Display device

A display device includes a display panel, a light source and an optical component which receives light from the light source, outputs the provided light toward the display panel, and includes a light guiding film which guides the light toward the display panel, an optical sheet which is coupled to the light guiding film, and the optical sheet includes a base film and optical patterns disposed between the base film and the light guiding film to adjust the traveling direction of the light, and a reinforcing part filled between the base film and the light guiding film corresponding to a periphery of the optical component.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0159029, filed on Nov. 12, 2015 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0042949, filed on Apr. 7, 2016, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the contents of which in their entireties are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the invention herein relate to an optical component and a display device, and more particularly, to an optical component for controlling a traveling direction of light provided from a light source and a display device including the optical component.

2. Description of the Related Art

A display device, such as a liquid crystal display, includes a backlight assembly and a display panel for displaying images using a light outputted from the backlight assembly. The backlight assembly may include a light-emitting unit, a light guide plate and optical sheets controlling a path of a light emitted from the light guide plate.

The light guide plate guides the light generated from the light-emitting unit toward the display panel. A diffusing sheet and a prism sheet are examples of the optical sheets where the diffusing sheet diffuses the light emitted from the light guide plate, and the prism sheet collects the light emitted from the light guide plate toward a front surface direction of the display panel.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a display device including an optical component in which a light guiding film and on optical sheet are integrated, thereby having improved durability.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a display device includes a display panel, a light source, and an optical component. The light source generates light, and the display panel receives the light to display an image. The optical component receives light from the light source and outputs the provided light toward the display panel. The optical component includes a light guiding film, an optical sheet, and a reinforcing part. The light guiding film guides the light toward the display panel, and the optical sheet is coupled to the light guiding film, and includes a base film, and optical patterns disposed between the base film and the light guiding film to adjust the traveling direction of the light. The reinforcing part is filled between the base film and the light guiding film corresponding to a periphery of the optical component.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a display device may include a display panel, a light source, and an optical component which receives light from the light source and outputs the provided light toward the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component may include a light guiding film and an optical sheet coupled to the light guiding film.

In an exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet may include a base film, optical patterns and reinforcing patterns. The optical patterns may be disposed between the base film and the light guiding film. The reinforcing patterns may be disposed between the base film and the light guiding film, and each of the reinforcing patterns may include a reflective layer which is attached to the light guiding film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be understood without difficulties through embodiments below related to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Meanwhile, like reference numerals in the following embodiments and drawings denote like elements.

Also, though the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein for distinguishing one element from another element, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Also, it will be understood that when a film, a region, a component, etc. is referred to as being ‘over’ or “on” another layer, region, or plate, it can be directly on the other layer, region, or plate, or intervening layers, regions, or plates may also be present.

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, andFIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the optical component illustrated inFIG. 1A, andFIG. 2is a plan view illustrating rear surfaces of the light-emitting unit and the optical component illustrated inFIG. 1A.

Referring toFIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, a display device600may be a liquid crystal display device, for example, and the display device600includes a display panel200, a light-emitting unit100, and an optical component300.

The display panel200displays an image using light generated from the light-emitting unit100. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the display panel200may include a first display substrate201, a second display substrate202, and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) interposed between the first display substrate201and the second display substrate202.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first display substrate201may include a plurality of pixel electrodes (not shown) disposed corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of pixel regions, and the second display substrate202may include a common electrode (not shown) facing the plurality of pixel electrodes. However, the exemplary embodiment of the invention is not limited to the aforementioned structures of the first display substrate201and the second display substrate202. In another exemplary embodiment, the second display substrate202may not include the common electrode, and the first display substrate201may instead include the common electrode, for example. In this case, the common electrode may be spaced apart from the plurality of pixel electrodes in the first display substrate201.

The light-emitting unit100includes a drive circuit board PB and a plurality of light sources LG disposed (e.g., mounted) on the drive circuit board PB. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of light sources LG may be a light-emitting diode package, and the plurality of light sources LG receive power from the drive circuit board PB and thereby generate light LT0.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plurality of light sources LG may be arranged along one side of the optical component300. In another exemplary embodiment, other plurality of light sources may further be arranged along the other side of the optical component300.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical component300includes a light guiding film LGF, light-collecting layers LP, an optical sheet ST, and a reinforcing part50. The optical component300receives the light LT0from the plurality of light sources LG, and outputs the received light LT0toward the display panel200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light guiding film LGF may include a polymer material, and the light guiding film LGF may have a shape of a thin film and thus have flexibility. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guiding film LGF may include polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”), or polycarbonate (“PC”), for example, and the thickness of the light guiding film LGF taken along a normal direction perpendicular to the first and second directions D1and D2may be about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, for example.

