KR102537329B1 - Light controlling device, and transparent display device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a light control device capable of improving light transmittance in a transmission mode, and a transparent display device including the same.
A light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on a first base film and a second base film facing each other, and on one surface of the first base film facing the second base film and patterned at predetermined intervals. Electrodes, a liquid crystal cell provided between the transparent electrodes and the second base film and containing liquid crystals and ionic materials, barrier ribs for maintaining a cell gap of the liquid crystal cell, on the transparent electrodes and the barrier ribs It includes a first alignment layer provided on and a second alignment layer provided on one surface of a second base film facing the first alignment layer. When voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is scattered or blocked to implement a light blocking mode, and when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is implemented in a transmission mode.

Description

Light control device and transparent display device including the same {LIGHT CONTROLLING DEVICE, AND TRANSPARENT DISPLAY DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME}

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a light control device and a transparent display device including the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] As we enter the information age, the display field for processing and displaying a large amount of information has developed rapidly, and in response to this, various display devices have been developed and are in the spotlight. Specific examples of such a display device include a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a plasma display panel device (PDP), a field emission display device (FED), an electric light emitting display device ( and Electroluminescence Display device (ELD), Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), and the like.

Recently, display devices have become thinner, lighter, and have lower power consumption, and as a result, application fields of display devices are continuously increasing. In particular, the display device is used as one of the user interfaces in most electronic devices or mobile devices.

In addition, recently, research on a transparent display device that allows a user to see an object or a background located on the rear side of the display device has been actively researched. Transparent display devices have advantages in space utilization, interior design, and design, and can have various application fields. The transparent display device can solve the spatial and visual limitations of existing electronic devices by implementing functions of information recognition, information processing, and information display with transparent electronic devices. For example, the transparent display device may be applied to a window of a building or a vehicle to be implemented as a smart window that shows a background or displays an image.

The transparent display device may be implemented as an organic light emitting display device, and in this case, has an advantage of low power consumption, but has a disadvantage in that the contrast ratio is lowered in a light environment, although there is no problem in the contrast ratio in a dark environment. A contrast ratio in a dark environment may be defined as a dark room contrast ratio and a contrast ratio in a light environment may be defined as a bright room contrast ratio. That is, since the transparent display device has a transmissive area to allow viewing of objects or backgrounds located on the rear side, there is a problem in that the bright-room contrast ratio is lowered. Therefore, when the transparent display device is implemented as an organic light emitting display device, a light control device capable of implementing a light-blocking mode for blocking light and a transmission mode for transmitting light is required in order to prevent deterioration of the bright-room contrast ratio.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a light control device capable of improving light transmittance in a transmission mode, and a transparent display device including the same.

A light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on a first base film and a second base film facing each other, and on one surface of the first base film facing the second base film and patterned at predetermined intervals. Electrodes, a liquid crystal cell provided between the transparent electrodes and the second base film and containing liquid crystals and ionic materials, barrier ribs for maintaining a cell gap of the liquid crystal cell, on the transparent electrodes and the barrier ribs It includes a first alignment layer provided on and a second alignment layer provided on one surface of a second base film facing the first alignment layer. When voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is scattered or blocked to implement a light blocking mode, and when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is implemented in a transmission mode.

A transparent display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent display panel that transmits light and displays an image, and a light control device disposed on at least one surface of the transparent display panel. The light control device includes a first base film and a second base film facing each other, transparent electrodes provided on one surface of the first base film facing the second base film and patterned at predetermined intervals, the transparent electrodes A liquid crystal cell provided between the cell and the second base film and containing liquid crystals and ionic materials, barrier ribs for maintaining a cell gap of the liquid crystal cell, a first alignment layer provided on the transparent electrodes and the barrier ribs, and a second alignment layer provided on one surface of the second base film facing the first alignment layer. When voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is scattered or blocked to implement a light blocking mode, and when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is implemented in a transmission mode.

According to the means for solving the above problem, in the light control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separate transparent electrode is not provided between the second base film and the second alignment layer. As a result, the light transmittance in the transmission mode can be improved compared to the conventional method in which a separate transparent electrode is provided between the second base film and the second alignment layer to form a vertical electric field.

In addition, in the light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, transparent electrodes are provided on the first base film, and different voltages are applied to each of the transparent electrodes adjacent to each other to form a horizontal electric field. Accordingly, since the second alignment layer formed on the second base film does not affect driving of the liquid crystal when a voltage is applied, it is possible to increase the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 .

In addition to the effects of the present invention mentioned above, other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below, or will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from such description and description.

