KR102545532B1 - Light controlling device, and transparent display device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a light control device having auxiliary electrodes to lower the sheet resistance of the first and second electrodes and uniform light characteristics, and a transparent display device including the same. A light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first and second base films facing each other, a first auxiliary electrode surrounding a part or all of an edge of the first base film, and an edge of the second base film. A second auxiliary electrode partially or entirely surrounding the second auxiliary electrode and an adhesive member adhering the first and second base films.

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 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. 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. A transparent display device has advantages in space utilization, interior design, and design, and may 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 needed to prevent the bright-room contrast ratio from deteriorating.

The light control device includes a first base film and a second base film facing each other, a first electrode provided on one surface of the first base film, a second electrode provided on one surface of the second base film, and the first electrode and the second electrode. It includes a liquid crystal layer in a liquid state provided therebetween. At one side of the light control device, a control driving unit for controlling the transmission mode and the light blocking mode of the light control device is provided. The driving unit for control is attached to each side of the first and second base films, and applies a driving voltage to each of the first and second electrodes.

However, when the light control device is applied to a large-area transparent display device, since the sheet resistance of the first and second electrodes is high, there is a difference between light characteristics in a region close to the control driver and light characteristics in a region far away. It can be.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a light control device having auxiliary electrodes to lower the sheet resistance of the first and second electrodes and uniform light characteristics, and a transparent display device including the same.

A light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first and second base films facing each other, a first auxiliary electrode surrounding a part or all of an edge of the first base film, and an edge of the second base film. A second auxiliary electrode partially or entirely surrounding the second auxiliary electrode and an adhesive member adhering the first and second base films.

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 first and second base films facing each other, a first auxiliary electrode surrounding a part or all of an edge of the first base film, and a part or all of an edge of the second base film. A second auxiliary electrode and an adhesive member adhering the first and second base films.

In the embodiment of the present invention, since the first auxiliary electrode is provided on the edge of the first base film and the first auxiliary electrode and the first electrode are electrically connected, compared to the prior art in which the first auxiliary electrode is not provided, 1 The sheet resistance of the electrode can be reduced. In addition, since the second auxiliary electrode is provided on the edge of the second base film and the second auxiliary electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected, the sheet resistance of the second electrode is lower than that of the related art in which the second auxiliary electrode is not provided. this may decrease Accordingly, since a uniform voltage can be applied to the entirety of the first and second electrodes in the embodiment of the present invention, uniform light characteristics can be obtained on the entire surface of the light control device.

In the embodiment of the present invention, since the first and second auxiliary electrodes do not overlap each other, light can be properly irradiated to the adhesive member provided between the first and second base films. Accordingly, sheet resistance of the first and second electrodes may be reduced without affecting adhesion of the first and second base films.

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 display 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 I-I' of FIG. 3;
5 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing one cross-section of the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an exemplary view showing a region A of FIG. 6 in detail;
9 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
10 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
12 is a cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a fifth 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" means not only the case where a certain component is formed directly on top of another component, but also the case where a third component is interposed between these components.

Hereinafter, a light control device according to the present invention and a preferred example of a transparent display device including the same 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 display 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 I-I' 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 display 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 first substrate 111 and a second substrate 112 facing each other. The second substrate 112 may be an encapsulation substrate. The first substrate 111 is formed to be larger than the second substrate 112 , and thus, a portion of the first substrate 111 may be exposed without being covered by the second 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 bank 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 first substrate 111 is greater than that of the second substrate 112 , a portion of the first substrate 111 may be exposed without being covered by the second substrate 112 . Display pads are provided on a portion of the first substrate 111 that is exposed and not covered by the second substrate 112 . The display pads may be data pads.

Wires connecting display pads and the source driver IC 130 and wires connecting display pads and wires of the display circuit board 150 may be formed on the flexible film 140 . The flexible film 140 is attached to the display pads using an anisotropic conducting film, and thereby the display pads and wires of the flexible film 140 can be connected.