In the light guiding film LGF, an incident surface LS1, an opposing surface LS2opposing the incident surface LS1, a first connecting surface LS3, a second connecting surface LS4, and an emitting surface LS5(refer toFIG. 4). The light LT0is incident into the light guiding film LGF through the incident surface LS1, and the incident light LT0is emitted to the outside of the light guiding film LGF through the emitting surface. The first connecting surface LS3connects the incident surface LS1to the opposing surface LS2, and the second connecting surface LS4faces the first connecting surface LS3and connects the incident surface LS1to the opposing surface LS2.

When the thickness of the light guiding film LGF is smaller than the width of the light-emitting surface of each of the light sources LG taken along the second direction D2, the width of the incident surface LS1may be designed larger than the width of the opposing surface LS2, or an optical member connecting the incident surface LS1of the light guiding film LGF with the light sources LG may be disposed. Accordingly, an efficiency in which the light LT0is incident into the light guiding film LGF side may be improved.

The light-collecting layers LP are disposed on a rear surface of the light guiding film LGF. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each of the light-collecting layers LP has a shape protruding from the rear surface of the light guiding film LGF, and refracts or reflects the light traveling inside the light guiding film LGF in a direction towards a front surface of the display panel200.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each of the light-collecting layers LP may have a prism shape or a lenticular shape, for example. Also, when a first direction D1from the incident surface LS1toward the opposing surface LS2and a second direction D2perpendicular to the first direction D1are defined, each of the light-collecting layers LP may extend in the first direction D1in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, each of the light-collecting layers LP has a length direction in the first direction D1, and has a width direction in the second direction D2.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the display device600may further include a reflective sheet (not shown) facing the display panel200with the optical component300disposed therebetween. In another exemplary embodiment, instead of the reflective sheet, the rear surface of the light guiding film LGF may be coated with a reflective material, and thus the light LT0may be prevented from leaking through the rear surface of the light guiding film LGF.

The optical sheet ST may be coupled to the light guiding film LGF, and may thereby have a shape integrated with the light guiding film LGF. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet ST includes a base film BS, optical patterns TL, and an adhesive layer AS (refer toFIG. 3A).

The base film BS may have a light-transmitting property together with flexibility. In an exemplary embodiment, the base film BS includes a polymer material such as PET, PMMA, or PC, has a thickness of about several tens of micrometers to about several hundreds of micrometers, and may thereby have a shape of a thin film.

In an exemplary embodiment, the optical patterns TL may include a polymer material having a light-transmitting property such as PET, polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), PC, or PMMA. The optical patterns TL are disposed on the base film BS to contact the adhesive layer AS on the light guiding film LGF, and as a result, the light LT0totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF may be emitted to the outside of the light guiding film LGF through the optical patterns TL. Also, the light LT0is refracted by the optical patterns TL and is collected in a direction toward the front surface of the display panel200.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical patterns TL may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and each of the optical patterns TL may have a dot shape in a plan view. InFIG. 2, although each of the optical patterns TL is illustrated in a circular shape, each of the optical patterns TL may have a dot shape other than the circular shape. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the optical patterns TL may have a dot shape of an ellipse or a polygon, for example.

As described above, since the optical patterns TL emits the light totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF to the outside, the amount of the light LT0emitted from the light guiding film LGF through the optical patterns TL may be increased as the density of the optical patterns TL is increased in the light guiding film LGF. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the closer the optical patterns TL to the incident surface LS1, the smaller the density of the optical patterns TL may become, and the closer the optical patterns TL to the opposing surface LS2, the greater the density of the optical patterns TL may become.

