OPTICAL SHEET ASSEMBLY AND DISPLAY APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME

An optical sheet assembly disposed on a display panel including a pixel area displaying an image and a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area, the optical sheet assembly includes a polarizing plate on the display panel, a light blocking pattern on the polarizing plate, a portion of the polarizing plate in the pixel area being exposed through openings in the light blocking pattern, and a hard coating layer on the polarizing plate, the hard coating layer covering an upper surface of the light blocking pattern and the exposed portion of the polarizing plate in the pixel area.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, patterns and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, patterns and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer pattern or section from another region, layer, pattern or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

FIG. 1is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device in accordance with example embodiment.FIG. 2is a cross-sectional of the display device inFIG. 1, andFIG. 3is a detailed cross-sectional view along line I-I′ ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, a display device includes an optical sheet assembly1000and a display panel500.

The optical sheet assembly1000includes a polarizing plate1200, a light blocking pattern1300, and a hard coating layer1400. The polarizing plate1200, the light blocking pattern1300, and the hard coating layer1400are integrally formed with the optical sheet assembly1000. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly1000is disposed on the display panel500. The optical sheet assembly1000is integrally attached to the display panel500to form a display device.

The polarizing plate1200polarizes light exiting from the display panel500to display an image on the display device. For example, the polarizing plate1200includes triacetate cellulose (TAC) film, polycarbonate (PC) film, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) film, grid polarizing plate, an anisotropic mineral substrate such as calcite, etc. The polarizing plate1200is disposed on the display panel500to make contact with an upper surface of the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, an entire surface of the polarizing plate1200is integrally combined with the entire upper surface of the display panel500to form the display device. A transparent film (not shown) such as a retardation film (not shown), a TAC film, a PC film, a PVA film, etc. may be interposed between the polarizing plate1200and the display panel500.

The light blocking pattern1300blocks a portion of light having passed through the polarizing plate1200to improve a ratio of an image. The light blocking pattern1300may be formed on, e.g., directly on, the polarizing plate1200by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc. For example, the light blocking pattern1300is formed by printing an opaque material, e.g., ink, dye, ink, metal, etc., on the polarizing plate1200, or is formed by depositing a metal film on the polarizing plate1200and partially etching the deposited metal film by a photo resist process. The light blocking1300may have various colors, e.g., black, white, silver, etc. The light blocking pattern1300may correspond to the pixel area I and block a peripheral area II. In other words, the patterns of the light blocking pattern1300may block light in the peripheral area II and may define overlapping the pixel areas I, e.g., so light from the polarizing plate1200may pass only through the openings of the light blocking pattern1300. An information pattern1390displaying, e.g., a company logo, a proprietary name, an identification number, etc., may be formed in the same layer as the light blocking pattern1300. A transparent film (not shown) such as a TAC film, a PC film, a PVA film, etc. may be disposed on the light blocking pattern1300.

The hard coating layer1400disposed on the polarizing plate1200, on which the light blocking pattern1300is formed, covers the light blocking pattern1300and the polarizing plate1200. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer1400directly contacts an upper surface of the light blocking pattern1300and the polarizing plate1200, e.g., the hard coating layer1400is in the openings of the light blocking pattern1300to directly contact the polarizing plate1200through the openings in the light blocking pattern1300. For example, the hard coating layer1400may be an outermost layer of the optical sheet assembly1000, and may improve a surface hardness of the optical sheet assembly1000to protect the optical sheet assembly1000from external impact, e.g., shock, scratch, etc.

The hard coating layer1400includes an inorganic material, e.g., SiOx, SiNx, and/or chrome, etc., or includes a highly polymerized compound, e.g., acryl, acrylate, and/or polycarbonate. When the hard coating layer1400includes the inorganic material, the hard coating layer1400may be formed by an evaporating process. When the hard coating layer1400includes the organic material, the hard coating layer1400may be formed by coating the organic material on the polarizing plate1200and the light blocking pattern1300, followed by applying a heat-treatment process to the coated organic material to form the hard coating layer1400.

The hard coating layer1400may include a low-reflection coating, e.g., the hard coating layer1400may be a low-reflection layer. The low-reflection coating may include, e.g., chrome, silica particles, etc. For example, the hard coating layer1400having the low-reflection coating may be formed by depositing chrome on the polarizing plate1200, on which the light blocking pattern1300is formed.

The display panel500may include a pixel area I and a peripheral area II surrounding the pixel area I. In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel area I may have substantially the same area and shape, respectively.