1 is a perspective view showing a transparent display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a plan view illustrating a transparent display panel, a gate driver, a source drive IC, a flexible film, a circuit board, and a timing controller of a transparent display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is an exemplary view showing pixels of the display area of FIG. 2;
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 3;
5 is a perspective view showing a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
14 and 15 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
16 and 17 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The meaning of terms described in this specification should be understood as follows.

Singular expressions should be understood to include plural expressions unless the context clearly defines otherwise, and terms such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one component from another, The scope of rights should not be limited by these terms. It should be understood that terms such as "comprise" or "having" do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The term “at least one” should be understood to include all possible combinations from one or more related items. For example, "at least one of the first item, the second item, and the third item" means not only each of the first item, the second item, and the third item, but also two of the first item, the second item, and the third item. It means a combination of all items that can be presented from one or more. The term "on" is meant to include not only a case in which a component is formed directly on top of another component, but also a case in which a third component is interposed between these components.

Hereinafter, preferred examples of a light control device and a transparent display device including the light control device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, the same components may have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description may be omitted.

1 is a perspective view showing a transparent display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a plan view illustrating a transparent display panel, a gate driver, a source drive IC, a flexible film, a circuit board, and a timing controller of a transparent display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing pixels of the display area of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 3 .

Hereinafter, a transparent display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 . 1 to 4 , the X axis represents a direction parallel to the gate line, the Y axis represents a direction parallel to the data line, and the Z axis represents the height direction of the transparent display device.

1 to 4, a transparent display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent display panel 100, a gate driver 120, a source drive integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as "IC") (130 ), a flexible film 140, a circuit board 150, a timing controller 160, a light control device 200, and an adhesive layer 300.

The transparent display device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described mainly as being implemented as an organic light emitting display (OLED), but may also be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an electrophoresis display (ELD). can

The transparent display panel 100 includes a lower substrate 111 and an upper substrate 112 . The upper substrate 112 may be an encapsulation substrate. The lower substrate 111 is formed to be larger than the upper substrate 112 , and thus, a portion of the lower substrate 111 may be exposed without being covered by the upper substrate 112 .

Gate lines and data lines may be formed in the display area DA of the transparent display panel 100 , and light emitting units may be formed in intersection areas of the gate lines and data lines. The light emitting units of the display area DA may display an image.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the display area DA includes a transmission area TA and an emission area EA. In the transparent display panel 100, an object or a background located on the rear surface of the transparent display panel 100 can be seen through the transparent areas TA, and an image can be displayed through the light emitting areas EA. . Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the transmission area TA and the light emitting area EA are formed long in the gate line direction (X-axis direction), it is not limited thereto. That is, the transmission area TA and the light emitting area EA may be formed long in the data line direction (Y-axis direction).

The transmission area TA is an area through which incident light passes almost as it is. The light emitting area EA is an area that emits light. The light emitting area EA may include a plurality of pixels P, and each of the pixels P may include a red light emitting part RE, a green light emitting part GE, and a blue light emitting part BE, as shown in FIG. 3 . It has been exemplified to include, but is not limited thereto. For example, each of the pixels P may further include a white light emitting part in addition to the red light emitting part RE, the green light emitting part GE, and the blue light emitting part BE. Alternatively, each of the pixels P may be a red light emitting part RE, a green light emitting part GE, a blue light emitting part BE, a yellow light emitting part, a magenta light emitting part, and a cyan light emitting part. Among the parts, at least two or more light emitting parts may be included.

The red light emitting part RE is an area emitting red light, the green light emitting part GE is an area emitting green light, and the blue light emitting part BE is an area emitting blue light. The red light emitting part RE, the green light emitting part GE, and the blue light emitting part BE of the light emitting area EA emit predetermined light and correspond to non-transmitting areas that do not transmit incident light.

A transistor T, an anode electrode AND, an organic layer EL, and a cathode electrode CAT are provided in each of the red light emitting part RE, the green light emitting part GE, and the blue light emitting part BE, as shown in FIG. 4 . It can be.

The transistor T includes an active layer ACT formed on the lower substrate 111, a first insulating film I1 formed on the active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE formed on the first insulating film I1, and a gate. A second insulating film I2 provided on the electrode GE, and a source electrode provided on the second insulating film I2 and connected to the active layer ACT through the first and second contact holes CNT1 and CNT2 ( SE) and a drain electrode DE. Although FIG. 4 illustrates that the transistor T is formed in a top gate method, it is not limited thereto, and the gate electrode GE may be formed in a bottom gate method in which the gate electrode GE is disposed under the active layer ACT.

The anode electrode AND is connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor T through the third contact hole CNT3 penetrating the interlayer insulating film ILD provided on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. . A bank W is provided between adjacent anode electrodes AND, so that the adjacent anode electrodes AND may be electrically insulated from each other.