The reinforcing part50is filled, corresponding to the periphery of the optical component300, between the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part50includes a first reinforcing pattern51, a second reinforcing pattern52, a third reinforcing pattern53, and a fourth reinforcing pattern54. The first reinforcing pattern51has a linear shape extending along the incident surface LS1, the second reinforcing pattern52has a linear shape extending along the opposing surface LS2, the third reinforcing pattern53has a linear shape extending along the first connecting surface LS3, and the fourth reinforcing pattern54has a linear shape extending along the second connecting surface LS4.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, two reinforcing patterns adjacent to each other among the first to fourth reinforcing patterns51to54have shapes connected to each other, so that the first to fourth reinforcing patterns51to54may have an integrated shape.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a lower end portion of the reinforcing part50may be adhered to the adhesive layer AS, and an upper end portion of the reinforcing part50may contact the base film BS. That is, the reinforcing part50may function as a supporting spacer between the light guiding film LGF and the base film BS, and thus a coupling force between the optical sheet ST and the light guiding film LGF is improved by the reinforcing part50. Thus, the optical sheet ST may be prevented from being delaminated from the light guiding film LGF.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part50may include the same material as that of the optical patterns TL. In terms of a manufacturing method for the reinforcing part50, when the optical patterns TL are manufactured on the base film BS by an imprinting method, for example, the reinforcing part50may be provided by being imprinted together with the optical patterns TL.

In another exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part50may include a material different from that of the optical patterns TL. More specifically, the reinforcing part50may include a polymer material colored with a black pigment or dye, for example. Accordingly, the optical patterns TL may block the light introduced into the optical component300.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the optical sheet ST is disposed on the light guiding film LGF and has a shape integrated with the light guiding film LGF. The collecting layers LP are disposed on the rear surface of the light guiding film LGF, and the adhesive layer AS is disposed on the upper surface of the light guiding film LGF. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layer AS may include an adhesive material having a light-transmitting property, and the adhesive layer AS may be, for example, an optical clear adhesive.

The optical patterns TL and the first reinforcing pattern51are disposed on the adhesive layer AS to be adhered to the adhesive layer AS, the base film BS is laminated on the optical patterns TL and the first reinforcing pattern51, and a diffusing layer DL is disposed on the base film BS.

The optical patterns TL are arranged to be spaced apart from each other between the light guiding film LGF and the base film BS, and an air layer AR is interposed between two optical patterns adjacent to each other among the optical patterns TL. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical patterns TL may include a polymer material such as PET, PMMA, or PC, and thus the refractive index of the optical patterns TL is greater than that of the air layer AR. Accordingly, a total reflection may be generated at an interface between the optical patterns TL and the air layer AR according to the angle of light incident into the interface after being emitted from the light guiding film LGF.

Referring further toFIG. 1, a method of manufacturing the optical component300having the structure described above is described in detail as follows. A reinforcing part50which includes optical patterns TL and a first reinforcing pattern51is disposed on one surface of a base film BS, and a diffusing layer DL is disposed on the other surface of the base film BS, thereby completing the manufacture of an optical sheet ST. Also, light-collecting layers LP are disposed on one surface of the light guiding film LGF, and an adhesive layer AS is provided on the other surface of the light guiding film LGF. Subsequently, the optical sheet ST is pressed toward the adhesive layer AS, and the optical patterns TL and the reinforcing part50are thereby adhered to the adhesive layer AS. As a result, the manufacture of the optical component300in which the optical sheet ST and the light guiding film LGF are integrated may be completed.

Also, a method of manufacturing the optical component300in plurality is as follows. A plurality of optical patterns including the optical patterns TL, a plurality of reinforcing parts including the reinforcing part50, and a plurality of diffusing layers including the diffusing layer DL are disposed on a preliminary base film which has a size of several times to several hundred times of the base film BS, thereby completing the manufacture of a preliminary optical sheet. Also, a plurality of light-collecting layers including the light-collecting layer LP, and a plurality of adhesive layers including the adhesive layer AS are disposed on a preliminary light guiding film which has a size of several times to several hundred times that of the light guiding film LGF, thereby completing the manufacture of a preliminary light guiding film LGF. Subsequently, preliminary optical components are provided by attaching the preliminary optical sheet to the preliminary light guiding film using the plurality of adhesive layers; and then the preliminary optical components are cut multiple times in a size of the optical component300, thereby forming the optical component300in plurality.