The display panel500may include a first substrate510, switching structures, a first electrode570, display devices, a second electrode620, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the display device includes a light emitting structure. For example, the organic luminescent display device described with reference toFIG. 1or3may have a bottom illumination structure. In this exemplary embodiment, the light emitting structure includes an organic electroluminescence element. In another exemplary embodiment, the display device may include a crystal control device controlling a light transmittance thereof, a light-shutter device, an electrophoresis device, etc.

The switching structures may be disposed on a first substrate510. The first electrode570may be situated on the switching structures and may be electrically connected to the switching structures. The light emitting structures may be disposed between the first electrode570and the second electrode620.

The first substrate510may include a transparent insulation substrate. In this exemplary embodiment, the first substrate510may include, e.g., a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a transparent plastic substrate, etc. For example, the first substrate510may include a transparent resin, e.g., a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyester resin, a polyacryl resin, a polyepoxy resin, a polyethylene resin, a polystyrene resin, a polyethylene naphthalate resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyvinylchloride resin, a polypropylene resin, a cyclo-olefin copolymer, a triacetyl cellulose, a mixture thereof, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, the first substrate510may include a flexible substrate.

When the organic light emitting display device is an active matrix type, the switching structure may be interposed between the first substrate510and the first electrode570. In exemplary embodiments, the switching structures may respectively include switching devices, e.g., a thin film transistor (TFT) and multiple insulation layers. When the switching device in the switching structure includes a TFT, the switching device may include a gate electrode552, a source electrode554, a drain electrode556, a semiconductor layer530, etc.

A gate signal may be applied to the gate electrode552while a data signal may be applied to the source electrode554. The drain electrode556may be electrically connected to the first electrode570. The semiconductor layer530may make electrical contact with the source electrode554and the drain electrode556. The semiconductor layer530may include a source region534contacting the source electrode554, a drain region536contacting the drain electrode556and a channel region532between the source region534and the drain region536.

A gate insulation layer540electrically insulating the gate electrode552from the semiconductor layer530may be disposed on the semiconductor layer530. A first insulation layer560may be disposed on the gate insulation layer540to cover the gate electrode552.

In the switching device illustrated inFIG. 3, the TFT may have a top gate structure. In the top gate structure, the gate electrode552is disposed over the semiconductor layer530. However, the switching device may have various structures. For example, the TFT may have a bottom gate structure. In the bottom gate structure, a gate electrode may be disposed under the semiconductor layer.

A second insulation layer565may be disposed on the first insulation layer560to cover the source electrode554and the drain electrode556. In example embodiments, the second insulation layer565may have a substantially flat surface obtained by a planarization process

Each of the light emitting structures may include a hole transfer layer (HIL)590, an organic light emitting layer (EL)600, an electron transfer layer (ETL)610, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the organic light emitting layer600may include an organic material or a mixture of organic materials and inorganic materials for generating a red color of light, a green color of light, and/or a blue color of light. In some example embodiments, the organic light emitting layer600may have a stacked structure that includes a plurality of light emitting films for generating light having the different wavelengths.

The first electrode570may be disposed between the switching structure and the light emitting structure. A second electrode620may be disposed between the light emitting structure and a second substrate660. A pixel defining layer575may be disposed in a region between the switching structure and the light emitting structure where the first electrode570is not positioned.

In example embodiments, the first electrode570may be an anode for providing holes into the hole transfer layer590of the light emitting structure. The second electrode620may be a cathode for supplying electrons into the electron transfer layer610. Depending on an emission type of the OLED display device, the first electrode570may be a transparent electrode or a semi-transparent electrode, and the second electrode620may be a reflective electrode. For example, the first electrode570may include a transparent conductive material, e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), tin oxide (SnOx), gallium oxide (GaOx), etc. The second electrode620may include a reflective material, e.g., aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), tantalum (Ta), ruthenium (Ru), alloys thereof, nitrides thereof, etc. These may be used alone or in a combination thereof.

The second substrate660may be disposed on the second electrode620. The second substrate660may include a transparent substrate. In this exemplary embodiment, the second660substrate may include, e.g., a glass substrate, a transparent plastic substrate, etc. For example, the second substrate660may include a transparent resin, e.g., a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyester resin, a polyacryl resin, a polyepoxy resin, a polyethylene resin, a polystyrene resin, a polyethylene naphthalate resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyvinylchloride, a polypropylene resin, a cyclo olefin copolymer, triacetyl cellulose, a mixture of thereof, etc. Meanwhile, the second substrate660may include a flexible substrate. In this exemplary embodiment, the second substrate660may include substantially the same material as the first substrate510, or the first substrate510and the second substrate660may include different materials.

