KR20230100372A - Light route control member and display having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical path control member according to an 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; and a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion unit; a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion disposed extending in the direction; a third sealing part and a fourth sealing part formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion part and extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and a protective layer disposed in contact with the first sealing part, wherein the first sealing part is disposed on an outermost side of the light path control member.

Description

Optical path control member and display device including the same {LIGHT ROUTE CONTROL MEMBER AND DISPLAY HAVING THE SAME}

Embodiments relate to a light path control member and a display device including the same.

The light blocking film is a light path control member that blocks the transmission of light from a light source, and is attached to the front of a display panel used for mobile phones, laptops, tablet PCs, vehicle navigations, vehicle touches, etc. so that 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 incident angle of light.

In addition, the light path control member may be used for windows of vehicles or buildings to partially block external light to prevent glare or to prevent the inside from being seen from the outside.

That is, the light path control member may be a light path control member that controls the movement path of light, blocks light in a specific direction, and transmits light in a specific direction. Accordingly, the angle of view of the user can be controlled by controlling the transmission angle of light by the light path control member.

On the other hand, such a light path control member includes a light blocking film capable of always controlling the viewing angle regardless of the surrounding environment or the user's environment, and a switchable light blocking film capable of turning on/off the viewing angle control by the user according to the surrounding environment or the user's environment. It can be classified as a film.

The light path control member fills the pattern part with a light conversion material including particles capable of moving according to the application of voltage and a dispersion liquid for dispersing the inside of the pattern part, and the pattern part is changed into a light transmitting part and a light blocking part by dispersion and aggregation of the particles. can be implemented

At this time, in order to apply a voltage to the light path control member, an electrode of the light path control member must be connected to an external power source. Such a connection portion is an electrode connection portion, not an area that controls a viewing angle, and may be defined as a bezel area in a display device.

Meanwhile, the light path control member may form a sealing part by cutting one surface of the light path control member to seal the light conversion material and filling the cut area with the sealing material.

As the sealing part is formed of a material having a high moisture permeability, when the sealing part is exposed to the outside, moisture may permeate into the sealing part.

Accordingly, the sealing property of the sealing unit may be deteriorated, and thus the light conversion efficiency of the light path control member may be deteriorated. In addition, stains due to moisture permeation may be visually recognized from the outside, resulting in appearance defects to the user.

Accordingly, a light path control member having a new structure capable of solving the above problems is required.

Embodiments are intended to provide a light path control member having improved visibility, reliability and light conversion efficiency.

An optical path control member according to an 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; and a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion unit; a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion disposed extending in the direction; a third sealing part and a fourth sealing part formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion part and extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and a protective layer disposed in contact with the first sealing part, wherein the first sealing part is disposed on an outermost side of the light path control member.

The light path control member according to the embodiment includes a protective layer. The protective layer is disposed while surrounding the sealing portion exposed on the outermost surface of the light path control member among the sealing portions of the light path control member.

A material forming the sealing portion may be vulnerable to external moisture permeation due to high moisture permeability. Accordingly, by forming a material having a relatively low moisture permeability as a protective layer on the outer surface of the sealing part, it is possible to prevent moisture from penetrating into the sealing part.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent stains formed by moisture permeation into the sealing part from being visually recognized from the outside.

In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in adhesive properties between the sealing portion and the adhesive layer due to a decrease in adhesive properties of the sealing portion due to penetration of moisture into the sealing portion.

It is possible to prevent moisture penetrating into the sealing lube from penetrating into the light conversion material and reducing light conversion efficiency.

1 is a perspective view showing a light path control member according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a top view of the first substrate of the light path control member according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the two substrates of the light path control member according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a second substrate to which the first substrate and the second substrate of the light path control member according to the first embodiment are laminated.
5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken along the area AA′ of FIG. 1 .
7 to 10 are cross-sectional views taken along the area BB′ of FIGS. 1 and 4 .
11 to 14 are cross-sectional views taken along CC' of FIGS. 1 and 4 .
15 is a perspective view of a light path control member according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a region DD′ of FIG. 15 .
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along an area EE′ of FIG. 15 .
FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view taken along the area BB′ of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional view taken along the CC′ area of FIG. 1 .
20 and 21 are cross-sectional views of a display device to which a light path control member according to an exemplary embodiment is applied.
22 to 24 are views for explaining one embodiment of a display device to which a light path control member according to an 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 described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms, and if it is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments can be selectively selected. can be used by combining and substituting.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention, unless explicitly specifically defined and described, can be generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It can be interpreted as meaning, and commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of contextual meanings of related technologies.

Also, 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 otherwise specified in the phrase, and when described as “at least one (or more than one) of A and (and) B and C”, the combination of A, B, and C is possible. Can include one or more of all possible combinations.