The display circuit board 150 may be attached to the flexible films 140 . A plurality of circuits implemented as driving chips may be mounted on the display circuit board 150 . For example, the timing controller 160 may be mounted on the display circuit board 150 . The display 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. In the embodiment of the present invention, the light control device 200 exemplifies implementing a light blocking mode and a transmission mode using a liquid crystal layer to which a dynamic scattering mode is applied, but is not limited thereto, and a PDLC layer (polymer dispersed liquid The light blocking mode and the transmission mode may be implemented using a crystals layer) or a polymer network liquid crystals layer (PNLC). A detailed description of the light control device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described later in conjunction with FIGS. 5 to 8 .

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 .

Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may further include a lower plate 400 . The lower plate 400 is disposed on one surface of the light control device 200 . The lower plate 400 protects the light control device 200 . For example, the lower plate 400 may be a transparent tempered glass substrate or a transparent plastic substrate, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

5 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing one cross-section of the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exemplary view showing a region A of FIG. 6 in detail. Here, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the light control device having a first pad area, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the light control device having a second pad area. Hereinafter, the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .

5 to 8 , the light control device 200 includes a light control area LCA, an adhesive area SL, a first pad area PA1, and a second pad area PA2. The light control area LCA is provided at a position corresponding to the display area DA of FIG. 2 . The adhesive area SL is disposed on the edges of the first and second base films 210 and 220 . The adhesive area SL surrounds the light control area LCA. Each of the first and second pad areas PA1 and PA2 is provided on one side of the adhesive area SL. The first pad area PA1 is provided on the first base film 210 and includes first pads 213 . The second pad area PA2 is provided on the second base film 220 and includes second pads 223 .

Specifically, the light control device 200 includes a first base film 210, a second base film 220, a first auxiliary electrode 231, a second auxiliary electrode 241, a first electrode 232, a first It includes two electrodes 242, a liquid crystal layer 250, an adhesive member 290, a first flexible circuit board 260, and a second flexible circuit board 270.

The first base film 210 is disposed to face the second base film 220 . A first pad area PA1 is provided on one side of the first base film 210 . The first pad area PA1 is a portion that protrudes beyond the second base film 220 disposed to face the first base film 210 . The first pad area PA1 is not covered by the second base film 220 . First pads 213 connected to the first electrode 232 are provided on the upper surface of the first pad area PA1 . The first pads 213 are electrically connected to the first flexible circuit board 260 . The first pads 213 transfer the driving voltage applied from the voltage supply unit 280 provided on the first flexible circuit board 260 to the first electrode 232 . The first pads 213 may be simultaneously prepared using the same process as the first electrode 232 and may be made of the same material.

The second base film 220 is disposed to face the first base film 210 . A second pad area PA2 is provided on one side of the second base film 220 . The second pad area PA2 is a portion that protrudes beyond the first base film 210 disposed to face the second base film 220 . The second pad area PA2 is not covered by the first base film 210 . Second pads 223 connected to the second electrode 242 are provided below the second pad area PA2 . The second pads 223 are electrically connected to the second flexible circuit board 270 . The second pads 223 transfer the common voltage applied from the voltage supply unit 280 provided on the first flexible circuit board 260 to the second electrode 242 . To this end, the first flexible circuit board 260 and the second flexible circuit board 270 are electrically connected. The second pads 223 may be simultaneously prepared using the same process as the second electrode 242 and may be made of the same material.

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 first auxiliary electrode 231 is provided on the first base film 210 . The first auxiliary electrode 231 is provided in the adhesive area LS and the first pad area PA1. The adhesive area LS is disposed on the edge of the first base film 210 . Accordingly, the first auxiliary electrode 231 is disposed on the edge of the first base film 210 . The first auxiliary electrode 231 surrounds the entire inner side of the edge of the first base film 210 . Here, the inner side of the edge of the first base film 210 is a portion of the adhesive area LS adjacent to the light control area LCA. The first auxiliary electrode 231 partially overlaps the adhesive member 290 provided in the adhesive area SL.

The second auxiliary electrode 241 is provided on the second base film 220 . The second auxiliary electrode 241 is provided in the adhesive area LS and the second pad area PA2. The adhesive area LS is disposed on the edge of the second base film 220 . Accordingly, the second auxiliary electrode 241 is disposed on the edge of the second base film 220 . The second auxiliary electrode 241 surrounds the entire outer edge of the second base film 220 . Here, the outside of the rim of the second base film 220 is the remaining portion of the bonding area LS except for the inside of the rim where the first auxiliary electrode 231 is provided. The second auxiliary electrode 241 partially overlaps the adhesive member 290 provided in the adhesive area SL.

