Polarizing film

Abstract

A polarizing film is disclosed, the polarizing film comprising a base substrate in which a folding axis and a stretching axis are defined, and a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate. The stretching axis forms an angle of less than about 45° relative to the folding axis. A display device in which a folding area (where the folding axis is located) and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area are defined comprises a display panel, a first adhesive layer located on the display panel, and a polarizing film located on the first adhesive layer, wherein the polarizing film has a stretching axis defined therein. The angle between the folding axis and the stretching axis is less than about 45°.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0045414, filed on April 18, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a polarizing film and a display device including the polarizing film, and more particularly, to a polarizing film in which damage in a folding region is substantially minimized during manufacturing of a foldable display device, and to a display device including the polarizing film. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a display device such as a liquid crystal display ("LCD") device, an electrowetting display device, an electrophoretic display device, and an organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display device may include a display panel for displaying an image and a polarizing layer integrally formed with or disposed on one surface of the display panel.

[0005] The polarizing layer may effectively prevent reflection of external light of the display device or improve the display quality of the display device. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a polarizing film and a display device including the polarizing film, in which damage in a folding area is minimized during manufacturing of a foldable display device.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the polarizing film includes: a base substrate having a folding axis and a stretching axis defined therein; and a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate. In such an embodiment, the stretching axis forms an angle of less than about 45° with the folding axis.

[0008] In an embodiment, the base substrate may include: a linear polarization layer having a stretching axis defined therein; and a phase retardation layer on the linear polarization layer.

[0009] In an embodiment, the stretching axis may be parallel to the folding axis.

[0010] In an embodiment, the folding axis may form an angle of less than about 135° with a light transmission axis of the linear polarizing layer.

[0011] In an embodiment, the folding axis may form an angle of less than about 45° with the light absorption axis of the linear polarizing layer.

[0012] In an implementation, the phase retardation layer may include at least one of a ½λ phase retardation layer and a ¼λ phase retardation layer.

[0013] In an implementation, a phase retardation layer may be disposed on a surface of the linear polarization layer.

[0014] In an embodiment, the deformation portion may include: a first deformation portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and a second deformation portion extending in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second deformation portion may have a width greater than a width of the first deformation portion.

[0016] In an implementation, the second deformed portion may have a width substantially equal to or greater than about 70 micrometers (μm) and substantially equal to or less than about 80 μm.

[0017] In an embodiment, when viewed from a plan view in a thickness direction of the polarizing film, the first deformation portion may include a thermally deformable portion and a color shift portion arranged from an edge of the linear polarizing layer toward a central portion of the linear polarizing layer.

[0018] In an embodiment, when viewed from a plan view in a thickness direction of the polarizing film, the first deformation portion may include a thermally deformable portion, a color shift portion, and a first concave portion arranged from an edge of the linear polarizing layer toward a central portion of the linear polarizing layer.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first concave portion may have a size less than about 30 μm in a direction from an edge of the linear polarization layer toward a central portion of the linear polarization layer.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second deformation portion may include a thermally deformable portion, a color shift portion, and a second concave portion arranged on a plane from an edge of the linear polarizing layer toward a central portion of the linear polarizing layer when viewed from a plan view in a thickness direction of the polarizing film.

[0021] In an embodiment, the second concave portion may have a plurality of concave portions arranged at regular intervals.

[0022] In an implementation, the second concave portion may have a size substantially equal to or greater than about 30 μm and substantially equal to or less than about 40 μm in a direction from an edge of the linear polarization layer toward a central portion of the linear polarization layer.

[0023] In an implementation, the first concave portion may have a width smaller than a width of the second concave portion.

[0024] According to an embodiment, a polarizing film includes: a base substrate including a folding region in which a folding axis is defined and a non-folding region adjacent to the folding region, wherein the stretching axis is defined in the base substrate to form an angle of less than about 45° relative to the folding axis; and a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate. In such an embodiment, the width of the deformed portion in the non-folding region is greater than its width in the folding region.

[0025] In an embodiment, the stretching axis may be parallel to the folding axis.

[0026] In an embodiment, the deformation portion may include: a first deformation portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and a second deformation portion extending in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0027] In an embodiment, the second deformation portion may have a width greater than that of the first deformation portion.

[0028] According to an embodiment, a polarizing film includes: a base substrate including a folding region having a folding axis defined therein and a non-folding region adjacent to the folding region, wherein the stretching axis is defined in the base substrate to form an angle of less than about 45° relative to the folding axis; and a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate. In such an embodiment, the folding region has a width smaller than that of the non-folding region.

[0029] In an embodiment, the deformed portion may not be provided at the folding region.

[0030] In an embodiment, the deformation portion may include: a first deformation portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and a second deformation portion extending in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0031] In an embodiment, the second deformation portion may have a width greater than that of the first deformation portion.

[0032] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a folding area in which a folding axis is defined and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area; a first adhesive layer located on the display panel; and a polarizing film located on the first adhesive layer, wherein a stretching axis is defined in the polarizing film. In such an embodiment, the angle between the folding axis and the stretching axis is less than about 45°.

[0033] In an embodiment, the polarizing film may include: a base substrate having a stretching axis defined therein; and a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate. In such an embodiment, the base substrate may include: a linear polarizing layer having a stretching axis defined therein; and a phase retardation layer located on the linear polarizing layer.

[0034] In an embodiment, the deformation portion may include: a first deformation portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and a second deformation portion extending in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first deformed portion is not provided at a folding region located at an edge of the base substrate.

[0036] In an embodiment, the second deformation portion may have a width greater than that of the first deformation portion.

[0037] In an embodiment, the second deformation portion may have a plurality of recesses arranged at regular intervals.

