KR20210043194A - Light route control member - Google Patents

Abstract

A light path control member according to an embodiment comprises a first substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, a second electrode disposed under the second substrate, a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a power supply unit connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit comprises a partition wall unit and an accommodating unit, which are alternately disposed, the accommodating unit is changed in light transmittance according to the application of voltage, the accommodating unit comprises a dispersion liquid and a plurality of light absorbing particles dispersed in the dispersion liquid, and a height of the accommodating unit is 15-25 μm and a width of the accommodating unit is 1.5-2.5 μm. Therefore, the present invention is capable of allowing ease of use on a display device desired for use.

Description

Light path control member {LIGHT ROUTE CONTROL MEMBER}

The embodiment relates to a light path control member capable of controlling the viewing angle of outgoing light.

The shading film blocks the transmission of light from the light source, and is attached to the front of the display panel, which is a display device used for mobile phones, notebook computers, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation, and vehicle touch, and the incident angle of light when the display transmits the screen. It is used for the purpose of expressing clear image quality at the viewing angle required by the user by adjusting the viewing angle of light according to the method.

In addition, the shading film may be used for windows of vehicles or buildings to partially shield external light to prevent glare or to prevent the interior from being seen from the outside.

That is, the light shielding film may be a light path control member that blocks light in a specific direction and transmits light in a specific direction by controlling a movement path of light. Accordingly, by controlling the transmission angle of light by the light shielding film, it is possible to control the viewing angle of the user.

On the other hand, such a shading film is a shading film that can always control the viewing angle regardless of the surrounding environment or the user's environment, and a switchable shading film that allows the user to turn on-off the viewing angle control according to the surrounding environment or the user's environment Can be distinguished.

Meanwhile, such a switchable light blocking film can be applied to a display device. However, there is a problem in that the use range of the switchable light-shielding film is limited because the switchable light-shielding film is fixed to a specific display device.

In addition, when the portable switchable light-shielding film is applied, the voltage applied to the power connection portion is low, so that the light-shielding characteristics of the switchable light-shielding film are deteriorated.

Accordingly, there is a need for an optical path control member capable of solving the above problems.

The embodiment is intended to provide a portable, detachable optical path control member.

The optical path control member according to the embodiment includes: a first substrate; A first electrode disposed on the first substrate; A second substrate disposed on the first substrate; A second electrode disposed under the second substrate; A light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; And a power supply unit connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light conversion unit includes a partition wall unit and a receiving unit that are alternately disposed, and the receiving unit changes light transmittance according to the application of a voltage, and the The receiving portion includes a dispersion and a plurality of light absorbing particles dispersed in the dispersion, the height of the receiving portion is 15 μm to 25 μm, and the width of the receiving portion is 1.5 μm to 2.5 μm.

The optical path control member according to the embodiment includes a power connection part connected to the electrode.

Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be connected to a display device to be used through a power connector to receive a voltage to be used.

That is, the optical path control member according to the embodiment is detachable and portable, and thus can be easily used in a display device to be used.

In addition, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may control the size of the accommodating part and the partition wall in order to maintain the characteristics of the optical path control member even at a low voltage transmitted from the power connection part.

In addition, the optical path control member can be suitably used in a usage environment by making the optical conversion unit of the optical path control member a multilayer structure and driving them simultaneously or separately.

In addition, by changing the extending direction of the light conversion unit of the light path control member, it is possible to implement viewing angle control in four directions in the vertical, left and right directions instead of the two directions.

1 is a view showing a perspective view of an optical path control member according to an embodiment.
2 and 3 are views respectively showing perspective views of a first substrate and a first electrode, and a second substrate and a second electrode of an optical path control member according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 and 5 are diagrams showing cross-sectional views of the optical path control member according to the first embodiment.
6 is a view for explaining an example applied to the display device of the optical path control member according to the embodiment.
7 and 10 are views showing another cross-sectional view of the optical path control member according to the first embodiment.
11 to 14 are diagrams showing cross-sectional views of an optical path control member according to a second embodiment.
15 to 22 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing an optical path control member according to an embodiment.
23 and 24 are views for explaining an embodiment of a display device to which an optical path control member according to the embodiment is applied.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments to be described, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the constituent elements may be selectively selected between the embodiments. It can be combined with and substituted for use.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention are generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, unless explicitly defined and described. It can be interpreted as a meaning, and terms generally used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the meaning in the context of the related technology.

In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when described as “at least one (or more than one) of A and (and) B and C”, it may be combined with A, B, and C. It may contain one or more of all possible combinations.

In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used in describing the constituent elements of the embodiment of the present invention. These terms are only for distinguishing the constituent element from other constituent elements, and are not limited to the nature, order, or order of the constituent element by the term.

And, when a component is described as being'connected','coupled' or'connected' to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also the component and It may also include a case of being'connected','coupled' or'connected' due to another component between the other components.

