Patent ID: 12210263

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to a part of the embodiments described, and may be implemented in various other forms, and within the spirit and scope of the present invention, one or more of the elements of the embodiments may be selectively combined and replaced.

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.

Referring toFIGS.1to4, an optical path control member1000according to the first embodiment may include a first substrate110, a second substrate120, a first electrode210, a second electrode220, and a light conversion unit300.

The first substrate110may support the first electrode210. The first substrate110may be rigid or flexible.

In addition, the first substrate110may be transparent. For example, the first substrate110may include a transparent substrate capable of transmitting light.

The first substrate110may 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 substrate110may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

Further, the first substrate110may be a curved or bended substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the first substrate110may 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 substrate110may extend in a first direction1A, a second direction2A, and a third direction3A.

In detail, the first substrate110may include the first direction1A corresponding to a length or width direction of the first substrate110, a second direction2A extending in a direction different from the first direction1A and corresponding to the length or width direction of the first substrate110, and a third direction3A extending in a direction different from the first direction1A and the second direction2A and corresponding to a thickness direction of the first substrate110.

For example, the first direction1A may be defined as the length direction of the first substrate110, the second direction2A may be defined as the width direction of the first substrate110perpendicular to the first direction1A, and the third direction3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the first substrate110. Alternatively, the first direction1A may be defined as the width direction of the first substrate110, the second direction2A may be defined as the length direction of the first substrate110perpendicular to the first direction1A, and the third direction3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the first substrate110.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction1A will be described as the length direction of the first substrate110, the second direction2A will be described as the width direction of the first substrate110, and the third directions3A will be described as the thickness direction of the first substrate110.

The first electrode210may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate110. In detail, the first electrode210may be disposed on an upper surface of the first substrate110. That is, the first electrode210may be disposed between the first substrate110and the second substrate120.

The first electrode210may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode210may include a conductive material having a light transmittance of about 80% or more. For example, the first electrode210may include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc.

The first electrode210may have a thickness of 10 nm to 300 nm.

Alternatively, the first electrode210may include various metals to realize low resistance. For example, the first electrode210may 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 toFIG.3, the first electrode210may be disposed on the entire surface of one surface of the first substrate110. In detail, the first electrode210may be disposed as a surface electrode on one surface of the first substrate110. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first electrode210may be formed of a plurality of pattern electrodes having a uniform pattern such as a mesh or stripe shape.

For example, the first electrode210may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, the first electrode210may 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 electrode210includes a metal, the first electrode210is 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.

The second substrate120may be disposed on the first substrate110. In detail, the second substrate120may be disposed on the first electrode210on the first substrate110.

The second substrate120may include a material capable of transmitting light. The second substrate120may include a transparent material. The second substrate120may include a material the same as or similar to that of the first substrate110described above.

For example, the second substrate120may 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 substrate120may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics.

Further, the second substrate120may be a curved or bended substrate. That is, the optical path control member including the second substrate120may 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 second substrate120may also extend in the first direction1A, the second direction2A, and the third direction3A in the same manner as the first substrate110described above.

In detail, the second substrate120may include the first direction1A corresponding to a length or width direction of the second substrate120, the second direction2A extending in a direction different from the first direction1A and corresponding to the length or width direction of the second substrate120, and the third direction3A extending in the direction different from the first direction1A and the second direction2A and corresponding to the thickness direction of the second substrate120.

For example, the first direction1A may be defined as the length direction of the second substrate120, the second direction2A may be defined as the width direction of the second substrate120perpendicular to the first direction1A, and the third direction3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the second substrate120.

Alternatively, the first direction1A may be defined as the width direction of the second substrate120, the second direction2A may be defined as the length direction of the second substrate120perpendicular to the first direction1A, and the third direction3A may be defined as the thickness direction of the second substrate120.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction1A will be described as the length direction of the second substrate120, the second direction2A the second direction2A will be described as the width direction of the second substrate120, and the third directions3A will be described as the thickness direction of the second substrate120.

A hole h may be formed in the second substrate120. In detail, the second substrate120may include a plurality of holes. In more detail, the second substrate120may include the plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.

For example, a first hole h1and a second hole h2disposed to be spaced apart from each other and extend in directions corresponding to each other may be formed in the second substrate120.

