Patent Description:
A light blocking film blocks transmitting of light from a light source, and is attached to a front surface of a display panel which is a display device used for a mobile phone, a notebook, a tablet PC, a vehicle navigation device, a vehicle touch, etc., so that the light blocking film adjusts a viewing angle of light according to an incident angle of light to express a clear image quality at a viewing angle needed by a user when the display transmits a screen.

In addition, the light blocking film may be used for the window of a vehicle, building or the like to shield outside light partially to prevent glare, or to prevent the inside from being visible from the outside.

That is, the light blocking film may be an optical path control member that controls the movement path of light to block light in a specific direction and transmit light in a specific direction. Accordingly, it is possible to control the viewing angle of the user by controlling a transmission angle of the light by the light blocking film.

Meanwhile, such a light blocking film may be divided into a light blocking film that can always control the viewing angle regardless of the surrounding environment or the user's environment and a switchable light blocking film that allow the user to turn on/off the viewing angle control according to the surrounding environment or the user's environment.

Such a switchable light blocking film may be implemented by converting a pattern portion into a light transmitting part and a light blocking part by filling the inside of the pattern portion with particles that may move when a voltage is applied and a dispersion liquid for dispersing the particles and by dispersing and aggregating the particles.

The voltage of the switchable light blocking film forms a connection electrode region connected to an external circuit board at a lower electrode and an upper electrode, and the voltage may be applied to the switchable light blocking film through the connection electrode region.

The connection electrode region is disposed in a region other than the light conversion region, that is, in a bezel region, and a size of the switchable light blocking film is increased by the bezel region, and thus, there is a problem that a display region for displaying a screen is reduced when the switchable light blocking film is applied to a display device.

Accordingly, in order to solve the above problems, an optical path control member having a new structure capable of preventing an increase in the bezel region according to the connection electrode region is required. Relevant background art is disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

An embodiment relates to an optical path control member capable of reducing a size of a bezel region.

An optical path control member according to an embodiment of the claimed invention includes the features of appended claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the optical path control member according to the claimed invention are defined in the appended dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>. Furthermore, a display device according to an embodiment of the claimed invention includes the features of appended claim <NUM>.

An optical path control member according to an embodiment includes an electrode connection part disposed inside a hole formed in a second substrate.

The electrode connection part is in direct contact with a side surface of a second electrode, and thus, the electrode connection part is electrically connected to the second electrode.

Accordingly, the electrode connection part exposed through the hole becomes a connection electrode of the second electrode and may be connected to an external circuit board.

Accordingly, the second substrate for forming the connection electrode of the second electrode and a partial region of the second electrode may be removed.

That is, in an optical path control member according to the present disclosure, in order to form the connection electrode of the second electrode, it is not necessary to form a protruding region on the second substrate like the first substrate, or a protrusion may be formed only in a partial region of the second substrate, so that a bezel region of a display including the optical path control member may be reduced.

Therefore, when the protrusion is formed only in the partial region of the second substrate, it is possible to form a space capable of disposing other components necessary for the display, for example, components such as a hinge unit, a camera unit, a sensor unit such as an infrared sensor, and a speaker in the case of a notebook computer in a region where the protrusion is not formed, thereby reducing the overall bezel region of the display.

Accordingly, the bezel region of the display including the optical path control member may be reduced, thereby reducing the overall size of the display.

In the optical path control member according to the embodiment, a second connection electrode is formed by forming an open region on the second substrate and disposing the electrode connection part on the protrusion formed by the open region to form the second electrode in order to form the connection electrode of the second electrode, and a first connection electrode is formed in at least a portion of a region corresponding to the open region in the first substrate, and accordingly, protruding regions for forming connection electrodes on the first substrate and the second substrate may be reduced, and through this, a space capable of disposing other components required for the display may be formed in the region where the protrusion is not formed, thereby reducing the overall bezel region of the display.

Accordingly, the display including the optical path control member according to the embodiment may reduce the bezel region of the display, thereby reducing the overall size of the display.

In addition, the optical path control member according to the present disclosure additionally forms an auxiliary connection electrode part on at least one protrusion formed in the open region, so that when a main electrode connection part is damaged, it may be connected to a circuit board through the auxiliary connection electrode part, thereby improving the life of optical path control member.

Hereinafter, embodiments not covered by the claims and embodiments of the claimed invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to a part of the embodiments described, but is defined by the appended claims.

In addition, unless expressly otherwise defined and described, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be construed the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, and the terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular forms may also include the plural forms unless specifically stated in the phrase, and may include at least one of all combinations that may be combined in A, B, and C when described in "at least one (or more) of A (and), B, and C".

Further, in describing the elements of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the elements from other elements, and the terms are not limited to the essence, order, or order of the elements.

In addition, when an element is described as being "connected", or "coupled" to another element, it may include not only when the element is directly "connected" to, or "coupled" to other elements, but also when the element is "connected", or "coupled" by another element between the element and other elements.

Further, when described as being formed or disposed "on (over)" or "under (below)" of each element, the "on (over)" or "under (below)" may include not only when two elements are directly connected to each other, but also when one or more other elements are formed or disposed between two elements.

Furthermore, when expressed as "on (over)" or "under (below)", it may include not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one element.

Hereinafter, an optical path control member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to drawings. The optical path control member described below relates to a switchable optical path control member driven in various modes according to electrophoretic particles moving by application of a voltage.

First, an optical path control member according to a first embodiment not covered by the claims will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an optical path control member <NUM> according to the first embodiment not covered by the claims may include a first substrate <NUM>, a second substrate <NUM>, a first electrode <NUM>, a second electrode <NUM>, and a photoconversion unit <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> may support the first electrode <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> may be rigid or flexible.

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

The first substrate <NUM> may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS), which is only an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, the first substrate <NUM> may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

Further, the first substrate <NUM> may be a curved or bended substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the first substrate <NUM> may also be formed to have flexible, curved, or bent characteristics. Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be changed to various designs.

The first substrate <NUM> may extend in a first direction 1A, a second direction 2A, and a third direction 3A.

In detail, the first substrate <NUM> may include the first direction 1A corresponding to a length or width direction of the first substrate <NUM>, a second direction 2A extending in a direction different from the first direction 1A and corresponding to the length or width direction of the first substrate <NUM>, and a third direction 3A extending in a direction different from the first direction 1A and the second direction 2A and corresponding to a thickness direction of the first substrate <NUM>.