In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer1400is directly formed on the polarizing plate1200and on light blocking pattern1300. Thus, extra glass substrate and synthetic resin will be omitted.

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, parts except a light blocking pattern2300, a first polarizing plate2210, and a second polarizing plate2220are substantially the same as in the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 4, an optical assembly2000includes the first polarizing plate2210, the light blocking pattern2300, the second polarizing plate2220, and a hard coating layer2400. The polarizing plate2210, the light blocking pattern2300, the second polarizing plate2220, and the hard coating layer2400are integrally formed within the optical sheet assembly2000. The optical sheet assembly2000is disposed on the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly2000is integrally attached to the display panel500to form the display device.

The first firstly polarizing plate2210polarizes light exiting from the display panel500. The first polarizing plate2210is disposed on the display panel500to contact the upper surface of the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, an entire surface of the first polarizing plate2210is combined with an entire surface of the display panel500.

The light blocking pattern2300blocks a portion of the light having passed through the polarizing plate2210to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The light blocking pattern2300may be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc.

The second polarizing plate2220polarizes polarized light that passes through an opening2350of the light blocking pattern2300. In this exemplary embodiment, a degree of the polarized light by the first and the second polarizing is the same as the degree described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3.

The second polarizing plate2220is disposed on the light blocking pattern2300to form a space for the opening2350. That is, the light blocking pattern2300is between the first and second polarizing plates2210and2220, so the opening in the light blocking pattern2300define empty spaces between the first and second polarizing plates2210and2220. For example, a space in the opening2350includes vacuum or is filled with at least one of air, nitrogen, and argon gas. In this exemplary embodiment, the light exiting from the first polarizing plate2210is refracted by exiting from an upper surface of the polarizing plate2210into the opening2350, and then refracted by entering the lower surface of the second polarizing plate2220from the opening2350. Thus, optical characteristics, e.g., luminance uniformity and viewing angle, may improve. Prism pattern (not shown), convex and concave pattern (not shown), light diffusion pattern (not shown), etc. may be formed on an upper surface of the first polarizing plate2210and on a lower surface of the second polarizing plate2220. In another exemplary embodiment, a portion of the upper surface of the first polarizing plate2210and a portion of the lower surface of the second polarizing plate2220may be contacted closely by the opening2350of the light blocking pattern2300. A space between the first polarizing plate2210and the second polarizing plate2220may be omitted by the opening2350of the light blocking pattern2300, e.g., the light blocking pattern2300may be in directed contact with each of the first and second polarizing plates22210and2220.

The hard coating layer2400is disposed on an upper surface of the second polarizing plate2220. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer2400is in direct contact with the upper surface of the second polarizing plate2220. The hard coating layer2400improves a surface hardness of the optical sheet assembly2000to protect the optical sheet assembly from an external shock, a scratch, etc.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the light blocking pattern2300is disposed between the first polarizing plate2210and the second polarizing plate2220to have a flat surface of the optical sheet assembly. The space between the first polarizing plate2210and the second polarizing plate2220is formed by the opening2350to improve optical characteristics.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, parts except the light blocking pattern2300, the polarizing plate2200, and an overcoating layer3500are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring theFIG. 5, an optical sheet assembly300includes a polarizing plate3200, a light blocking pattern3300, an overcoating layer3500, and a hard coating layer3400. The polarizing plate3200, the light blocking pattern3300, the overcoating layer3500, and the hard coating layer3400are integrally formed within the optical sheet assembly3000. The optical sheet assembly3000is disposed on the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly integrally attached to the display panel500to form the display device.

The polarizing plate3200polarized a light exiting from the display panel500. The polarizing plate3200is disposed on the display panel500to contact to the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, an entire surface of the polarizing panel3200is combined with an entire surface of the display panel500.

The light blocking pattern3300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the polarizing plate1200to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The light blocking pattern3300may be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc

The overcoating layer3500is disposed on the polarizing plate3200to cover the light blocking pattern3300. For example, the overcoating layer3500seals the light blocking pattern3300and exposes an opening3350of the light blocking pattern3300. The overcoating layer3500includes organic polymer materials, e.g., photo resist, epoxy, acryl, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer3500coats a photo resist layer on the polarizing plate3200, on which the light blocking pattern3300is formed. And then, the overcoating layer3500is formed by an exposure process and a development process. In another exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer3500may include inorganic materials.