Also, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe components of an embodiment of the present invention. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the term is not limited to the nature, order, or order of the corresponding component.

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

In addition, when it is described as being formed or disposed on the "top (above) or bottom (bottom)" of each component, the top (top) or bottom (bottom) is not only a case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also one A case in which another component above is formed or disposed between two components is also included.

In addition, when expressed as “up (up) or down (down)”, it may include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

Hereinafter, a light path control member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The light path control member to be described below may be a switchable light blocking film that is driven in an open mode and a light blocking mode according to the application of power.

1 is a perspective view showing a light path control member according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the light path control member 1000 according to the embodiment includes a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, a light conversion unit ( 300) may be included.

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

Also, 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, soft polymer films include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and polymethylmethacrylic acid. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Polyether Sulfone (PES), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), TAC (Triacetylcellulose) film, Polyvinyl Alcohol ( It may be made of any one of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polyimide (PI) film, and a polystyrene (PS) film, which is only an example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

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

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

The first substrate 110 may extend in a first direction (1D), a second direction (2D), and a third direction (3D).

In detail, the first substrate 110 extends in a first direction 1D corresponding to the length or width direction of the first substrate 110 and in a direction different from the first direction 1D, and Extends in a second direction 2D corresponding to the length or width direction of 110 and in a direction different from the first direction 1D and the second direction 2D, and extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 110 It may include a third direction (3D) corresponding to .

For example, the first direction 1D may be defined as a longitudinal direction of the first substrate 110, and the second direction 2D may be a first substrate perpendicular to the first direction 1D ( 110), and the third direction 3D may be defined as a thickness direction of the first substrate 110. Alternatively, the first direction 1D may be defined as a width direction of the first substrate 110, and the second direction 2D is the first substrate 110 perpendicular to the first direction 1D. may be defined as a length direction of , and the third direction 3D may be defined as a thickness direction of the first substrate 110 .

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction (1D) is the length direction of the first substrate 110, the second direction (2D) is the width direction of the first substrate 110, the first substrate 110 The three directions (3D) will be described as the thickness direction of the first substrate 110 .

The first substrate 110 may have a thickness within a set range. For example, the first substrate 110 may have a thickness of 25 μm to 150 μm.

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 a conductive material having a light transmittance of about 80% or more. For example, the first electrode 210 may include indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, A metal oxide such as titanium oxide may be included.

The first electrode 210 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 300 nm.

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

The first electrode 210 may be disposed on the entire surface of one surface of the first substrate 110 . In detail, the first electrode 210 may be disposed as a surface electrode on one surface of the first substrate 110 . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first electrode 210 may be formed of a plurality of patterned electrodes having a certain pattern such as a mesh or stripe shape.

For example, the first electrode 210 may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, 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, the first electrode 210 is not visually recognized from the outside, and visibility may be improved. In addition, since light transmittance is increased by the openings, luminance of the light path control member according to the exemplary embodiment may be improved.

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 the same or similar material as the first substrate 110 described above. For example, the second substrate 120 may include the same material as the first substrate 110 or a different material among the materials of the first substrate 110 described above.

Also, the second substrate 120 may have the same or similar thickness as the first substrate 110 described above. For example, the second substrate 120 may have a thickness of 25 μm to 150 μm.

In addition, the second substrate 120 may also extend in a first direction (1D), a second direction (2D), and a third direction (3D) like the first substrate 110 described above. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction (1D) is the length direction of the second substrate 120, the second direction (2D) is the width direction of the second substrate 120, the first direction The three directions (3D) will be described as the thickness direction of the second substrate 120 .

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 on which the second substrate 120 and the first substrate 110 face each other. 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 material identical to or similar to that of the first electrode 210 described above. For example, the second electrode 220 may include the same material as the first electrode 210 or a different material among the materials of the first electrode 210 described above.

Also, the second electrode 220 may have the same or similar thickness as the first electrode 210 described above. For example, the second electrode 220 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 300 nm.

Also, the second electrode 220 may be formed to have the same or similar thickness as the first electrode 210 described above. In addition, the second electrode 220 may be formed in the same or similar shape as the first electrode 210 described above. For example, the second electrode 220 may be disposed as a surface electrode or a plurality of patterned electrodes.

The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may have the same or different sizes.

In detail, the first length of the first substrate 110 extending in the first direction 1D has the same or similar size as the second length of the second substrate 120 extending in the first direction 1D. can have

For example, the first length and the second length may have a size of 300 mm to 400 mm.

In addition, the first width of the first substrate 110 extending in the second direction (2D) may have the same or similar size as the second width of the second substrate 120 extending in the second direction. .

For example, the first width and the second width may have a size of 150 mm to 200 mm.

Also, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may have different areas.

In detail, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may include protrusions. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first substrate 110 may include a first protrusion PA1 , and the second substrate 120 may include a second protrusion PA2 . In detail, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may each include a first protrusion PA1 and a second protrusion PA2 disposed to be offset from each other.