The adhesive member 290 serves to bond the first and second base films 210 and 220 together. In this case, the adhesive member 290 is cured by light such as UV. When the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 overlap each other, light may not be irradiated to the adhesive member 290 . In this case, the first and second base films 210 and 220 may not be bonded properly. To prevent this, it is preferable that the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 are disposed so as not to overlap each other. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 may overlap each other in some areas. When the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 overlap each other in a partial area, the widths W1 and W2 of each of the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 in the partial area are The area other than the area may be narrower than the respective widths W3 and W4 of the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 . For example, in a partial region where the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 overlap each other, the first or second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 may have a slit shape. For example, in a partial area where the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 overlap each other, the widths W1 and W2 of the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 may range from 0.1 mm to 2 mm. can For example, the first auxiliary electrode 231 and the second auxiliary electrode 241 may be an opaque metal material (eg, copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al)), but are not limited thereto.

The first electrode 232 is provided on one surface of the first base film 210 facing the second base film 220 . The first electrode 232 is electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode 231 . The first electrode 232 is connected to the first pads 213 . The second electrode 242 is provided on one surface of the second base film 220 facing the first base film 210 . The second electrode 240 is electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode 231 . The second electrode 240 is connected to the second pads 223 . For example, the first and second electrodes 230 and 240 may include silver oxide (eg AgO or Ag2O or Ag2O3), aluminum oxide (eg Al2O3), tungsten oxide (eg WO2 or WO3 or W2O3), magnesium oxides (eg MgO), oxides of molybdenum (eg MoO3), oxides of zinc (eg ZnO), oxides of tin (eg SnO2), oxides of indium (eg In2O3), oxides of chromium (eg CrO3 or Cr2O3), antimony oxides (eg Sb2O3 or Sb2O5), titanium oxides (eg TiO2), nickel oxides (eg NiO), copper oxides (eg CuO or Cu2O), vanadium oxides (eg V2O3 or V2O5), cobalt oxides (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 It may be 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.

In the embodiment of the present invention, since the first auxiliary electrode 231 is provided on the edge of the first base film 210 and the first auxiliary electrode 231 and the first electrode 232 are electrically connected, the first Compared to the conventional case in which the auxiliary electrode 231 is not provided, sheet resistance of the first electrode 232 may be reduced. In addition, since the second auxiliary electrode 241 is provided on the edge of the second base film 220 and the second auxiliary electrode 241 and the second electrode 242 are electrically connected, the second auxiliary electrode 241 ) is not provided, the sheet resistance of the second electrode 242 may be reduced. Accordingly, since a uniform voltage can be applied to the entirety of the first and second electrodes in the embodiment of the present invention, uniform light characteristics can be obtained on the entire surface of the light control device.

The liquid crystal layer 250 is provided between the first base film 210 and the second base film 220 . The liquid crystal layer 250 is provided between the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 242 . 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 a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242, liquid crystals and dichroic dyes are randomly moved by ionic materials. 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.

Alternatively, the liquid crystal layer 250 may be a guest host liquid crystal layer including liquid crystals and dichroic dyes. In this case, the liquid crystals may be host materials and the dichroic dyes may be guest materials. Alternatively, the liquid crystal layer 250 may be a polymer network liquid crystal layer including liquid crystals, dichroic dyes, and a polymer network. In this case, the liquid crystal layer 250 may enhance the scattering effect of incident light due to the polymer network. When the polymer network is included, the light blocking rate may be higher than when the light is blocked without the polymer network. In FIG. 8 , for convenience of explanation, it is illustrated that the liquid crystal layer 250 is implemented as a dynamic scattering mode liquid crystal layer.