Unlike the exemplary embodiments of the invention, when the optical component300does not include the reinforcing part50, a delamination phenomenon in which the light guiding film LGF is delaminated from the optical sheet ST by the pressure applied to the position at which the preliminary optical components are cut may occur. Especially, when the position at which the preliminary optical components are cut overlaps that of the air layer AR, the delamination phenomenon may occur because there is no supporting means between the light guiding film LGF and the optical sheet ST corresponding to the pressure applied to the preliminary optical components. However, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the reinforcing part50is disposed to overlap the position at which the preliminary optical components are cut, and the light guiding film LGF and the optical sheet ST are supported by the reinforcing part50therebetween, the delamination phenomenon may be prevented from occurring.

The diffusing layer DL is disposed on the base film BS, and faces the optical patterns TL with the base film BS disposed therebetween. The diffusing layer DL diffuses the light which sequentially has passed through the optical patterns TL and the base film BS. Accordingly, after light is collected in a direction toward the front surface of the display panel200by the optical patterns TL, the light may be diffused in the front surface direction by the diffusing layer DL.

As described above in detail, when the preliminary optical sheet and the preliminary light guiding film are simultaneously cut to thereby manufacture the optical component300, an outer surface BSS of the base film, an outer surface50S of the reinforcing part, and the incident surface LS1which is an outer surface of the light guiding film may be positioned on one imaginary plane SS0at one side of the optical component300. Accordingly, this may mean that the imaginary surface SS0is a cut surface at which the preliminary optical sheets and the preliminary light guiding film are simultaneously cut.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the diffusing layer DL may include a binder and diffusing particles distributed inside the binder. In an exemplary embodiment, the diffusing particles may include a semi-transmitting material such as a titanium oxide (TiO2) or an aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

Hereinafter, referring further toFIG. 4, the structure and the function of the optical patterns TL will be described as follows.

FIG. 4is a view for describing the optical function of any one of the optical patterns illustrated inFIG. 3A. Since the optical patterns TL have structures and optical functions similar to one another, the structure and the optical function of one of the optical patterns TL are described in describingFIG. 4, and the description of the remaining optical patterns will not be provided.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 4, the optical pattern TL has an upper surface S1, a lower surface S2, and a side surface SS connecting the upper surface S1to the lower surface S2. The upper surface S1contacts the base film BS with a first width W1, and the lower surface S2contacts the adhesive layer AS with a second width W2.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical pattern TL has a tapered shape, the closer the optical pattern TL to the upper surface S1, the greater the width of the optical pattern TL, and the closer the optical pattern TL to the lower surface S2, the smaller the width of the optical pattern TL. Accordingly, the first width W1may be a maximum width of the optical pattern TL, and the second width W2may be a minimum width of the optical pattern TL.

The side surface SS of the optical pattern TL contacts the air layer AR. Accordingly, due to the difference in refractive indexes of the optical pattern TL and the air layer AR at the side surface, the light may be reflected at the side surface SS.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the side surface SS may have a round shape, for example. More specifically, the side surface SS may have a round shape convex toward the air layer AR. Also, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, when a tangential line TLE of the side surface SS is defined, an acute angle a1between the tangential line TLE and the emitting surface LS3may be about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees, for example. However, the exemplary embodiment of the invention is not limited to the magnitude of the acute angle a1, but the magnitude of the acute angle a1may vary according to the size of the light guiding film LGF or the distance between the optical pattern TL and the light source LG (refer toFIG. 2).

Optical functions of the optical pattern TL having the above-described structure will be described as follows. The light LT0totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF is divided into a first light LT1and a second light LT2. The first light LT1is totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF, then passes through the adhesive layer AS, and is then incident to the optical pattern TL with a first incident angle a11.

Since each of the light guiding film LGF, the adhesive layer AS, and the optical pattern TL has a polymer material to thereby have refractive indexes similar to one another, the total reflection of the first light LT1may be minimized at the interface between the light guiding film LGF and the adhesive layer AS and at the interface between the adhesive layer AS and the optical pattern TL. Accordingly, most of the first light LT1may be incident to the optical pattern TL through the adhesive layer AS.

After the first light LT1is incident to the optical pattern TL, the first light LT1is reflected at the side surface SS of the optical pattern TL. As described above in detail, since the side surface SS contacts the air layer AR, and the air layer AR has the refractive index smaller than that of the optical pattern TL, the reflection of the first light LT1at the side surface SS may be induced.