The hard coating layer3400is disposed on the polarizing plate3200, on which the light blocking pattern3300and the overcoating layer3200are formed. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer3400is directly contacted to an upper surface of the polarizing plate3200being exposed by an upper surface of the overcoating layer and the opening3350.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer3500is interposed between the light blocking pattern3300and the hard coating layer3400to prevent a chemical reaction between ink in the light blocking pattern3300and the hard coating layer3400.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except a light blocking pattern4300, a first polarizing plate4210, a second polarizing plate4220, and an overcoating layer4500are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 6, an optical assembly4000includes the first polarizing plate4210, the light blocking pattern4300, the overcoating layer4500, the second polarizing plate4220, and the hard coating layer4400. The first polarizing plate4210, the light blocking pattern4300, the overcoating layer4500, the second polarizing plate4220, and the hard coating layer4400are integrally formed with the optical sheet assembly4000. The optical sheet assembly4000is disposed on the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly4000is integrally attached to the display panel500to form the display device.

The first polarizing plate4210polarizes a light exiting from the display panel500. The first polarizing plate4210is disposed on the display panel500to contact the upper surface of the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, an entire surface of the first polarizing plate4210is combined with an entire surface of the display panel500.

The light blocking pattern4300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the polarizing plate4210to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The light blocking pattern4300may be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc. The light blocking pattern includes the opening4350, which passes light therethrough.

An overcoating layer4500is disposed on the light blocking pattern4210to cover a side surface of the light blocking pattern4300and to fill the opening4350. In this exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer4500includes transparent polymer materials such as photo resist, epoxy, acryl, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer4500is only disposed in the opening4350. The overcoating layer4500includes photo resist and the overcoating layer is formed by a photo process. In another exemplary embodiment, overcoating layer4500is disposed not only in the4500but on an upper surface of the light blocking pattern4300and may seal the light blocking pattern4300. The overcoating layer4500is formed by coating a photo resist and an extra process may be omitted.

The second polarizing plate4220polarizes the first polarized light having passed through the opening4350of the light blocking pattern4300. In this exemplary embodiment, the degree polarized by the first polarization and the second polarization is the same as the degree polarized by the polarizing plate1200illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3.

The second polarizing plate4220is disposed on the light blocking pattern4300and the overcoating layer4500. In this exemplary embodiment, light exiting from the first polarizing plate4210toward the overcoating layer4500disposed in the opening4350is firstly reflected at the boundary surface between the first polarizing plate4210and the overcoating layer4500. And, the light exiting from the first polarizing plate4210by the overcoating layer disposed in the opening4350is secondly reflected at the boundary surface between the second polarizing plate4220and the overcoating layer4500.

Thus, optical characteristics such as luminance uniformity and viewing angle may improve. Prism pattern, convex and concave pattern, light diffusion pattern, etc may be formed on a surface of the first polarizing plate and the lower surface of the second polarizing plate. In another exemplary embodiment, bubbles, diffusion bids, etc. may be disposed in the overcoating layer4500.

The hard coating layer4400is disposed on the second polarizing plate4220. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer4400directly contacts the upper surface of the second polarizing plate4220. The hard coating layer4400improves a surface hardness of the optical sheet assembly4000to protect the optical sheet assembly4000from an external shock or a scratch.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the light blocking pattern4300is disposed between the first polarizing plate4210and the second polarizing plate4220to have flat surface of an optical sheet assembly. The overcoating layer4500is formed between the first polarizing plate4210and the second polarizing plate4220to improve optical characteristics. Also, ink in the light blocking patter4300is prevented from diffusing into the opening4350.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except a second substrate660ofFIG. 3and the polarizing plate5200are the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Referring toFIG. 7, the display device includes a display panel501and an optical sheet assembly5000.

The optical sheet assembly5000includes a polarizing plate5200, a light blocking pattern5300, and a hard coating layer5400. The polarizing plate5200, the light blocking pattern5300, and the hard coating layer5400are integrally formed with the optical sheet assembly5000. The optical sheet assembly5000is disposed on the display panel501. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly1000is integrally formed with the display panel501.

The polarizing plate5200polarizes light exiting from the display panel501to display an image on the display device. For example, the polarizing plate5200includes an anisotropic mineral substrate such as triacetate cellulose (TAC) film, polycarbonate (PC) film, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) film, grid polarizing plate, calcite, etc. The polarizing plate5200is disposed on display panel501to make contact with the upper surface of the display panel501. In this exemplary embodiment, an entire surface of the polarizing plate5200is integrally combined with the entire upper surface of the display panel501to form the display device.