[0038] The foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] These and / or other features of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent and more easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II';

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged view of part III;

[0043] Figure 4 is a view showing a polarizing film having a stretching axis according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 5 It is shown that the Figure 1 A plan view of a pixel in a display panel;

[0045] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0046] Figure 7 According to the implementation method Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV';

[0047] Fig. 8A is a view showing a structure of a first deformation portion of a polarizing film according to an embodiment;

[0048] Figure 8B is a view showing a structure of a second deformation portion of a polarizing film according to an embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 9 is a view showing a state of a first deformed portion after laser cutting in a polarizing film according to an embodiment;

[0050] Fig.10 is a view showing a variation range of iodine molecules aligned parallel to a stretching axis according to a laser according to an embodiment;

[0051] Fig.11 is a view showing an embodiment of a process of obtaining a unit panel by laser cutting a mother joint panel according to an embodiment;

[0052] Fig.12 is a view showing a case where the intensity of laser light varies for each region according to an embodiment;

[0053] Fig.13 is a view showing a polarizing film having a smaller width at a folding area according to an embodiment; and

[0054] Fig.14 is a view showing the relationship between a stretching axis, a folding axis, and a phase retardation layer of a polarizing film according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be primarily described in the specification, the present invention can be modified in various ways and has several embodiments. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and should be interpreted as including all changes, equivalents and substitutions included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

[0056] In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity and ease of describing multiple layers and regions, the thickness of the multiple layers and regions is shown in an enlarged manner. When a layer, region or plate is referred to as being "on" another layer, region or plate, it may be directly on the other layer, region or plate, or there may be an intermediate layer, region or plate between them. On the contrary, when a layer, region or plate is referred to as being "directly" "on" another layer, region or plate, there may not be an intermediate layer, region or plate between them. In addition, when a layer, region or plate is referred to as being "below" another layer, region or plate, it may be directly below the other layer, region or plate, or there may be an intermediate layer, region or plate between them. On the contrary, when a layer, region or plate is referred to as being "directly" "below" another layer, region or plate, there may not be an intermediate layer, region or plate between them.

[0057] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below", "under", "down", "above", "on top", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or component and another element or component as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, in the case where the device shown in the drawings is turned over, a device located "below" or "below" another device can be placed "above" the other device. Therefore, the illustrative term "below" can include both a lower position and an upper position. The device may also be oriented in another direction, and therefore the spatially relative terms may be interpreted differently depending on the orientation.

[0058] Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, the element is "directly connected" to the other element, or is "electrically connected" to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element, or there may be intervening elements therebetween. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0059] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms, including "at least one of...", unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or". "At least one of A and B" means "A and / or B". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including" are used in this specification, the existence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components is specified, but the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0060] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, the "first element" discussed below may be named "second element" or "third element", and the "second element" and "third element" may be named similarly.

[0061] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and the mean within an acceptable deviation range of the particular value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations of the stated value, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5%.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in the specification.

[0063] In order to specifically describe the embodiments according to the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description may not be provided, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of a display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 , an embodiment of the display device 100 may be a foldable display device that has flexibility and is foldable about an axis defined as a folding axis AX.

[0067] In an embodiment of the display device 100 in which the folding axis AX is defined, an area adjacent to the folding axis AX and directly subjected to deformation is defined as a folding area FA, and the remaining area except the folding area FA is defined as a non-folding area NA. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the folding axis AX may be set to be aligned with the display device 100 in reference to FIG. Figure 1 The position where the central part in the vertical direction intersects, and therefore, defines one folding area FA adjacent to the folding axis AX and two non-folding areas NA adjacent to the folding area FA.

[0068] However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position and number of the folding axis AX and the position and arrangement of the folding area FA and the non-folding area NA may be variously modified according to a specific display device. Figure 1The position of the folding axis AX can be set on the left or right side Figure 1 The horizontal direction (X-axis direction or length direction) instead of Figure 1 In the vertical direction (Y-axis direction or width direction), two folding axes that intersect each other can be set. Herein, the Z-axis direction can be a thickness direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 , an embodiment of the display device 100 includes a first panel PN1, a second panel PN2, a third panel PN3, a first adhesive layer AL1, and a second adhesive layer AL2.

[0070] The first panel PN1 is located at the lowermost end of the display device 100 , the second panel PN2 is located on the first panel PN1 , and the third panel PN3 is located on the second panel PN2 .

[0071] The first adhesive layer AL1 is located between the first and second panels PN1 and PN2 to attach the first and second panels PN1 and PN2 to each other, and the second adhesive layer AL2 is located between the second and third panels PN2 and PN3 to attach the second and third panels PN2 and PN3 to each other.

[0072] Each of the first panel PN1, the second panel PN2, the third panel PN3, the first adhesive layer AL1, and the second adhesive layer AL2 defines a folding area FA with respect to the folding axis AX and a non-folding area NA adjacent to the folding area FA, such as Figure 2 as shown in .

[0073] The first panel PN1 may be a display panel in which a thin film transistor (not shown), an organic light emitting layer (not shown), an electrode layer (not shown), and an encapsulation layer (not shown) are sequentially stacked on each other, and the second panel PN2 may be a polarization panel including a linear polarization layer. The first panel PN1 and the second panel PN2 may include an insulating base substrate (not shown) including glass, quartz, ceramic, metal, plastic, etc. In an embodiment, in the case where the base substrate (not shown) includes a plastic such as polyimide ("PI"), each panel may have flexibility to be foldable, stretchable, or rollable.

[0074] In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be any one of an optically clear resin ("OCR") and a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"). In such an embodiment, both OCR and PSA are highly elastic, so that both the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 are flexible.

[0075] The third panel PN3 may be directly exposed to the outside and may be a window substrate protecting the first and second panels PN1 and PN2 located below the third panel PN3. The third panel PN3 may include a first base film BF1, a second base film BF2, a functional layer FN, and a third adhesive layer AL3.