For example, the first direction 1A may be defined as the length direction of the first substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A may be defined as the width direction of the first substrate <NUM> perpendicular to the first direction 1A, and the third direction 3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the first substrate <NUM>. Alternatively, the first direction 1A may be defined as the width direction of the first substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A may be defined as the length direction of the first substrate <NUM> perpendicular to the first direction 1A, and the third direction 3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the first substrate <NUM>.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction 1A will be described as the length direction of the first substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A will be described as the width direction of the first substrate <NUM>, and the third directions 3A will be described as the thickness direction of the first substrate <NUM>.

The first electrode <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate <NUM>. In detail, the first electrode <NUM> may be disposed on an upper surface of the first substrate <NUM>. That is, the first electrode <NUM> may be disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

The first electrode <NUM> may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode <NUM> may include a conductive material having a light transmittance of about <NUM> % or more. For example, the first electrode <NUM> may include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc..

The first electrode <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the first electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the entire surface of one surface of the first substrate <NUM>. In detail, the first electrode <NUM> may be disposed as a surface electrode on one surface of the first substrate <NUM>. That is, an area of the first electrode <NUM> may be the same as that of the first substrate <NUM>. Through this, since the first electrode <NUM> may be formed on the first substrate <NUM> and manufactured without patterning the first electrode, a manufacturing process may be efficiently reduced.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first electrode <NUM> may be formed of a plurality of pattern electrodes having a uniform pattern such as a mesh or stripe shape.

For example, the first electrode <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, the first electrode <NUM> may include a plurality of mesh lines crossing each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even though the first electrode <NUM> includes a metal, the first electrode <NUM> is not visually recognized from the outside, so that visibility may be improved. In addition, the light transmittance is increased by the openings, so that the brightness of the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be improved.

Meanwhile, when the first electrode <NUM> is formed of metal, a thickness of the first electrode <NUM> may be formed thick to improve electrical conductivity and reduce resistance. In detail, when the first electrode <NUM> is formed of metal, the thickness of the first electrode <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In more detail, the thickness of the first electrode <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In more detail, the thickness of the first electrode <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

The second substrate <NUM> may be disposed on the first substrate <NUM>. In detail, the second substrate <NUM> may be disposed on the first electrode <NUM> on the first substrate <NUM>.

The second substrate <NUM> may include a material capable of transmitting light. The second substrate <NUM> may include a transparent material. The second substrate <NUM> may include a material the same as or similar to that of the first substrate <NUM> described above.

For example, the second substrate <NUM> may include glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, the flexible polymer film may be made of any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), triacetylcellulose (TAC) film, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, polyimide (PI) film, and polystyrene (PS). This is only an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, the second substrate <NUM> may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

Further, the second substrate <NUM> may be a curved or bended substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the second substrate <NUM> may also be formed to have flexible, curved, or bent characteristics. Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the first embodiment may be changed to various designs.

The second substrate <NUM> may also extend in the first direction 1A, the second direction 2A, and the third direction 3A in the same manner as the first substrate <NUM> described above.

In detail, the second substrate <NUM> may include the first direction 1A corresponding to a length or width direction of the second substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A extending in a direction different from the first direction 1A and corresponding to the length or width direction of the second substrate <NUM>, and the third direction 3A extending in the direction different from the first direction 1A and the second direction 2A and corresponding to the thickness direction of the second substrate <NUM>.

For example, the first direction 1A may be defined as the length direction of the second substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A may be defined as the width direction of the second substrate <NUM> perpendicular to the first direction 1A, and the third direction 3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the second substrate <NUM>.

Alternatively, the first direction 1A may be defined as the width direction of the second substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A may be defined as the length direction of the second substrate <NUM> perpendicular to the first direction 1A, and the third direction 3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the second substrate <NUM>.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction 1A will be described as the length direction of the second substrate <NUM>, the second direction 2A the second direction 2A will be described as the width direction of the second substrate <NUM>, and the third directions 3A will be described as the thickness direction of the second substrate <NUM>.

A hole h may be formed in the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, at least one hole h may be formed in the second substrate <NUM>.

The holes h1 may pass through the second substrate <NUM>. That is, a depth of the hole may extend in the third direction 3A, and the holes h1 may pass through the second substrate <NUM>.

In addition, the hole h may pass through the second electrode <NUM> on the second substrate <NUM>.

In addition, the hole h may pass through a buffer layer <NUM> on the second electrode <NUM>.

In addition, the hole h may pass through a base part of the photoconversion unit <NUM> on the buffer layer <NUM>.

In addition, the hole h may pass through a portion or entire of a partition wall part <NUM> of the photoconversion unit <NUM>.

When the hole h is formed to pass through the entire partition wall part <NUM> of the photoconversion unit <NUM>, the hole h may be formed in one process, thereby effectively reducing the manufacturing process.

A length of the holes h may be smaller than that of the accommodating part <NUM>, and a width of the holes h may be greater than that of the accommodating part <NUM>.

The holes h may be disposed to be spaced apart from both ends in the first direction 1A and both ends in the second direction 2A of the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the holes h may be disposed inside the second substrate <NUM>.

A conductive material may be disposed inside the hole h. That is, an electrode connection part <NUM> including a conductive material connected to the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed inside the hole h.

That is, the electrode connection part including the conductive material is disposed inside the hole h, and the electrode connection part may serve as a second connection electrode CA2 of the second substrate <NUM>.

The conductive material disposed inside the hole h will be described in detail below.

The second electrode <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed on a lower surface of the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate <NUM> in which the second substrate <NUM> and the first substrate <NUM> face each other. That is, the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed to face the first electrode <NUM> on the first substrate <NUM>. That is, the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed between the first electrode <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

The second electrode <NUM> may include a material the same as or similar to that of the first substrate <NUM> described above.

The second electrode <NUM> may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the second electrode <NUM> may include a conductive material having a light transmittance of about <NUM> % or more. As an example, the second electrode <NUM> may include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc..

The second electrode <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the entire surface of one surface of the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, the second electrode <NUM> may be disposed as a surface electrode on one surface of the second substrate <NUM> excluding a hole region. However, the first embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second electrode <NUM> may be formed of a plurality of pattern electrodes having a uniform pattern such as a mesh or stripe shape.