The first hole h1and the second hole h2may have the same shape and area. Alternatively, the first hole h1and the second hole h2may have different shapes and/or areas.

The holes h1and h2may pass through the second substrate120. That is, a depth of the hole may extend in the third direction3A, and the holes h1and h2may pass through the second substrate120.

The holes h1and h2may extend in the first direction1A. That is, a longitudinal direction of the holes h1and h2may extend in the first direction1A.

Lengths of the holes h1and h2may be greater than that of the accommodating part320, and widths of the holes h1and h2may be greater than that of the accommodating part320.

The holes h1and h2may be disposed to be spaced apart from both ends in the first direction1A and both ends in the second direction2A of the second substrate120. That is, the holes h1and h2may be disposed inside the second substrate120.

In addition, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the holes h1and h2may be formed on at least one side surface of the ends of the first direction1A and the second direction2A by removing a part of the side surface of the second substrate120in order to implement a narrow bezel in a process of manufacturing the optical path control member. That is, the holes h1and h2may be formed such that a part of the hole is opened at at least one of the ends of side surfaces of the second substrate120in the first direction1A and in the second direction2A.

A sealing material may be disposed inside the holes h1and h2. That is, the sealing material may be disposed inside the holes h1and h2so that the sealing part500may be disposed. In addition, a dam part600may be disposed in an outer region of the hole, that is, between the hole and an end of the second substrate120in the second direction. In addition, a light conversion material330may be disposed between the holes. The sealing part500, the dam part600, and the light conversion material330will be described in detail below.

The second electrode220may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate120. In detail, the second electrode220may be disposed on a lower surface of the second substrate120. That is, the second electrode220may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate120in which the second substrate120and the first substrate110face each other. That is, the second electrode220may be disposed to face the first electrode210on the first substrate110. That is, the second electrode220may be disposed between the first electrode210and the second substrate120.

The second electrode220may include a material the same as or similar to that of the first substrate110described above.

The second electrode220may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the second electrode220may include a conductive material having a light transmittance of about 80% or more. As an example, the second electrode220may include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc.

The second electrode220may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 300 nm.

Alternatively, the second electrode220may include various metals to realize low resistance. For example, the second electrode220may 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 toFIG.4, the second electrode220may be disposed on the entire surface of one surface of the second substrate120. In detail, the second electrode220may be disposed as a surface electrode on one surface of the second substrate120excluding a hole region. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second electrode220may be formed of a plurality of pattern electrodes having a uniform pattern such as a mesh or stripe shape.

For example, the second electrode220may include a plurality of conductive patterns. In detail, the second electrode220may 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 electrode220includes a metal, the second electrode220is 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.

The holes h1and h2described above may be formed penetrating the second electrode220. That is, the holes h1and h2may pass through the second substrate120and the second electrode220in the third direction.

The first substrate110and the second substrate120may have sizes corresponding to each other. The first substrate110and the second substrate120may have sizes the same as or similar to each other.

In detail, a first length extending in the first direction1A of the first substrate110may have a size the same as or similar to a second length extending in the first direction1A of the second substrate120.

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

In addition, a first width extending in the second direction2A of the first substrate110may have a size the same as or similar to a second width extending in the second direction of the second substrate120.

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

In addition, a first thickness extending in the third direction3A of the first substrate110may have a size the same as or similar to a second thickness extending in the third direction of the second substrate120.

For example, the first thickness and the second thickness may have a size of 1 mm or less.

Referring toFIG.1, the first substrate110and the second substrate120may be disposed to be misaligned from each other.

In detail, the first substrate110and the second substrate120may be disposed at positions misaligned from each other in the first direction1A. In detail, the first substrate110and the second substrate120may be disposed so that side surfaces of the substrates are misaligned from each other.

Accordingly, the first substrate110may be disposed to protrude in one direction of the first direction1A, and the second substrate120may be disposed to protrude in the other direction of the first direction1A.

That is, the first substrate110may include a first protrusion protruding in one direction of the first direction1A, and the second substrate110may include a second protrusion protruding in the other direction of the first direction1A.

Accordingly, the optical path control member1000may include a region where the first electrode210is exposed on the first substrate110and a region where the second electrode220is exposed under the second substrate120.

That is, the first electrode210disposed on the first substrate110may be exposed at the first protrusion, and the second electrode220disposed under the second substrate120may be exposed at the second protrusion.

