic layers are alternately stacked, or a structure in which an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and another inorganic layer are sequentially stacked.

[0075] The inorganic layer included in the encapsulation layer TFE may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but it should not be limited thereto. The organic layer included in the encapsulation layer TFE may include an acrylic-based organic layer, but it should not be limited thereto.

[0076] The sensor layer TU may be provided between the display panel DP and the light control layer AR in the display module DM. The sensor layer TU may obtain information required for generating an image in the display panel DP in response to an external input applied thereto. The external input may be user input. The user input may include various forms of external input, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure.

[0077] The sensor layer TU may include a sensor base substrate BS-TU, a first conductive layer SP1, an inorganic insulating layer IL, a second conductive layer SP2, and an organic insulating layer OL. The first conductive layer SP1 may be disposed on the sensor base substrate BS-TU. The inorganic insulating layer IL may cover the first conductive layer SP1 and may be disposed on the sensor base substrate BS-TU and the first conductive layer SP1. The second conductive layer SP2 may be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer IL. The organic insulating layer OL may cover the second conductive layer SP2 and may be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer IL and the second conductive layer SP2.

[0078] The sensor base substrate BS-TU may be an inorganic layer comprising silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or silicon oxide. Depending on the embodiment, the sensor base substrate BS-TU may be an organic layer comprising epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide-based resin. The sensor base substrate BS-TU may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure of layers stacked in the third direction DR3. The sensor base substrate BS-TU may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE.

[0079] Each of the first conductive layer SP1 and the second conductive layer SP2 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure of layers stacked in the third direction DR3. The single-layer first conductive layer SP1 and the second conductive layer SP2 can include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer can include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer can include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). Furthermore, the transparent conductive layer can include at least one of a conductive polymer (e.g., PEDOT), metal nanowires, and graphene.

[0080] The multi-layered first conductive layer SP1 and second conductive layer SP2 may include multiple metal layers. The metal layers may have a three-layer structure of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti). The multi-layered first conductive layer SP1 and second conductive layer SP2 may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0081] The inorganic insulating layer IL may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0082] The inorganic insulating layer IL may include a contact hole CN formed therein. The first conductive layer SP1 and the second conductive layer SP2 may be electrically connected to each other through the contact hole CN. The contact hole CN may be filled with the material of the second conductive layer SP2. In other words, the contact hole CN may be filled with the material from the second conductive layer SP2.

[0083] The organic insulating layer OL may cover the inorganic insulating layer IL and the second conductive layer SP2. The organic insulating layer OL may include at least one of an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, an ethylene-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0084] The display device DD may include a light-shielding region NPXA and pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G. Each pixel region PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G corresponds to a region where its respective light-emitting element ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 emits light. When viewed in a planar manner, the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G may be spaced apart from each other.

[0085] Each of the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G may be defined by a pixel-defining layer PDL. The light-shielding region NPXA may correspond to the region between the adjacent pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G, and may correspond to the pixel-defining layer PDL. Each of the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G may correspond to a pixel. The pixel-defining layer PDL may distinguish the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 from each other. The light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-B, and EML-G of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may be disposed in the pixel opening OH in the pixel-defining layer PDL to distinguish them from each other.

[0086] The pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G may be divided into a plurality of groups based on the colors of light emitted by the corresponding light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. Figure 3A and Figure 4 The display device DD shown in the figure includes three pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G that emit red light, blue light, and green light, respectively. For example, the display device DD may include a first pixel region PXA-R, a second pixel region PXA-B, and a third pixel region PXA-G that are distinguished from each other. According to an embodiment, the first pixel region PXA-R may be referred to as a red pixel region, the second pixel region PXA-B may be referred to as a blue pixel region, and the third pixel region PXA-G may be referred to as a green pixel region. In the display device DD, a group including one first pixel region PXA-R, one second pixel region PXA-B, and one third pixel region PXA-G may be referred to as a unit pixel group PXG. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first pixel region PXA-R, the second pixel region PXA-B, and the third pixel region PXA-G included in the unit pixel group PXG may be provided in plurality. For example, the unit pixel group PXG may include two third pixel regions PXA-G, one first pixel region PXA-R, and one second pixel region PXA-B.