That is, the first protrusion PA1 and the second protrusion PA2 may be disposed so as not to overlap each other in the third direction 3D.

Alternatively, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first protrusion PA1 and the second protrusion PA2 may include an overlapping area overlapping each other and a non-overlapping area not overlapping each other. That is, the first protrusion PA1 and the second protrusion PA2 may include an overlapping area overlapping each other in the third direction and a non-overlapping area not overlapping each other.

In this case, the first protrusion PA1 and the second protrusion PA2 may have different areas. That is, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may have different sizes by the size difference between the protrusions.

A connection area connected to an external printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board may be formed on the first protruding portion PA1 of the first substrate 110 and the second protruding portion PA2 of the second substrate 120, respectively. there is.

In detail, a first connection area CA1 may be disposed on the first protrusion PA1, and a second connection area CA2 may be disposed on the second protrusion PA2. When the first protrusion PA1 and the second protrusion PA2 are displaced from each other, the first connection area CA1 and the second connection area CA2 extend in the third direction 3D. They can be arranged so that they do not overlap.

A conductive material may be exposed on upper surfaces of the first connection area CA1 and the second connection area CA2, respectively. For example, the first electrode 210 may be exposed in the first connection area CA1 , and the conductive material 700 may be exposed in the second connection area CA2 . That is, a cutting area for filling the conductive material is formed in the second protrusion PA2 of the second substrate 120, and the second connection area CA2 is formed by filling the cutting area with the conductive material. can

Accordingly, the light path control member may be electrically connected to an external printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board through the first connection area CA1 and the second connection area CA2.

For example, a pad portion is disposed on the first connection area CA1 and the second connection area CA2, and an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is disposed between the pad portion and the printed circuit board or the flexible printed circuit board. A conductive adhesive containing at least one of anisotropic conductive pastes (ACP) may be disposed to connect the light path control member and the external printed circuit board.

or, at least one of an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP) between the first connection area CA1 and the second connection area CA2 and the printed circuit board or flexible printed circuit board. By disposing a conductive adhesive, the light path control member and the external printed circuit board may be directly connected without a pad portion.

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 or a buffer layer 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 adhesive layer And/or the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, and the light conversion unit 300 may be bonded by a buffer layer.

For example, an adhesive layer 410 may be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the light conversion unit 300, thereby bonding the first substrate 110 and the light conversion unit 300. there is.

The adhesive layer 410 may have a thickness within a set range. For example, the adhesive layer 410 may have a thickness of 10 μm to 30 μm.

In addition, a buffer layer 420 is disposed between the second electrode 220 and the light conversion unit 300, whereby the second electrode 220 and the light conversion unit ( 300) can improve the adhesion.

The buffer layer 420 may have a thickness within a set range. For example, the buffer layer 420 may have a thickness of less than 1 μm.

The light conversion part 300 may include a plurality of barrier rib parts 310 and a receiving part 320 . A light conversion material 330 including light conversion particles that move when voltage is applied and a dispersion liquid for dispersing the light conversion particles may be disposed in the accommodating part 320, and the light path control member is controlled by the light conversion particles. The light transmission characteristics of may be changed.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the accommodating part 320 may be disposed extending in one direction. In detail, the accommodating part 320 may be tilted at a certain angle and disposed.

For example, the accommodating part 320 may extend in a direction different from the first direction 1D and the second direction 2D of the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 120 . . That is, the accommodating part 320 may tilt and extend in the first direction (1D) and the second direction (2D). For example, the accommodating part 320 may extend in a direction between the first direction (1D) and the second direction (2D).

Accordingly, the accommodating parts 320 may be sealed by the same or different sealing parts.

For example, all of the accommodating parts 320 may be sealed by the first sealing part 510 and the second sealing part 520 .

Alternatively, at least one of the accommodating parts 320 is sealed by the first sealing part 510 and the third sealing part 530, and the other at least one accommodating part is sealed by the first sealing part 510. ) and the second sealing part 520, and another at least one receiving part may be sealed by the second sealing part 520 and the fourth sealing part 540.

As the accommodating part 320 is tilted at an inclination angle set in the first direction (1D) and the second direction (2D) of the light path control member, the light path control member is combined with a display panel to form a display. When forming the device, it is possible to prevent a moiré phenomenon caused by the overlapping of the accommodating portion of the light path control member and the pattern portion of the display panel.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the accommodating part 320 may be disposed while extending in the first direction (1D) or the second direction (2D) without being tilted.

5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken along line AA' of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the light conversion part 300 may include a barrier rib part 310 and an accommodating part 320 .

The barrier rib portion 310 may be defined as a barrier rib region defining an accommodating portion. That is, the barrier rib portion 310 is a barrier rib region that divides a plurality of accommodating units and may transmit light. That is, light emitted in the direction of the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 120 may pass through the barrier rib portion.