For example, the second electrode <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, the second electrode <NUM> may include a plurality of mesh lines crossing each other and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the mesh lines.

Accordingly, even though the second electrode <NUM> includes a metal, the second electrode <NUM> is not visually recognized from the outside, so that visibility may be improved. In addition, the light transmittance is increased by the openings, so that the brightness of the optical path control member according to the first embodiment may be improved.

Meanwhile, when the second electrode <NUM> is formed of metal, a thickness of the second electrode <NUM> may be may be formed thick to improve electrical conductivity and reduce resistance. In detail, when the second electrode <NUM> is formed of metal, the thickness of the second electrode <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In more detail, the thickness of the second electrode <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In more detail, the thickness of the second electrode <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

The holes h described above may be formed penetrating the second electrode <NUM>. That is, the holes h may pass through the second substrate <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> in the third direction.

The first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may correspond to each other or have different sizes.

In detail, a first length extending in the first direction 1A of the first substrate <NUM> may be different from a second length extending in the first direction 1A of the second substrate <NUM>. For example, the second length of the second substrate <NUM> extending in the first direction 1A may be smaller than the first length of the first substrate <NUM> extending in the first direction 1A.

For example, the first length and the second length may have a size of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In addition, a first width extending in the second direction 2A of the first substrate <NUM> may have a size the same as or similar to a second width extending in the second direction of the second substrate <NUM>.

For example, the first width and the second width may have a size of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In addition, a first thickness extending in the third direction 3A of the first substrate <NUM> may have a size the same as or similar to a second thickness extending in the third direction of the second substrate <NUM>.

For example, the first thickness and the second thickness may have a size of <NUM> or less.

Referring to <FIG>, the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may be disposed to have different sizes.

In detail, the second length of the second substrate <NUM> extending in the first direction 1A may be smaller than the first length of the first substrate <NUM> extending in the first direction 1A.

Accordingly, the first substrate <NUM> may be disposed to protrude in one direction of the first direction 1A.

That is, the first substrate <NUM> may include a protrusion protruding in one direction of the first direction 1A.

Accordingly, the optical path control member <NUM> may include a region where the first electrode <NUM> is exposed on the first substrate <NUM>.

That is, the first electrode <NUM> disposed on the first substrate <NUM> may be partially exposed at the protrusion.

The first electrode <NUM> exposed from the protrusion may serve as a first connection electrode CA1, and a pad part may be disposed on the first connection electrode CA1 to be connected to an external printed circuit board.

For example, the pad part may include a conductive adhesive including at least one of an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP).

That is, the pad part may be disposed on the first connection electrode CA1 of the first electrode <NUM>, and the pad part and the printed circuit board may be adhered through the conductive adhesive including at least one of the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and the anisotropic conductive paste (ACP). Alternatively, the first connection electrode CA1 of the first electrode <NUM> and the printed circuit board may be directly adhered through the conductive adhesive including at least one of the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and the anisotropic conductive paste (ACP) without an additional pad part.

The photoconversion unit <NUM> may be disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, the photoconversion unit <NUM> may be disposed between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>.

An adhesive layer or a buffer layer may be disposed between at least one of between the photoconversion unit <NUM> and the first substrate <NUM> or between the photoconversion unit <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>, and the first substrate <NUM>, the second substrate <NUM>, and the photoconversion unit <NUM> may be adhered to each other by the adhesive layer and/or the buffer layer.

For example, an adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first electrode <NUM> and the photoconversion unit <NUM>, thereby adhering the first substrate <NUM> and the photoconversion unit <NUM>. In detail, the first electrode <NUM> on the first substrate <NUM> and the photoconversion unit <NUM> may be adhered through the adhesive layer <NUM>.

In addition, a buffer layer <NUM> may be disposed between the second electrode <NUM> and the photoconversion unit <NUM>, thereby improving adhesion between the second electrode <NUM> including different materials and the photoconversion unit <NUM>.

The hole described above may be formed to pass through the buffer layer <NUM> and the photoconversion unit <NUM>. That is, the hole may sequentially pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the photoconversion unit <NUM> in the third direction.

The photoconversion unit <NUM> may include a plurality of partition wall parts and accommodating parts. The light conversion material <NUM> including light conversion particles that move by application of a voltage and a dispersion liquid for dispersing the light conversion particles may be disposed in the accommodating part <NUM>, and light transmission characteristics of the optical path control member may be changed by the light conversion particles.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the photoconversion unit <NUM> may include a partition wall part <NUM> and an accommodating part <NUM>.

The partition wall part <NUM> may be defined as a partition wall part dividing the accommodating part. That is, the partition wall part <NUM> may transmit light as a barrier region dividing a plurality of accommodating parts. That is, light emitted in the direction of the first substrate <NUM> or the second substrate <NUM> may pass through the partition wall part.

The partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may be disposed to extend in the second direction 2A of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may be disposed to extend in the width direction or the length direction of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

Alternatively, the partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may extend to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the second direction 2A of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. For example, the partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may extend to have an inclination angle having a range of about <NUM> degree to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the second direction 2A of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may extend to have an inclination angle having a range of about <NUM> degree to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the width direction or the length direction of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. The partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may be disposed in different widths. For example, a width of the partition wall part <NUM> may be greater than that of the accommodating part <NUM>.

The partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may be alternately disposed with each other. In detail, the partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM> may be alternately disposed with each other. That is, each of the partition wall parts <NUM> may be disposed between the accommodating parts <NUM> adjacent to each other, and each of the accommodating parts <NUM> may be disposed between the adjacent partition wall parts <NUM>.

The partition wall part <NUM> may include a transparent material. The partition wall part <NUM> may include a material that may transmit light.

The partition wall part <NUM> may include a resin material. For example, the partition wall part <NUM> may include a photo-curable resin material. As an example, the partition wall part <NUM> may include a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the partition wall part <NUM> may include urethane resin or acrylic resin.

The accommodating part <NUM> may be formed to partially penetrate the photoconversion unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the accommodating part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the adhesive layer <NUM> and may be disposed to be spaced apart from the buffer layer <NUM>. Accordingly, a base part <NUM> may be formed between the accommodating part <NUM> and the buffer layer <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

The light conversion particles 330a may have a polarity by charging a surface thereof. For example, the surface of the light conversion particles 330a may be charged with a negative (-) charge. Accordingly, according to the application of the voltage, the light conversion particles 330a may move toward the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM>.