Pad portions CA1and CA2may be disposed on the first electrode210and the second electrode220exposed from the protrusions and may be connected to an external printed circuit board.

For example, the pad portions CA1and CA2may include a conductive adhesive including at least one of an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP).

That is, the pad portion is disposed on the first electrode210and the second electrode220, and the pad portion 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 electrode210, the second electrode220, 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) without an additional pad portion.

Alternatively, referring toFIG.2, the first substrate110and the second substrate120may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other. In detail, the first substrate110and the second substrate120may be disposed so that side surfaces thereof correspond to each other.

Accordingly, the first substrate110may be disposed to protrude in one direction of the first direction1A, and the second substrate120may also be disposed to protrude in one direction of the first direction1A, that is, in the same direction as the first substrate110.

That is, the first substrate110may include a first protrusion protruding in one direction in the first direction1A, and the second substrate may also include a second protrusion protruding in one direction in the first direction1A.

That is, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may protrude in the same direction.

Accordingly, the optical path control member1000may include a region where the first electrode210is partially exposed on the first substrate110and a region where the second electrode220is partially exposed under the second substrate120.

That is, the first electrode210disposed on the first substrate110may be exposed at the first protrusion, and the second electrode220disposed under the second substrate120may be exposed at the second protrusion.

The pad portions CA1and CA2may be disposed on the first electrode210and the second electrode220exposed from the protrusions and may be connected to the external printed circuit board.

For example, the pad portions CA1and CA2may include the conductive adhesive including at least one of the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and the anisotropic conductive paste (ACP).

That is, the pad portion is disposed on the first electrode210and the second electrode220, and the pad portion 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 electrode210, the second electrode220, 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) without an additional pad portion.

The light conversion unit300may be disposed between the first substrate110and the second substrate120. In detail, the light conversion unit300may be disposed between the first electrode210and the second electrode220.

An adhesive layer or a buffer layer may be disposed between at least one of between the light conversion unit300and the first substrate110or between the light conversion unit300and the second substrate120, and the first substrate110, the second substrate120, and the light conversion unit300may be adhered to each other by the adhesive layer and/or the buffer layer.

For example, an adhesive layer410may be disposed between the first electrode210and the light conversion unit300, thereby adhering the first substrate110and the light conversion unit300.

In addition, a buffer layer420may be disposed between the second electrode220and the light conversion unit300, thereby improving adhesion between the second electrode220including different materials and the light conversion unit300.

The hole described above may be formed to pass through the buffer layer420and the light conversion unit300. That is, the hole may sequentially pass through the second substrate120, the second electrode220, the buffer layer420, and the light conversion unit300in the third direction.

The light conversion unit300may include a plurality of partition wall parts and accommodating parts. The light conversion material330including 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 part320, and light transmission characteristics of the optical path control member may be changed by the light conversion particles.

In addition, the sealing part500for sealing the light conversion material330and the dam part600for easily injecting the light conversion material330may be disposed in the accommodating part320.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.5to14, the light conversion material330, the sealing part500, and the dam part600disposed in the hole h and the accommodating part320described above will be described in detail.

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ inFIG.1. That is,FIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken a hole formed in the second substrate120and between one end or the other end of the second substrate120in the second direction2A.

Referring toFIG.5, the light conversion unit300may a partition wall part310and an accommodating part320.

The partition wall part310may be defined as a partition wall part dividing the accommodating part. That is, the partition wall part310may transmit light as a barrier region dividing a plurality of accommodating parts. That is, light emitted in the direction of the first substrate110or the second substrate120may pass through the partition wall part.

The partition wall part310and the accommodating part320may be disposed to have different widths. For example, a width of the partition wall part310may be greater than that of the accommodating part320.

The partition wall part310and the accommodating part320may be alternately disposed with each other. In detail, the partition wall part310and the accommodating part320may be alternately disposed with each other. That is, each of the partition wall parts310may be disposed between the accommodating parts320adjacent to each other, and each of the accommodating parts320may be disposed between the adjacent partition wall parts310.

The partition wall part310may include a transparent material. The partition wall part310may include a material that may transmit light.

The partition wall part310may include a resin material. For example, the partition wall part310may include a photo-curable resin material. As an example, the partition wall part310may include a UV resin or a transparent photoresist resin. Alternatively, the partition wall part310may include urethane resin or acrylic resin.