[0076] The first base film BF1 may be disposed or stacked on the second adhesive layer AL2. The third adhesive layer AL3, the second base film BF2, and the functional layer FN are sequentially stacked on the first base film BF1.

[0077] Each of the first base film BF1 and the second base film BF2 may include, for example, plastic, and thus may have flexibility. The first base film BF1 and the second base film BF2 may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polycarbonate ("PC"), PI, and polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"). The first base film BF1 and the second base film BF2 may include substantially the same type of plastic as each other, or different types of plastic as each other. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and a structure in which a plurality of base films are stacked by an adhesive layer may be adopted.

[0078] The functional layer FN is attached on the second base film BF2 to protect the upper portion of the third panel PN3 from external scratches and pressure. The functional layer FN may include at least one of a hard coating film, an anti-fingerprint film, an anti-reflection film, and an anti-glare film.

[0079] The third adhesive layer AL3 may be one of OCR and PSA, and similar to the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2, the third adhesive layer AL3 may also have flexibility.

[0080] In an embodiment, in the case where the substrate of the third panel PN3 has a multilayer structure including a first substrate film BF1 and a second substrate film BF2, compared to a conventional window substrate generally defined by a single substrate film, the deformation ratio of the adhesive layer relative to the entire window substrate is reduced due to the folding stress, and thus the hardness of the window substrate can be improved. In such an embodiment, compared to a method of simply thickening the substrate, the hardness of the window substrate can be improved without reducing the flexibility of the entire window substrate.

[0081] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 3 Configuration and arrangement of the first reinforcement material RF1 and the second reinforcement material RF2 of the display apparatus 100 according to the embodiment are described in detail.

[0082] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified view of section III.

[0083] In an embodiment, if Figure 3As shown in , the first reinforcing material RF1 may be disposed in the non-folding area NA of at least one of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2. In such an embodiment, the first reinforcing material RF1 may be disposed in each of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2, or the first reinforcing material RF1 may be disposed in only one of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0084] In an embodiment, the first reinforcing material RF1 may be a plurality of transparent silica beads, such as Figure 3 In such an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 As shown in , the outer diameters d1 and d2 of the transparent silicone beads in the same adhesive layer may be different from each other.

[0085] In such an embodiment, the visibility of the display device 100 can be maintained by transparently forming the first reinforcing material RF1. In such an embodiment, by providing transparent silicon beads having different outer diameters, the hardness of the non-folding area NA of the first adhesive layer AL1 or the second adhesive layer AL2 including the first reinforcing material RF1 can be effectively adjusted.

[0086] Each of the outer diameters d1 and d2 of the transparent silicon beads may be smaller than the thickness t1 or t2 of the adhesive layer including the transparent silicon beads. In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the transparent silicon beads or the thickness of the adhesive layer may be adjusted so that the outer diameter of the transparent silicon beads is within a range of about 1% to about 95% of the thickness of the adhesive layer including the transparent silicon beads.

[0087] In such an embodiment, in the case where the transparent silicon beads have an outer diameter smaller than the thickness of the adhesive layer, the transparent silicon beads may be substantially prevented from protruding outside the adhesive layer and colliding with the adjacent first and second panels PN1 and PN2.

[0088] The second reinforcing material RF2 may be disposed in the non-folding area NA of the third adhesive layer AL3. The second reinforcing material RF2 may be a plurality of transparent silicon beads substantially the same as the first reinforcing material RF1 described above. The outer diameters d1 and d2 of the transparent silicon beads in the non-folding area NA of the third adhesive layer AL3 may be less than the thickness t3 of the third adhesive layer AL3. In such an embodiment, by further disposing the second reinforcing material RF2 at the third adhesive layer AL3, the hardness of the adhesive layer within the window substrate including two or more base films may be effectively adjusted.

[0089] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, an embodiment in which the first panel PN1 is a display panel, the second panel PN2 is a polarizing film, and the third panel PN3 is a window substrate will be described in detail.

[0090] Figure 4 is a view showing a polarizing film having a stretching axis according to an embodiment.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 , the second panel PN2 (in the case where the second panel PN2 is a polarizing film, the second panel PN2 may be referred to as a polarizing film PN2) has a stretching axis SA. In one embodiment, for example, the polarizing film PN2 including, for example, a polyvinyl alcohol ("PVA") film is immersed in a solution of iodine and a dichroic dye, and then the polarizing film PN2 is stretched so that the iodine molecules and the dye molecules are aligned in parallel in the stretching direction to obtain the stretching axis SA.

[0092] In such an embodiment, light vibrating (or polarized) in the stretching direction of the polarizing film PN2 is absorbed, and light vibrating in a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction is transmitted through the polarizing film PN2.

[0093] Therefore, the polarizing film PN2 transmits only light vibrating in substantially the same direction as the light transmission axis among incident light, and absorbs or reflects light vibrating in the remaining directions. In such an embodiment, the light transmission axis is perpendicular to the stretching axis SA.

[0094] In an embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in , the stretching axis SA forms an angle of less than about 45° with the folding axis AX. Alternatively, the stretching axis SA may be parallel to the folding axis AX.

[0095] The polarizing film PN2 may include any one of PVA, PC, polystyrene, and polymethacrylate.

[0096] When light is introduced from the outside into the display device 100, the external light is in a circular polarization state. The circular polarized light introduced from the outside becomes light polarized in one direction while passing through the polarizing film PN2.

[0097] Figure 5 It is shown that the Figure 1 A plan view of a pixel in a display panel, and Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0098] In an embodiment, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in , the pixel PX includes a light emitting element 210 and a pixel circuit unit 130 .

[0099] The pixel circuit unit 130 includes a switching thin film transistor 10 , a driving thin film transistor 20 , and a capacitor 80 .