In addition, when it is described as being formed or disposed on the “top (top) or bottom (bottom)” of each component, the top (top) or bottom (bottom) is one as well as when the two components are in direct contact with each other. It also includes the case where the above other component is formed or disposed between the two components.

In addition, when expressed as "upper (upper) or lower (lower)", the meaning of not only an upward direction but also a downward direction based on one component may be included.

Hereinafter, an optical path control member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The optical path control member described below is for a switchable optical path control member that drives in various modes according to the movement of electrophoretic particles by application of a voltage.

1 to 3, the optical path control member according to the embodiment includes a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, and a light conversion unit. 300 and a power supply unit 900 may be included.

The first substrate 110 may support the first electrode 210. The first substrate 110 may be rigid or flexible.

In addition, the first substrate 110 may be transparent. For example, the first substrate 110 may include a transparent substrate capable of transmitting light.

The first substrate 110 may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, flexible polymer films include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and polymethylmethacrylic. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Polyether Sulfone (PES), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), Triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol ( Polyvinyl alcohol, PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene (Polystyrene, PS) may be made of any one of, this is only an example and not necessarily limited thereto.

In addition, the first substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate having a flexible characteristic.

In addition, the first substrate 110 may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the first substrate 110 may also be formed to have a flexible, curved or bent characteristic. For this reason, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be changed into various designs.

The first substrate 110 may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

The first electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 110. In detail, the first electrode 210 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110. That is, the first electrode 210 may be disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120.

The first electrode 210 may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode 210 may include indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide. , It may include a metal oxide such as titanium oxide (titanium oxide).

The first electrode 210 may be disposed on the first substrate 110 in a film shape. In addition, the light transmittance of the first electrode 210 may be about 80% or more.

The first electrode 210 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

Alternatively, the first electrode 210 may include various metals to implement low resistance. For example, the first electrode 210 is chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo). It may include at least one metal of gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

The first electrode 210 may be disposed on the entire surface of the first substrate 110. In detail, the first electrode 210 may be disposed on the first substrate 110 as a surface electrode.

Alternatively, the first electrode 210 may include a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the first electrode 210 may include a plurality of mesh lines crossing each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even if the first electrode 210 includes a metal, visibility may be improved because the first electrode is not visually recognized from the outside. In addition, since the light transmittance is increased by the openings, the luminance of the light path control member according to the embodiment may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first electrode 210 may include a first region 1A and a second region 2A. The first area 1A may be defined as an area that transmits an applied voltage to the light conversion unit 300. In addition, the second region 2A may be defined as a region to which the first electrode 210 and the power supply unit 900 are connected.

The second substrate 120 may be disposed on the first substrate 110. In detail, the second substrate 120 may be disposed on the first electrode 210 on the first substrate 110.

The second substrate 120 may include a material capable of transmitting light. The second substrate 120 may include a transparent material. The second substrate 120 may include the same material as or similar to the first substrate 110 described above.

For example, the second substrate 120 may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, flexible polymer films include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and polymethylmethacrylic. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Polyether Sulfone (PES), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), Triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol ( Polyvinyl alcohol, PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene (Polystyrene, PS) may be made of any one of, this is only an example and not necessarily limited thereto.

In addition, the second substrate 120 may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

In addition, the second substrate 120 may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the second substrate 120 may also be formed to have a flexible, curved or bent characteristic. For this reason, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be changed into various designs.

The second substrate 120 may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

The second electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate 120. In detail, the second electrode 220 may be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 120. That is, the second electrode 220 may be disposed on a surface of the second substrate 120 facing the first substrate 110. That is, the second electrode 220 may be disposed facing the first electrode 210 on the first substrate 110. That is, the second electrode 220 may be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second substrate 120.

The second electrode 220 may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the second electrode 220 may include indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide. , It may include a metal oxide such as titanium oxide (titanium oxide).

The second electrode 220 may be disposed on the second substrate 120 in a film shape. In addition, the light transmittance of the second electrode 220 may be about 80% or more.

The second electrode 220 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

Alternatively, the second electrode 220 may include various metals to implement low resistance. For example, the second electrode 220 is chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo). It may include at least one metal of gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

The second electrode 220 may be disposed on the entire surface of the second substrate 120. In detail, the second electrode 220 may be disposed on the second substrate 120 as a surface electrode.

Alternatively, the second electrode 220 may include a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the second electrode 220 may include a plurality of mesh lines crossing each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even if the second electrode 220 includes a metal, visibility may be improved because the second sub-electrode is not visually recognized from the outside. In addition, since the light transmittance is increased by the openings, the luminance of the light path control member according to the embodiment may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 3, the second electrode 220 may include a third area 3A and a fourth area 4A. The location of the third area 3A and the location of the first area 1A may correspond to each other. In addition, the position of the fourth region 4A and the position of the second region 2A may correspond to each other.