The accommodating part320may be formed to partially penetrate the light conversion unit300. Accordingly, the accommodating part320may be disposed in contact with the adhesive layer410and may be disposed to be spaced apart from the buffer layer420. Accordingly, a base part350may be formed between the accommodating part320and the buffer layer420.

The accommodating part320may extend in a direction different from that of the holes h1and h2. That is, the accommodating part320may extend in a direction different from the first direction. For example, the accommodating part320may extend in the second direction. In addition, the accommodating part320may extend to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the second direction. For example, the accommodating part320may extend to have an inclination angle of 20° or less with respect to the second direction.

The resin material may be filled in the accommodating part320and the dam part600may be disposed. That is, the dam part600may be disposed in the accommodating part320between the hole formed in the second substrate120and one end of the second substrate120in the second direction2A and between the hole formed in the second substrate120and the other end of the second substrate120A in the second direction2A. That is, the dam part600may be disposed the outer region of the holes h1and h2.

The dam part600may be disposed while completely or partially filling the inside of the accommodating part320. For example, the dam part600may be disposed while partially filling the inside of the accommodating part320. Accordingly, the adhesive layer410may be disposed while partially filling the inside of the accommodating part320. That is, only the dam part600may be disposed in the accommodating part320or the dam part600and the adhesive layer410may be disposed together.

When the light conversion material330including a dispersion in which light conversion particles are dispersed is filled in the accommodating part320, the dam part600may inhibit the light conversion material from moving in a direction between the hole formed in the second substrate120and one end of the second direction2A of the second substrate120. Accordingly, the light conversion material330may be injected only into a region between the holes by the dam part.

The dam part600may be formed on the outside of the plurality of accommodating parts, for example, inside the accommodating part disposed on the outermost side after forming the second electrode220and the buffer layer420on the second substrate120, forming the partition wall part310and the accommodating part320in a resin material forming the light conversion unit300, and adhering the buffer layer420and the light conversion unit300.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of a region B-B′ ofFIG.1. That is,FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of the first hole and the second hole formed in the second substrate120by cutting one end and the other end.

Referring toFIG.6, the holes h1and h2may be formed to pass through the second substrate120, the second electrode220, the buffer layer420, and the light conversion unit300.

In detail, after forming the second electrode220and the buffer layer420on the second substrate120, forming the partition wall part310and the accommodating part320in the resin material forming the light conversion unit300, and adhering the buffer layer420and the light conversion unit300, the holes h1and h2extending from the second substrate120toward the light conversion unit300may be formed.

That is, the first hole h1and the second hole h2may pass through the second substrate120, the second electrode220, and the buffer layer420and may be formed by removing both the base part350and the partition wall part310.

Accordingly, the adhesive layer410may be exposed through the holes h1and h2. That is, the adhesive layer410may be exposed through the bottom surfaces of the holes h1and h2.

The sealing part500formed of a sealing material may be disposed inside the hole formed in the second substrate220. That is, the sealing part500including a sealing material such as epoxy may be disposed inside the hole formed to pass through the second substrate120, the second electrode220, the buffer layer420, and the light conversion unit300. For example, the sealing material may include a material different from a material forming the partition wall part310and the base part350. As an example, the sealing material may include the epoxy.

Accordingly, the sealing part500may be disposed in contact with the side surface of the second substrate120. In addition, the sealing part500may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the second electrode220. In addition, the sealing part500may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the buffer layer420. In addition, the sealing part500may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the base part350. In addition, the sealing part500may be disposed in contact with a side surface of the partition wall part310. In addition, the sealing part500may be disposed in direct contact with the adhesive layer410.

A thickness T of the sealing part500may be equal to or smaller than a sum of those of the partition wall part310, the base part350, the buffer layer420, the second electrode220, and the second substrate120.

That is, an upper surface of the sealing part500may be disposed on the same plane as an upper surface of the second substrate120or may be lower. Accordingly, the upper surface of the sealing part500may be formed without a step on the same plane as the upper surface of the second substrate120, or the upper surface of the sealing part500may be disposed with a step st such that the upper surface thereof is low.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness of the optical path control member by inhibiting the overall thickness of the optical path control member from being increased due to a height of the sealing part500.