[0087] According to embodiments, the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 of the display device DD may emit light having different wavelength ranges. For example, the display device DD may include a first light-emitting element ED-1 that emits red light, a second light-emitting element ED-2 that emits blue light, and a third light-emitting element ED-3 that emits green light. In other words, the red pixel region PXA-R, the blue pixel region PXA-B, and the green pixel region PXA-G of the display device DD may correspond to the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3, respectively.

[0088] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby, and the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 may emit light having the same wavelength range as one another, or at least one of the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 may emit light having a different wavelength range from the others. For example, all of the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 may emit blue light.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G of the display device DD may be arranged in a stripe form. In other words, the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G of the display device DD may be arranged in a stripe pattern. Figure 3A, each of the plurality of red pixel regions PXA-R, the plurality of blue pixel regions PXA-B, and the plurality of green pixel regions PXA-G may be arranged in the second direction DR2. In addition, the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G may be sequentially arranged in the order of the red pixel region PXA-R, the green pixel region PXA-G, and the blue pixel region PXA-B, repeating this pattern.

[0090] exist Figure 3A and Figure 4 , the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G are shown as having similar sizes, however, they should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the sizes of the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G may be different from each other according to the wavelength range of light emitted therefrom. According to an embodiment, the size of the green pixel region PXA-G may be smaller than that of the blue pixel region PXA-B. The sizes of the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G refer to their sizes when viewed in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0091] The arrangement of the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B, and PXA-G should not be limited to Figure 3A As shown in FIG. The order in which the red pixel region PXA-R, the blue pixel region PXA-B and the green pixel region PXA-G are arranged may vary according to the display quality requirements of the display device DD. For example, the pixel regions PXA-R, PXA-B and PXA-G may be arranged in a PenTile TM Matrix or DiamondPixel TM matrix.

[0092] Reference Figure 3B and Figure 4 The light-control layer AR may include a light-control pattern LCP. When viewed in a plane, each of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 may overlap with two or more of the light-control patterns LCP. When viewed in a plane, the light-shielding area NPXA may overlap with one or more of the light-control patterns LCP.

[0093] Figure 3B and Figure 4The structure shown is such that, when viewed in a plan view, each of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 overlaps with three first light-shielding patterns LSP1 and three second light-shielding patterns LSP2. Furthermore, when viewed in a plan view, the light-shielding regions NPXA provided between the first light-emitting element ED-1 and the third light-emitting element ED-3, and between the second light-emitting element ED-2 and the third light-emitting element ED-3, overlap with two first light-shielding patterns LSP1 and two second light-shielding patterns LSP2. However, unlike the above, the number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 and second light-shielding patterns LSP2 that overlap with the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 and the light-shielding regions NPXA in a plan view may vary.

[0094] For each first light emitting element ED-1, the number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 overlapping with each first light emitting element ED-1 in a plan view may be different. Similarly, for each first light emitting element ED-1, the number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 overlapping with each first light emitting element ED-1 in a plan view may be different.

[0095] For the second light emitting elements ED-2, the number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 overlapping with each second light emitting element ED-2 in a plan view may be different. Similarly, for the second light emitting elements ED-2, the number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 overlapping with each second light emitting element ED-2 in a plan view may be different.

[0096] The number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 overlapping each third light-emitting element ED-3 in a plan view may be different for each third light-emitting element ED-3. Similarly, the number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 overlapping each third light-emitting element ED-3 in a plan view may be different for each third light-emitting element ED-3.