Specifically, the liquid crystal layer 250 may include liquid crystal cells 251 , first spacers 258 , second spacers 259 , a first alignment layer 253 , and a second alignment layer 254 . there is. The liquid crystal cells 251 are provided between the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 242 . The liquid crystal cells 251 include liquid crystals 251a, dichroic dyes 251b, and ionic materials 251c. The long axis direction of the liquid crystals 251a is aligned in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even if no voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242. It may be positive liquid crystals, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The long axis direction of the dichroic dyes 251b is also vertical by the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 even though no voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242 like the liquid crystals 251a. (Z-axis direction). Therefore, since the light control device 200 can operate in a transmissive mode even when no voltage is applied, the transmissive mode can be realized 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.

The ionic materials 251c serve to randomly move liquid crystals and dichroic dyes. The ionic materials 251c may have a predetermined polarity, and thus, the first electrode 232 or the second electrode 242 may be formed according to polarities of voltages applied to the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 242. can move to For example, when the ionic materials 251c have a negative polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the first electrode 232 and a negative voltage is applied to the second electrode 242, the ionic materials 251c are 1 moves to the electrode 232. In addition, when the ionic materials 251c have a negative polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the second electrode 242 and a negative voltage is applied to the first electrode 232, the ionic materials 251c are transferred to the second electrode. Go to (242).

In addition, when the ionic materials 251c have a positive polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the first electrode 232 and a negative voltage is applied to the second electrode 242, the ionic materials 251c form a second polarity. moves to the electrode 242. In addition, when the ionic materials 251c have a positive polarity, when a positive voltage is applied to the second electrode 242 and a negative voltage is applied to the first electrode 232, the ionic materials 251c are transferred to the first electrode 251c. Go to (232). Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242, the ionic materials 251c go from the first electrode 232 to the second electrode 242 at a predetermined cycle and then back to the first electrode ( 232) 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 may move randomly. The voltage applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242 may be an AC voltage. Alternatively, since the ionic materials 251c change or distort the vertical electric field while moving, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b may move randomly due to the change or distortion of the vertical electric field.

Alternatively, the ionic materials 251c may exchange electrons with each other according to polarities of voltages applied to the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 242 . Therefore, when an AC voltage having a predetermined period is applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242, the ionic materials 251c exchange electrons 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. The voltage applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242 may be an AC voltage. Alternatively, since the electrons change or distort the vertical electric field while moving, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b may move randomly due to the change or distortion of the vertical electric field.

The first spacers 258 are disposed between the first and second electrodes 232 and 242 . The first spacers 258 are for maintaining a gap between the first and second base films 210 and 220 . The first spacers 258 may be disposed on one surface of the first electrode 232 facing the second base film 220 . The first spacers 258 are disposed on the edge of the first base film 210 . The first spacers 258 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

The second spacers 259 are disposed between the first and second electrodes 232 and 242 . The second spacers 259 are provided between the liquid crystal cells 251 . The second spacers 259 partition the liquid crystal cells 251 . The second spacers 259 are for maintaining a cell gap of the liquid crystal layer 250 . The second spacers 259 may be disposed on one surface of the first electrode 232 facing the second base film 220 . In this case, the second spacers 259 are disposed in the light control area LCA of the first base film 210 . The second spacers 259 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

Since the first and second spacers 258 and 259 are provided, the inside of the liquid crystal layer 250 can be protected when an external force is applied. The first and second spacers 258 and 259 may be formed of a transparent material. In this case, the first and second spacers 258 and 259 may be formed of any one of photo resist, photocurable polymer, and polydimethylsiloxane, but are not limited thereto.

Alternatively, the first and second spacers 258 and 259 may include a material capable of absorbing light. For example, each of the first and second spacers 258 and 259 may be implemented as a black spacer. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first spacers 258 are disposed on the edge of the first base film 210, and the second spacers 259 are provided to correspond to the light emitting area EA of the transparent display panel 100. . Therefore, even if each of the first and second spacers 258 and 259 is implemented as a black spacer, transmittance is hardly lost in the transmission mode.