The side surface SS has a shape convex toward the air layer AR. Accordingly, when viewed in a side surface, the first light LT1which reaches the side surface SS in a direction inclined with respect to the normal line of the light guiding film LGF is reflected at the side surface SS, the traveling direction of the first light LT1may be changed approximately to the front surface direction of the display panel200. Subsequently, the first light LT1is diffused as passing through the diffusing layer TL, and as a result, the first light LT1may be finally emitted from the optical component300.

The second light LT2, after being totally reflected inside the light guiding film, passes through the adhesive layer AS, and is then incident into the optical pattern TL with a second incident angle a12, the second incident angle a12being greater than the first incident angle a11. In this case, unlike the first light LT1, the second light LT2incident to the optical pattern TL may be reflected multiple times at the side surface SS. The greater the number of times that the second light LT2is reflected at the side surface SS is, the more adjacent the traveling direction of the second light LT2to the front surface direction of the display panel is.

FIG. 5Ais a plan view of an optical component and a light-emitting unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, andFIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion taken along line ofFIG. 5A. In describingFIGS. 5A and 5B, previously described components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will not be provided.

Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, an optical component301includes a light guiding film LGF, light-collecting layers LP, and optical sheet ST1, and the optical sheet ST1includes a base film BS, optical patterns TL1, and an adhesive layer AS. Since the optical patterns TL have structures similar to one another, the structure of one of the optical patterns TL1is exemplarily described, and the description of the remaining optical patterns will not be provided.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in a plan view, the optical pattern TL1has an upper surface S11, a lower surface S22, and a side surface SS2connecting the upper surface S11to the lower surface S22. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the length direction of each of the upper surface S11and the lower surface S22is parallel to a second direction D2, and the width direction of each of the upper surface S11and the lower surface S22is parallel to a first direction D1. That is, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated above inFIG. 2, the optical pattern TL (refer toFIG. 2) has a dot shape in a plan view. However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the optical pattern TL1has an elongated shape and thus the length direction and the width direction may be defined for each of the upper surface S11and the lower surface S11.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical component301further includes a light-blocking layer RL. The light-blocking layer RL is disposed on an outer surface50S of a reinforcing part50, and blocks light LT0. Like the illustrated exemplary embodiment, when the reinforcing part50includes first to fourth reinforcing patterns51,52,53, and54, the light-blocking layer RL is disposed on an outer surface of each of the first to fourth reinforcing patterns51,52,53, and54.

The light-blocking layer RL is positioned at the outermost side of the optical component301. Accordingly, when the light-blocking layer RL is not provided to the optical component301, the outer surface50S of the reinforcing part is exposed to the outside. However, when the optical component301includes the light-blocking layer RL, the outer surface50S of the reinforcing part50is covered by the light-blocking layer RL.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the light-blocking layer RL may include a metallic material such as silver (Ag) or aluminum (Al). Accordingly, when the light LT0is provided to the light-blocking layer RL, the light-blocking layer RL reflects the light LT0to thereby prevent the light LT0from being introduced into the optical component301.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light-blocking layer RL may include a polymer material including a titanium oxide or a white pigment, for example, and reflects the light LT0, so that the light LT0may be prevented from being introduced into the optical component301.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the light-blocking layer RL may include a polymer material including carbon or a black pigment. Accordingly, the light-blocking layer RL absorbs the light LT0, and the light LT0may thereby be prevented from being introduced into the optical component301.

FIG. 6is a plan view illustrating an optical component302and a light-emitting unit100according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Since in an optical component302, except for a reinforcing part50-1, the optical component302includes the same components as the aforementioned optical component300(refer toFIG. 1B), overlapping description of the components will not be provided in describingFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 6, the optical component302includes a light guiding film LGF (not shown), light-collecting layers LP, an optical sheet ST (not shown), and a reinforcing part50-1.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part50-1includes a first reinforcing pattern51-1, a second reinforcing pattern52, a third reinforcing pattern53, and a fourth reinforcing pattern54. Each of the second to fourth reinforcing patterns52,53, and54may have a continuous linear shape, and the first reinforcing pattern51-1may have a shape in which a plurality of dots are arranged in a second direction D2.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of dots defining the first reinforcing pattern51-1may be a polygon, and in another exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of dots may have a circular or elliptical shape.