[0097] The number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 that overlap with the first light-emitting element ED-1 when viewed in a plane may be different from the number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 that overlap with the first light-emitting element ED-1 when viewed in a plane. The number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 that overlap with the second light-emitting element ED-2 when viewed in a plane may be different from the number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 that overlap with the second light-emitting element ED-2 when viewed in a plane. The number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 that overlap with the third light-emitting element ED-3 when viewed in a plane may be different from the number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 that overlap with the third light-emitting element ED-3 when viewed in a plane. The number of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 that overlap with the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 when viewed in a plane may be different from each other. The number of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 that overlap with the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 when viewed in a plane may be different from each other.

[0098] Each of the light-controlling patterns LCP may include a protruding pattern PP, a first light-shielding pattern LSP1, and a second light-shielding pattern LSP2. The light-controlling patterns LCP may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be arranged in a second direction DR2. The light-controlling patterns LCP may be disposed on the display panel DP. The light-controlling patterns LCP may be disposed on the sensor layer TU. The light-controlling patterns LCP may be disposed on the organic insulating layer OL. The light-controlling patterns LCP may be disposed directly on the organic insulating layer OL. The display module DM may further include a transparent organic layer disposed between the sensor layer TU and the light-controlling layer AR. The transparent organic layer may include a transparent organic material and may transmit light provided from the display panel DP. The transparent organic layer may include at least one of the following: an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, an ethylene-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

[0099] The protruding pattern PP may include a first side surface SS1 and a second side surface SS2, the second side surface SS2 being opposite to the first side surface SS1 in a second direction DR2. Each of the first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2 may extend in the first direction DR1. The second side surface SS2 may be opposite to the first side surface SS1 in the second direction DR2. The protruding pattern PP may extend in the first direction DR1. The protruding pattern PP may include a transparent organic material. The protruding pattern PP may include at least one of an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, an ethylene-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. For example, the protruding pattern PP may include an acrylic-based resin.

[0100] The first light-shielding pattern LSP1 may be disposed on the first side surface SS1. The second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may be disposed on the second side surface SS2. The first light-shielding pattern LSP1 may be disposed directly on the first side surface SS1. The second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may be disposed directly on the second side surface SS2. Each of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may include at least one of amorphous carbon and silicon carbide (SiC). For example, the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 may include silicon carbide, and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may include amorphous carbon.

[0101] The amorphous carbon of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 or the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may have a refractive index (n) equal to or greater than 1.873 and an extinction coefficient (k) equal to or greater than 0.32. The silicon carbide of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 or the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may have a refractive index (n) equal to or greater than 2.331 and equal to or less than 2.405, and an extinction coefficient (k) equal to or greater than 0.40 and equal to or less than 0.43. In the present disclosure, the refractive index (n) is a value obtained by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in a medium, and this value is greater than 1. The closer the refractive index (n) is to 1, the faster light propagates and the less light is refracted within the medium compared to when the refractive index (n) has a larger value.

[0102] The extinction coefficient (called "k") indicates how much the intensity of light decreases as it passes through a medium. It is calculated by dividing -log(l t / l0) divided by the product of C and d, where l0 is the initial light intensity, l t is the intensity of light after passing through the medium, C is the concentration of the light-absorbing material, and d is the thickness of the medium. A higher k value indicates a medium that absorbs light more, while a lower k value indicates a medium that reflects light more.

[0103] The light-absorbing material included in conventional light-control layers has a k-value of approximately 0.2. Due to this low k-value, light generated in conventional display panels to which conventional light-control layers are applied that propagates to the side surfaces is not absorbed by the light-absorbing material (e.g., a light-shielding material) but is instead reflected. Consequently, lateral light is generated and perceived at the side surfaces. When lateral light generated in a display panel is perceived by people other than the user, privacy protection may become vulnerable.