An organic layer EL is provided on the anode electrode AND. The organic layer EL may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. A cathode electrode CAT is provided on the organic layer EL and the barrier rib W. When voltage is applied to the anode electrode AND and the cathode electrode CAT, holes and electrons move to the organic light emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the organic light emitting layer to emit light.

In FIG. 4 , the transparent display panel 100 is embodied in a top emission method, but is not limited thereto and may be implemented in a bottom emission method. In the top emission method, since light from the organic layer EL is emitted toward the upper substrate, the transistor T can be widely provided under the bank W and the anode AND. Accordingly, the top emission method has an advantage in that the design area of the transistor T is wider than that of the bottom emission method. In the top emission method, it is preferable that the anode electrode AND is formed of a highly reflective metal material such as aluminum or a laminated structure of aluminum and ITO, and the cathode electrode CAT is formed of a transparent metal material such as ITO or IZO. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the cathode electrode CAT is made of silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), or silver (Ag) thinly formed to a thickness of several hundred Angstroms (Å) or less. ) and magnesium (Mg). In this case, the cathode electrode CAT becomes a transflective layer and can be used as a substantially transparent cathode.

As described above, each of the pixels P of the transparent display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a transmission area TA that passes incident light almost as it is and an emission area EA that emits light. . As a result, in the embodiment of the present invention, an object or a background located on the rear surface of the transparent display device can be viewed through the transparent areas TA of the transparent display device.

The gate driver 120 supplies gate signals to the gate lines according to the gate control signal input from the timing controller 160 . 2 illustrates that the gate driver 120 is formed outside one side of the display area DA of the transparent display panel 100 by a gate driver in panel (GIP) method, but is not limited thereto. That is, the gate driver 120 may be formed on the outside of both sides of the display area DA of the transparent display panel 100 by the GIP method, or may be manufactured as a driving chip and mounted on a flexible film, and may be formed using a tape automated bonding (TAB) method. It may also be attached to the transparent display panel 100 in this way.

The source drive IC 130 receives digital video data and a source control signal from the timing controller 160 . The source driver IC 130 converts digital video data into analog data voltages according to a source control signal and supplies them to data lines. When the source drive IC 130 is manufactured as a driving chip, it may be mounted on the flexible film 140 in a chip on film (COF) or chip on plastic (COP) method.

Since the size of the lower substrate 111 is greater than that of the upper substrate 112 , a portion of the lower substrate 111 may be exposed without being covered by the upper substrate 112 . Pads, such as data pads, are provided on a portion of the lower substrate 111 that is exposed and not covered by the upper substrate 112 . Wires connecting pads and the source drive IC 130 and wires connecting pads and wires of the circuit board 150 may be formed on the flexible film 140 . The flexible film 140 is attached to the pads using an anisotropic conducting film, and thereby the pads and the wires of the flexible film 140 can be connected.

The circuit board 150 may be attached to the flexible films 140 . A plurality of circuits implemented as driving chips may be mounted on the circuit board 150 . For example, the timing controller 160 may be mounted on the circuit board 150 . The circuit board 150 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board.

The timing controller 160 receives digital video data and timing signals from an external system board (not shown). The timing controller 60 generates a gate control signal for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver 120 and a source control signal for controlling the source drive ICs 130 based on the timing signal. The timing controller 60 supplies a gate control signal to the gate driver 120 and supplies a source control signal to the source drive ICs 30 .

The light control device 200 may block incident light in a light blocking mode and transmit incident light in a transmission mode. The light control device 200 blocks most of the light in the light blocking mode, and may be designed, for example, so that the ratio of incident light to output light (hereinafter referred to as “light transmittance”) is α% or less. In addition, the light control device 200 transmits most of the light in a transmission mode, and may be designed to have a light transmittance of, for example, β% or more. At this time, β is greater than α. The light control device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may implement a light blocking mode and a transmission mode using a liquid crystal layer to which a dynamic scattering mode is applied. A detailed description of the light control device 200 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 .

The adhesive layer 300 bonds the transparent display panel 100 and the light control device 200 together. The adhesive layer 300 may be a transparent adhesive film such as optically clear adhesive (OCA) or a transparent adhesive such as optically clear resin (OCR). In this case, the adhesive layer 300 may have a refractive index between 1.4 and 1.9 to match the refractive index between the transparent display panel 100 and the light control device 200 .

5 is a perspective view showing a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a transmission mode, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a light blocking mode.

5 to 7 , the light control device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first base film 210, a second base film 220, transparent electrodes 230, and a liquid crystal layer ( 250).