Alternatively, the first and second spacers 258 and 259 may include scattering particles capable of scattering light. The scattering particles may be beads or silica balls. In this case, since the first and second spacers 258 and 259 may re-scatter light scattered by the liquid crystals 251a in the light blocking mode, 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 second spacers 259 do not actively pass light or block light like the liquid crystal cells 251 do. That is, when the second spacers 259 are made of a transparent material, they only transmit light and do not block light. In addition, when the second spacers 259 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 the second spacers 259 are formed in an area corresponding to the transmission area TA of the transparent display device, light leakage occurs in the second spacers 259 in the light blocking mode, resulting in increased light transmittance or There is a problem in that light is blocked by the second spacers 259 and light transmittance is lowered. Accordingly, the second spacers 259 are arranged to correspond to the emission areas EA of the transparent display panel 100, and the liquid crystal cells 251 correspond to the transmission areas TA of the transparent display panel 100. It is preferable to place The second spacers 259 may be disposed in a stripe shape, but are not limited thereto, and may be disposed in a cylindrical shape, a honeycomb shape, or a p (p is a positive integer of 3 or more) polygonal shape.

The first alignment layer 253 is provided on one surface of the first electrode 232 facing the second base film 220 and on the first and second spacers 258 and 259 . The second alignment layer 254 is provided on one surface of the second electrode 242 facing the first base film 210 . When voltage is not applied to the first and second electrodes 232 and 242, the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 extend the long axes of the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dyes 251b in a vertical direction. It may be vertical alignment layers for arranging in (Z-axis direction), but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the first and second alignment layers 253 and 254 may be polyimide (PI).

The adhesive member 290 is provided in the adhesive area SL. The adhesive member 290 is disposed on the edges of the first and second base films 210 and 220 . The adhesive member 290 adheres to the edges of the first and second base films 210 and 220 . The adhesive member 290 partially overlaps the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 .

The first flexible circuit board 260 is attached on the first pads 213 using an anisotropic conducting film, and thereby the first pads 213 and the first flexible circuit board 260 wires can be connected. The wires of the first flexible circuit board 260 apply the driving voltage applied from the voltage supply unit 280 to the first electrode 232 .

The second flexible circuit board 270 is attached on the second pads 223 using an anisotropic conducting film, and thereby the second pads 223 and the second flexible circuit board 270 wires can be connected. The wires of the second flexible circuit board 270 apply the common voltage applied from the voltage supply unit 280 to the second electrode 242 . In this case, the first flexible circuit board 260 and the second flexible circuit board 270 may be electrically connected.

The voltage supply unit 280 supplies a driving voltage to the first electrode 232 and a common voltage to the second electrode 242 . The voltage supply unit 280 may be connected to the first flexible circuit board 280 . When a driving voltage is applied to the first electrode 232 and a common voltage is applied to the second electrode 242, the liquid crystals 251a and the dichroic dye 251b of the liquid crystal layer 250 are formed by the ionic material 251c. ) are randomly moved by In this case, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer 250 may be scattered by the randomly moving liquid crystals 251a or absorbed by the dichroic dyes 251b, the light control device 200 implements a light blocking mode. can

9 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the light control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a first auxiliary electrode is provided on a part of an edge of a first base film, and a second auxiliary electrode is provided on a part of an edge of a second base film, and the first and second auxiliary electrodes are provided. It is the same as the first embodiment of the present invention except that the auxiliary electrodes do not overlap each other. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions of repetitive parts in the materials and structures of each component are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the first auxiliary electrode 231 is provided in the adhesive area LS and the first pad area PA1. The adhesive area LS is disposed on the edge of the first base film 210 . The first auxiliary electrode 231 is disposed on a part of the edge of the first base film 210 . The first auxiliary electrode 231 surrounds the first pad area PA1 and one edge of the first base film 210 adjacent to the first pad area PA1. The second auxiliary electrode 241 is provided in the adhesive area LS and the second pad area PA2. The adhesive area LS is disposed on the edge of the second base film 220 . The second auxiliary electrode 241 is disposed on a part of the edge of the second base film 220 . The second auxiliary electrode 241 surrounds the second pad area PA2 and the other side edge of the second base film 220 adjacent to the second pad area PA2 . In this case, the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 do not overlap each other.

The light control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention provides the same effect as the light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, since the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 do not overlap each other, the adhesive member 290 provided between the first and second base films 210 and 220 can be properly irradiated with light. . Accordingly, sheet resistance of the first and second electrodes 231 and 241 may be reduced without affecting adhesion of the first and second base films 210 and 220 .