[0104] According to the present disclosure, the k value of the amorphous carbon and silicon carbide of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may be equal to or greater than 0.32 and equal to or less than 0.43. The k value of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may be greater than the k value of the protruding pattern PP. Since the k value of the amorphous carbon and silicon carbide of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 of the display module DM is equal to or greater than 0.32 and equal to or less than 0.43, the light L2 propagating toward the side surface of the display panel DP (referred to as "lateral light") among the light L1 and L2 can be absorbed by the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 without being reflected. In the case where the lateral light L2 is not absorbed by the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and is reflected, the lateral light L2 can be absorbed by the second light-shielding pattern LSP2.

[0105] The display module DM according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of first light-shielding patterns LSP1 and a plurality of second light-shielding patterns LSP2 having a high k value, thereby enhancing the absorption of side light L2. As a result, the proportion of front light (i.e., light L1, also referred to as front light L1) perceived by the user increases, while the visibility of side light L2 to others decreases, thereby improving privacy protection.

[0106] The light-control layer AR may include an aperture HL formed between two adjacent light-control patterns LCP. The aperture HL may be a space between two adjacent light-control patterns LCP. The width of the aperture HL in the second direction DR2 may be equal to or greater than 2 microns and equal to or less than 4 microns. If the width of the aperture HL in the second direction DR2 is too small, it may be difficult to deposit the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 during the manufacturing process of the display module DM. Conversely, if the width of the aperture HL in the second direction DR2 is too large, the protruding pattern PP may become narrower in the second direction DR2, potentially causing the protruding pattern PP to shift downward in the third direction DR3 or in the opposite direction.

[0107] The light control layer AR may further include a coating layer OC, and at least a portion of the coating layer OC may be disposed on the light control pattern LCP. The coating layer OC may include a first portion OC1 that fills at least a portion of the hole HL and a second portion OC2 disposed on the first portion OC1 and the light control pattern LCP. The coating layer OC may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene resin, an ethylene resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene-based resin. For example, the coating layer OC may include a methacrylic resin. The first portion OC1 and the second portion OC2 may be integrally formed. The hole HL may be completely filled with the first portion OC1. The first portion OC1 may directly contact each of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2. The first portion OC1 may be disposed on the sensor layer TU. The first portion OC1 may be disposed directly on the sensor layer TU.

[0108] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Area A An enlarged cross-sectional view of the Figure 5 In the , reference will be omitted Figures 3A to 4 A detailed description of the element being described.

[0109] Reference Figure 5 , the width d1 of the light-controlling pattern LCP in the second direction DR2 may be greater than the distance d2 between two adjacent light-controlling patterns LCP in the second direction DR2. The width d1 of the light-controlling pattern LCP in the second direction DR2 may be equal to or greater than 17 micrometers and equal to or less than 21 micrometers. For example, the width d1 of the light-controlling pattern LCP in the second direction DR2 may be approximately 21 micrometers.

[0110] If the width d1 of the light-controlling pattern LCP in the second direction DR2 is too large, the width of the hole HL in the second direction DR2 becomes too small, making it difficult to deposit the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 during the manufacturing process of the display module DM. Conversely, if the width d1 of the light-controlling pattern LCP in the second direction DR2 is too small, the width of the hole HL in the second direction DR2 becomes too large, reducing the absorption of the lateral light L2 (refer to FIG. Figure 4 ) and reduces the forward brightness rate. A distance d2 between two adjacent light-control patterns LCP in the second direction DR2 may be equal to or greater than 2 micrometers and equal to or less than 4 micrometers. The distance d2 between two adjacent light-control patterns LCP in the second direction DR2 may be substantially the same as the width of the hole HL in the second direction DR2.

[0111] Each of the width d3 of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 in the second direction DR2 and the width d4 of the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the width d5 ​​of the protruding pattern PP in the second direction DR2. The width d3 of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 in the second direction DR2 may be substantially the same as or different from the width d4 of the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 in the second direction DR2. Each of the width d3 of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 in the second direction DR2 and the width d4 of the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 in the second direction DR2 may be less than approximately 2 micrometers.