The barrier rib portion 310 and the accommodating portion 320 may be disposed in different widths. For example, the width of the barrier rib portion 310 may be greater than that of the accommodating portion 320 .

In addition, the accommodating portion 320 may be formed in a shape that extends from the first electrode 210 toward the second electrode 220 and narrows in width.

The barrier rib portion 310 and the accommodating portion 320 may be alternately disposed. In detail, the barrier rib portion 310 and the accommodating portion 320 may be alternately disposed. That is, each of the barrier rib portions 310 may be disposed between the accommodating portions 320 adjacent to each other, and each accommodating portion 320 may be disposed between the barrier rib portions 310 adjacent to each other.

The barrier rib portion 310 may include a transparent material. The barrier rib portion 310 may include a material capable of transmitting light.

The barrier rib portion 310 may include a resin material. For example, the barrier rib portion 310 may include a photocurable resin material. For example, the barrier rib portion 310 may include a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the barrier rib portion 310 may include urethane resin or acrylic resin.

The accommodating part 320 may be formed to partially penetrate the light conversion part 300 . Accordingly, the accommodating portion 320 may be disposed while contacting the adhesive layer 410 and spaced apart from the buffer layer 420 . Accordingly, a base portion 350 may be formed between the accommodating portion 320 and the buffer layer 420 .

A light conversion material 330 including light conversion particles 330a and a dispersion 330b in which the light conversion particles 330a are dispersed may be disposed in the accommodating part 320 .

The dispersion liquid 330b may be a material that disperses the light conversion particles 330a. The dispersion 330b may include a transparent material. The dispersion 330b may include a non-polar solvent. In addition, the dispersion 330b may include a material capable of transmitting light. For example, the dispersion 330b may include at least one of halocarbon-based oil, paraffin-based oil, and isopropyl alcohol.

The light conversion particles 330a may be dispersed and disposed in the dispersion liquid 330b. In detail, the plurality of light conversion particles 330a may be spaced apart from each other in the dispersion liquid 330b.

The light conversion particle 330a may include a material capable of absorbing light. That is, the light conversion particles 330a may be light absorbing particles, and the light conversion particles 330a may have a color. For example, the light conversion particle 330a may have a black-based color. For example, the light conversion particles 330a may include carbon black particles.

The surface of the light conversion particle 330a may be charged and may have a polarity. For example, the surface of the light conversion particle 330a may be negatively charged. Accordingly, when voltage is applied, the light conversion particle 330a may move toward the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220 .

The light transmittance of the accommodating part 320 may be changed by the light conversion particles 330a. In detail, the accommodating part 320 may be changed into a light blocking part and a light transmitting part by changing light transmittance by the light conversion particles 330a. That is, the accommodating part 330a may change light transmittance passing through the accommodating part 320 by dispersion and aggregation of the light conversion particles 330a disposed in the dispersion liquid 330b.

For example, the light path member according to the embodiment changes 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. It can be.

In detail, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, in the first mode, the accommodating part 320 becomes a light blocking part, and light of a specific angle may be blocked by the accommodating part 320 . That is, the viewing angle of the user looking from the outside is narrowed, so that the optical path control member can be driven in the privacy mode.

In addition, in the light path control member according to the embodiment, the accommodating part 320 becomes a light transmitting part in the second mode, and in the optical path controlling member according to the first embodiment, the barrier rib part 310 and the accommodating part 320 ), all light can be transmitted. That is, the user's viewing angle from the outside is widened so that the optical path control member can be driven in the open mode.

The conversion from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the conversion of the accommodating part 320 from a light blocking part to a light transmitting part may be realized by the movement of the light conversion particles 330a of the accommodating part 320. can That is, the light conversion particle 330a has charges on its surface, and may move in the direction of the first electrode or the second electrode according to the application of voltage according to the characteristics of the charges.

For example, when no voltage is applied to the light path control member from the outside, the light conversion particles 330a of the accommodating part 320 are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion 330b, and accordingly, the accommodating part ( 320) may block light by the light conversion particles 330a. Accordingly, in the first mode, the accommodating part 320 may be driven as a light blocking part.

Also, when a voltage is applied to the light path control member from the outside, the light conversion particles 330a may move. For example, the light conversion particle 330a is moved toward one end or the other end of the accommodating part 320 by the voltage transmitted through the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. can That is, the light conversion particle 330a may move toward the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 220 .

For example, 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. and the light conversion particles 330a in a negatively charged state can move in the direction of the positive electrode of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 using the dispersion liquid 330b as a medium.

For example, in the initial mode or when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and/or the second electrode 220, as shown in FIG. Evenly dispersed in the inside, the accommodating part 320 can 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. (220) direction, that is, the light conversion particle 330a is moved in one direction, and the accommodating part 320 can be driven as a light transmitting part.