Like the aforementioned embodiments, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part50-1supports the light guiding film of the optical component302and the optical sheet therebetween. Accordingly, the light guiding film and the optical sheet may be prevented from being separated from each other in the optical component302.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view of an optical component303according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. In describingFIG. 7, previously described components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will not be provided.

Referring toFIG. 7, an optical component303includes a light guiding film LGF, light-collecting layers LP, an optical sheet TL, and a reinforcing part50-2.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an outer surface of the reinforcing part50-2has a concavo-convex pattern CXP. Accordingly, before the light generated from a light source LG or provided from the outside of the optical component303is introduced into the optical component303through the reinforcing part50-2, the light may be diffused by the concavo-convex pattern CXP. As a result, although the light is introduced into the optical component303, the brightness of the light outputted by the optical component303may be prevented from being uneven by the introduced light.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in an optical component in which a light guiding film and an optical sheet are integrated, a reinforcing part is filled between the light guiding film and the optical sheet, so that a space between the optical component and the optical sheet may be supported by the reinforcing part. Thus, the light guiding film may be prevented from being separated from the optical component.

Also, according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a light-blocking layer is disposed on an outer surface of a reinforcing part, and thus the light introduced into an optical component through the reinforcing part may be blocked by the light-blocking layer. Thus, the brightness of the light outputted from the optical component may be prevented from being uneven by the introduced light, and the amount of light outputted in a direction inclined with respect to the front surface direction of the optical component is decreased, so that a light-collecting effect of the optical component may be improved.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention. Thus, it is intended that the invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims.

FIG. 8is a plan view illustrating a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, andFIG. 9is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion taken along line IV-IV′ ofFIG. 8. In describingFIGS. 8 and 9, previously described components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will not be provided.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, a display device includes a display panel200, a light-emitting unit100and an optical component304.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical component304includes a light guiding film LGF, light-collecting layers LP, an optical sheet ST1, and the light guiding film LGF and the optical sheet ST1are coupled to each other to have a shape connected to each other.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet ST1includes a base film BS, an adhesive layer AS, optical patterns TL and reinforcing patterns60.

As described with reference toFIG. 2andFIG. 3A, the optical patterns TL includes polymer material which have a light-transmitting property, and the optical patterns TL are disposed between the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF to be coupled to the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF. Accordingly, a light LT0, which is provided from the light-emitting unit100and totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF, is incident to the optical patterns TL, and the light LT0incident to the optical patterns TL is refracted by the optical patterns TL and is collected in a direction toward the front surface of the display panel200.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, amount of the light LT0emitted from the light guiding film LGF through the optical patterns TL may be increased as the density of the optical patterns TL is increased in the light guiding film LGF. Accordingly, the closer the optical patterns TL to the incident surface LS1, the smaller the density of the optical patterns TL may become, and the closer the optical patterns TL to the opposing surface LS2, the greater the density of the optical patterns TL may become.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing patterns60are disposed between the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF to be coupled to the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing patterns60are spaced apart from the optical patterns TL, and each of the reinforcing patterns60has a shape of a dot in a plan view. In another exemplary embodiment, the each of the reinforcing patterns60has a shape of an ellipse or a polygon in a plan view.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the each of the reinforcing patterns60includes a base layer61and a reflective layer62. The base layer61includes polymer material having a light-transmitting property and a shape of the base layer61may be similar to a shape of each of the optical patterns TL. In more detail, the base layer61has a tapered shape, i.e., the closer the base layer61to an upper surface S1-1, the greater a width of the base layer61may become, and the closer the base layer61to the lower surface S2-1, the smaller the width of the base layer61may become.

The reflective layer62is disposed on the lower surface S2-1of the base layer61to be interposed between the base layer61and the light guiding film LGF. Additionally, the reflective layer62is attached to the light guiding film LGF by the adhesive layer AS.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reflective layer62includes metallic material such as silver and aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment, the reflective layer62includes metallic oxide such as titanium oxide or polymer material including white pigments.