The first base film 210 and the second base film 220 may be plastic films. For example, the first base film 210 and the second base film 220 may include a cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC) or diacetyl cellulose (DAC), or a cyclo olefin (COP) such as norbornene derivatives. polymer), COC (cyclo olefin copolymer), PMMA (poly (methylmethacrylate), etc. acrylic resin, PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene), polyolefin (PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), PES ( Polyester such as poly ether sulfone), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEI (polyetherimide), PEN (polyethylenenaphthalate), PET (polyethyleneterephthalate), PI (polyimide), PSF (polysulfone), or fluoride resin, etc. It may be a sheet or film containing, but is not limited thereto.

The transparent electrodes 230 are provided on one surface of the first base film 210 facing the second base film 220 . The transparent electrodes 230 are patterned at predetermined intervals. Accordingly, each of the transparent electrodes 230 are spaced apart from each other. The transparent electrodes 230 may be transparent electrodes. For example, the transparent electrodes 230 may include oxide (eg AgO or Ag2O or Ag2O3), aluminum oxide (eg Al2O3), tungsten oxide (eg WO2 or WO3 or W2O3), magnesium oxide (eg MgO), Molybdenum oxide (eg MoO3), zinc oxide (eg ZnO), tin oxide (eg SnO2), indium oxide (eg In2O3), chromium oxide (eg CrO3 or Cr2O3), antimony oxide (eg Sb2O3 or Sb2O5) ), titanium oxide (eg TiO2), nickel oxide (eg NiO), copper oxide (eg CuO or Cu2O), vanadium oxide (eg V2O3 or V2O5), cobalt oxide (eg CoO), iron oxide (eg Fe2O3 or Fe3O4), niobium oxide (eg Nb2O5), indium tin oxide (eg Indium Tin Oxide, ITO), indium zinc oxide (eg Indium Zinc Oxide, IZO), aluminum doped zinc oxide (eg Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide (ZAO), aluminum doped tin oxide (eg Aluminum Tin Oxide, TAO) or antimony tin oxide (eg Antimony Tin Oxide, ATO), but is not limited thereto.

The liquid crystal layer 250 may be a dynamic scattering mode liquid cyrstal layer including liquid crystals, dichroic dyes, and ionic materials. In the case of the dynamic scattering mode, when voltages are applied to the transparent electrodes 230, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b are randomly moved by the ionic materials 251c. In this case, different voltages are applied to the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other. For example, when a first voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 230a, a second voltage may be applied to a second transparent electrode 230b adjacent to the first transparent electrode 230a. Since different voltages are applied to the adjacent transparent electrodes 230a and 230b, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by randomly moving liquid crystals or absorbed by dichroic dyes, a light blocking mode may be realized.

Specifically, the liquid crystal layer 250 may include a liquid crystal cell 251 , barrier ribs 252 , a first alignment layer 253 , and a second alignment layer 254 as shown in FIG. 6 . The liquid crystal cell 251 is provided between the transparent electrodes 230 and the second base film 220 . The liquid crystal cell 251 includes liquid crystals 251a, dichroic dyes 251b, and ionic materials 251c. Long axes of the liquid crystals 251a may be positive liquid crystals arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even if no voltage is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 . The long axis direction of the dichroic dyes 251b is also vertical (Z-axis direction) by the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even if no voltage is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 like the liquid crystals 251a. can be arranged as As a result, since the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dye 251b are arranged in a direction in which light is incident, scattering and absorption of light due to the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dye 251b are minimized. That is, since the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a are arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction), light incident to the light control device passes through the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, since the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a all have the same refractive index, scattering of light passing through the liquid crystals 251a is minimized. Therefore, most of the light incident on the light control device 200 may pass through the liquid crystal cells 251 . Therefore, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmission mode even when no voltage is applied, there is an advantage in implementing a transmission mode without power consumption.

The dichroic dyes 251b may be dyes that absorb light. For example, the dichroic dyes 251b may be a black dye that absorbs all light in a visible ray wavelength range or a specific color (eg, red) that absorbs light other than a wavelength range and a specific color (eg, red). ) may be a dye that reflects light in the wavelength range. In the embodiment of the present invention, it has been mainly described that the dichroic dyes 251b are black dyes, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the dichroic dyes 251b may be dyes having a color of any one of red, green, blue, and yellow, or a mixture thereof. there is. That is, the embodiment of the present invention can block the background while expressing various colors in the light blocking mode. Due to this, since the embodiment of the present invention can provide various colors in the light blocking mode, the user can feel the aesthetic sense. For example, the transparent display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used in a public place, and when applied to a smart window or public window requiring a transmission mode and a shading mode, various colors are expressed depending on time or place. You can shade while doing it. In the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has been described by taking a case in which the liquid crystal cell 251 includes dichroic dyes 251b as an example, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the liquid crystal cell 251 includes dichroic dyes ( 251b) may not be included. For example, when the liquid crystal cell 251 includes the dichroic dyes 251b, the light control device 200 may implement black, and the liquid crystal cell 251 does not include the dichroic dyes 251b. In this case, the light control device 200 may implement white.