[0100] The pixel PX may be located at a region (pixel region) defined by the gate line 151 , the data line 171 , and the common power line 172 .

[0101] The pixel PX includes a light emitting element 210 and a pixel circuit unit 130 for driving the light emitting element 210 .

[0102] The light emitting element 210 may include a pixel electrode 211, a light emitting layer 212, and a common electrode 213. In such an embodiment, the light emitting element 210 may be an organic light emitting element.

[0103] The pixel circuit unit 130 is located on the base layer 111. In other words, the switching thin film transistor 10, the driving thin film transistor 20 and the capacitor 80 are located on the base layer 111. The pixel circuit unit 130 drives the light emitting layer 212 of the light emitting element 210.

[0104] Although Figure 5 and Figure 6 The specific structure of the embodiment of the pixel PX including the pixel circuit unit 130 and the light emitting element 210 is shown, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The pixel circuit unit 130 and the light emitting element 210 may be formed in various structures within a range that can be easily modified by those skilled in the art.

[0105] Reference Figure 5 , an embodiment of the pixel PX includes two thin film transistors ("TFT") and a single capacitor, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, one pixel PX may include three or more thin film transistors and two or more capacitors, and may have various structures including additional signal lines.

[0106] The pixel PX refers to a minimum or basic unit for displaying an image, and may be any one of a red pixel emitting red light, a green pixel emitting green light, and a blue pixel emitting blue light.

[0107] The base layer 111 may be a transparent insulating layer including, for example, glass or transparent plastic. In one embodiment, for example, the base layer 111 may include one of the following: kapton, polyethersulfone ("PES"), PC, PI, PET, polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polyacrylate ("PAR"), fiber reinforced plastic ("FRP"), etc.

[0108] A buffer layer 120 is disposed on the base layer 111. The buffer layer 120 is used to prevent the penetration of undesirable elements and planarize the surface below, and may include a suitable material for planarization and / or penetration prevention. In one embodiment, for example, the buffer layer 120 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ) layer, silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) layer and silicon oxynitride (SiO xN y Alternatively, the buffer layer 120 may be omitted according to the type of the base layer 111 and its process conditions.

[0109] A switching semiconductor layer 131 and a driving semiconductor layer 132 are disposed on the buffer layer 120. The switching semiconductor layer 131 and the driving semiconductor layer 132 may include at least one of a polycrystalline silicon layer, an amorphous silicon layer, and an oxide semiconductor such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and indium zinc tin oxide ("IZTO"). In one embodiment, for example, Figure 6 In the case where the driving semiconductor layer 132 shown in FIG. 1 includes a polysilicon layer, the driving semiconductor layer 132 includes a channel region that is not doped with impurities and a p+ doped source region and a drain region formed on opposite sides of the channel region. In such an embodiment, a p-type impurity such as boron (B) may be used as a dopant ion, and B is generally used. 2 H 6 These impurities may vary depending on the type of thin film transistor.

[0110] In an embodiment, the driving thin film transistor 20 uses a p-channel metal oxide semiconductor ("PMOS") thin film transistor including p-type impurities, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the driving thin film transistor 20 may use an n-channel metal oxide semiconductor ("NMOS") thin film transistor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor ("CMOS") thin film transistor.

[0111] A gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the switching semiconductor layer 131 and the driving semiconductor layer 132. The gate insulating layer 140 may include tetraethyl orthosilicate ("TEOS"), silicon nitride (SiN x ) and silicon oxide (SiO x In one embodiment, for example, the gate insulating layer 140 may have a double-layer structure in which SiN having a thickness of about 40 nanometers (nm) is x Layers and TEOS layers having a thickness of about 20 nm are stacked one on top of another.

[0112] A gate wiring including gate electrodes 152 and 155 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140. The gate wiring also includes a gate line 151, a first capacitor plate 158, and other signal lines. In such an embodiment, the gate electrodes 152 and 155 are disposed to overlap at least a portion or all of the semiconductor layers 131 and 132, or overlap the channel regions of the semiconductor layers 131 and 132. When the source region 136 and the drain region 137 of the semiconductor layers 131 and 132 are doped with impurities, the gate electrodes 152 and 155 serve to substantially prevent the impurities from being doped into the channel region.

[0113] The gate electrodes 152 and 155 and the first capacitor plate 158 are disposed in substantially the same layer and include substantially the same metal material as each other. The gate electrodes 152 and 155 and the first capacitor plate 158 may include, for example, at least one of molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W).

[0114] An insulating interlayer 160 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 to cover the gate electrodes 152 and 155. Similar to the gate insulating layer 140, the insulating interlayer 160 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), TEOS, etc., or silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), TEOS, etc., but the implementation method is not limited to this.

[0115] The insulating interlayer 160 is provided with data wiring including source electrodes 173 and 176 and drain electrodes 174 and 177. The data wiring also includes a data line 171, a common power line 172, a second capacitor plate 178, and other wirings. In such an embodiment, the source electrodes 173 and 176 and the drain electrodes 174 and 177 are connected to the source region 136 and the drain region 137 of the semiconductor layers 131 and 132 through contact holes defined through the gate insulating layer 140 and the insulating interlayer 160, respectively.

[0116] In such an embodiment, the switching thin film transistor 10 includes a switching semiconductor layer 131, a switching gate electrode 152, a switching source electrode 173, and a switching drain electrode 174, and the driving thin film transistor 20 includes a driving semiconductor layer 132, a driving gate electrode 155, a driving source electrode 176, and a driving drain electrode 177. However, the configurations of the thin film transistors 10 and 20 are not limited thereto, and thus may be modified into various structures that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0117] Capacitor 80 includes a first capacitor plate 158 and a second capacitor plate 178 with an insulating interlayer 160 located therebetween.