The polarizing plate5200polarizes light exiting from the display panel501to display an image on the display device. For example, the polarizing plate5200includes triacetate cellulose (TAC) film, polycarbonate (PC) film, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) film, grid polarizing plate, an anisotropic mineral substrate such as calcite, etc. The polarizing plate5200is disposed on display panel501to make contact with an upper surface of the display panel501. An entire surface of the polarizing plate5200is combined with an entire upper surface of the display panel. In this exemplary embodiment, a lower surface of the polarizing plate5200is contacted with a second electrode620of the display panel501. The display panel501may include the pixel area I and the peripheral area II surrounding the pixel area I.

The display panel501has a stacked structure of the first substrate510, the gate insulator film540, the first insulator layer560, the second layer565, the first electrode570, the pixel defining layer575, the hole transfer layer590, the organic light emitting layer600, the electron transfer layer610, and the second electrode. A switching device disposed on the first substrate510includes a thin film transistor including the gate electrode552, the source electrode554, the drain electrode556, the semiconductor layer530, etc.

In a process of manufacturing a display device, the display panel501is formed, and then the display device is formed by stacking the polarizing plate5200, the light blocking pattern5300, and the hard coating layer5400sequentially on the second electrode620of the display panel501. In another exemplary embodiment, the display panel501and the optical sheet assembly5200may be separately formed, and then be combined.

In this exemplary embodiment, the second substrate660ofFIG. 3is omitted. The polarizing plate5200performs a function of the second substrate to make the thickness of the display device reduced and make manufacturing process simple.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except a base substrate6500and a polarizing pattern6320are substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 8, the display device includes the display panel500and the optical sheet assembly6000. The optical sheet assembly6000includes a base substrate6500, a light blocking pattern6300, a polarizing pattern6210, and a hard coating layer.

The base substrate6500may include a transparent insulator substrate. In this exemplary embodiment, the base substrate6500may include glass substrate, quartz substrate, a transparent plastic substrate, etc. For example, the base substrate6500may include such as polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyester resin, a polyacryl resin, polyepoxy resin, polyethylene resin, a polystyrene resin, polyethylene naphthalate resin, poly carbonate resin, poly vinyl chloride resin, polypropylene resin, cyclo olefin copolymer, triacetyl cellulose, a mixture thereof, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, the base substrate6500may include a flexible substrate.

The light blocking pattern6300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the base substrate6500to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The light blocking pattern6300is formed in the peripheral area II, and opens the pixel area I. The light blocking pattern6300blocks the peripheral area II. In this exemplary embodiment, the polarizing pattern6210is directly formed on the base substrate6500.

In this exemplary embodiment, the polarizing pattern6210includes a grid polarizing pattern including the multiple wire grid patterns. Each grid pattern has dozens to hundreds of pitch, width, and height. For example, each grid pattern may have 80 nm˜120 nm of pitch, 50 nm˜100 nm of width, and 100 nm˜200 nm of height. For example, the polarizing pattern6210includes an opaque material such as ink, dye, ink, metal, etc. When the polarizing pattern6210includes a metal, aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), chrome (Cr), silver (Ag), nickel-chrome alloy, gold (Au), etc. A groove may be formed on the base substrate, and the polarizing pattern6210may be formed in the groove. Light passing through spaces6220between adjacent grid patterns is polarized by diffraction, reflection, deflection, etc.

In this exemplary embodiment, the light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210include the same material and both are formed in the same layer. The light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210may be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc. For example, the light pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210may be formed by depositing a metal film on the polarizing plate and partially etching the deposited metal film. The light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210are formed in the same layer and the light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210may further form an information pattern displaying a company logo, a proprietary name, an identification number, etc.

The hard coating layer6400disposed on the base substrate6210, on which the light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210are formed, covers the light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer6400is directly contacted with an upper surface of the light blocking pattern, an upper surface and a side of the polarizing pattern6210, and an upper surface of the base substrate6500.

In the example embodiment, the optical sheet assembly6000includes the polarizing pattern6210having a grid pattern instead of a polarizing plate to enhance the luminance. The light blocking pattern6300and the polarizing pattern6210are formed at the same time to make the manufacturing process simple.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except a base substrate7500and a polarizing pattern7210plate are the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIG. 7. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 9, a display device includes an optical assembly7000. The optical sheet assembly7000includes the base substrate7500, a light blocking pattern7300, the polarizing pattern7210, and a hard coating layer7400.