The light transmittance of the accommodating part <NUM> may be changed by the light conversion particles 330a. In detail, the accommodating part <NUM> may be converted into the light blocking part and the light transmitting part by changing the light transmittance due to the movement of the light conversion particles 330a. That is, the accommodating part <NUM> may change the transmittance of light passing through the accommodating part <NUM> by dispersion and aggregation of the light conversion particles 330a disposed inside the dispersion liquid 330b.

For example, the optical path control member according to the first embodiment may be switched from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode by a voltage applied to the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>.

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

In addition, in the optical path control member according to the first embodiment, the accommodating part <NUM> becomes the light transmitting part in the second mode, and in the optical path control member according to the first embodiment, light may be transmitted through both the partition wall part <NUM> and the accommodating part <NUM>. That is, the viewing angle of the user viewing from the outside may be widened, so that the optical path control member may be driven in a public mode.

The switching from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the conversion of the accommodating part <NUM> from the light blocking part to the light transmitting part may be implemented by the movement of the light conversion particles 330a of the accommodating part <NUM>. That is, the light conversion particles 330a may have a charge on the surface thereof and may move toward the first electrode or the second electrode according to the application of a voltage according to characteristics of the charge. That is, the light conversion particles 330a may be electrophoretic particles.

For example, when a voltage is not applied to the optical path control member from the outside, the light conversion particles 330a of the accommodating part <NUM> are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid 330b, and the accommodating part <NUM> may block light by the light conversion particles. Accordingly, in the first mode, the accommodating part <NUM> may be driven as the light blocking part.

In addition, when a voltage is applied to the optical path control member from the outside, the light conversion particles 330a may move. For example, the light conversion particles 330a may move toward one end or the other end of the accommodating part <NUM> by a voltage transmitted through the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. That is, the light conversion particles 330a may move from the accommodating part <NUM> toward the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM>.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM>, an electric field is formed between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>, and the light conversion particles 330a charged with the negative charge may move toward a positive electrode of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> using the dispersion liquid 330b as a medium.

As an example, in the initial mode or when the voltage is not applied to the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the light conversion particles 330a may be uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid 330b, and the accommodating part <NUM> may be driven as the light blocking part.

In addition, when the voltage is applied to the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the light conversion particles 330a may move toward the second electrode <NUM> in the dispersion liquid 330b. That is, the light conversion particles 330a move in one direction, and the accommodating part <NUM> may be driven as the light transmitting part.

Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the first embodiment may be driven in two modes according to a user's surrounding environment. That is, when the user requires light transmission only at a specific viewing angle, the accommodating part is driven as the light blocking part, or in an environment in which the user requires high brightness, a voltage may be applied to drive the accommodating part as the light transmitting part.

Therefore, since the optical path control member according to the first embodiment may be implemented in two modes according to the user's requirement, the optical path control member may be applied regardless of the user's environment.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B' in <FIG>. That is, <FIG> are cross-sectional views taken along one end and the other end of a hole formed in the second substrate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the hole h may be formed to pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the photoconversion unit <NUM>. That is, the hole h may pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the buffer layer <NUM> and may be formed by removing the base part <NUM> and the partition wall part <NUM> of the photoconversion unit <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the hole h may pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the base part <NUM> and may be formed to partially pass through the partition wall part <NUM>.

In addition, referring to <FIG>, the hole h may be formed to pass through all of the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, the base part <NUM>, and the partition wall part <NUM>.

Accordingly, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be exposed through the hole h. That is, in the case of <FIG>, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be exposed through a bottom surface of the hole h.

An electrode connection part <NUM> formed of a conductive material may be disposed inside the hole formed in the second substrate <NUM>.

The electrode connection part <NUM> may include a material different from that of at least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. In addition, the light transmittance of the electrode connection part <NUM> may be smaller than that of at least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>.

For example, the electrode connection part <NUM> may include metal. In detail, the electrode connection part <NUM> may include a metal paste in which metal particles are dispersed in a binder.

The electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the second substrate <NUM>. In addition, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the second electrode <NUM>. In addition, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the buffer layer <NUM>. In addition, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the base part <NUM>. In addition, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the partition wall part <NUM>.

That is, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with at least one of side surfaces of the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, the base part <NUM>, and the partition wall part <NUM>. In addition, referring to <FIG>, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in direct contact with the adhesive layer <NUM>.

Alternatively, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adhesive layer <NUM>. In detail, the partition wall part <NUM> may be disposed between the electrode connection part <NUM> and the adhesive layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG> or an insulating layer <NUM> is disposed as shown in <FIG>, and accordingly, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adhesive layer <NUM>.

When the electrode connection part <NUM> and the adhesive layer <NUM> are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, electrical connection between the electrode connection part <NUM> and the first electrode <NUM> may be prevented due to the permittivity of the adhesive layer <NUM>, and thus restrictions in selecting a material for the adhesive layer <NUM> may be reduced, and an electrical short according to the permittivity of the adhesive layer <NUM> may be prevented.

An upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as or lower than an upper surface of the second substrate <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> and the upper surface of the second substrate <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane, or, as shown in <FIG>, the upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed lower than the upper surface of the second substrate <NUM>.

Accordingly, the upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> and the upper surface of the second substrate <NUM> may be formed on the same plane without a step, or the upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed with a step such that the upper surface thereof is low.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness of the optical path control member by preventing the overall thickness of the optical path control member from being increased due to the height of the electrode connection part <NUM>.

The electrode connection part <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second electrode <NUM> and exposed to the outside of the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the electrode connection part <NUM> may serve as a second connection electrode CA2 of the second electrode <NUM> connected to an external circuit board.

That is, the upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> exposed to the upper surface of the second substrate <NUM> may become the second connection electrode CA2 of the second electrode <NUM>, and a pad part and/or a conductive adhesive may be disposed on the second connection electrode CA2 to be connected to the external circuit board.

In addition, the pad part and/or the conductive adhesive are disposed on the first connection electrode CA1 of the first electrode exposed by removing the adhesive layer <NUM> from the upper surface of the first substrate <NUM> and may be connected to the same external circuit board.