[0118] The switching thin film transistor 10 serves as a switching element for selecting a pixel PX that performs light emission. The switching gate electrode 152 is connected to the gate line 151. The switching source electrode 173 is connected to the data line 171. The switching drain electrode 174 is spaced apart from the switching source electrode 173 and connected to the first capacitor plate 158.

[0119] The driving thin film transistor 20 applies driving power that allows the light emitting layer 212 of the light emitting element 210 provided in the selected pixel PX to emit light to the pixel electrode 211. The driving gate electrode 155 is connected to the first capacitor plate 158. Each of the driving source electrode 176 and the second capacitor plate 178 is connected to the common power line 172. The driving drain electrode 177 is connected to the pixel electrode 211 of the light emitting element 210 through the contact hole.

[0120] In such an embodiment, the switching thin film transistor 10 is driven by the gate voltage applied to the gate line 151, and is used to transmit the data voltage applied to the data line 171 to the driving thin film transistor 20. A voltage equal to the difference between the common voltage applied from the common power line 172 to the driving thin film transistor 20 and the data voltage transmitted from the switching thin film transistor 10 is stored in the capacitor 80, and a current corresponding to the voltage stored in the capacitor 80 flows to the light emitting element 210 through the driving thin film transistor 20, and thus the light emitting element 210 can emit light.

[0121] The planarization layer 165 is disposed to cover data wirings that may be patterned by a single mask or the same mask, such as the data line 171 , the common power line 172 , the source electrodes 173 and 176 , the drain electrodes 174 and 177 , and the second capacitor plate 178 . The planarization layer 165 is located on the insulating interlayer 160 .

[0122] The planarization layer 165 provides a flat surface to increase the light emitting efficiency of the light emitting element 210 thereon. The planarization layer 165 may include at least one of PAR resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, PI resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene ("BCB").

[0123] The pixel electrode 211 of the light emitting element 210 is disposed on the planarization layer 165. The pixel electrode 211 is connected to the driving drain electrode 177 through a contact hole defined at the planarization layer 165.

[0124] A portion or all of the pixel electrode 211 is disposed in the transmissive region (or light emitting region) of the pixel PX. In such an embodiment, the pixel electrode 211 is disposed to correspond to the transmissive region of the pixel PX defined by the pixel defining layer 190. The pixel defining layer 190 may include a resin based on, for example, PAR and PI.

[0125] The light emitting layer 212 is disposed on the pixel electrode 211 in the transmission region, and the common electrode 213 is disposed on the pixel defining layer 190 and the light emitting layer 212 .

[0126] The light emitting layer 212 includes a low molecular organic material or a high molecular organic material. At least one of a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer may be further disposed between the pixel electrode 211 and the light emitting layer 212, and at least one of an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer may be further disposed between the light emitting layer 212 and the common electrode 213.

[0127] The pixel electrode 211 and the common electrode 213 may be formed as one of a transmissive electrode, a semi-transmissive reflective electrode, and a reflective electrode.

[0128] In an embodiment, a transparent conductive oxide ("TCO") may be used to form a transmissive electrode. In an embodiment, for example, the TCO may include at least one of indium tin oxide ("ITO"), indium zinc oxide ("IZO"), antimony tin oxide ("ATO"), aluminum zinc oxide ("AZO"), zinc oxide (ZnO), and combinations thereof.

[0129] Alternatively, metals such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) or alloys thereof may be used to form the transflective electrode and the reflective electrode. In such an embodiment, whether the electrode is a transflective type or a reflective type depends on the thickness of the electrode. Typically, the transflective electrode has a thickness of about 200 nm or less, while the reflective electrode has a thickness of about 300 nm or more. As the thickness of the transflective electrode decreases, the transmittance and resistance increase. Conversely, as the thickness of the transflective electrode increases, the transmittance decreases.

[0130] In addition, the transflective electrode and the reflective electrode may have a multi-layer structure including a metal layer and a TCO layer stacked on the metal layer, wherein the metal layer includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0131] In an embodiment, the pixel PX may have a double-side emission type structure that emits light in the directions of the pixel electrode 211 and the common electrode 213. In such an embodiment, both the pixel electrode 211 and the common electrode 213 may be formed as a transmissive electrode or a semi-transmissive reflective electrode.

[0132] The sealing member 250 is disposed on the common electrode 213. The sealing member 250 may include a transparent insulating substrate including transparent glass, plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the sealing member 250 may have a thin film encapsulation structure including one or more inorganic layers and one or more organic layers. In such an embodiment, the one or more inorganic layers and the one or more organic layers are alternately stacked with each other.

[0133] Figure 7 According to the implementation method Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0134] Reference Figures 1 to 7 , an embodiment of the polarizing film PN2 includes a base substrate 310 having a folding axis AX and a stretching axis SA, and a deformed portion 320 located at an edge of the base substrate 310 .

[0135] In such an embodiment, the folding axis AX is substantially the same as the folding axis AX defined in the folding area FA of the first panel PN1 (in the case where the first panel PN1 is a display panel, the first panel PN1 may be referred to as the display panel PN1 ).

[0136] The base substrate 310 includes a linear polarization layer 311 having a stretching axis SA and a phase retardation layer 312 disposed on the linear polarization layer 311 .

[0137] The stretch axis SA forms an angle less than about 45° with the folding axis AX. In such an embodiment, the stretch axis SA of the linear polarizing layer 311 forms an angle less than about 45° with the folding axis AX of the display panel PN1. Alternatively, the stretch axis SA may be parallel to the folding axis AX.

[0138] The linear polarization layer 311 includes a light absorption axis parallel to the stretching axis SA and a light transmission axis perpendicular to the light absorption axis.