10 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The light control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment except for changing the widths of the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions of repetitive parts in the materials and structures of each component are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the first auxiliary electrode 231 is provided in the adhesive area LS and the first pad area PA1. The first auxiliary electrode 231 is disposed on the edge of the first base film 210 . The first auxiliary electrode 231 surrounds the entire outer edge of the first base film 210 . The first auxiliary electrode 231 may include a first edge electrode 231a and a first pad part electrode 231b. The first edge electrode 231a is disposed on the edge of the first base film 210 . In this case, the first edge electrode 231a surrounds the entire outer edge of the first base film 210 . Accordingly, the first edge electrode 231a is disposed outside the second edge electrode 241a. A width W5 of one side of the first edge electrode 231a may be thicker than a width W6 of the other side of the first edge electrode 231a. The first pad part electrode 231b is disposed in the first pad area PA1 and connected to the first edge electrode 231a.

The second auxiliary electrode 241 is provided in the adhesive area LS and the second pad area PA2. The second auxiliary electrode 241 is disposed on the edge of the second base film 220 . The second auxiliary electrode 241 surrounds the entire inner side of the edge of the second base film 240 . For convenience of description, the second auxiliary electrode 241 may include a second edge electrode 241a, a second pad part electrode 241b, and a second routing electrode 241c. The second edge electrode 241a is disposed on the edge of the second base film 220 . In this case, the second edge electrode 241a surrounds the entire inner side of the edge of the second base film 220 . Here, the inner side of the edge of the second base film 220 is a portion of the adhesive area LS adjacent to the light control area LCA. That is, the second edge electrode 241a is disposed inside the first edge electrode 231a. A width W7 of the other side of the second edge electrode 241a may be thicker than a width W8 of one side of the second edge electrode 241a.

The second pad portion electrode 241b is disposed in the second pad area PA2. The second routing electrode 241b is disposed between the second edge electrode 241a and the second pad electrode 241b to connect the second edge electrode 241a and the second pad electrode 241b. In this case, the second routing electrode 241c and the first edge electrode 231a may overlap in some areas. For example, in a partial area where the second routing electrode 241c and the first edge electrode 231a overlap each other, the respective widths W9 and W10 of the second routing electrode 241c and the first edge electrode 231a are It may be 0.1 mm to 2 mm. Accordingly, without affecting adhesion of the first and second base films 210 and 220, the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231, 241) may be provided.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the first auxiliary electrode 231 surrounds the entire outer edge of the first base film 210, and the second auxiliary electrode 241 covers the entire inner edge of the second base film 240. Although the present invention has been described as an example of enclosing, it is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the second auxiliary electrode 241 surrounds the entire outer edge of the second base film 240, and the first auxiliary electrode 231 surrounds the inner edge of the first base film 210. It is also possible to enclose the whole. In this case, the first auxiliary electrode may include a first routing electrode connecting the first edge electrode and the first pad part electrode, and the first routing electrode may overlap the second edge electrode.

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

11 is a plan view showing a light control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The light control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the third embodiment except for changing the widths of the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions of repetitive parts in the materials and structures of each component are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the first edge electrode 231a and the second edge electrode 241a alternately have a first width W11 and a second width W12 smaller than the first width W11. That is, the widths W11 and W12 of the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a may be variously changed within a range in which the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a do not overlap each other. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, one-side widths W11 and W12 of the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a are modified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the entirety of the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a width can be varied. However, considering that light is irradiated to the adhesive member 290 when the first and second base films 210 and 220 are bonded, the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a are designed so that they do not overlap with each other as much as possible. It is desirable to do However, when the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a overlap each other, the widths W11 and W12 of the first and second edge electrodes 231a and 241a may range from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