Accordingly, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be driven in two modes according to the user's surrounding environment. That is, when the user desires to transmit light only at a specific viewing angle, the accommodating unit may be driven as a light blocking unit, or in an environment where the user requires a wide viewing angle and high luminance, a voltage may be applied to drive the accommodating unit as a light transmitting unit. there is.

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6 , the light path control member may include a sealing part. The sealing part may serve to seal the light conversion material disposed in the accommodating part 320 of the light conversion part 300 .

The sealing part may include a sealing part extending in a first direction (1D) and a sealing part extending in a second direction (2D). For example, the sealing part may include a first sealing part 510 and a second sealing part 520 extending in a first direction (1D). The first sealing part 510 and the second sealing part 520 may face each other in the second direction 2D.

In addition, the sealing part may include a third sealing part 530 and a fourth sealing part 540 extending in the second direction (2D). The third sealing part 530 and the fourth sealing part 540 may face each other in the first direction (1D).

The first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 may be disposed at an edge area of the light path control member.

In addition, the first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 may be connected to each other and disposed. In detail, the first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 are connected to the second connection area CA2 and the second sealing part 510. Except for the open area OA for conducting the electrodes 220, they may be connected to each other and disposed.

The first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 are formed by forming cutting areas in the optical path control member 1000. It can be.

For example, the light path control member 1000 forms a cutting area by removing part or all of the second substrate 120, the second electrode 220, the buffer layer 420, and the light conversion unit 300, , The first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 may be disposed inside the cutting area.

In detail, the light conversion material 330 may be injected into the accommodating part 320 through the cutting area, and a sealing material may be placed in the cutting area to perform sealing. For example, the cutting area where the first sealing part 510 is disposed may be an injection part for injecting the light conversion material, and the cutting area where the second sealing part 520 is disposed sucks the light conversion material. It can be a suction part for

At least one sealing part among the first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 is a part of the optical path control member 1000. It may be directly exposed to the outermost surface, for example, the first sealing part 510 may be directly exposed to the outermost surface of the light path control member 1000 . That is, one outermost side of the light path control member 1000 may include the first sealing part 510 . That is, one outermost side of the light path control member 1000 may be the first sealing part 510 .

Any one sealing part among the first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 may have a smaller width than the other sealing part. . In detail, the width of the first sealing part 510 disposed on the outermost side of the light path control member 1000 is the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530 and the fourth sealing part ( 540) may be smaller than the width.

That is, in order to form the first sealing part 510 to be disposed on the outermost side during the manufacturing process, a part of the first sealing part 510 may be cut and removed, thereby, the first sealing part 510 may be removed. The width of 510 may be smaller than the widths of the second sealing part 520 , the third sealing part 530 and the fourth sealing part 540 .

The first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 are disposed in contact with both ends of the receiving part 320. can Accordingly, the first sealing part 510, the second sealing part 520, the third sealing part 530, and the fourth sealing part 540 are disposed inside the accommodating part 320 for light conversion. It is possible to prevent the material 330 from leaking out of the accommodating part 320 .

Meanwhile, as described above, among the plurality of sealing parts, the first sealing part 510 is exposed to the outermost surface of the light path control member. The first sealing portion 510 is formed to have a smaller width than other sealing portions during the process, and thus may be vulnerable to external moisture penetration.

As a result, while using the light path control member, moisture repeatedly penetrates into the first sealing part 510, and as a result, the sealing property of the first sealing part 510 may be deteriorated. In addition, moisture penetrating into the first sealing part 510 may be identified as a stain from the outside, resulting in deterioration in appearance characteristics. In addition, since the adhesive properties between the first sealing portion 510 and the adhesive layer 410 are reduced, the first sealing portion 510 may be detached.

Accordingly, hereinafter, an optical path control member capable of maintaining or improving sealing characteristics, external appearance characteristics, and adhesive characteristics of the sealing portion exposed from the optical path control member will be described.

7 to 10 are cross-sectional views taken along the line B-B' of FIGS. 1 and 4, and FIGS. 11 to 14 are cross-sectional views taken along the line C-C' of FIGS. 1 and 4. .

That is, FIGS. 7 to 10 are cross-sectional views of the first sealing portion 510 cut in a first direction (1D), which is the longitudinal direction of the light path control member, and FIGS. 11 to 14 are the first sealing portion ( 510) is a cross-sectional view taken in a second direction (2D), which is the width direction of the light path control member,

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 4 , and 7 to 14 , the light path control member may include a protective layer 600 . In detail, the protective layer 600 may be disposed on the first sealing part 510 .

The protective layer 600 may be disposed while surrounding the first sealing part 510 . The protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with the first sealing part 510 . In detail, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in direct contact with the first sealing part 510 .