The third area 3A may be defined as an area that transmits an applied voltage to the light conversion unit 300. In addition, the fourth area 4A may be defined as an area to which the second electrode 220 and the power supply unit 900 are connected.

The light conversion unit 300 may be disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In detail, the light conversion unit 300 may be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

An adhesive layer 400 may be disposed between at least one of the light conversion unit 300 and the first substrate 110 or between the light conversion unit 300 and the second substrate 120, and the The first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, and the light conversion unit 300 may be adhered by the adhesive layer 400.

4 and 5, the light conversion unit 300 may include a partition wall portion 301 and a receiving portion 302.

The partition wall part 320 may be defined as a partition wall area that partitions the receiving part. That is, the partition wall portion 320 is a partition wall region that partitions a plurality of receiving portions. Further, the accommodating part 302 may be defined as a region that changes into a light blocking part and a light transmitting part according to the application of a voltage.

The partition wall portion 301 and the receiving portion 302 may be alternately disposed with each other. The partition wall portion 301 and the receiving portion 302 may be disposed with different widths. For example, the width of the partition wall portion 301 may be greater than the width of the receiving portion 302. It may be disposed in contact with at least one of the second electrodes 220.

For example, the accommodating part 302 may be disposed in contact with at least one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. 4 and 5, the receiving portion 302 is disposed in contact with the first electrode 210, and may be indirectly bonded to the second electrode 220 through the adhesive layer 400. have.

The partition wall portion 301 and the receiving portion 302 may be alternately disposed with each other. In detail, the partition wall portion 301 and the receiving portion 302 may be alternately disposed with each other. That is, each partition wall portion 301 may be disposed between the receiving portions 302 adjacent to each other, and each receiving portion 302 may be disposed between the partition wall portions 301 adjacent to each other.

The partition wall portion 301 may include a transparent material. The partition wall portion 301 may include a material capable of transmitting light.

The partition wall portion 301 may include a resin material. For example, the partition wall portion 301 may include a photo-curable resin material. For example, the partition wall portion 301 may include a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the partition wall portion 301 may include a urethane resin or an acrylic resin.

The partition wall portion 301 may transmit light incident on one of the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 120 toward another substrate.

For example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, light may be emitted from the lower portion of the first substrate 110 and the light may be incident in the direction of the second substrate 120, and the partition wall portion 301 transmits the light. And, the transmitted light may move toward the second substrate 120.

A sealing part 500 for sealing the light path control member may be disposed on a side surface of the partition wall part, and the side surface of the light conversion part 300 may be sealed by the sealing part.

The receiving part 302 may include the dispersion liquid 10 and the light absorbing particles 20 described above. Specifically, the dispersion liquid 10 is injected into the receiving part 302 and filled, and the dispersion liquid 10 In ), a plurality of light absorbing particles 20 may be dispersed.

In addition, a separate sealing layer is formed on the exposed surface of the dispersion, so that external impurities or air can be prevented from penetrating into the dispersion.

The dispersion 10 may be a material that disperses the light absorbing particles 20. The dispersion 10 may include a transparent material. The dispersion 10 may contain a non-polar solvent. In addition, the dispersion 10 may contain a material capable of transmitting light. For example, the dispersion 10 may contain at least one of halocarbon oil, paraffin oil, and isopropyl alcohol.

The light absorbing particles 20 may be dispersed and disposed in the dispersion liquid 10. In detail, the plurality of light absorbing particles 20 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the dispersion liquid 10.

The light absorbing particles 20 may have an electric charge on the surface of the particles. The light absorbing particles 20 may have a color. In detail, the light absorbing particles 20 may have a black color. For example, the light absorbing particles 20 may include carbon black particles.

The accommodating part 302 may have a change in light transmittance by the light absorbing particles 20. In detail, the receiving part 302 may be changed into a light blocking part and a light transmitting part by changing the light transmittance by the light absorbing particles 20.

For example, the optical path member according to the embodiment is changed from a first mode to a second mode or from a second mode to a first mode by a voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 Can be.

In detail, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, in the first mode, the receiving portion 302 becomes a light blocking portion, and light of a specific angle may be blocked by the receiving portion 302. That is, the viewing angle of the user as viewed from the outside may be narrowed.

In addition, in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, in the second mode, the accommodating portion 302 becomes a light transmitting portion, and the optical path controlling member according to the embodiment is in the partition wall portion 301 and the accommodating portion 302 All of them can be transmitted through light. That is, the viewing angle of the user as viewed from the outside may be widened.

The conversion from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the conversion of the receiving part 302 from the light blocking part to the light transmitting part, will be implemented by the movement of the light absorbing particles 20 of the receiving part 302. I can. That is, the light absorbing particles 20 have electric charges on the surface, and may move toward the first electrode or the second electrode according to the application of a voltage according to the characteristics of the electric charge. That is, the light absorbing particles 20 may be electrophoretic particles.