The light blocking pattern7300and the polarizing pattern7210are directly formed on the base substrate7500. The polarizing pattern7210includes a grid pattern having the multiple wire grid patterns. In this exemplary embodiment, the light blocking pattern7300and the polarizing pattern7210include the same material. The light blocking pattern7300and the polarizing pattern7210are formed in the same layer.

The hard coating layer7400is disposed on the base substrate7500, on which the light blocking pattern7300and the polarizing pattern7210are formed, to cover the light blocking pattern7300and the polarizing pattern7210. In the exemplary embodiment, luminance of a display device may improve. Also, manufacturing process may be simple and thickness may be thin.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except the light blocking pattern21300are the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 10, a display device includes an optical assembly21000and the display panel500.

The optical sheet assembly21000includes a polarizing plate21200, a light blocking pattern21300, and a hard coating layer21400. The polarizing plate21200, the light blocking pattern21300, and the hard coating layer21400are integrally combined to form the optical sheet assembly1000. The optical sheet assembly21000is disposed on the display panel500.

The polarizing plate21200polarizes light exiting from the display panel500to display an image on the display device. The polarizing plate21200is disposed on the display panel500to contact with the upper surface of the display panel500.

The light blocking pattern21300is disposed between the display panel500and the polarizing plate21200. The light blocking pattern21300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the display panel500to improve a contrast ratio of an image. An information pattern1390ofFIG. 1displaying a company logo, a proprietary name, an identification number, etc. may be formed in the same layer with the light blocking pattern21300.

The hard coating layer is disposed on the polarizing plate21200to cover the polarizing plate21200. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer21400is directly contacted with an entire surface of the polarizing plate21200. The hard coating layer21400may include a low-reflection coating. Transparent film such as a retardation film, a TAC film, a PC film, a PVA film, etc. may be interposed between the polarizing plate1200and the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer1400is directly formed on the polarizing plate to omit extra glass substrate and synthetic resin substrate.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except a light blocking pattern22300and a polarizing pattern22220are the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIG. 4. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 11, the optical assembly22000includes the light blocking pattern22300, the first polarizing plate22200, and a hard coating layer22400. The light blocking pattern, the polarizing plate22220and the hard coating layer22220are integrally formed with the optical sheet assembly4000. The optical sheet assembly22000is disposed on the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly22000is integrally attached to the display panel500to form the display device.

The light blocking pattern22300is disposed between the polarizing plate22220and the display panel500. For example, the light blocking pattern22300may be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc. The light blocking pattern22300blocks the portion of the light from the display panel500to improve a contrast ratio of an image

The polarizing plate22220is disposed on the display panel500. The polarizing plate22220polarizes the light passed through an opening22350of the light blocking pattern22300. The polarizing plate22220is disposed on the light blocking pattern22300to form the space where the opening22350is disposed.

For example, the space in the opening22350is vacuum or is filled with air, nitrogen, and/or argon gas, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the light exiting from the display panel500toward the space in the opening22350is firstly refracted by exiting from an upper surface of the display panel and secondly reflected by entering the lower surface of the second polarizing plate22220. Thus, optical characteristics such as luminance uniformity, viewing angle improve. Prism pattern, convex and concave pattern, light diffusion pattern, etc. may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel500and a lower surface of the polarizing plate22220. In another exemplary embodiment, a portion of the upper surface of the display panel500and the portion of the lower surface of the polarizing plate22220may be contacted closely by the opening22350of the light blocking pattern22300. Also, the space between the display panel500and the polarizing plate22220may be omitted by the opening22350of the light blocking pattern2300.

The hard coating layer22400is disposed on the polarizing plate22220. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer22400is directly contacted with an upper surface of the polarizing plate22220. In the exemplary embodiment, the space between the display panel500and the polarizing plate22220is formed by the opening22350to improve optical characteristics.

FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer24500is the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIG. 11. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 12, an optical assembly24000includes the light blocking pattern24300, the overcoating layer24500, the polarizing plate24300, and a hard coating layer24220. The light blocking pattern24300, the overcoating layer24500, the polarizing plate24220and the hard coating layer24400are integrally formed with the optical sheet assembly24000. The optical sheet assembly24000is disposed on the display panel500. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet assembly24000is integrally attached to the display panel500to form the display device

The polarizing plate24220is disposed on the display panel500. A light blocking pattern24300is disposed between the display panel500and the polarizing plate24220. For example, the light blocking pattern24300may be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc. on an upper surface of the display panel500. The light blocking pattern24300may also be formed by printing, a photo process, a photo resist process, etc. on a lower surface of the polarizing plate24220. The light blocking pattern24300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the display panel500to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The light blocking pattern includes an opening24350, which makes light pass through.