Since the protective layer 600 is disposed while surrounding the first sealing part 510 , at least one of the outermost surfaces of the light path control member may serve as the protective layer 600 .

The protective layer 600 may include a material different from that of the first sealing part 510 . The protective layer 600 may include a material having low moisture permeability. For example, the protective layer 600 may include a fluorine material, Teflon, silicon, acrylic or metal material. The protective layer 600 may be formed by coating or taping. That is, the protective layer may be formed by spray coating the material or by using a metal barrier film.

A width of the protective layer 600 may be smaller than a width of the first sealing part 510 . For example, the protective layer 600 may be disposed to a thickness of several nm to several tens of nm.

The protective layer 600 may be disposed while surrounding the front surface of the first sealing part 510 . That is, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with the front surface of the first sealing part 510 .

In addition, the protective layer 600 may contact only the first sealing part 510 . Alternatively, the protective layer 600 may also contact other layers than the first sealing part 510 .

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11 , the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact only with the first sealing part 510 .

That is, the protective layer 600 is disposed on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, the third outer surface OSL3, and the upper surface TS of the light path control member, and The first outer surface OLS1 , the second outer surface OLS2 , the third outer surface OSL3 , and the upper surface TS may be disposed in contact with only the first sealing part 510 . Here, the upper surface TS may be upper surfaces of the first sealing part 510 and the second substrate 120 .

That is, the light path control member includes four outer surfaces including a first outer surface OLS1, a second outer surface OLS2, a third outer surface OSL3, and a fourth outer surface, and the passivation layer 600 may be disposed on three of the four outer surfaces.

Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 8 and 12 , the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with members other than the first sealing part 510 . In detail, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with the first sealing part 510 and the adhesive layer 410 .

That is, the protective layer 600 is disposed on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, the third outer surface OSL3, and the upper surface TS of the light path control member, and The first sealing part 510 and the adhesive layer 410 are disposed on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, the third outer surface OSL3, and the upper surface TS, in contact with each other. It can be.

In detail, the protective layer 600 includes the first sealing part 510 and the adhesive layer 410 on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, and the third outer surface OSL3. and may contact the first sealing part 510 on the upper surface TS.

Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 9 and 13 , the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with members other than the first sealing part 510 . In detail, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with the first sealing part 510 , the adhesive layer 410 and the first substrate 110 .

That is, the protective layer 600 is disposed on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, the third outer surface OSL3, and the upper surface TS of the light path control member, and The first sealing part 510, the adhesive layer 410 and the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, the third outer surface OSL3, and the upper surface TS. It may be placed in contact with the substrate 110 .

In detail, the protective layer 600 includes the first sealing part 510 and the adhesive layer 410 on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, and the third outer surface OSL3. and disposed in contact with the first substrate 110, and may contact the first sealing part 510 on the upper surface TS.

Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 10 and 14 , the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with members other than the first sealing part 510 . In detail, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with the first sealing part 510 , the adhesive layer 410 and the first substrate 110 .

That is, the protective layer 600 is disposed on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, the third outer surface OSL3, and the upper surface TS of the light path control member. The first sealing part 510 and the adhesive layer ( 410) and the first substrate 110 may be disposed. Here, the lower surface BS may be a lower surface of the first substrate 110 .

In detail, the protective layer 600 includes the first sealing part 510 and the adhesive layer 410 on the first outer surface OLS1, the second outer surface OLS2, and the third outer surface OSL3. and disposed in contact with the first substrate 110, and disposed in contact with the first sealing portion 510 on the upper surface TS, and disposed on the lower surface BS, the first substrate 110 It may be placed in contact with the lower surface of the

That is, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in an inverted “c” shape as a whole when viewed based on a cross section cut in the second direction.

The light path control member according to the first embodiment includes a protective layer. The protective layer is disposed while surrounding the sealing portion exposed on the outermost surface of the light path control member among the sealing portions of the light path control member.

A material forming the sealing portion may be vulnerable to external moisture permeation due to high moisture permeability. Accordingly, by forming a material having a relatively low moisture permeability as a protective layer on the outer surface of the sealing part, it is possible to prevent moisture from penetrating into the sealing part.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent stains formed by moisture permeation into the sealing part from being visually recognized from the outside.

In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in adhesive properties between the sealing portion and the adhesive layer due to a decrease in adhesive properties of the sealing portion due to penetration of moisture into the sealing portion.

It is possible to prevent moisture penetrating into the sealing lube from penetrating into the light conversion material and reducing light conversion efficiency.

Hereinafter, a light path control member according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 . In the description of the light path control member according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components and similar descriptions to those of the light path control member according to the first embodiment described above. .

15 to 17, the light path control member according to the second embodiment does not include a protective layer unlike the light path control member according to the above-described embodiment.