The ionic materials 251c serve to randomly move the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b. The ionic materials 251c may have a predetermined polarity, and thus may move according to the polarity of a voltage applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 . In this case, different voltages may be applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, one transparent electrode among the transparent electrodes 230 is defined as a first transparent electrode 230a, and another transparent electrode adjacent to one transparent electrode is referred to as a second transparent electrode 230b. define. For example, when the ionic materials 251c have a negative polarity, a positive polarity voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 230a and a negative polarity is applied to the second transparent electrode 230b adjacent to the first transparent electrode 230a. When a voltage of is applied, the ionic materials 251c move to the first transparent electrode 230a. In addition, when the ionic materials 251c have a negative polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the second transparent electrode 230b and a negative voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 230a, the ionic materials 251c have a first polarity. 2 moves to the transparent electrode 230b. In addition, when the ionic materials 251c have a positive polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 230a and a negative voltage is applied to the second transparent electrode 230b, the ionic materials 251c have a first polarity. 2 moves to the transparent electrode 230b. In addition, when the ionic materials 251c have a positive polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the second transparent electrode 230b and a negative voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 230a, the ionic materials 251c have a first polarity. 1 moves to the transparent electrode 230a. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the first and second transparent electrodes 230a and 230b, the ionic materials 251c go from the first transparent electrode 230a to the second transparent electrode 230b at a predetermined cycle and then again to the second transparent electrode 230b. The movement back to the first transparent electrode 230a is repeated. In this case, since the ionic materials 251c collide with the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b while moving, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b move randomly. A voltage applied to the first and second transparent electrodes 230a and 230b may be an AC voltage.

Alternatively, since the ionic materials 251c change or distort the horizontal electric field while moving, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b may move randomly due to the change or distortion of the horizontal electric field. The movement of the ionic material 251c may also occur between the first transparent electrode 230a and the third transparent electrode 230c adjacent to the first transparent electrode 230a. Also, movement of the ionic material 251c may occur between the second transparent electrode 230b and the fourth transparent electrode 230d adjacent to the second transparent electrode 230b.

Alternatively, the ionic materials 251c may exchange electrons with each other according to the polarity of the voltage applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other. Therefore, when an AC voltage having a predetermined period is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other, electrons are exchanged between the ionic materials 251c at a predetermined period. In this case, since the electrons collide with the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b while moving, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b move randomly. A voltage applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other may be an AC voltage. In this case, different voltages may be applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other. Alternatively, since electrons change or distort the horizontal electric field while moving, the first liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b may move randomly due to the change or distortion of the vertical electric field.

Since the liquid crystal cell 251 is in a liquid state, barrier ribs 252 are required to maintain a cell gap of the liquid crystal cell 251 . The barrier ribs 252 may be disposed on one surface of the first base film 210 facing the second base film 220 . The barrier ribs 252 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals, and the liquid crystal cell 251 may be partitioned by the barrier ribs 252 .

The barrier ribs 252 are for maintaining a cell gap of the liquid crystal layer 250 . Since the barrier ribs 252 are provided, the inside of the liquid crystal layer 250 can be protected when force is applied from the outside. The barrier ribs 252 may be formed of a transparent material. In this case, the barrier ribs 252 may be formed of any one of photo resist, photocurable polymer, and polydimethylsiloxane, but are not limited thereto.

Alternatively, the barrier ribs 252 may include a material capable of absorbing light. For example, each of the barrier ribs 252 may be implemented as a black barrier rib. In this case, since the barrier ribs 252 can absorb light scattered by the liquid crystals 251a in the light blocking mode, the light blocking rate in the light blocking mode can be increased. In addition, since the barrier ribs 252 are provided to correspond to the light emitting area EA of the transparent display panel 100 shown in FIG. There is almost no loss of transmittance at

Alternatively, the barrier ribs 252 may include scattering particles capable of scattering light. The scattering particles may be beads or silica balls. In this case, the barrier ribs 252 may re-scatter light scattered by the liquid crystals 251a in the light-shielding mode, so that an optical path may be lengthened. Since the probability of light being absorbed by the dichroic dyes 251b increases when the optical path becomes longer, the light blocking rate in the light blocking mode may be increased.