The sealing part500may serve to seal the light conversion material filled in the accommodating part320between the first hole and the second hole. That is, after supplying the light conversion material to the first hole h1, the light conversion material may move in a direction of the second hole h2from the first hole h1through a capillary method to be injected into the accommodating part320between the first hole h1and the second hole h2.

Then, in order to seal both ends of the light conversion material injected into the accommodating part320, the sealing material may be filled into the holes to form the sealing part500, and the light conversion material injected into the accommodating part320may be sealed by filling the first hole h1and the second hole h2by the sealing part500.

In this case, a width of the first hole h1may be greater than that of the second hole h2. The first hole h1is a region for injecting the light conversion material330, and when the light conversion material is injected, the width of the first hole h1may be formed to be wide so as to easy control a difference between an amount of the light conversion material emitted from the light conversion material injection equipment and an amount of the light conversion material entering the accommodating part.

In addition, the second hole h2is a region that serves to move the light conversion material from the first hole h1to the second hole h2using a device that sucks the light conversion material and may be formed smaller than the width of the first hole h1.

When 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.

FIGS.7and8are cross-sectional views taken along line C-C′ ofFIG.1. That is,FIGS.7and8are cross-sectional views of a region between the first hole and the second hole formed in the second substrate120.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, a light conversion material330including light conversion particles330aand a dispersion liquid330bin which the light conversion particles330aare dispersed may be disposed in the accommodating part320.

The dispersion liquid330bmay be a material for dispersing the light conversion particles330a. The dispersion liquid330bmay include a transparent material. The dispersion liquid330bmay include a non-polar solvent. In addition, the dispersion liquid330bmay include a material capable of transmitting light. For example, the dispersion liquid330bmay include at least one of a halocarbon-based oil, a paraffin-based oil, and isopropyl alcohol.

The light conversion particles330amay be disposed to be dispersed in the dispersion liquid330b. In detail, the plurality of light conversion particles330amay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the dispersion liquid330b.

The light conversion particles330amay include a material capable of absorbing light. That is, the light conversion particles330amay be light absorbing particles. The light conversion particles330amay have a color. For example, the light conversion particles330amay have a black-based color. As an example, the light conversion particles330amay include carbon black.

The light conversion particles330amay have a polarity by charging a surface thereof. For example, the surface of the light conversion particles330amay be charged with a negative (−) charge. Accordingly, according to the application of the voltage, the light conversion particles330amay move toward the first electrode210or the second electrode220.

The light transmittance of the accommodating part320may be changed by the light conversion particles330a. In detail, the accommodating part320may 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 particles330a. That is, the accommodating part320may change the transmittance of light passing through the accommodating part320by dispersion and aggregation of the light conversion particles330adisposed inside the dispersion liquid330b.

For example, the optical path control member according to the 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 electrode210and the second electrode220.

In detail, in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, the accommodating part320becomes the light blocking part in the first mode, and light of a specific angle may be blocked by the accommodating part320. 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 embodiment, the accommodating part320becomes the light transmitting part in the second mode, and in the optical path control member according to the embodiment, light may be transmitted through both the partition wall part310and the accommodating part320. 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.

Switching from the first mode to the second mode, that is, the conversion of the accommodating part320from the light blocking part to the light transmitting part may be realized by movement of the light conversion particles330aof the accommodating part320. That is, the light conversion particles330amay 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 particles330amay be electrophoretic particles.

For example, when a voltage is not applied to the optical path control member from the outside, the light conversion particles330aof the accommodating part320are uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid330b, and the accommodating part320may block light by the light conversion particles. Accordingly, in the first mode, the accommodating part320may 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 particles330amay move. For example, the light conversion particles330amay move toward one end or the other end of the accommodating part320by a voltage transmitted through the first electrode210and the second electrode220. That is, the light conversion particles330amay move from the accommodating part320toward the first electrode210or the second electrode220.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode210and/or the second electrode220, an electric field is formed between the first electrode210and the second electrode220, and the light conversion particles330acharged with the negative charge may move toward a positive electrode of the first electrode210and the second electrode220using the dispersion liquid330bas a medium.

As an example, in the initial mode or when the voltage is not applied to the first electrode210and/or the second electrode220, as shown inFIG.7, the light conversion particles330amay be uniformly dispersed in the dispersion liquid330b, and the accommodating part320may be driven as the light blocking part.