Accordingly, the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> may be connected to the same circuit board to be electrically connected to each other.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the circuit board may be separately divided to be electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. That is, the first electrode <NUM> may be connected to a first circuit board, and the second electrode may be connected to a second circuit board different from the first circuit board.

The optical path control member according to the first embodiment may include the electrode connection part disposed inside the hole formed in the second substrate.

The electrode connection part may be in direct contact with the side surface of the second electrode, and thus, the electrode connection part may be electrically connected to the second electrode.

Accordingly, the electrode connection part exposed on the upper surface of the second substrate may become the second connection electrode of the second electrode and may be connected to the external circuit board.

Accordingly, a region of the second substrate for forming the second connection electrode of the second electrode may be removed.

That is, in the optical path control member according to the first embodiment, in order to form the connection electrode of the second electrode, it is not necessary to form a protruding region on the second substrate like the first substrate, so that a bezel region of a display including the optical path control member may be reduced.

Accordingly, in the overall size of the optical path control member according to the first embodiment, the overall size may be reduced by reducing the bezel region.

Hereinafter, an optical path control member according to a second embodiment, which is in accordance with the claimed invention, will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the description of the optical path control member according to the second embodiment, descriptions of the same as or similar to those of the optical path control member according to the first embodiment described above will be omitted and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations.

Referring to <FIG>, the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may have different sizes.

In detail, the second substrate <NUM> may include an open region OA where the second substrate <NUM> is open. In addition, the first substrate <NUM> may be disposed on a portion (<FIG>) or entire (<FIG>) of the open region OA. That is, sizes of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may differ by a size of the first substrate <NUM> disposed in the open region OA.

The second substrate <NUM> may have a protrusion protruding in the second direction 2A by the open region OA.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one hole may be formed in the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, referring to <FIG>, one or a plurality of holes h may be formed in the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, one hole h may be formed in the second protrusion PA2 of the second substrate <NUM>. In addition, the first connection electrode CA1 may be exposed from the first protrusion PA1 of the first substrate <NUM>.

In addition, referring to <FIG>, a plurality of holes may be formed in the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, a first hole h1 and a second hole h2 may be formed in protrusions PA2-<NUM> and PA2-<NUM> of the second substrate <NUM>, respectively.

The first hole h1 and the second hole h2 may be spaced apart from each other by the open region OA.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the hole h may be formed to pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, the base part <NUM>, and the partition wall part <NUM>.

An electrode connection part <NUM> formed of a conductive material may be disposed inside the hole h formed in the second substrate <NUM>.

The electrode connection part <NUM> may be in direct contact with the side surface of the second electrode <NUM>. Accordingly, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second electrode <NUM> and exposed to the outside of the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the electrode connection part <NUM> may serve as a second connection electrode CA2 of the second electrode <NUM> connected to an external circuit board.

Since the electrode connection part <NUM> is disposed in contact with the side surface of the second electrode <NUM>, the optical path control member and a bezel region of a display device including the same may be reduced, thereby providing a wider display region for the user.

That is, a region where the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> are connected to the external printed circuit board may be disposed in a bezel v where no display is displayed in the optical path control member. In this case, in order to connect the printed circuit board with the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>, an additional bezel region such as the protrusion described above is required, and thus there is a problem that the bezel region is increased. The optical path control member according to the examples may reduce a size of the bezel region such as the protrusion. That is, the protrusion on which the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> connected to the printed circuit board are disposed is not formed by entirely extending a surface of the first direction 1A or a surface of the second direction 2A of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> but is not formed by partially the surface of the first direction 1A or the surface of the second direction 2A of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>, and thus the entire bezel region may be reduced.

That is, the upper surface of the electrode connection part <NUM> may become an upper surface of the second connection electrode CA2 of the second electrode <NUM>, and a pad part and/or a conductive adhesive may be disposed on the second connection electrode CA2 to be connected to the external circuit board.

In addition, a first connection electrode CA1 of the first electrode exposed by removing the adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the first substrate <NUM>. The first connection electrode CA1 may be disposed on a region corresponding to the open region OA of the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the first connection electrode CA1 may vertically overlap the open region OA.

The pad part may also be disposed on the first connection electrode CA1 and may be connected to the same external circuit board to which the second connection electrode is connected.

That is, the pad part may be disposed on the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>, and the pad part and the printed circuit board may be adhered through the conductive adhesive including at least one of the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and the anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), or, the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> may be adhered to the printed circuit board through the conductive adhesive including at least one of the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and the anisotropic conductive paste (ACP) without an additional pad part.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the first hole h1 and the second hole h2 may be formed pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the base part <NUM> and may be formed to partially pass through the partition wall part.

Depths of the first hole h1 and the second hole h2 may be the same or different. In detail, the first hole h1 and the second hole h2 may be formed to the same depth as shown in <FIG> or may be not limited thereto, and the first hole h1 and the second hole h2 may be formed to have different depths.

The electrode connection part <NUM> formed of the conductive material may be disposed inside the first hole h1 and the second hole h2 formed in the second substrate <NUM>, respectively. That is, the first electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in the first hole h1, and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in the second hole h2.

At least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may include a material different from that of at least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. In addition, the light transmittance of at least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may be smaller than that of at least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>.

For example, at least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may include metal. In detail, at least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may include a metal paste in which metal particles are dispersed in a binder.

At least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may be in direct contact with the side surface of the second electrode <NUM>. Accordingly, at least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second electrode <NUM> and exposed to the outside of the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, at least one of the first electrode connection part <NUM> and the second electrode connection part <NUM> may serve as second connection electrodes CA2-<NUM> and CA2-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM> connected to the external circuit board. That is, the first electrode connection part <NUM> may become the second connection electrode CA2-<NUM> of the second electrode and/or the second electrode connection part <NUM> may become the second connection electrode CA2-<NUM> of the second electrode.

That is, a plurality of electrode connection parts may be disposed on the second substrate <NUM> and a plurality of connection electrodes may be formed on the second substrate <NUM>. For example, the second substrate <NUM> may include both the first electrode connection part and the second electrode connection part disposed in each hole.