[0139] When the stretch axis SA is parallel to the folding axis AX, the light absorption axis parallel to the stretch axis SA may be parallel to the folding axis AX. Accordingly, when the stretch axis SA forms an angle less than about 45° with the folding axis AX, the folding axis AX may form an angle less than about 45° with the light absorption axis.

[0140] The folding axis AX, which is at an angle of less than about 45° relative to the light absorption axis, may form an angle of less than about 135° with the light transmission axis.

[0141] When the stretching axis SA parallel to the folding axis AX is perpendicular to the light transmission axis, the folding axis AX may also be perpendicular to the light transmission axis.

[0142] The polarizing film PN2 may be disposed on the display panel PN1. In such an embodiment, the base substrate 310 of the polarizing film PN2 may be attached to the sealing member 250 of the display panel PN1 through the first adhesive layer AL1. The first adhesive layer AL1 may include OCR, PSA, or the like.

[0143] The base substrate 310 may be disposed on a triacetyl cellulose ("TAC") film. In one embodiment, for example, the TAC film may be attached to the phase retardation layer 312 through an adhesive layer including PSA, and the base substrate 310 may be disposed on the TAC film.

[0144] The base substrate 310 may be provided with a hard coat-triacetyl cellulose ("HC-TAC") film thereon, and a protective film may be provided thereon the HC-TAC film.

[0145] The linear polarization layer 311 may allow natural light or any polarized light to become linearly polarized light in a specific direction and may reduce reflection of external light.

[0146] The linear polarization layer 311 may include at least one of PVA, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polymethacrylate.

[0147] The phase retardation layer 312 may be located on at least one surface of the linear polarization layer 311 .

[0148] The phase retardation layer 312 may change linear polarized light into circular polarized light or circular polarized light into linear polarized light by retarding the phase of incident light by about ½λ or about ¼λ.

[0149] The phase retardation layer 312 includes at least one of a ½λ phase retardation layer 313 and a ¼λ phase retardation layer 314 .

[0150] Reference Figure 7 , the embodiment of the phase retardation layer 312 includes a 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer 313 and a 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer 314, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, only one of the 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer 313 and the 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer 314 may be provided.

[0151] Reference Figure 7 , the 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer 313 retards the phase of the incident light by about 1 / 2λ, and the 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer 314 retards the phase of the incident light by about 1 / 4λ.

[0152] An ultraviolet (“UV”) adhesive is disposed between the ½λ phase retardation layer 313 and the ¼λ phase retardation layer 314 so that the ½λ phase retardation layer 313 and the ¼λ phase retardation layer 314 can be attached to each other by the UV adhesive.

[0153] A release film may be attached to the other surface of the ½λ phase retardation layer 313 or the ¼λ phase retardation layer 314 through an adhesive layer.

[0154] The deformed portion 320 may be located at an edge of the base substrate 310. In an embodiment, the deformed portion 320 is disposed or defined at an edge of the base substrate 310 during laser cutting of the polarizing film PN2. The deformed portion 320 may have a width substantially equal to or greater than about 70 micrometers (μm) and substantially equal to or less than about 80 μm.

[0155] The deformed portion 320 has a greater width in the non-folding area NA than in the folding area FA.

[0156] The deformation portion 320 includes a first deformation portion 321 extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis AX on a plane or when viewed in a plan view, and a second deformation portion 322 extending in a direction parallel to the folding axis AX on a plane.

[0157] In an embodiment, the first deformed portion 321 is located or disposed at opposite edges of the polarizing film PN2 perpendicular to the folding axis AX, and the second deformed portion 322 is located at opposite edges of the polarizing film PN2 parallel to the folding axis AX.

[0158] The first deformed portion 321 is located at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the folding area FA including the stretching axis SA, and the second deformed portion 322 is located at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the non-folding area NA.

[0159] In such an embodiment, the first deformed portion 321 is located at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the folding area FA on the stretching axis SA, or is located at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the folding area FA, wherein the folding area FA is in substantially the same direction as the stretching axis SA. The second deformed portion 322 is located at the edge of the base substrate 310, wherein the edge is in substantially the same direction as the stretching axis SA, and the stretching axis SA is located at the folding area FA.

[0160] Therefore, the first deformed portion 321 defined or formed at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the folding area FA (the folding area FA is in substantially the same direction as the stretching axis SA) is hardly affected by the laser cutting, or is less affected than the second deformed portion 322 .

[0161] In such an embodiment, the second deformed portion 322 defining or forming an edge of the base substrate 310 at the non-folded area NA in a direction perpendicular to the stretch axis SA may be more affected by laser cutting than the first deformed portion 321 .

[0162] The second deformation portion 322 has a width greater than that of the first deformation portion 321. That is, the first deformation portion 321 has a width smaller than that of the second deformation portion 322.

[0163] Fig. 8A is a view showing a structure of a first deformation portion of a polarizing film according to an embodiment, and Figure 8B is a view showing a structure of a second deformation portion of a polarizing film according to an embodiment.

[0164] In an embodiment, if Fig. 8AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the first deformed portion 321 includes a thermally deformable portion (i.e., a heat attack zone (“HAZ”)) 331, a color shift portion 332, and a first concave portion 333 arranged on a plane from an edge of the base substrate 310 toward a central portion of the base substrate 310. In an embodiment, when the first deformed portion 321 is formed during laser cutting of the polarizing film PN2, the first deformed portion 321 may have a structure including the thermally deformable portion 331, the color shift portion 332, and the first concave portion 333, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A as shown in .

[0165] The heat-denaturable portion 331 may be partially carbonized by the heat of the laser. The color-shifting portion 332 may be shifted in color toward yellow or yellow-brown by the heat transferred from the heat-denaturable portion 331 .