In detail, the receiving part 302 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

At this time, when a voltage is not applied to the optical path control member from the outside, the light absorbing particles 20 of the accommodating part 302 are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion 10, and accordingly, the accommodating part 302 Light may be blocked by the light absorbing particles 20. Accordingly, in the first mode, the accommodating part 302 may be driven as a light blocking part.

Alternatively, when a voltage is applied to the light path control member from the outside, the light absorbing particles 20 may be moved. For example, the light absorbing particles 20 may be moved in the direction of one end or the other end of the receiving part 302 by the voltage transmitted through the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. I can. That is, the light absorbing particles 20 may move toward the first electrode or the second electrode.

In detail, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and/or the second electrode 220, an electric field is formed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, The light absorbing particles 20 in a charged state may be moved in the direction of the (+) electrode of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 using the dispersion 10 as a medium.

That is, when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and/or the second electrode 220, the light absorbing particles 20 are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion 10, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the receiving part 302 may be driven as a light blocking part.

In addition, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and/or the second electrode 220, as shown in FIG. 5, the light absorbing particles 20 are the first electrode in the dispersion 10 It may be moved in the direction of 210, that is, the light absorbing particles 20 may be moved in one direction, and the receiving part 302 may be driven as a light transmitting part.

Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be driven in two modes depending on the user's surrounding environment. That is, when the user desires light transmission only at a specific viewing angle, the receiving unit is driven as a light blocking unit, or in an environment where the user requires a wide viewing angle and high luminance, the receiving unit may be driven as a light transmitting unit by applying a voltage. I can.

Accordingly, since the optical path control member according to the embodiment can be implemented in two modes according to the user's request, the optical path member can be applied regardless of the user's environment.

A sealing member 500 may be disposed on an outer surface of the light conversion unit 300. The sealing member 500 may prevent external impurities or air from penetrating into the light conversion unit 300.

4 and 5, wiring electrodes may be connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, respectively. In detail, the first electrode 210 may be connected to the first wiring electrode 710 through a connection part 610. In addition, the second electrode 220 may be connected to the second wiring electrode 720 through the connection part 610. The first wiring electrode 710 and the second wiring electrode 720 may be insulated from each other by an insulating layer 620 between the first wiring electrode 710 and the second wiring electrode 720.

The connection part 610 may include a conductive material. For example, the connection part 610 may be formed by applying a silver (Ag) paste.

The first wiring electrode 710 and the second wiring electrode 720 connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 may be connected to a power supply unit 900.

Referring to FIG. 1, the power supply unit 900 may include a power connection unit 910 and a power switch unit 920.

The power connector 910 may connect an optical path control member to an external power source. In addition, the power switch unit 920 may perform a function of transmitting or blocking an external voltage by turning on-off voltage transmission.

The optical path control member may be attached to and attached to an object to be applied by a power supply unit 810 connected to the optical path control member. That is, the optical path control member is not fixed to a specific display device, but is attached to a display device to be applied by the user, and when applied to another display device, it can be detached and applied to another display device. have.

Also, the power of the optical path control member may be transmitted from the power of the display device through the power supply and transmitted to the optical path control member.

For example, the power connector 910 may include a USB terminal. That is, after connecting the power connector 910 to a display device to be used, the optical path control member may be attached to the display device to be used. Subsequently, in case of use for another display device, after disconnecting the connection between the power connector 910 and the display device, connecting the power connector 800 to another display device, and then controlling the optical path to the other display device. It can be used by attaching a member.

Accordingly, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be easily detachable and detachable to a display device to be used. That is, it may be possible to implement a portable optical path control member.

Meanwhile, a voltage that can be driven by the power connection unit 910 may be about 5V. Accordingly, in order to drive the optical path control member by the voltage of 5V, the size of the receiving portion and the partition wall portion of the optical path control member may be controlled.

In detail, referring to FIG. 4, the height h of the receiving portion may be 15 μm to 25 μm. When the height h of the accommodating portion is less than 15 μm, the viewing angle blocked by the accommodating portion becomes narrow, and thus the shielding property of the optical path control member may be deteriorated. In addition, when the height h of the receiving part exceeds 25 μm, the moving speed of the light absorbing particles 20 moving with the voltage applied from the power connection part 910 is lowered, and the driving characteristics of the optical path control member This can be degraded.

In addition, the width w1 of the receiving portion may be 1.5 μm to 2.5 μm. For example, the ratio of the height to the width of the receiving portion (h/w1) may be about 10 or less.

When the width w1 of the accommodating portion is less than 1.5 μm, the viewing angle blocked by the accommodating portion becomes narrow, and thus the shielding property of the optical path control member may be deteriorated. In addition, when the width w1 of the accommodating portion exceeds 2.5 μm, the viewing angle blocked by the accommodating portion is changed, so that the shielding characteristics of the optical path control member may be deteriorated.