Meanwhile, the barrier ribs 252 do not actively pass light or block light like the liquid crystal cell 251 . That is, when the barrier ribs 252 are formed of a transparent material, they only pass light and do not block light. In addition, when the barrier ribs 252 include a material that absorbs light or a material that scatters light, they only scatter or block light and do not pass light. Therefore, when barrier ribs 252 are formed in an area corresponding to the transmission area TA of the transparent display device shown in FIG. In this mode, there is a problem in that the light transmittance is lowered by blocking light at the barrier ribs 252 . Accordingly, the barrier ribs 252 are disposed to correspond to the emission areas EA of the transparent display panel 100, and the liquid crystal cells 251 are disposed to correspond to the transmission areas TA of the transparent display panel 100. it is desirable The barrier ribs 252 may be disposed in a stripe shape, but are not limited thereto, and may be disposed in a honeycomb shape or a p (p is a positive integer of 3 or greater) polygonal shape.

The first alignment layer 253 is provided on the transparent electrodes 230 and the barrier ribs 252 facing the second base film 220 . The first alignment layer 253 covers top and side surfaces of each of the transparent electrodes 230 . The first alignment layer 253 covers top and side surfaces of each of the barrier ribs 252 . The first alignment layer 253 may be formed to a thickness of several hundred angstroms or less, for example, 200 angstroms or less. The first alignment layer 253 may be polyimide (PI), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

The second alignment layer 254 is provided on one surface of the second base film 220 facing the first base film 210 . The second alignment layer 254 may include an adhesive material. Here, as the adhesive material, epoxy resin, polyolefin resin, or acrylic resin may be used, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

In order to increase the adhesion of the second alignment layer 254, it is preferable that the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 is thick. Accordingly, the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 may be greater than that of the first alignment layer 253 . When the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 is formed thick, adhesive strength between the first and second alignment layers 254 may increase. Accordingly, when the first base film 210 and the second base film 220 are bonded together, separation of the first base film 210 and the second base film 220 due to an external shock can be prevented. .

Meanwhile, when a vertical electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer, the transparent electrode is provided between the first base film 210 and the first alignment layer 253 and between the second base film 220 and the second alignment layer 254. In this case, as the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 increases, there is a problem in that the driving voltage of the transparent electrode provided between the second base film 220 and the second alignment layer 254 needs to be increased. That is, since the vertical electric field is not properly applied to the liquid crystal layer 250 as the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 increases, the driving voltage applied to the transparent electrode needs to be increased so that the vertical electric field can be properly applied.

However, in the light control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, transparent electrodes 230 are provided on the first base film 210, and different voltages are applied to each of the adjacent transparent electrodes 230. applied to form a horizontal electric field. Accordingly, no transparent electrode is provided between the second base film 220 and the second alignment layer 254 . As a result, it is possible to increase the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 without increasing the driving voltage.

When voltage is not applied to the transparent electrodes 230, the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 direct the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). ) may be vertical alignment films for arranging.

As the area of the barrier ribs 252 increases, the adhesion area between the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 increases, so the adhesive force between the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 may increase. When the first and second base films 210 and 220 are plastic films, it is difficult to bond the first and second base films 210 and 220 together using a separate adhesive. In order to increase the adhesion between the second alignment layer 254, it is preferable to widen the bonding area between the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254. However, since the areas of the liquid crystal cells 251 become narrower as the area of the barrier ribs 255 increases, the light blocking rate in the light blocking mode may decrease. Accordingly, the area of the barrier ribs 255 may be appropriately set in consideration of the adhesion between the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 and the light blocking rate of the light blocking mode.

As described above, the light control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not apply voltage to the transparent electrodes 230 in the transmission mode, and thus the first and second alignment layers 253, 254), the long axis direction of the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b may be aligned in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, since the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dye 251b are arranged in a direction in which light is incident, scattering and absorption of light due to the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dye 251b are minimized. Therefore, most of the light incident on the light control device 200 may pass through the liquid crystal cells 251 having the same refractive index.

In addition, in the light control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a separate transparent electrode is not provided between the second base film 220 and the second alignment layer 254 . As a result, compared to the conventional case in which a separate transparent electrode is provided between the second base film 220 and the second alignment layer 254 to form a vertical electric field, there is no light loss due to the transparent electrode, thereby increasing the light transmittance in the transmission mode. can be further improved.

In addition, the light control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention applies voltages to the transparent electrodes 230 in a light blocking mode, and in this case, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichromatic liquid crystals 251a are applied by the ionic materials 251c. The sex dyes 251b can be moved randomly. As a result, since light is scattered by the liquid crystals 251a or absorbed by the dichroic dyes 251b, most of the light incident on the light control device 200 may be blocked by the liquid crystal cell 251. there is.

In addition, in the light control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, transparent electrodes 230 are provided on a first base film 210, and the transparent electrodes 230 adjacent to each other have different voltages. are applied to form a horizontal electric field. Accordingly, no transparent electrode is provided between the second base film 220 and the second alignment layer 254 . As a result, it is possible to increase the thickness of the second alignment layer 254 without increasing the driving voltage.