[0112] If each of the width d3 of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 in the second direction DR2 and the width d4 of the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 in the second direction DR2 is too large, the forward light L1 (refer to FIG. Figure 4 ) increases, the forward brightness rate may decrease. A width d5 ​​of the protruding pattern PP in the second direction DR2 may be a value obtained by subtracting each of a width d3 of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and a width d4 of the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 in the second direction DR2 from a width d1 of the light-controlling pattern LCP in the second direction DR2. Each of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may have a height substantially the same as that of the protruding pattern PP.

[0113] If the height of each of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 is too large compared to the height of the protruding pattern PP, the display module DM (refer to Figure 4 ) becomes challenging to planarize. On the contrary, if the height of each of the first light shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light shielding pattern LSP2 is too small compared to the height of the protruding pattern PP, the light source for absorbing the lateral light L2 (refer to FIG. Figure 4 ) a cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 is reduced, making it difficult to improve the front brightness rate.

[0114] In conventional display modules, the light shielding pattern of the light control layer has a width equal to or greater than 4 micrometers, which reduces the forward brightness rate. In contrast, the display module DM of the present disclosure (refer to Figure 4 ) is characterized in that the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 has a width d3 equal to or less than 2 micrometers and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 has a width d4 equal to or less than 2 micrometers. In addition, between two adjacent light-controlling patterns LCP, the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 can be spaced apart from each other by a distance d2 in the second direction DR2. Therefore, compared with the conventional display module, the display module can be used for the forward light L1 (refer to FIG. Figure 4 ) The cross-sectional area of ​​the emission increases with distance d2, thereby increasing the forward brightness rate.

[0115] In one embodiment, the display module of the present disclosure may be manufactured using the methods described herein. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 12 is a cross-sectional view of a method of manufacturing a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Reference Figure 6 , a manufacturing method of a display module may include: forming a preliminary first light-control layer on a display panel (S100), etching a portion of the preliminary first light-control layer to form a preliminary second light-control layer including a protruding pattern and a plurality of preliminary holes (S200), forming a light-shielding layer including a first light-shielding pattern portion, a second light-shielding pattern portion, a third light-shielding pattern portion, and a fourth light-shielding pattern portion (S300), and etching the first light-shielding pattern portion and the second light-shielding pattern portion to form a light-control pattern including a first light-shielding pattern and a second light-shielding pattern (S400).

[0117] Reference Figure 7 During the formation of the preliminary first light-control layer PAR1, the preliminary first light-control layer PAR1 may be disposed on the display panel DP. The preliminary first light-control layer PAR1 may also be disposed on the sensor layer TU. The preliminary first light-control layer PAR1 may be formed using various methods, such as vacuum evaporation, spin coating, casting, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method, inkjet printing, laser printing, and laser-induced thermal imaging (LITI). For example, the preliminary first light-control layer PAR1 may be formed using inkjet printing. The preliminary first light-control layer PAR1 may include at least one of the following: an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene resin, an ethylene resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene-based resin. For example, the preliminary first light-control layer PAR1 may include an acrylic resin.

[0118] Reference Figure 8 When forming the preliminary second light-control layer PAR2, preliminary holes PHL may be formed using a dry etching method or a wet etching method. The preliminary second light-control layer PAR2 may include protrusion patterns PP and preliminary holes PHL. Each preliminary hole PHL refers to a space between two adjacent protrusion patterns PP. Each preliminary hole PHL may completely penetrate the preliminary second light-control layer PAR2. The first side surface SS1 of one protrusion pattern PP and the second side surface SS2 of another protrusion pattern PP adjacent to the one protrusion pattern PP may define the preliminary hole PHL.