[0166] The first concave portion 333 has at least one concave portion positioned at regular intervals. The concave portions are defined and located at corresponding positions after the iodine (I) molecules and dye molecules aligned in parallel in the stretching direction in the linear polarization layer 311 of the base substrate 310 are evaporated by the heat of the laser. In such an embodiment, the concave portion may have a cross-sectional shape of one of a semicircle, a sawtooth, a triangle, and a quadrilateral, for example.

[0167] The first concave portion 333 may have a size less than about 30 μm in the X-axis direction.

[0168] In an embodiment, if Figure 8B As shown in , the second deformed portion 322 includes a thermal deformation portion (ie, HAZ) 331, a color shift portion 332, and a second concave portion 334 arranged on a plane from an edge of the base substrate 310 toward a central portion of the base substrate 310. In an embodiment, when the second deformed portion 322 is formed during laser cutting of the polarizing film PN2, the second deformed portion 322 may have a structure including the thermal deformation portion 331, the color shift portion 332, and the second concave portion 334, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B as shown in .

[0169] The second deformed portion 322 has a width greater than that of the first deformed portion 321. The second deformed portion 322 has a width substantially equal to or greater than about 70 μm and substantially equal to or less than about 80 μm.

[0170] The second concave portion 334 may have a size in the X-axis direction that is substantially equal to or greater than about 30 μm and substantially equal to or less than about 40 μm.

[0171] The second concave portion 334 has a width greater than that of the first concave portion 333. That is, the first concave portion 333 has a width smaller than that of the second concave portion 334.

[0172] The polarizing film PN2 may not include the first deformed portion 321 in the folding area FA. In such an embodiment, when the polarizing film PN2 is laser cut, the first deformed portion 321 may not be formed at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the folding area FA, wherein the folding area FA is in substantially the same direction as the stretching axis SA.

[0173] Therefore, compared with the second deformation portion 322, the first deformation portion 321 is less affected by the heat of the laser due to the influence of the stretching axis SA, and therefore, the first concave portion 333 may not be formed at the end of the folding area FA. Fig. 9 as shown in . Fig. 9 is a view showing a state of a first deformed portion after laser cutting in a polarizing film according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the first deformation portion 321 , only the thermally deformable portion 331 and the color shift portion 332 arranged on a plane from the edge of the base substrate 310 toward the central portion of the base substrate 310 may be formed.

[0174] Fig.10 2 is a view showing a variation range of iodine molecules aligned parallel to a stretching axis according to a laser according to an embodiment.

[0175] In an embodiment, if Fig.10 As shown in , since the second deformed portion 322 is located at the opposite edge of the base substrate 310 parallel to the stretching axis SA, the second deformed portion 322 is more affected by the heat of the laser than the first deformed portion 321. Fig.10 As shown in , a linear polarizing layer 311 including a base substrate 310 such as a PVA film is immersed in a solution of iodine and a dichroic dye, and then the PVA film is stretched so that iodine molecules and dye molecules are aligned in parallel in a stretching direction to obtain a stretching axis SA.

[0176] The first deformed portion 321 is located at an edge of the linear polarizing layer 311 including iodine molecules 1010 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the stretching axis SA, and the second deformed portion 322 is located at an edge of the linear polarizing layer 311 including iodine molecules 1020 aligned in a direction parallel to the stretching axis SA.

[0177] In the laser cutting of the polarizing film PN2 , laser light is emitted to the iodine molecules 1010 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the stretching axis SA and the iodine molecules 1020 aligned in a direction parallel to the stretching axis SA with substantially the same width along the edge of the linear polarizing layer 311 .

[0178] However, although laser beams of substantially the same width are emitted to the edge of the linear polarization layer 311 , the number of iodine molecules irradiated with laser light is different in the first deformation portion 321 and the second deformation portion 322 according to the alignment direction with respect to the stretching axis SA.

[0179] That is, although laser light having substantially the same width is guided, iodine molecules 1010 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the stretch axis SA are irradiated more by the laser light than iodine molecules 1020 aligned in a direction parallel to the stretch axis SA.

[0180] In such an embodiment, after the iodine molecules 1010 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the stretching axis SA and the iodine molecules 1020 aligned in a direction parallel to the stretching axis SA are laser evaporated, a recess is defined at each corresponding position.

[0181] In the linear polarization layer 311 , in terms of the variation range of iodine molecules according to irradiation of laser light, the variation range of iodine molecules 1020 aligned in a direction parallel to the stretching axis SA is greater than that of iodine molecules 1010 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the stretching axis SA.

[0182] Therefore, the first deformation portion 321 may have a size smaller than that of the second deformation portion 322. That is, the length of the concave portion of the second deformation portion 322 is greater than the length of the concave portion of the first deformation portion 321, and the width of the concave portion of the second deformation portion 322 is greater than the width of the first deformation portion 321.

[0183] Fig.11 is a view showing an embodiment of a process of obtaining a unit panel by laser cutting a mother joint panel according to an embodiment.

[0184] Reference Fig.11 , the mother polarizing plate 800 is attached to the mother panel 700 .

[0185] The mother panel 700 includes a carrier layer (not shown) and a display panel PN1. The carrier layer includes a fourth adhesive layer (not shown) and a second protective layer (not shown) disposed under the display panel PN1. The fourth adhesive layer is located between the second protective layer and the base layer 111 of the display panel PN1.

[0186] The mother polarizing plate 800 includes a first adhesive layer AL1, a polarizing film PN2, and a first protective layer (not shown), and is attached to the mother panel 700 through the first adhesive layer AL1. A plurality of holes 88 are defined through the mother polarizing plate 800. The plurality of holes 88 are used to align the mother panel 700 and the mother polarizing plate 800 with each other. The first base film BF1 may be attached to the polarizing film PN2 through the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0187] A structure in which the mother panel 700 and the mother polarizing plate 800 are bonded to each other is defined as a mother bonded panel 900 .