8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a transmission mode, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a light blocking mode. These are those in which the common electrode layer 240 and the insulating film 245 are additionally provided in the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, in the following description, only the common electrode layer 240, the insulating film 245, and components related thereto will be described, and redundant descriptions of components other than these will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the light control device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a common electrode layer 240 and an insulating film 245 . The common electrode layer 240 and the insulating film 245 are provided between the first base film 210 and the transparent electrodes 230 . The common electrode layer 240 is provided on the first base film 210 . The common electrode layer 240 may be formed of the same material as the transparent electrodes 230, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The insulating film 245 is provided on the common electrode layer 240 . The insulating film 245 serves to insulate the common electrode layer 240 from the transparent electrodes 230 .

In the light control device 200 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the long axis direction of the liquid crystals 251a extends through the first and second alignment layers even if no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 230 and the common electrode layer 240, respectively. (253, 254) may be positive liquid crystals arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The long axis direction of the dichroic dyes 251b is also perpendicular to the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even though no voltage is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 and the common electrode layer 240 like the liquid crystals 251a. direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmission mode even when no voltage is applied, there is an advantage in implementing a transmission mode without power consumption.

In the light control device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the voltage applied to the common electrode layer 250 and the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 230 may be different from each other. For example, when the second voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 230 , the fourth voltage may be applied to the common electrode layer 240 . Since different voltages are applied to the common electrode layer 250 and the transparent electrodes 230, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by liquid crystals randomly moving by the ionic material 251c or absorbed by dichroic dyes, a light blocking mode may be realized.

As described above, the light control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same effect as the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, since the common electrode layer 240 is additionally provided in the light control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a horizontal electric field can be properly applied to the liquid crystals 251a positioned on the transparent electrodes 230. there is. Therefore, the scattering degree of liquid crystals can be further improved. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the light blocking rate in the light blocking mode.

10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a light control device in a transmission mode, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a light control device in a light blocking mode. The light control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment except that horizontal alignment layers are applied as the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 . Accordingly, in the following description, only the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 and components related thereto will be described, and redundant descriptions of other components will be omitted.

10 and 11, the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 230, liquid crystal 251a It may be horizontal alignment films for arranging their long axes in the first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 may be formed to have a first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) through a process such as rubbing. Accordingly, the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a are positive liquid crystals arranged in the first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) by the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even if no voltage is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230. can be picked up In this case, the short axes of the liquid crystals 251a are arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and light incident to the light control device 200 passes through the short axes of the liquid crystals 251a. Since each short axis of the liquid crystals 251a has the same refractive index, light incident to the light control device 200 may pass through the light control device without being scattered. As a result, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmission mode even when no voltage is applied, the transmission mode can be implemented without power consumption.

When the liquid crystal cell 251 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes dichroic dyes, long axes of the dichroic dyes are arranged in a first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, compared to the case where the short axis of the dichroic dye is arranged in the first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction), the light absorbing area is widened, so the light transmittance in the transmission mode can be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the liquid crystal cell 251 according to the third embodiment of the present invention does not contain a dichroic dye.

Meanwhile, when voltages are applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 in the light blocking mode, the liquid crystals 251a are randomly moved by the ionic materials 251c. In this case, since different voltages are applied to the transparent electrodes 230a and 230b adjacent to each other, a horizontal electric field may be formed in the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by randomly moving liquid crystals, a light blocking mode may be implemented.

The light control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the same effect as the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a transmission mode, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a light blocking mode. These are a light control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which the common electrode layer 240 and the insulating film 245 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are additionally provided. Accordingly, in the following description, only the common electrode layer 240, the insulating film 245, and components related thereto will be described, and redundant descriptions of components other than these will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the light control device 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention further includes a common electrode layer 240 and an insulating film 245 . The common electrode layer 240 and the insulating film 245 are provided between the first base film 210 and the transparent electrodes 230 . The common electrode layer 240 is provided on the first base film 210 . The common electrode layer 240 may be formed of the same material as the transparent electrodes 230, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The insulating film 245 is provided on the common electrode layer 240 . The insulating film 245 serves to insulate the common electrode layer 240 from the transparent electrodes 230 .

In the light control device 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the long axis direction of the liquid crystals 251a extends through the first and second alignment layers even if no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 230 and the common electrode layer 240, respectively. (253, 254) may be positive liquid crystals arranged in the first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmission mode even when no voltage is applied, there is an advantage in implementing a transmission mode without power consumption.