The overcoating layer24500fills the opening24350of the light blocking pattern24300. In this exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer24500includes transparent polymer materials such as photo resist, epoxy, acryl, etc. For example, the overcoating layer24500is disposed only in the opening24350. In another embodiment, the overcoating layer24500is disposed not only in the opening24350but an upper side of the light blocking pattern24300to seal the light blocking pattern24300and cover an entire surface of the display panel500.

The polarizing plate24220polarizes the light having passed through an opening44350of a light blocking pattern444300. The polarizing plate24220is disposed on the light blocking pattern24300and the overcoating layer24500. In this exemplary embodiment, the light exiting from the display panel500by the overcoating layer24500disposed in the opening24350is firstly reflected at the boundary surface between the polarizing plate24220and the overcoating layer24500. And, the light exiting from the first polarizing plate24220by the overcoating layer disposed in the opening24350is secondly reflected at the boundary surface between the second polarizing plate and the overcoating layer24500.

Thus, optical characteristics such as luminance uniformity, viewing angle improve. Prism pattern, convex and concave pattern, light diffusion pattern, etc may be formed on an upper surface of the display panel500and the lower surface of the polarizing plate24220. In another exemplary embodiment, bubbles, diffusion bids, etc. may be disposed in the overcoating layer4500.

The hard coating layer24400is disposed on the polarizing plate24220. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer24400is directly contacted with an upper surface of the polarizing plate24220.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the overcoating layer is formed between the display panel500and the polarizing plate to improve the optical characteristics and prevent ink from diffusing into the opening24350.

FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except a polarizing pattern26210and a transparent film26500are the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIG. 10. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 13, a display device includes an optical sheet assembly26000and the display panel500. The optical sheet assembly26000includes the transparent film26500, a light blocking pattern26300, a polarizing pattern26210and a hard coating layer26400. The transparent film26500, the light blocking pattern26300, the polarizing pattern26210and the hard coating layer26400are integrally formed with the optical sheet assembly26000.

The transparent film26500is disposed on the display panel500. The light blocking pattern26300and the polarizing pattern26210is disposed between the display panel500and the transparent film26500.

The light blocking pattern26300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the display panel500to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The polarizing pattern26210includes a grid pattern having the multiple wire grid patterns. In this exemplary embodiment, the light blocking pattern26300and the polarizing pattern26210include the same material. The light blocking pattern26300and the polarizing pattern26210are formed from the same layer.

An information pattern1390ofFIG. 1displaying a company logo, a proprietary name, an identification number, etc. may be formed from the same layer with the light blocking pattern26300and the polarizing pattern26210.

The hard coating layer is disposed on the polarizing plate26500to cover the transparent film26500. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer26400is directly contacted with an entire surface of the transparent film26500. The hard coating layer26400may include a low-reflection coating.

A transparent film such as a retardation film, a TAC film, a PC film, a PVA film, etc. may be interposed between the polarizing plate26300and the display panel500.

In another exemplary embodiment, the transparent film26500may be omitted and the hard coating layer26400may be directly formed on the light blocking pattern26300and the polarizing pattern26210.

In this exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layer26400is directly formed on the transparent film26500to omit extra glass substrate and synthetic resin substrate. Also, the luminance of a display device improves.

FIG. 14Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment.FIG. 14Bis the image illustrating the surface of an optical sheet inFIG. 14A.

ReferringFIG. 14AandFIG. 14B, an optical sheet assembly includes a polarizing plate8200, a light blocking pattern8300, a hard coating layer8400, and a low reflection layer8450. In this exemplary embodiment, the polarizing plate8200includes TAC film.

The light blocking pattern8300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the polarizing plate8200to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The hard coating layer8400is disposed on the polarizing plate8200, which the light blocking pattern8300is formed with, to cover the light blocking pattern8300and the polarizing plate8200. The low-reflection coating layer8450is disposed on the hard coating layer8400to degrade the flexibility of the surface. Thus, the reflectivity of the light entering from the exterior decreases to improve contrast ratio of an image.