The light control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides the same effect as the transparent display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The light control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment of the present invention except that the first and second auxiliary electrodes are provided at positions corresponding to the second spacers provided in the light control area. . Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions of repetitive parts in the materials and structures of each component are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are provided at positions corresponding to the second spacer 259 provided in the light control area LCA. can in other words. The first auxiliary electrode 231 may be disposed between the first base film 210 and the second spacer 259 . The second auxiliary electrode 241 may be disposed between the second base film 220 and the second spacer 259 . The second spacer 259 is positioned to correspond to the light emitting area EA of the transparent display device. Therefore, when the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 made of an opaque metal material are arranged to correspond to the second spacer 259, the first and second auxiliary electrodes 231 and 241 do not reduce the transmittance of the transparent display device. Sheet resistance of each of the electrodes 230 and 240 may be reduced. This fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied to both the first and fourth 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: first substrate 112: second substrate
120: gate driver 130: source drive IC
140: flexible film 150: circuit board for display
160: timing controller 200: light controller
210: first base film 220: second base film
231: first auxiliary electrodes 241: second auxiliary electrode
232: first electrode 242: second electrode
250: liquid crystal layer 251: liquid crystal cell
253: first alignment layer 254: second alignment layer
258: first spacer 259: second spacer
260: first flexible circuit board 270: second flexible circuit board
300: adhesive layer 400: lower plate

Claims (20)

first and second base films facing each other;
a first auxiliary electrode surrounding part or all of an edge of the first base film;
a second auxiliary electrode surrounding part or all of an edge of the second base film; and
An adhesive member for adhering the first and second base films,
The first and second base films include an adhesive region in which the adhesive member is provided,
The adhesive region has a non-overlapping region in which the first and second auxiliary electrodes do not overlap each other,
The adhesive member is provided in the non-overlapping area. According to claim 1,
Each of the first and second auxiliary electrodes partially overlaps the adhesive member. According to claim 1,
The adhesive member adheres the edges of the first and second base films. According to claim 1,
a first electrode electrically connected to the first auxiliary electrode; and
The light control device further comprising a second electrode electrically connected to the second auxiliary electrode. According to claim 4,
It is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes first and second spacers for maintaining a gap between the first and second base films,
The first spacers are disposed on the edge of the first base film. According to claim 5,
The first and second auxiliary electrodes are provided at positions corresponding to the second spacer. According to claim 1,
The first and second auxiliary electrodes overlap each other in a partial area, and the width of each of the first and second auxiliary electrodes in the partial area is the width of each of the first and second auxiliary electrodes in the remaining area except for the partial area. Narrower light controls. delete According to claim 1,
The first auxiliary electrode surrounds one edge of the first base film, and the second auxiliary electrode surrounds the other edge of the second base film. According to claim 1,
The first auxiliary electrode includes a first edge electrode disposed on an edge of the first base film and a first routing electrode connecting the first edge electrode to pads,
The second auxiliary electrode includes a second edge electrode disposed on an edge of the second base film, and a second routing electrode connecting the second edge electrode to pads. According to claim 10,
A width of one side of the first edge electrode is thicker than a width of the other side of the first edge electrode, and a width of the other side of the second edge electrode is thicker than a width of one side of the second edge electrode. According to claim 10,
The light control device of claim 1 , wherein the first edge electrode and the second edge electrode alternately have a first width and a second width smaller than the first width. According to claim 4,
first pads provided on the first base film and connected to the first electrode; and
and second pads provided on the second base film and connected to the second electrode. a transparent display panel including a transmission area for transmitting light and a light emitting area for displaying an image; and
A transparent display device comprising the light control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 13, disposed on at least one surface of the transparent display panel. 15. The method of claim 14,
The first and second auxiliary electrodes are arranged to correspond to the emission area. According to claim 10,
The first edge electrode surrounds an outer edge of the first base film,
The second edge electrode surrounds an inner side of the edge of the second base film. 17. The method of claim 16,
The second rim electrode is disposed inside the first rim electrode. According to claim 10,
Each of the first rim electrode and the second rim electrode includes a concave portion concave inward and a convex portion convex outward,
The concave portion of the first rim electrode and the convex portion of the second rim electrode face each other,
The light control device of claim 1 , wherein the convex portion of the first rim electrode and the concave portion of the second rim electrode face each other. According to claim 10,
The second routing electrode is disposed between the second edge electrode and the pads to connect the second edge electrode and the pads, and a plurality of the second routing electrodes are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. According to claim 19,
The second routing electrode and the first edge electrode overlap in some areas,
The light control device of claim 1 , wherein a width of each of the second routing electrode and the first edge electrode is 0.1 mm to 2 mm in a partial area where the second routing electrode and the first edge electrode overlap each other.

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