[0119] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 , forming the light shielding layer LPF may include: depositing a light shielding material LPM including at least one of amorphous carbon and silicon carbide on the display panel DP using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The light shielding layer LPF may include a first light shielding pattern portion LPP1 overlapping each of the preliminary holes PHL when viewed in a plane, a second light shielding pattern portion LPP2 disposed on the protruding pattern PP, a third light shielding pattern portion LPP3 disposed on the first side surface SS1, and a fourth light shielding pattern portion LPP4 disposed on the second side surface SS2. The third light shielding pattern portion LPP3 and the fourth light shielding pattern portion LPP4 may correspond to the reference holes PHL, respectively. Figure 4 The first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 are described. A light-shielding material LPM may be coated on the preliminary second light-controlling layer PAR2 to form a light-shielding layer LPF.

[0120] Because the light shielding layer LPF is formed using chemical vapor deposition rather than sputtering, it can have a uniform thickness, improving the yield of the light shielding layer LPF. When the light shielding layer LPF is formed using sputtering, the thickness of the third light shielding pattern portion LPP3 or the fourth light shielding pattern portion LPP4 may be thinner than the thickness of the first light shielding pattern portion LPP1 or the second light shielding pattern portion LPP2. Furthermore, the thickness of the third light shielding pattern portion LPP3 and the fourth light shielding pattern portion LPP4 may be uneven, making it difficult to improve the forward brightness ratio.

[0121] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the light-controlling pattern LCP is formed, the first light-shielding pattern portion LPP1 and the second light-shielding pattern portion LPP2 may be removed by an anisotropic dry etching process. When the first light-shielding pattern portion LPP1 and the second light-shielding pattern portion LPP2 are removed by an anisotropic dry etching process, the first light-shielding pattern LSP1 and the second light-shielding pattern LSP2 may be formed without reducing the thickness of the third light-shielding pattern portion LPP3 and the fourth light-shielding pattern portion LPP4.

[0122] Reference Figure 12 The display module manufacturing method may further include forming an overcoat layer (OC). The overcoat layer (OC) can be formed using various methods, such as vacuum evaporation, spin coating, casting, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) printing, inkjet printing, laser printing, and laser-induced thermal imaging (LITI). For example, the overcoat layer (OC) can be formed using inkjet printing. The first portion (OC1) and the second portion (OC2) can be formed sequentially using continuous inkjet printing.

[0123] The transmittance of the first light-shielding pattern included in the light-control layer of the display module according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below. The optical characteristics of the first light-shielding pattern described below can be applied to the second light-shielding pattern. In addition, the embodiments shown below are examples to help understand the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to or restricted thereby.

[0124] The following Table 1 shows the wavelength of light, the thickness of the first light-shielding pattern, and the transmittance of light according to the composition of the first light-shielding pattern. As the transmittance of light passing through the first light-shielding pattern decreases, the first light-shielding pattern can have excellent light absorption ability, and thus, the privacy protection of the display module can be improved.

[0125] Table 1

[0126] Referring to Table 1, Example 1 to Example 12 show that for light having a wavelength of approximately 300 nm and approximately 400 nm, the transmittance is equal to or greater than 1.1% and equal to or less than 52.2%, and when the thickness of the first light-shielding pattern is large, the transmittance decreases. As shown in Example 1 to Example 12, the first light-shielding pattern absorbs equal to or greater than 47.8% and equal to or less than 98.9% of the light. Therefore, at least 47.8% and at most 98.9% of the lateral light generated within the display panel is absorbed, thereby improving the privacy protection of the display module. Since the display module of the present disclosure includes the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern, each of which includes at least one of amorphous carbon and silicon carbide having a higher extinction coefficient (k) than conventional light-absorbing materials, the absorption rate of lateral light can be increased, and the privacy protection problem associated with the exposure of information to others can be improved.

[0127] Since the display module of the present disclosure is characterized in that the light shielding patterns are thinner and spaced apart than those in conventional display modules, the cross-sectional area of ​​forward light emission is increased, thereby improving the forward brightness ratio.

[0128] In the method for manufacturing the display module, since the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern are formed by chemical vapor deposition, the yield of the display module can be improved compared to a conventional manufacturing process relying on sputtering deposition.