That is, an upper surface of the first electrode connection part <NUM> exposed to the upper surface of the second substrate <NUM> may become the second connection electrode CA2-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM>, and an upper surface of the second electrode connection part <NUM> may become the second connection electrode CA2-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM>, and a pad part and/or a conductive adhesive may be disposed on the second connection electrodes CA2-<NUM> and CA2-<NUM> to be connected to the external circuit board.

The optical path control member according to the second embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may form two electrode connection parts serving as the second connection electrode. Accordingly, one electrode connection part is used as a main connection electrode and the other electrode connection part is used as an auxiliary connection electrode, so that even though a contact failure with the second electrode occurs in a main electrode connection part, it is possible to connect to the circuit board through an auxiliary electrode connection part.

In addition, the first connection electrode CA1 of the first electrode exposed by removing the adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the first substrate <NUM>. The first connection electrode CA1 may be disposed on a region corresponding to the open region OA of the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the first connection electrode CA1 may vertically overlap the open region OA.

The pad part and/or the conductive adhesive may also be disposed on the first connection electrode CA1 and may be connected to the same external circuit board.

The optical path control member according to the second embodiment may include the electrode connection part disposed inside the hole formed in the second substrate.

Accordingly, the region of the second substrate for forming the second connection electrode of the second electrode may be reduced.

That is, in the optical path control member according to the second embodiment, in order to form the connection electrode of the second electrode, the second connection electrode may be formed by forming the open region in the second substrate and disposing the connection electrode on the protrusion formed by the open region of the second electrode, and the first connection electrode may be formed in a region corresponding to the open region in the first substrate. Accordingly, in the second substrate, since only a size of a hole formation region is required to form the second connection electrode connected to the printed circuit board, it is not necessary to entirely expand the surface of the first direction 1A or the surface of the second direction 2A of the second substrate <NUM>. In addition, since the first connection electrode is disposed only in the open region of the first substrate, a size of a protruding region of the first substrate for disposing the first connection electrode may be reduced. Therefore, the entire bezel region of the display including the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be reduced.

Since there is no need to form protruding regions for forming connection electrodes on the first substrate and the second substrate, the bezel region of the optical path control member may be reduced.

Accordingly, the overall size of the optical path control member according to the second embodiment may be reduced by reducing the bezel region.

In addition, the optical path control member according to the second embodiment additionally forms an auxiliary connection electrode part on a plurality of protrusions formed in the open region, so that when the main electrode connection part is damaged, it may be connected to the circuit board through the auxiliary connection electrode part, thereby improving the life of optical path control member.

Hereinafter, the optical path control member according to a third embodiment, which is in accordance with the claimed invention, will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the description of the optical path control member according to the third embodiment, descriptions of the same as or similar to those of the optical path control member according to the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations.

In detail, the second substrate <NUM> may include an open region OA where the second substrate <NUM> is open. In addition, the first substrate <NUM> may be disposed in a part of the open region OA. That is, the sizes of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may differ by the size of the first substrate <NUM> disposed in the open region OA.

The second substrate <NUM> may have a protruding portion PA2 protruding in the second direction 2A by the open region OA. In addition, the first connection electrode CA1 may be exposed from the first protrusion PA1 of the first substrate <NUM>.

A plurality of holes may be formed in the second substrate <NUM>. In detail, the second substrate <NUM> may include the first hole h1 formed in a protruding region of the second substrate <NUM> and the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> formed in regions other than the protruding region.

An electrode connection unit <NUM> may be disposed in the first hole h1 like the optical path control member according to the second embodiment described above.

Hereinafter, with reference to <FIG>, the configuration of the first hole h1 and the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> and the light conversion material <NUM> disposed in the accommodating part <NUM>, the sealing part <NUM> and the dam part <NUM> will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' in <FIG>. That is, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken between the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> formed in the second substrate <NUM> and one end or the other end in the second direction 2A of the second substrate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a resin material may be filled in the accommodating part <NUM> and the dam part <NUM> may be disposed therein. That is, the dam part <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodating part <NUM> between the second hole h2-<NUM> formed in the second substrate <NUM> and one end of the second substrate <NUM> in the second direction 2A and between the second hole h2-<NUM> formed in the second substrate <NUM> and the other end of the second substrate <NUM> A in the second direction 2A. That is, the dam part <NUM> may be disposed the outer region of the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM>.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and at least one of the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> may be formed, or a plurality of second holes h2-<NUM> and a plurality of second holes h2-<NUM> may be formed, or a plurality of second holes h2-<NUM> and one second hole h2-<NUM> may be formed.

The dam part <NUM> may be disposed while completely or partially filling the inside of the accommodating part <NUM>. For example, the dam part <NUM> may be disposed while partially filling the inside of the accommodating part <NUM>. Accordingly, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed while partially filling the inside of the accommodating part <NUM>. That is, only the dam part <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodating part <NUM> or the dam part <NUM> and the adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed together.

When the light conversion material <NUM> including a dispersion in which light conversion particles are dispersed is filled in the accommodating part <NUM>, the dam part <NUM> may prevent the light conversion material from moving in a direction between the hole formed in the second substrate <NUM> and one end of the second direction 2A of the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the light conversion material <NUM> may be injected only into a region between the holes by the dam part.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' in <FIG>. That is, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken one end and the other end of the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> formed in the second substrate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> may be formed to pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the photoconversion unit <NUM>. That is, the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> may pass through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the buffer layer <NUM> and may be formed by removing both the base part <NUM> and the partition wall part <NUM> of the photoconversion unit <NUM>.

Accordingly, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be exposed through the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM>. That is, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be exposed through the bottom surfaces of the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM>.

The sealing part <NUM> formed of a sealing material may be disposed inside the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> formed in the second substrate <NUM>. That is, the sealing part <NUM> including a sealing material such as epoxy may be disposed inside the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM> formed through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the photoconversion unit <NUM>. For example, the sealing material may include a material different from a material forming the partition wall part <NUM> and the base part <NUM>. As an example, the sealing material may include the epoxy.

Accordingly, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the side surface of the second substrate <NUM>. In addition, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the second electrode <NUM>. In addition, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the buffer layer <NUM>. In addition, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the base part <NUM>. In addition, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the partition wall part <NUM>. In addition, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in direct contact with the adhesive layer <NUM>.

A thickness T of the sealing part <NUM> may be equal to or smaller than a sum of those of the partition wall part <NUM>, the base part <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the second substrate <NUM>.