In the light path control member according to the second embodiment, the first sealing portion 510 may be exposed to the outside. That is, the first sealing part 510 becomes the outermost side of the light path control member.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , one surface of the first sealing part 510 may include a plurality of patterns P. In detail, a plurality of patterns P may be formed on a surface defined as an outermost surface of the light path control member among surfaces of the first sealing part 510 .

The patterns P may increase the surface roughness of the surface of the first sealing part 510 . That is, the patterns P may increase the surface roughness of the surface of the first sealing part 510 .

The first sealing part 510 may increase the length of the surface of the first sealing part 510 by the patterns P. In other words, on the surface of the first sealing part 510 , a path through which moisture penetrating in the direction of the first sealing part 510 can be increased by the patterns P.

Accordingly, when moisture penetrates into the surface of the first sealing portion 510, the movement path of the moisture is increased, so that the first sealing portion 510 may have a waterproof effect without a separate protective layer.

Accordingly, the light path control member according to the second embodiment can suppress moisture penetrating toward the first sealing part without a separate additional member, thereby improving visibility, reliability, and light conversion efficiency of the light path control member.

Hereinafter, a light path control member according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 . In the description of the light path control member according to the third embodiment, descriptions of the same or similar descriptions as those of the light path control member according to the first and second embodiments described above are omitted, and the same reference numerals refer to the same components. grant

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , the light path control member according to the third embodiment includes a protective layer unlike the light path control member according to the second embodiment described above.

In detail, in the light path control member according to the third embodiment, the first sealing part 510 may include a plurality of patterns P as in the above-described second embodiment. In detail, a plurality of patterns P may be formed on a surface defined as an outermost surface of the light path control member among surfaces of the first sealing part 510 .

In addition, the light path controlling member according to the third embodiment may include a protective layer 600 disposed while surrounding the first sealing part 510 . That is, the protective layer 600 may be disposed in contact with the front surface of the first sealing part 510 .

The patterns P may increase the surface roughness of the surface of the first sealing part 510 . That is, the patterns P may increase the surface roughness of the surface of the first sealing part 510 .

Accordingly, a contact area between the protective layer 600 bonded to the first sealing part 510 may be increased.

Accordingly, the adhesive strength between the first sealing part 510 and the protective layer 600 can be improved by increasing the bonding area between the first sealing part 510 and the protective layer 600, which are different materials. there is.

Therefore, the light path control member according to the third embodiment can suppress moisture penetrating toward the first sealing part, thereby improving the visibility, reliability and light conversion efficiency of the light path control member, and the protective layer and the sealing layer Adhesion properties can be improved.

below. Referring to FIGS. 20 to 24 , a display device and a display device to which the light path control member according to the exemplary embodiment is applied will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 , the light path control member 1000 according to the exemplary embodiment may be disposed on or below the display panel 2000 .

The display panel 2000 and the light path control member 1000 may be disposed while being adhered to each other. For example, the display panel 2000 and the light path control member 1000 may be adhered to each other through an adhesive member 1500 . The adhesive member 1500 may be transparent. For example, the adhesive member 1500 may include an adhesive or an adhesive layer including an optically transparent adhesive material.

The adhesive member 1500 may include a release film. In detail, when bonding the light path member and the display panel, the light path control member and the display panel may be bonded after removing the release film.

The display panel 2000 may include a first substrate 2100 and a second substrate 2200 . When the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the light path control member may be formed below the liquid crystal panel. That is, when a surface viewed by a user on the liquid crystal panel is defined as an upper portion of the liquid crystal panel, the light path control member may be disposed below the liquid crystal panel. In the display panel 2000, a first substrate 2100 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode and a second substrate 2200 including color filter layers are bonded with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. structure can be formed.

In addition, in the display panel 2000, a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black electrolyte are formed on a 1' substrate 2100, and a 2' substrate 2200 is formed on the 1' substrate 2100 with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. It may also be a liquid crystal display panel of a COT (color filter on transistor) structure bonded with the. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first substrate 2100, a protective film may be formed on the thin film transistor, and a color filter layer may be formed on the protective film. In addition, a pixel electrode contacting the thin film transistor is formed on the first substrate 2100 . At this time, in order to improve the aperture ratio and simplify the mask process, the black electrolyte may be omitted and the common electrode may be formed to serve as the black electrolyte.

In addition, when the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit 3000 providing light from a rear surface of the display panel 2000 .

That is, as shown in FIG. 20 , the light path control member is disposed below the liquid crystal panel and above the backlight unit 3000, and the light path control member is disposed between the backlight unit 3000 and the display panel 2000. can be placed in

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21 , when the display panel 2000 is an organic light emitting diode panel, the light path control member may be formed above the organic light emitting diode panel. That is, when a surface viewed by a user on an organic light emitting diode panel is defined as an upper portion of the organic light emitting diode panel, the light path control member may be disposed above the organic light emitting diode panel. The display panel 2000 may include a self-light emitting device that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 2000 , a thin film transistor may be formed on a 1′ substrate 2100 , and an organic light emitting element contacting the thin film transistor may be formed. The organic light emitting diode may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, a 2' substrate 2200 serving as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation may be further included on the organic light emitting device.