In addition, the width w2 of the partition wall portion may be 4.5 μm to 7.5 μm. When the width w2 of the accommodating part is less than 4.5 μm, the width of the partition through which light is transmitted becomes narrow, so that front luminance may be reduced. In addition, when the width w2 of the partition wall portion exceeds 7.5 μm, the viewing angle blocked by the accommodating portion may be changed, so that the shielding characteristics of the optical path control member may be deteriorated.

6 is a view for explaining an example in which the light path control member according to the embodiment is applied to the display device D.

Referring to FIG. 6, the display device D may include a screen area DS and a bezel area DB. The light path control member 1000 may have a film shape and may be disposed in the screen area DS and the bezel area DB. In detail, the light path control member 1000 may be disposed while covering all of the screen area DS, and may be disposed while covering part or all of the bezel area DB.

The optical path control member 1000 and the display device D may be attached to each other through a separate fixing member J in the bezel area DB.

The fixing member J may be fixed to or detachable from the display device. The fixing member J is configured in the form of tongs, and the light path control member 1000 may be attached to and detached from the display device.

Alternatively, the fixing member J may be formed of a release film, and the light path control member 1000 may be attached to and detached from the display device.

Meanwhile, a protective layer 800 may be disposed on the first substrate 110 and/or the second substrate 120 in contact with the fixing member J. The protective layer 800 may serve to prevent fingerprints, scratches, etc. on the outer surface of the optical path control member when the optical path control member and the fixing member contact each other. That is, the protective layer 800 is It has strength and may be a functional protective layer that functions as anti-fingerprint or anti-reflection.

Meanwhile, the receiving part 302 may be formed in various shapes.

4 and 5, the receiving part 302 extends from one end of the receiving part 310 to the other end, and the width of the receiving part 302 may be changed.

For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the receiving part 302 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape. In detail, the accommodating portion 302 may extend from the first electrode 210 to the second electrode 220 and may be formed to have a wider width of the accommodating portion 302.

That is, the width of the accommodating portion 302 may be narrowed while extending from the viewing surface of the user in a direction opposite to the viewing surface. In addition, when a voltage is applied to the light conversion unit, the light absorbing particles of the receiving unit 302 may move in a direction in which the width of the receiving unit is narrowed.

That is, the width of the accommodating part 302 may be widened while extending from the light incidence part to which light is incident to the light-exiting part direction from which light is emitted.

Accordingly, since the light absorbing particles move in a direction opposite to the viewing surface, not the viewing surface, it is possible to prevent blocking of light emitted in the viewing surface direction, thereby improving the luminance of the light path member.

In addition, since the light absorbing particles move from a wide area to a narrow area, the light absorbing particles can be easily moved.

In addition, since the light absorbing particles move to a narrow area of the accommodating portion, the amount of light transmitted in the direction of the user's viewing surface may be increased, thereby improving front luminance.

Alternatively, on the contrary, the accommodating portion 302 may extend from the first electrode 210 to the second electrode 220 and may be formed to have a narrow width of the accommodating portion 302.

That is, the width of the accommodating part 302 may be increased while extending from the viewing surface of the user in the direction opposite to the viewing surface. In addition, when a voltage is applied to the light conversion unit, the light absorbing particles of the receiving unit 302 may move in a direction in which the width of the receiving unit is widened.

That is, the width of the accommodating part 302 may be narrowed while extending from the light incidence part to which light is incident to the light-exiting part direction.

Accordingly, the contact area between the first electrode and the surface of the receiving portion through which the light absorbing particles move is increased, so that the moving speed of the light absorbing particles, that is, the driving speed, may be increased.

In addition, the accommodating part 302 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220. That is, the accommodating part 302 may be disposed in contact with only one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the receiving part 302 may contact the first electrode 210 and may be spaced apart from the second electrode 220.

The same or similar material as the partition wall part 301 may be disposed in a region where the receiving part 302 and the second electrode 220 are spaced apart from each other.

In detail, the accommodating part 302 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the electrode in the direction of the viewing surface. That is, the electrode in the direction of the viewing surface may not contact the receiving part 302.

Accordingly, by increasing the transmittance of light emitted in the direction of the viewing surface, the luminance of the light path control member may be improved, thereby improving visibility.

Alternatively, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, both ends of the accommodating portion may be disposed in contact with the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, respectively.

In addition, the receiving part 302 may be disposed while having a certain inclination angle θ. In detail, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the receiving portion 302 may be disposed with an inclination angle θ of greater than 0° to less than 90° with respect to the first electrode 210. In detail, the receiving part 302 may extend upwardly while having an inclination angle θ of greater than 0° to less than 90° with respect to one surface of the first electrode 210.

Accordingly, when the light path member is used together with the display panel, moire due to the overlapping phenomenon of the pattern of the display panel and the receiving portion 302 of the light path member can be prevented, thereby improving user visibility.

Hereinafter, an optical path control member according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. In the description of the optical path control member according to another embodiment, the same and similar to the optical path control member according to the above-described embodiment. Description is omitted for the description, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configuration.