[0129] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, but various changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

[0130] Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. Display module, including: Display panel; as well as a light control layer disposed on the display panel, the light control layer comprising a plurality of light control patterns, the plurality of light control patterns extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of light control patterns comprising: a protruding pattern extending in the first direction and comprising a first side surface and a second side surface, the second side surface being opposite to the first side surface in the second direction; a first light-shielding pattern, disposed on the first side surface; and A second light-shielding pattern is disposed on the second side surface, wherein each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern includes amorphous carbon or silicon carbide.

2. The display module according to claim 1, wherein An extinction coefficient of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is greater than an extinction coefficient of the protruding pattern.

3. The display module according to claim 2, wherein: The extinction coefficient of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is equal to or greater than 0.32 and equal to or less than 0.

43. The display module according to claim 1 , wherein: The light-controlling layer further includes a coating layer disposed on the light-controlling pattern.

5. The display module according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the protruding pattern and the coating layer includes acrylic-based resin, methacrylic-based resin, polyisoprene-based resin, vinyl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, urethane-based resin, cellulose-based resin, siloxane-based resin, polyimide-based resin, polyamide-based resin, or perylene-based resin. The display module according to claim 4 , wherein: The light control layer further includes a hole between two adjacent light control patterns, and the coating layer includes: a first portion in the hole; and The second portion is disposed on the first portion and the plurality of light-controlling patterns.

7. The display module according to claim 6, wherein: The first portion directly contacts each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern.

8. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The first light-shielding pattern is directly disposed on the first side surface, and the second light-shielding pattern is directly disposed on the second side surface.

9. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: A width of each of the plurality of light-control patterns in the second direction is greater than a distance between two adjacent light-control patterns in the second direction.

10. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: A width of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern in the second direction is smaller than a width of the protruding pattern in the second direction. The display module according to claim 10 , wherein: The width of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is equal to or less than 2 micrometers.

12. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: A height of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is the same as a height of the protruding pattern.

13. The display module according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements overlaps with two or more of the plurality of light-control patterns when viewed in plane.

14. A method for manufacturing a display module, comprising: forming a preliminary first light control layer on the display panel; etching the preliminary first light-controlling layer to form a preliminary second light-controlling layer, the preliminary second light-controlling layer including a plurality of protruding patterns and a plurality of preliminary holes between two adjacent protruding patterns, the plurality of protruding patterns extending in a first direction and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction; forming a light-shielding layer including a first light-shielding pattern portion overlapping each of the plurality of preliminary holes, a second light-shielding pattern portion disposed on the plurality of protruding patterns, a third light-shielding pattern portion disposed on the first side surface, and a fourth light-shielding pattern portion disposed on the second side surface; as well as The first light-shielding pattern portion and the second light-shielding pattern portion are etched to form a plurality of light-control patterns, each of the plurality of light-control patterns including one of the plurality of protruding patterns, a first light-shielding pattern disposed on the first side surface, and a second light-shielding pattern disposed on the second side surface, wherein the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern include amorphous carbon or silicon carbide.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: A coating layer is formed, the coating layer including a first portion filling a hole between two adjacent light-controlling patterns and a second portion disposed on the first portion, the first light-shielding pattern, the second light-shielding pattern, and the protruding pattern.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein Forming the light shielding layer includes depositing a light shielding material including amorphous carbon or silicon carbide on the display panel by chemical vapor deposition.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The preliminary first light-controlling layer is formed by inkjet printing.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein During the formation of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern, portions of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern are removed by an anisotropic dry etching process.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein An extinction coefficient of each of the first light-shielding pattern and the second light-shielding pattern is equal to or greater than 0.32 and equal to or less than 0.

43.

20. The method according to claim 14, wherein Each of the plurality of preliminary holes completely penetrates the preliminary second light-control layer.

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