In addition, when the voltage is applied to the first electrode210and/or the second electrode220, as shown inFIG.8, the light conversion particles330amay move toward the second electrode220in the dispersion liquid330b. That is, the light conversion particles330amove in one direction, and the accommodating part320may be driven as the light transmitting part.

Accordingly, the optical path control member according to the 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 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.

FIGS.9to13are cross-sectional views taken along line D-D′ ofFIG.1. That is,FIGS.9to13are cross-sectional views of one end and the other end in the second direction of one of the plurality of accommodating parts of the light conversion unit.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the light conversion material330, the sealing part500, and the dam part600may be disposed in the accommodating part320. That is, the light conversion material330may be disposed between the sealing parts500, and the dam part600may be disposed outside the sealing parts500.

That is, the light conversion material330, the sealing part500, and the dam part600may be sequentially disposed while extending from a central region of the accommodating part320toward one end.

The light conversion material330, the sealing part500, and the dam part600may be disposed in contact with each other inside the accommodating part320. That is, the light conversion material330may be disposed in direct contact with the sealing part500, the sealing part500may be disposed in direct contact with the light conversion material330and the dam part600, and the dam part600may be disposed in direct contact with the sealing part500.

As described above, the sealing part500disposed inside the holes may be disposed below a height up to the upper surface of the second substrate120.

Referring toFIG.9, the sealing part500may be disposed to a height at which the upper surface of the sealing part500is disposed on the same plane as the upper surface of the second substrate120.

Alternatively, referring toFIG.10, the sealing part500may be disposed to have a thickness T in which the upper surface of the sealing part500is disposed on a plane lower than the upper surface of the second substrate120, and accordingly, the upper surface of the sealing part500and the upper surface of the second substrate120may form the step st.

In the optical path control member according to the 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 part600may 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 inhibit the light conversion material330filled in the accommodating part320from overflowing the outside of the dam part600by heights of the base part350, the buffer layer420, the second electrode220, and the second substrate120disposed above the dam part600.

Therefore, since the dam part600is disposed only inside the accommodating part320and is not disposed in the partition wall part310, the height of the dam part600may be reduced, and it is possible to inhibit 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 part500is disposed inside the hole passing through the second substrate120, the second electrode220, the buffer layer420, and the light conversion unit300, the sealing characteristics of the light conversion material may be improved by increasing an area where the sealing part500is disposed.

FIGS.11to13are views for describing various arrangement examples of the light conversion material330, the sealing part500, and the dam part600disposed inside the accommodating part320.

Referring toFIG.11, the sealing part500may include a region having an increased width while extending from the second substrate120toward the first substrate110. That is, the sealing part500may be disposed to be diffused in a direction of the light conversion material330and the dam part600inside the accommodating part320. That is, at least one accommodating part among the plurality of accommodating parts may include a region in which the sealing part500extends from the second substrate120toward the first substrate110and has an increased width.

Accordingly, when an injection amount of the light conversion material in one accommodating part is smaller than that of the light conversion material in the other accommodating part and a void region is formed in one accommodating part, the void region may be filled with the sealing part. Accordingly, the light conversion material and the sealing part may be densely formed without a void region inside the accommodating part. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit generation of air inside the accommodating part, thereby improving reliability and light conversion efficiency of the optical path control member.

Alternatively, referring toFIG.12, the sealing part500may include a region having a reduced width while extending from the second substrate120toward the first substrate110. That is, the light conversion material330may be disposed to be diffused in a direction of the sealing part500inside the accommodating part320, and the dam part600may be disposed to be diffused in the direction of the sealing part500inside the accommodating part320. That is, at least one accommodating part among the plurality of accommodating parts may include a region in which the sealing part500extends from the second substrate120toward the first substrate110and has a reduced width.

Accordingly, since an injection amount of the light conversion material in one accommodating part is greater than an injection amount of the other accommodating part, it is possible to inhibit the sealing part from protruding above the substrate due to the injection amount of the sealing part. In addition, accordingly, the light conversion material and the sealing part may be densely formed without the void region inside the accommodating part. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit generation of air inside the accommodating part, thereby improving the reliability and light conversion efficiency of the optical path control member.