The optical path control member according to another embodiment further includes third substrates 130 between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120, and a first optical modulation unit disposed under the third substrate ( 310) and a second light conversion unit 320 disposed on the third substrate.

The third substrate 130 may be disposed on the first substrate 110. The third substrate 130 may be disposed under the second substrate 120. In detail, the third substrate 130 may be disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120.

The third substrate 130 may include a material capable of transmitting light. The third substrate 130 may include a transparent material. The second substrate 130 may include the same or similar material to the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 described above.

For example, the third substrate 130 may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, flexible polymer films include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and polymethylmethacrylic. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Polyether Sulfone (PES), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), Triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol ( Polyvinyl alcohol, PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene (Polystyrene, PS) may be made of any one of, this is only an example and not necessarily limited thereto.

In addition, the third substrate 130 may be a flexible substrate having a flexible characteristic.

In addition, the third substrate 130 may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the third substrate 130 may also be formed to have a flexible, curved, or bent characteristic. For this reason, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be changed into various designs.

The third substrate 130 may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less.

Each of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may be disposed on one surface of the third substrate 130. In detail, the third electrode 230 is disposed on a lower surface of the third substrate 130, and the fourth electrode 240 is disposed on an upper surface opposite to the lower surface of the third substrate 130. I can.

That is, the third electrode 230 may be disposed to face the first electrode 210, and the fourth electrode 240 may be disposed to face the second electrode 220.

The third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 are indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, and tin oxide. ), zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and the like.

The third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may be disposed on the third substrate 130 in a film shape. In addition, the light transmittance of the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may be about 80% or more.

The third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

Alternatively, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may include various metals to implement low resistance. For example, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 are chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo). It may include at least one metal of gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

Alternatively, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may include a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 may include a plurality of mesh lines crossing each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even if the third electrode 230 and the fourth electrode 240 contain metal, visibility may be improved because the third and fourth electrodes are not visually recognized from the outside. In addition, since the light transmittance is increased by the openings, the luminance of the light path control member according to the embodiment may be improved.

11 and 12, the light conversion unit may include a first light conversion unit 310 and a second light conversion unit 320.

In detail, the light conversion unit is between the first light conversion unit 310 and the second substrate 120 and the third substrate 130 disposed between the first substrate 110 and the third substrate 130 It may include a second light conversion unit 320 disposed in the.

The first light conversion part 310 may include a first partition 311 and a first accommodating part 312. A first dispersion liquid 11 and first light absorbing particles 21 dispersed in the first dispersion liquid 11 may be disposed in the first accommodating part 312.

In addition, the second light conversion unit 320 may include a second partition wall portion 321 and a second accommodating portion 322. A second dispersion liquid 12 and second light absorbing particles 22 dispersed in the second dispersion liquid 12 may be disposed in the second accommodating part 322.

In addition, between the first substrate 110 and the third substrate 130, a first-first wiring electrode 711 connected to the first electrode 210 and a third electrode connected to the third electrode 230. 1-2 wiring electrodes 712 may be disposed.

The first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230 may be connected to the first-first wire electrode 711 and the first-second wire electrode 712 through a first connection part 611, respectively. In addition, the 1-1 wiring electrode 711 and the 1-2 wiring electrode 712 are a first insulating layer between the 1-1 wiring electrode 711 and the 1-2 wiring electrode 712 ( 621) can be insulated from each other.

Also, between the second substrate 120 and the third substrate 130, a 2-1 wiring electrode 721 connected to the second electrode 220 and a second wiring electrode 721 connected to the fourth electrode 240. A 2-2 wiring electrode 722 may be disposed.

The second electrode 220 and the fourth electrode 240 may be connected to the 2-1 wiring electrode 721 and the 2-2 wiring electrode 722 through a second connection part 612, respectively. In addition, the 2-1 wiring electrode 721 and the 2-2 wiring electrode 722 are a second insulating layer between the 2-1 wiring electrode 721 and the 2-2 wiring electrode 722 ( 622) can be insulated from each other.

The 1-1 wiring electrode 711, the 1-2 wiring electrode 712, the 2-1 wiring electrode 721, and the 2-2 wiring electrode 722 may be connected to the power supply unit 900. I can. In addition, the 1-1 wiring electrode 711, the 1-2 wiring electrode 712, the 2-1 wiring electrode 721, and the 2-2 wiring electrode 722 are connected in parallel to each other, The same voltage may be applied to the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320.

11 to 12 illustrate that the first and second light conversion units are disposed, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the optical path control member according to the embodiment is a front luminance to be implemented such as the third, fourth, and fifth light conversion units. And it may be formed in a plurality of multi-layered structures according to the viewing angle.

Since the optical path control member according to the embodiment is formed in at least two layers, the optical path control member may be driven with a voltage of 5V without reducing the width of the receiving portion. Accordingly, by improving the shielding characteristics of the optical path control member, it is possible to implement a viewing angle to be applied.

Meanwhile, the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 may be disposed to extend in the same or different directions.