That is, an upper surface of the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as an upper surface of the second substrate <NUM> or may be lower. Accordingly, the upper surface of the sealing part <NUM> may be formed without a step on the same plane as the upper surface of the second substrate <NUM>, or the upper surface of the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed with a step such that the upper surface thereof is low.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness of the optical path control member by preventing the overall thickness of the optical path control member from being increased due to a height of the sealing part <NUM>.

The sealing part <NUM> may serve to seal the light conversion material filled in the accommodating part <NUM> between the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM>. That is, after supplying the light conversion material to the second hole h2-<NUM>, the light conversion material may move in a direction of the second hole h2-<NUM> from the second hole h2-<NUM> through a capillary method to be injected into the accommodating part <NUM> between the second hole h2-<NUM> and the second hole h2-<NUM>.

Then, in order to seal both ends of the light conversion material injected into the accommodating part <NUM>, the sealing material may be filled into the holes to form the sealing part <NUM>, and the light conversion material injected into the accommodating part <NUM> may be sealed by filling the second hole h2-<NUM> and the second hole h2-<NUM>.

The holes defined as the injection part of the light conversion material are formed by removing all of the partition wall parts, and thus a moving path of the light conversion material in the injection part may be increased, and accordingly, an injection speed of the light conversion material may be improved.

In addition, since all of the partition wall parts are removed from the holes, when the sealing material is disposed inside the holes after injecting the light conversion material, an area where the sealing material is disposed may be increased, thereby improving the sealing properties of the light conversion material.

In addition, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in order to minimize the bezel region of the optical path control member, in at least one of the second holes h2-<NUM> and h2-<NUM>, a part of the hole may become the outermost surface of the optical path control member by removing a portion or entire of at least one outer surface of the hole and the outer surface from an outer surface of the hole to an outer surface of the substrate. For example, since the open region is formed by removing the outer surface of the hole from the outer surface of the substrate except for a portion between the electrode part and the hole, at the outermost side of the optical path control member in the open region, the portion of the hole, that is, the sealing part may become the outermost surface of the optical path control member.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G' in <FIG>. That is, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken one end and the other end in the second direction of any one accommodating part among the plurality of accommodating parts of the photoconversion unit.

It is illustrated that the electrode connection part <NUM> is disposed inside the accommodating part in <FIG>, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the electrode connection part <NUM> may be formed by removing the partition wall part from a partition wall part region, and hereinafter, it will be mainly described that the electrode connection part <NUM> is disposed inside the accommodating part.

Referring to <FIG>, the light conversion material <NUM>, the sealing part <NUM>, and the dam part <NUM>, and the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodating part <NUM>. That is, the light conversion material <NUM> may be disposed between the sealing parts <NUM>, and the dam part <NUM> may be disposed between the sealing part <NUM> and the electrode connection part <NUM> or the outside of the second substrate <NUM>. In this case, the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed outside the dam parts <NUM>.

That is, the light conversion material <NUM>, the sealing part <NUM>, the dam part <NUM>, and the electrode connection part <NUM> may be sequentially disposed while extending from a central region of the accommodating part <NUM> toward one end.

The light conversion material <NUM>, the sealing part <NUM>, the dam part <NUM>, and the electrode connection part <NUM> may be disposed in contact with each other inside the accommodating part <NUM>. That is, the light conversion material <NUM> may be disposed in direct contact with the sealing part <NUM>, the sealing part <NUM> may be disposed in direct contact with the light conversion material <NUM> and the dam part <NUM>, and the dam part <NUM> may be disposed in direct contact with the sealing part <NUM> and the electrode connection part <NUM>.

In the optical path control member according to the third embodiment, by disposing the dam part and the light conversion material inside the accommodating part and disposing the sealing part between the dam part and the light conversion material, it is possible to reduce a bezel region and to improve the sealing characteristics.

In detail, the dam part <NUM> may be disposed inside the accommodating part to block the movement of the light conversion material so that the light conversion material may be disposed only between the dam parts. In addition, it is possible to prevent the light conversion material <NUM> filled in the accommodating part <NUM> from overflowing the outside of the dam part <NUM> by heights of the base part <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the second substrate <NUM> disposed above the dam part <NUM>.

Therefore, since the dam part <NUM> is disposed only inside the accommodating part <NUM> and is not disposed in the partition wall part <NUM>, the height of the dam part <NUM> may be reduced, and it is possible to prevent an increase of the overall thickness of the optical path control member according to an increase in height of the dam part.

In addition, since the sealing part <NUM> is disposed inside the hole passing through the second substrate <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, the buffer layer <NUM>, and the photoconversion unit <NUM>, the sealing characteristics of the light conversion material may be improved by increasing an area where the sealing part <NUM> is disposed.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, a mixing region <NUM> may be formed inside the accommodating part <NUM>. In detail, a first mixing region <NUM> formed by mixing the sealing material and the dam material may be formed between the sealing part <NUM> and the dam part <NUM>, and a second mixed region <NUM> formed by mixing the sealing material and the light conversion material may be formed between the sealing part <NUM> and the light conversion material <NUM>.

This may be formed by adjusting a material and curing time of the sealing material and the light conversion material of the sealing part, and even though the optical path control member changes a mode several times through the mixing region, it is possible to prevent air from generating inside the sealing part by the sealing material from deeply penetrating into the accommodating part or penetrating the light conversion material of the accommodating part into the sealing part.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H' in <FIG>. That is, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken one end and the other end of one of the plurality of partition wall parts of the photoconversion unit.

Referring to <FIG>, the partition wall part <NUM> may be removed in a region where the sealing part <NUM> is disposed. That is, the sealing part <NUM> may also be disposed in a region where the partition wall part is disposed. Accordingly, an area of the sealing part <NUM> may be increased by a size in which the partition wall part is removed.

Therefore, an arrangement area of the sealing part <NUM> may be increased without increasing the thickness of the sealing part <NUM>.

Accordingly, the sealing characteristics of the light conversion material according to the sealing part <NUM> may be improved.

Hereinafter, referring to <FIG>, a display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied will be described.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an optical path control member <NUM> according to an embodiment may be disposed on or under a display panel <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> and the optical path control member <NUM> may be disposed to be adhered to each other. For example, the display panel <NUM> and the optical path control member <NUM> may be adhered to each other via an adhesive layer <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> may be transparent. For example, the adhesive layer <NUM> may include an adhesive or an adhesive layer including an optical transparent adhesive material.