Alternatively, referring toFIG.13, a mixing region800may be formed inside the accommodating part320. In detail, a first mixing region810formed by mixing the sealing material and the dam material may be formed between the sealing part500and the dam part600, and a second mixed region820formed by mixing the sealing material and the light conversion material may be formed between the sealing part500and the light conversion material330.

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 inhibit 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.14is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E″ ofFIG.1. That is,FIG.14is a cross-sectional view of one end and the other end of one of the plurality of partition wall parts of the light conversion unit.

Referring toFIG.14, the partition wall part310may be removed in a region where the sealing part500is disposed. That is, the sealing part500may also be disposed in a region where the partition wall part is disposed. Accordingly, an area of the sealing part500may be increased by a size in which the partition wall part is removed.

Therefore, an arrangement area of the sealing part500may be increased without increasing the thickness of the sealing part500.

Accordingly, the sealing characteristics of the light conversion material according to the sealing part500may be improved.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG.15, the hole h may include a plurality of protrusions.

In detail, the hole h may include at least one sealing protrusion PA extending in the direction of the dam part600.

Accordingly, a specific surface area of one surface in the direction of the dam part600of both side surfaces of the hole h may be greater than that of the light conversion material330.

That is, a surface roughness of one surface in the direction of the dam part600of the both sides of the hole h may be greater than that of the light conversion material330.

Therefore, when the sealing material is filled in the hole h and the sealing part500is disposed, it is possible to induce the sealing material to diffuse in the direction of the dam part600rather than in the direction of the light conversion material330.

Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit a light conversion region from reducing in the optical path control member by the movement of the sealing material in a direction of the light conversion material.

Hereinafter, referring toFIGS.16to20, a display device to which an optical path control member according to an embodiment is applied will be described.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, an optical path control member1000according to an embodiment may be disposed on or under a display panel2000.

The display panel2000and the optical path control member1000may be disposed to be adhered to each other. For example, the display panel2000and the optical path control member1000may be adhered to each other via an adhesive layer1500. The adhesive layer1500may be transparent. For example, the adhesive layer1500may include an adhesive or an adhesive layer including an optical transparent adhesive material.

The adhesive layer1500may 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 panel2000may include a first′ substrate2100and a second′ substrate2200. When the display panel2000is 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 panel2000may be formed in a structure in which the first′ substrate2100including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode and the second′ substrate2200including color filter layers are bonded to each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

In addition, the display panel2000may 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′ substrate2100and the second′ substrate2200is bonded to the first′ substrate2100with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first′ substrate2100, 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′ substrate2100. 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 panel2000is the liquid crystal display panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit3000providing light from a rear surface of the display panel2000.

That is, as shown inFIG.16, the optical path control member may be disposed under the liquid crystal panel and on the backlight unit3000, and the optical path control member may be disposed between the backlight unit3000and the display panel2000.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG.17, when the display panel2000is an organic light emitting diode panel, the optical path control member may be formed on the organic light emitting diode panel. That is, when the surface viewed by the user in the organic light emitting diode panel is defined as an upper portion of the organic light emitting diode panel, the optical path control member may be disposed on the organic light emitting diode panel. The display panel2000may include a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel2000, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first′ substrate2100, 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′ substrate2200configured 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 member1000and the display panel2000. The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an external light reflection preventive polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel2000is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be the linear polarizing plate. Further, when the display panel2000is the organic light emitting diode panel, the polarizing plate may be the external light reflection inhibiting polarizing plate.

In addition, an additional functional layer1300such as an anti-reflection layer, an anti-glare, or the like may be further disposed on the optical path control member1000. Specifically, the functional layer1300may be adhered to one surface of the first substrate110of the optical path control member. Although not shown in drawings, the functional layer1300may be adhered to the first substrate110of 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 layer1300.

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 light conversion 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 light conversion 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 toFIGS.18to20, an optical path control member according to an embodiment may be applied to various display devices.

Referring toFIGS.18to19, 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 inFIG.18, 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 inFIG.19, 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 toFIG.20, 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.

In addition, embodiments are mostly described above, but the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention, and a person skilled in the art may appreciate that several variations and applications not presented above may be made without departing from the essential characteristic of embodiments. For example, each component specifically represented in the embodiments may be varied. In addition, it should be construed that differences related to such a variation and such an application are included in the scope of the present invention defined in the following claims.