For example, the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 may be disposed to extend in the same length direction. When the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 are disposed to extend in the same length direction, the optical path control member may control a viewing angle in one of a left-right direction or an up-down direction. . That is, when the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 are disposed to extend in the same length direction, the optical path control member may control viewing angles of light in two directions.

Alternatively, the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 may be disposed to extend in different longitudinal directions. That is, the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 may be disposed extending in a direction crossing each other.

For example, the first accommodating portion 312 may extend in a first direction, and the second accommodating portion 322 may be disposed to extend in a second direction crossing the first direction.

When the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 are disposed to extend in different longitudinal directions, the optical path control member may control viewing angles in the left-right direction and the vertical direction. That is, when the first accommodating portion 312 and the second accommodating portion 322 are disposed to extend in different longitudinal directions, the optical path control member may control viewing angles of light in four directions.

Meanwhile, the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 may be driven at the same time or separately from each other.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the light path control member, the first light conversion unit and the second light conversion unit may be driven simultaneously with each other.

Specifically, in the first mode, both the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 are driven as a light blocking unit, and in the second mode in which a voltage is applied to the light path control member, the The first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 may be driven as a light transmitting unit by the movement of light absorbing particles.

Alternatively, when a voltage is applied to the light path control member, the first light conversion unit and the second light conversion unit may be driven separately from each other.

In detail, in the first mode, the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 are driven as a light blocking unit, and in a second mode in which a voltage is applied to the light path control member, the first light conversion unit 310 The light conversion unit 310 or the second light conversion unit 320 may be driven as a light transmitting unit by the movement of light absorbing particles.

Accordingly, it is possible to control the transmittance of the light path control member according to the use environment. That is, in an environment where a high transmittance is required, the transmittance of the light path control member may be increased by driving the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 at the same time.

In addition, in an environment where the transmittance is required to be low, the transmittance of the light path control member may be controlled by separately driving the first light conversion unit 310 or the second light conversion unit 320.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the voltage applied to the optical path control member, thereby increasing the life of the optical path control member.

In addition, when the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 are disposed to extend in different directions, the first light conversion unit 310 may be used in an environment where viewing angle control in two directions is required. Alternatively, the second light conversion unit 320 may be individually driven to control a viewing angle control direction of the light path control member.

In addition, when the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 are arranged to extend in different directions, the first light conversion unit 310 may be used in an environment requiring four-direction viewing angle control. And simultaneously driving the second light conversion unit 320 to control a viewing angle control direction of the light path control member.

That is, the optical path control member according to the embodiment can implement the transmittance suitable for the use environment by simultaneously driving the first light conversion unit and the second light conversion unit or separately driving the second light conversion unit according to the use environment, and increase the life of the light path control member. Can be improved.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, thicknesses of the first light conversion unit 310 and the second light conversion unit 320 may be different from each other. In detail, a thickness T1 of the first light conversion part and a thickness T2 of the second light conversion part may be different from each other. For example, the thickness T1 of the first light conversion part may be smaller than the thickness T2 of the second light conversion part.

Accordingly, the thickness of each light conversion unit is varied, and each light conversion unit is driven individually or simultaneously, and the transmittance and viewing angle are controlled to suit the environment in which the light path control member is to be used. Can be used.

.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an optical path control member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 22.

First, referring to FIG. 15, an electrode material forming the first substrate 110 and the first electrode is prepared. Subsequently, the electrode material may be formed on one surface of the first substrate 110 by a coating or deposition process. In detail, the electrode material may be formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 110. Accordingly, a first electrode 210 formed as a surface electrode may be formed on the first substrate 110.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 16, a resin layer may be formed by applying a resin material on the first electrode 210. In detail, a resin layer may be formed by applying a urethane resin or an acrylic resin on the first electrode 210.

Subsequently, a pattern part may be formed on the resin layer by using a mold. In detail, by imprinting the mold, holes or grooves may be formed in the resin layer, and a partition wall portion may be formed by the remaining resin layer. That is, the partition wall portion 301 and the accommodation portion 302 described above may be formed on the resin layer.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 17, an electrode material forming the second substrate 120 and the second electrode is prepared. Subsequently, the electrode material may be formed on one surface of the second substrate 120 by a coating or deposition process. In detail, the electrode material may be formed on the entire surface of the second substrate 120. Accordingly, a second electrode 220 formed as a surface electrode may be formed on the second substrate 120.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 18, an adhesive layer 400 may be formed by applying an adhesive material on the second electrode 220. The adhesive layer 400 may be formed on a partial region of the second electrode 220.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 19, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 prepared above may be adhered. In detail, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be bonded to each other through the adhesive layer 400 on the second substrate 120.