Also, although not shown in the drawings, a polarizer may be further disposed between the light path control member 1000 and the display panel 2000 . The polarizer may be a linear polarizer or an antireflection polarizer. For example, when the display panel 2000 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizer may be a linear polarizer. Also, when the display panel 2000 is an organic light emitting diode panel, the polarizing plate may be an antireflection polarizing plate.

In addition, an additional functional layer 1300 such as an antireflection layer or an antiglare may be further disposed on the light path control member 1000 . In detail, the functional layer 1300 may be bonded to one surface of the first substrate 110 of the light path control member. Although not shown in the drawing, the functional layer 1300 may be adhered to the first substrate 110 of the light path control member through an adhesive layer. In addition, a release film for protecting the functional layer may be further disposed on the functional layer 1300 .

In addition, a touch panel may be further disposed between the display panel and the light path control member.

Although the light path control member is illustrated as being disposed on the upper part of the display panel, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the light control member is located at a position where light can be adjusted, that is, the lower part of the display panel or the display panel. It may be disposed in various positions, such as between the second substrate and the first substrate.

In addition, although the light conversion unit of the light path control member according to the embodiment is shown in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the outer surface of the second substrate in the drawing, the light conversion unit may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the outer surface of the second substrate. may be Accordingly, a moire phenomenon occurring between the display panel and the light path control member may be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24 , the light path control member according to the exemplary embodiment may be applied to various display devices.

For example, when power is applied to the light path control member as shown in FIG. 22, the accommodating part functions as a light transmitting part so that the display device can be driven in open mode, and power is supplied to the light path control member as shown in FIG. 23. When not applied, the accommodating portion functions as a light blocking portion, and the display device may be driven in a light blocking mode.

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

Light emitted from the backlight unit or the self-light emitting element may move in a direction from the first substrate to the second substrate. Alternatively, light emitted from the backlight unit or the self-light emitting device may also move in a direction from the second substrate to the first substrate.

Also, referring to FIG. 24 , 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 information about the vehicle and an image for checking the movement path of the vehicle. The display device may be disposed between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat of a vehicle.

In addition, the light path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to an instrument panel displaying vehicle speed, engine, and warning signals.

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

The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the foregoing 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, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified with respect to other embodiments by those skilled in the art in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to these combinations and variations should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention belongs can exemplify the above to the extent that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It will be seen that various variations 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 variations and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as 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; and
A light path control member including a light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode,
a first sealing part and a second sealing part formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion part and extending in a first direction;
a third sealing part and a fourth sealing part formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion part and extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and
Including a protective layer disposed in contact with the first sealing portion,
The first sealing part is disposed on the outermost side of the light path control member. According to claim 1,
The protective layer is disposed on the front surface of the first sealing portion optical path control member. According to claim 1,
The light path control member includes a first outer surface, a second outer surface, a third outer surface and a fourth outer surface, a shell surface and a lower surface,
wherein the protective layer is disposed on the first outer surface, the second outer surface, the third outer surface, and the upper surface. According to claim 3,
Further comprising an adhesive layer between the first electrode and the light conversion unit,
The light path control member of claim 1 , wherein the protective layer is disposed in contact with the adhesive layer. According to claim 4,
wherein the protective layer is disposed in contact with the first substrate. According to claim 5,
The protective layer is further disposed on the lower surface,
The protective layer is in contact with the side surface and the lower surface of the first substrate. According to claim 1,
The optical path control member of claim 1 , wherein a width of the first sealing portion is smaller than widths of the second sealing portion, the third sealing portion, and the fourth sealing portion. 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; and
A light conversion unit disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode
a first sealing part and a second sealing part formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion part and extending in a first direction; and
A third sealing part and a fourth sealing part formed in a cutting area formed by cutting the second substrate, the second electrode, and the light conversion part and extending in a second direction different from the first direction,
The light path control member of claim 1 , wherein the first sealing portion includes a plurality of patterns disposed on a surface of the first sealing portion. According to claim 8,
The light path control member further comprising a protective layer disposed in contact with the first sealing portion. a panel including at least one of a display panel and a touch panel; and
A display device comprising the light path control member of any one of claims 1 to 9 disposed above or below the panel. According to claim 10,
The panel includes a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display panel,
The light path control member is disposed between the backlight unit and the liquid crystal display panel,
The light emitted from the backlight unit moves in a direction from the first substrate to the second substrate. According to claim 10,
The panel includes an organic light emitting diode panel,
The light path control member is disposed on the organic light emitting diode panel,
The display device of claim 1 , wherein light emitted from the panel moves in a direction from the first substrate to the second substrate.

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