In the light control device 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the voltage applied to the common electrode layer 250 and the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 230 may be different from each other. Since different voltages are applied to the common electrode layer 250 and the transparent electrodes 230, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by randomly moving liquid crystals, a light blocking mode may be implemented.

As described above, the light control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same effect as the light control device according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

14 and 15 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a light control device in a transmission mode, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a light control device in a light blocking mode. These are liquid crystals 251a changed in the light control device 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, in the following description, only the liquid crystals 251a and components related thereto will be described, and redundant description of components other than these will be omitted.

14 and 15, the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 direct the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a in the first horizontal direction (Y) when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 230. axial direction) and a second horizontal direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the first alignment layer 253 and the second alignment layer 254 go through a process such as rubbing in either a first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) or a second horizontal direction (X-axis direction). It may be formed to have. Therefore, the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a are formed in the first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and the second horizontal direction by the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even if no voltage is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230. (X-axis direction). In this case, the liquid crystals 251a may be negative liquid crystals. In this case, the short axes of the liquid crystals 251a are arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and light incident to the light control device 200 passes through the short axes of the liquid crystals 251a. Since each short axis of the liquid crystals 251a has the same refractive index, light incident to the light control device 200 may pass through the light control device without being scattered. As a result, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmission mode even when no voltage is applied, the transmission mode can be implemented without power consumption.

Meanwhile, when voltages are applied to each of the transparent electrodes 230 in the light blocking mode, the liquid crystals 251a are randomly moved by the ionic materials 251c. In this case, since different voltages are applied to the transparent electrodes 230a and 230b adjacent to each other, a horizontal electric field may be formed in the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, the liquid crystals 251a may be vertically aligned because they are negative liquid crystals. However, since the liquid crystals 251a move while the ionic materials 251c move, the liquid crystals 251a may be randomly arranged. Accordingly, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by the randomly moving liquid crystals 251a, a light blocking mode may be implemented.

The light control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has the same effect as the light control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

16 and 17 are cross-sectional views showing a light control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a transmission mode, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the light control device in a light blocking mode. These are a light control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which the common electrode layer 240 and the insulating film 245 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are additionally provided. Accordingly, in the following description, only the common electrode layer 240, the insulating film 245, and components related thereto will be described, and redundant descriptions of components other than these will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the light control device 200 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention further includes a common electrode layer 240 and an insulating film 245 . The common electrode layer 240 and the insulating film 245 are provided between the first base film 210 and the transparent electrodes 230 .

In the light control device 200 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a are the first and second alignment layers (even if no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 230 and the common electrode layer 240, respectively). 253 and 254 may be negative liquid crystals arranged in a first horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) or a second horizontal direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmission mode even when no voltage is applied, there is an advantage in implementing a transmission mode without power consumption.

In the light control device 200 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the voltage applied to the common electrode layer 250 and the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 230 may be different from each other. Since different voltages are applied to the common electrode layer 250 and the transparent electrodes 230, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystals 251a. In this case, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by randomly moving liquid crystals, a light blocking mode may be realized.

As described above, the light control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has the same effects as the light control devices according to the second and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it is common in the technical field to which the present invention belongs that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible without departing from the technical details of the present invention. It will be clear to those who have knowledge of Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: transparent display panel
111: lower substrate 112: upper substrate
120: gate driver 130: source drive IC
140: flexible film 150: circuit board
160: timing controller 200: light controller
210: first base film 220: second base film
230: transparent electrodes 240: common electrode layer
250: liquid crystal layer 251: liquid crystal cell
252 barrier rib 253 first alignment layer
254: second alignment layer 300: adhesive layer

Claims (11)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete a transparent display panel including a transmission area for transmitting light and a light emitting area for displaying an image; and
a light control device disposed on at least one surface of the transparent display panel;
The light control device,
a first base film and a second base film facing each other;
transparent electrodes provided on one surface of the first base film facing the second base film and patterned at predetermined intervals;
a liquid crystal cell provided between the transparent electrodes and the second base film and including liquid crystals and ionic materials;
barrier ribs for maintaining a cell gap of the liquid crystal cell;
a first alignment layer provided on the transparent electrodes and the barrier ribs; and
A second alignment layer provided on one surface of a second base film facing the first alignment layer;
When voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, incident light is scattered or blocked to implement a light blocking mode,
When no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes, it is implemented in a transmission mode that transmits incident light,
The transparent electrodes are not provided between the second base film and the second alignment layer,
The barrier ribs include a material that absorbs or scatters the light and is disposed to correspond to the light emitting region,
The liquid crystal cells are arranged to correspond to the transmissive area,
The barrier ribs are disposed spaced apart from the transparent electrodes,
The first alignment layer covers the top and side surfaces of each of the transparent electrodes and the top and side surfaces of each of the barrier ribs.

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