In this case, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be adhered in different directions. In detail, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be bonded to each other so that the long side direction of the first substrate 110 and the short side direction of the second substrate 120 overlap each other.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 20, a blocking film 600 may be formed on the first substrate 110. In detail, the blocking layer 600 may be disposed above and below the receiving portion 302 disposed on the first substrate 110. That is, the blocking layer 600 may be disposed such that the receiving portion 302 is disposed between the blocking layers 600.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 21, a variable light transmission material may be injected between the receiving portion 302, that is, the partition wall portions 301. In detail, a light transmission variable material in which light absorbing particles such as carbon black are dispersed may be injected into an electrolyte solvent including a paraffinic solvent or the like between the receiving portions 302, that is, between the partition walls. Accordingly, the receiving portion 302 described above may be formed between the partition wall portions 301.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 22, by forming a sealing part 500 in the lateral direction of the receiving part 302, the variable light transmission material inside the receiving part may be sealed from the outside. Subsequently, by cutting the first substrate 110, a final optical path control member may be formed.

Below. A display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 24.

23 and 24, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to a vehicle.

23 and 24, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to a display device displaying a display.

For example, when power is not applied to the light path control member as shown in FIG. 23, the receiving part functions as a light blocking unit, the display device is driven in a light shielding mode, and power is applied to the light path control member as shown in FIG. In this case, the receiving portion functions as a light transmitting portion, so that the display device can be driven in the open mode.

Accordingly, the user can easily drive the display device in the privacy mode or the normal mode according to the application of power.

Also, although not shown in the drawings. The display device to which the light path control member according to the embodiment is applied may also be applied to the interior of a vehicle.

For example, the display device including the light path control member according to the embodiment may display vehicle information and an image confirming the movement path of the vehicle. The display device may be disposed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle.

In addition, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to an instrument panel that displays a vehicle speed, an engine, and a warning signal.

In addition, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to the windshield (FG) or left and right window glass of a vehicle.

Features, structures, effects, and the like described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, and the like illustrated in each embodiment may be combined or modified for other embodiments by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the embodiments have been described above, these are only examples and do not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention pertains are illustrated above within the scope not departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It will be seen that various modifications and applications that have not been made are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. And differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

A first substrate;
A first electrode disposed on the first substrate;
A second substrate disposed on the first substrate;
A second electrode disposed under the second substrate;
A light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; And
Including a power supply connected to the first electrode and the second electrode,
The light conversion unit includes a partition wall portion and a receiving portion alternately disposed,
The accommodating portion changes the light transmittance according to the application of a voltage,
The receiving portion includes a dispersion and a plurality of light absorbing particles dispersed in the dispersion,
The height of the receiving portion is 15 μm to 25 μm,
The width of the receiving portion is 1.5㎛ to 2.5㎛ optical path control member. The method of claim 1,
The width of the partition wall portion is 4.5㎛ to 7.5㎛ optical path control member. The method of claim 1,
The power supply unit includes a power connection unit connecting an external power source and a light conversion unit; And a power switch unit for turning on-off voltage transmission. The method of claim 3,
The optical path control member having a driving voltage of 5V or less of the power connection part. The method of claim 1,
The optical path control member further comprising a protective layer disposed below the first substrate or above the second substrate. A first substrate;
A first electrode disposed on the first substrate;
A second substrate disposed on the first substrate;
A second electrode disposed under the second substrate;
A third substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate;
A third electrode disposed under the third substrate;
A fourth electrode disposed under the third substrate;
A first light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the third electrode;
Including a second light conversion unit disposed between the second electrode and the fourth electrode,
And a power supply connected to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode,
The first light conversion portion includes a first partition wall portion and a first receiving portion alternately disposed,
The second light conversion unit includes a second partition wall portion and a second receiving portion alternately disposed,
The light transmittance of the receiving portions 1 and 2 is changed according to the application of voltage,
The 1 and 2 receiving portions include a dispersion and a plurality of light absorbing particles dispersed in the dispersion,
The heights of the 1 and 2 accommodating parts are 15 μm to 25 μm,
The optical path control member having a width of 1.5 µm to 2.5 µm. The method of claim 6,
The first light conversion unit and the second light conversion unit is a light path control member that is driven separately from each other. The method of claim 7,
The thickness of the first light conversion part is different from the thickness of the second light conversion part. The method of claim 7,
An optical path control member extending in different directions from the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion. The method of claim 7,
The optical path control member having a width of 4.5 μm to 7.5 μm in the 1st and 2nd partition walls. The method of claim 7,
The first electrode is connected to the 1-1 wiring electrode,
The third electrode is connected to the 1-2 wire electrode,
The second electrode is connected to the 2-1 wiring electrode,
The fourth electrode is connected to the 2-2 wiring electrode,
The 1-1 wiring electrode, the 1-2 wiring electrode, the 2-1 wiring electrode, and the 2-2 wiring electrode are connected in parallel to the optical path control member. The method of claim 7,
The power supply unit includes a power connection unit connecting an external power source and a light conversion unit; And a power switch unit for turning on-off voltage transmission,
The optical path control member having a driving voltage of 5V or less of the power connection part.

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