The adhesive layer <NUM> may include a release film. In detail, when adhering the optical path control member and the display panel, the optical path control member and the display panel may be adhered after the release film is removed.

The display panel <NUM> may include a first' substrate <NUM> and a second' substrate <NUM>. When the display panel <NUM> is a liquid crystal display panel, the optical path control member may be formed under the liquid crystal panel. That is, when a surface viewed by the user in the liquid crystal panel is defined as an upper portion of the liquid crystal panel, the optical path control member may be disposed under the liquid crystal panel. The display panel <NUM> may be formed in a structure in which the first' substrate <NUM> including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode and the second' substrate <NUM> including color filter layers are bonded to each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

In addition, the display panel <NUM> may be a liquid crystal display panel of a color filter on transistor (COT) structure in which a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black electrolyte are formed at the first' substrate <NUM> and the second' substrate <NUM> is bonded to the first' substrate <NUM> with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first' substrate <NUM>, a protective film may be formed on the thin film transistor, and a color filter layer may be formed on the protective film. In addition, a pixel electrode in contact with the thin film transistor may be formed on the first' substrate <NUM>. At this point, in order to improve an aperture ratio and simplify a masking process, the black electrolyte may be omitted, and a common electrode may be formed to function as the black electrolyte.

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

That is, as shown in <FIG>, the optical path control member may be disposed under the liquid crystal panel and on the backlight unit <NUM>, and the optical path control member may be disposed between the backlight unit <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>.

Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, when the display panel <NUM> is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the optical path control member may be formed on the organic electroluminescent display panel. That is, when the surface viewed by the user in the organic electroluminescent display panel is defined as an upper portion of the organic electroluminescent display panel, the optical path control member may be disposed on the organic electroluminescent display panel. The display panel <NUM> may include a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel <NUM>, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first' substrate <NUM>, and an organic light emitting element in contact with the thin film transistor may be formed. The organic light emitting element may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, the second' substrate <NUM> configured to function as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation may be further included on the organic light emitting element.

In addition, although not shown in drawings, a polarizing plate may be further disposed between the optical path control member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an external light reflection preventive polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel <NUM> is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be the linear polarizing plate. Further, when the display panel <NUM> is the organic electroluminescent display panel, the polarizing plate may be the external light reflection preventing polarizing plate.

In addition, an additional functional layer <NUM> such as an anti-reflection layer, an anti-glare, or the like may be further disposed on the optical path control member <NUM>. Specifically, the functional layer <NUM> may be adhered to one surface of the first substrate <NUM> of the optical path control member. Although not shown in drawings, the functional layer <NUM> may be adhered to the first substrate <NUM> of the optical path control member via an adhesive layer. In addition, a release film for protecting the functional layer may be further disposed on the functional layer <NUM>.

Further, a touch panel may be further disposed between the display panel and the optical path control member.

It is shown in the drawings that the optical path control member is disposed at an upper portion of the display panel, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the optical path control member may be disposed at various positions such as a position in which light is adjustable, that is, a lower portion of the display panel, or between a second substrate and a first substrate of the display panel, or the like.

In addition, it is shown in the drawings that the photoconversion unit of the optical path control member according to the embodiment is in a direction parallel or perpendicular to an outer surface of the second substrate, but the photoconversion unit is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle from the outer surface of the second substrate. Through this, a moire phenomenon occurring between the display panel and the optical path control member may be reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, an optical path control member according to an embodiment may be applied to various display devices.

Referring to <FIG>, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to a display device that displays a display.

For example, when power is applied to the optical path control member as shown in <FIG>, the accommodating part functions as the light transmitting part, so that the display device may be driven in the public mode, and when power is not applied to the optical path control member as shown in <FIG>, the accommodating part functions as the light blocking part, so that the display device may be driven in the light blocking mode.

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

Light emitted from the backlight unit or the self-luminous element may move from the first substrate toward the second substrate. Alternatively, the light emitted from the backlight unit or the self-luminous element may also move from the second substrate toward the first substrate.

In addition, referring to <FIG>, the display device to which the optical path control member according to the embodiment is applied may also be applied inside a vehicle.

For example, the display device including the optical path control member according to the embodiment may display a video confirming information of the vehicle and a movement route of the vehicle. The display device may be disposed between a driver seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle.

In addition, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to a dashboard that displays a speed, an engine, an alarm signal, and the like of the vehicle.

Further, the optical path control member according to the embodiment may be applied to a front glass (FG) of the vehicle or right and left window glasses.

The characteristics, structures, effects, and the like described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, but are not limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the characteristic, structure, and effect illustrated in each embodiment may be combined or modified for other embodiments by a person skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that such combination and modification are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
An optical path control member comprising:
a first substrate (<NUM>);
a first electrode (<NUM>) disposed on the first substrate (<NUM>);
a second substrate (<NUM>) disposed on the first substrate (<NUM>);
a second electrode (<NUM>) disposed under the second substrate (<NUM>);
a photoconversion unit (<NUM>) disposed between the first electrode (<NUM>) and the second electrode (<NUM>), the photoconversion unit (<NUM>) being configured to convert an accommodation part (<NUM>) thereof into a light-blocking part and a light-transmitting part by changing light transmittance through the movement of electrophoretic particles (330a) accommodated within the accommodation part (<NUM>); and characterized in that
an adhesive layer (<NUM>) is disposed between the first electrode (<NUM>) and the photoconversion unit (<NUM>),
the second substrate (<NUM>) includes at least one hole (h1; h2) penetrating the second substrate (<NUM>) and the second electrode (<NUM>),
an electrode connection part (<NUM>) connected to a side surface of the second electrode (<NUM>) is disposed inside the hole (h1; h2),
the second substrate (<NUM>) has a different size than the first substrate (<NUM>) and includes a cutout at an edge defining an open region (OA) exposing the first substrate (<NUM>);
the hole (h1; h2) is disposed on a protruding portion (PA2) of the second substrate (<NUM>) protruding from the edge of the second substrate at the cutout by the open region (OA), and in that
the adhesive layer (<NUM>) is removed from one region on the first substrate (<NUM>) corresponding to the open region (OA) to expose the first electrode (<NUM>).