The low-reflecting coating8450may include, e.g., chrome, silica particles, etc. For example, chrome may be disposed on the hard coating layer8400to form the low-reflection coating layer8450.

ReferringFIG. 14B, the uniformity of the surface may be degraded by a chemical reaction of ink between the hard coating layer8400and the light blocking pattern8300. In this exemplary embodiment, the reflectivity of external light is decreased by the low-reflection coating layer8450to improve the contrast ratio.

FIG. 15Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment.FIG. 15Bis the image illustrating the surface of an optical sheet inFIG. 15A.

ReferringFIG. 15AandFIG. 15B, an optical sheet assembly includes a polarizing plate8200and a light blocking pattern8300. In this exemplary embodiment, the polarizing plate8200includes TAC film. The light blocking pattern8300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the display panel8200to improve a contrast ratio of an image. ReferringFIG. 15B, an optical sheet assembly only formed by the polarizing plate8200and the light blocking pattern8300has a flat surface.

FIG. 16Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment.FIG. 16Bis the image illustrating the surface of an optical sheet inFIG. 16A.

ReferringFIG. 16aandFIG. 16B, an optical sheet assembly includes the polarizing plate8200, the hard coating layer8300, and the low-reflection coating layer8450. In this exemplary embodiment, the polarizing plate8200includes TAC film.

The hard coating layer8400is disposed on the polarizing plate8200. The low-reflection coating layer8450is disposed on the hard coating layer to degrade the reflectivity of the surface. ReferringFIG. 16B, an optical sheet assembly composed of the polarizing plate8200, the hard coating layer8300, and the low-reflection coating layer8450has flat surface.

FIG. 17Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment.FIG. 17Bis the image illustrating the surface of an optical sheet inFIG. 17A. In this exemplary embodiment, remaining parts except the hard coating layer8410is the same as the exemplary embodiment described with reference toFIG. 10A. Thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted

ReferringFIG. 17AandFIG. 17B, an optical sheet assembly includes the polarizing plate8200, the light blocking pattern8300, and the low-reflection layer8450. The light blocking pattern8300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the polarizing plate8200to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The hard coating layer8410is disposed on the polarizing plate8200to cover the light blocking pattern8300and the polarizing plate8200. The hard coating layer8410of this exemplary embodiment irradiates more UV rays than the hard coating layer8400ofFIG. 10A. When more UV rays are irradiated during formation of the hard coating layer8410, the drying amount may be increased to eliminate solvent in the hard coating layer8410. The low-reflection coating layer8450is disposed on the hard coating layer8400to degrade the reflectivity of the surface. Thus, the reflectivity of the light entering from the exterior is degraded to improve the contrast of an image. The low-reflection coating layer8450may include, e.g., chrome, a particle of silica, etc. For example, chrome may be disposed on the hard coating layer8400to form the low-reflection coating layer8450. ReferringFIG. 17A, although the irradiation mount of the hard coating layer8410increases to eliminate the solvent in the hard coating layer8410, an optical sheet assembly has uneven surface.

FIG. 18Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device in accordance with another example embodiment.FIG. 18Bis the image illustrating the surface of an optical sheet inFIG. 18A.

ReferringFIG. 18aandFIG. 18B, an optical sheet assembly includes the polarizing plate8200, the light blocking pattern8300, and a solvent layer8420.

The light blocking pattern8300blocks the portion of the light having passed through the polarizing plate8200to improve a contrast ratio of an image. The solvent layer8420is disposed on the light blocking pattern8300to cover the light blocking pattern8300. ReferringFIG. 18Ba chemical reaction between solvent in the solvent layer8420and ink in the light blocking pattern8300occurs to have optical sheet assembly the uneven surface.

According to an optical sheet assembly and a display apparatus having the optical sheet assembly of the example embodiments, an optical sheet assembly may be formed omitting an extra cover glass. In other words, the number of glass substrate or the number of plastic substrate is decreased to form the integrated optical sheet assembly. Thus, when the optical sheet assembly is applied to a display device, the thickness of a display device may be reduced and luminance of display device may improve. Further, assembly efficiency may be improved, i.e., assembly progress may be simple and malfunction may be reduced.

In contrast, in a conventional display device, various optical sheets are needed to upgrade quality of images. When the number of optical sheet in one display device increases, a thickness of the display device increases. Also, assemblage efficiency may decrease and manufacturing costs may increase.

Example embodiments provide methods an organic light emitting display devices, however, a display device including various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an electrophoresis display panel, etc. may be included.