The reflective layer62may reflects a light travelling toward the reinforcing patterns60. In more detail, when a first light LT0-1which travels toward the reinforcing patterns60through the incident surface LS1is defined, the first light LT0-1may be not incident to the reinforcing patterns60by the reflective layer62, and the first light LT0-1is reflected by the reflective layer62to be totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF again.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an ink including silver is provided to a surface of a transfer roller, for example, and the transfer roller rolls the lower surface S2-1of the base layer61. As a result, the ink is transferred from the transfer roller to the base layer61to form the reflective layer62.

When a second light LT0-2which travels toward to the optical patterns TL through the incident surface LS1is defined, as described with reference toFIG. 4, the second light LT0-2is incident to the optical patterns TL, and the second light LT0-2may be emitted from the optical component304.

Referring to routes of the first light LT0-1and the second light LT0-2, the optical patterns TL emits the light totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF to the out outside of the light guiding film LGF, however the reinforcing patterns60may not emit the light totally reflected inside the light guiding film LGF to the outside of the light guiding film LGF.

The reinforcing patterns60and the optical patterns TL are disposed between the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF to be coupled to the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF, and as a result, a coupling force between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF is improved by the optical patterns TL and the reinforcing patterns60.

As describe the above, the closer the optical patterns TL to the incident surface LS1, the smaller the density of the optical patterns TL may become, and the closer the optical patterns TL to the opposing surface LS2, the greater the density of the optical patterns TL may become. As a result, a coupling force, which corresponds to the incident surface LS1and is generated by the optical patterns TL, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF may be weaker than a coupling force, which corresponds to the opposing surface LS2and are generated by the optical patterns TL, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF. However, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the coupling force between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF is complemented by the reinforcing patterns60as well as the optical patterns TL, especially, the coupling force, which corresponds to the incident surface LS1, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF is complemented by the reinforcing patterns60.

An imaginary line CL is defined substantially parallel to the incident surface LS1and the opposing surface LS2to divide the optical component304into two portions in a plan view, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment the reinforcing patterns60are disposed between the incident surface LS1and the imaginary line CL in a plan view.

FIG. 10is a plan view illustrating a light-emitting unit100and an optical component305of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the inventive step. In describingFIG. 10, previously described components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will not be provided.

Referring to an optical component304inFIG. 8, reinforcing patterns60inFIG. 8are disposed between an incident surface LS1inFIG. 8and an imaginary line CL inFIG. 8. On the contrary, referring toFIG. 10, reinforcing patterns60are disposed from an incident surface LS1to an opposing surface LS2, and a density of the reinforcing patterns60increases as a distance from the opposing surface LS2to the incident surface LS1increases.

As description with reference toFIG. 8, a density of the optical patterns TL increases as a distance from the incident surface LS1to the opposing surface LS2increases As a result, a coupling force, which corresponds to the incident surface LS1and is generated by the optical patterns TL, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF, may be weaker than a coupling force, which corresponds to the opposing surface LS2and are generated by the optical patterns TL, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF. However, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a density of the reinforcing patterns60increases as a distance from the opposing surface LS2to the incident surface LS1increases. As a result, a coupling force, which corresponds to the incident surface LS1and is generated by the reinforcing patterns60, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF, is greater than a coupling force, which corresponds to the opposing surface LS2and is generated by the reinforcing patterns60, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF. Accordingly, the coupling force, which corresponds to the incident surface LS1, between the optical sheet ST1and the light guiding film LGF is complemented by the reinforcing patterns60, and as a result, a portion of the light guiding film LGF may be prevented from being separated from the optical sheet ST1.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. In describingFIG. 11, previously described components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will not be provided.

Referring toFIG. 11, a display device includes a display panel200, an optical component306and a light-emitting unit100, and the optical component306includes a light guiding film LGF, light-collecting layers LP and an optical sheet ST1. Additionally, the optical sheet ST2includes a base film BS, an adhesive layer AS, optical patterns TL, reinforcing patterns60and a reinforcing part50.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part50described with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1Band the reinforcing patterns60described with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9are disposed between the base film BS and the light guiding film LGF. As a result, a coupling force the optical sheet ST2and the light guiding film LGF is improved by the reinforcing part50and the reinforcing patterns60, and a portion of the light guiding film LGF corresponding to the incident surface LS1may be prevented from being separated from the optical sheet ST2.