[0188] In an embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in , a separation process of separating the mother joint panel 900 into a plurality of unit panels is performed. In such an embodiment, the mother joint panel 900 is cut by lasers 384a and 384b from the laser device 382. A UV picosecond laser device can be used as the laser device 382.

[0189] In such an embodiment, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , lasers 384a and 384b are emitted from below the mother joint panel 900 toward the mother joint panel 900 in the Z-axis direction (or the thickness direction of the mother joint panel 900). Therefore, the lasers 384a and 384b emitted to the mother joint panel 900 first pass through the mother panel 700, and then pass through the mother polarizing plate 800.

[0190] In such an embodiment, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lasers 384a and 384b emitted to the mother joint panel 900 move along a closed-loop cutting line (hereinafter referred to as a "first cutting line") 15 surrounding the first area A11 and the second area A22 adjacent to each other. Therefore, the portion surrounded by the first cutting line 15 is separated from the mother joint panel 900. In such an embodiment, the portion separated from the mother joint panel 900 is defined as a unit panel 950.

[0191] Through this segmentation process, a plurality of unit panels 950 are obtained from the single mother joint panel 900 .

[0192] The laser 384a (hereinafter referred to as "first laser") emitted to the first partial cutting line 15a may have a stronger intensity than the laser 384b (hereinafter referred to as "second laser") emitted to the second partial cutting line 15b. In such an embodiment, the first laser 384a having a relatively strong intensity may be emitted along the first partial cutting line 15a of the mother joint panel 900, and the second laser 384b having a relatively weak intensity may be emitted along the second partial cutting line 15b of the mother joint panel 900. In one embodiment, for example, when a UV picosecond laser device is used as the above-mentioned laser device 382, ​​the first laser 384a may be emitted at a power in the range of about 15 watts (W) to about 25 W, and the second laser 384b may be emitted at a power in the range of about 3 W to about 10 W.

[0193] In such an embodiment, each of the first laser 384a and the second laser 384b is emitted in a pulse scheme having a frequency of about 400 hertz (Hz). The pulse width (pulse duration) of the pulse may be about 15 picoseconds (ps). In an embodiment, each of the first laser 384a and the second laser 384b may have a substantially identical beam width with a spot size of about 22 μm. In addition, the laser device 382 may vary the intensity of the laser while maintaining the laser scanning speed at, for example, about 3,000 millimeters per second (mm / s).

[0194] The length of the end of the unit panel 950 varies according to the intensity of the laser. In other words, the end of the unit panel 950 cut by the first laser 384a having a strong intensity may have a length longer than the end of the unit panel 950 cut by the second laser 384b having a weak intensity.

[0195] In the embodiment, although a structure in which the first base film BF1 is attached to the polarizing film PN2 through the second adhesive layer AL2 is shown, a protective film including an acrylic material may be attached to the polarizing film PN2 instead of the first base film BF1. In the process of laser cutting the polarizing film PN2 to which the protective film of the acrylic material is attached, the acrylic material may be destroyed or damaged by the heat of the laser. Therefore, the area to which the protective film of the acrylic material is attached may be irradiated with a low-output laser so that the intensity of the laser is at a predetermined level or lower, thereby preventing the polarizing film PN2 from being damaged.

[0196] Fig.12 is a view showing a case in which the intensity of laser light is changed for each region according to an embodiment.

[0197] Reference Figures 1 to 12 , during the laser cutting of the polarizing film PN2, the intensity of the laser light only in the folding area FA, but not in the non-folding area NA, is substantially equal to or less than a predetermined level.

[0198] In one embodiment, for example, Fig.12 As shown in , the laser device 382 can output low-power laser light in the folding area FA having the folding axis AX, and output high-power laser light in other areas.

[0199] In such an embodiment, by reducing the intensity of the laser to about half or less of the intensity of the laser in other regions, cracks may be effectively prevented from occurring in the folding region FA.

[0200] Therefore, if Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the first concave portion 333 located at the first deformed portion 321 located at the edge of the base substrate 310 at the folding area FA of the polarizing film PN2 is not formed. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 3 , in the first deformation portion 321 , only the thermal denaturation portion 331 and the color shift portion 332 may be formed at the edge of the folding area FA of the base substrate 310 .

[0201] In an embodiment, in the polarizing film PN2, after laser cutting, a first crack including a thermally deformable portion 331, a color shift portion 332, and a first concave portion 333 may appear in the first deformed portion 321, and the first deformed portion 321 extends in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis AX. Fig.10 , in the folding area FA of the polarizing film PN2, a first crack may occur in the first deformed portion 321 located at the edge of the base substrate 310.

[0202] In such an embodiment, in the first deformation portion 321 , as shown in FIG. 8 , a concave portion having a size of less than about 30 μm in the X-axis direction may be generated in the first concave portion 333 .

[0203] In an embodiment, after laser cutting, a second crack including a thermally deformed portion 331, a color shift portion 332, and a second concave portion 334 may appear in the second deformed portion 322, which extends in a direction parallel to the folding axis AX. Fig.10 According to the process shown in FIG. 1 , in the non-folding area NA of the polarizing film PN2 , a second crack may occur in the second deformed portion 322 located at the edge of the base substrate 310 .

[0204] In such an embodiment, a concave portion having a size substantially equal to or greater than about 30 μm and substantially equal to or less than about 40 μm in the X-axis direction may be formed in the second concave portion 334 in the second deformation portion 322. In one embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second concave portion 334 may have a concave portion having a size of about 35 μm in the X-axis direction, and in this case, a size from the thermal denaturation portion 331 through the color shift portion 332 to the second concave portion 334 in the X-axis direction may be substantially equal to or greater than about 70 μm and substantially equal to or less than about 80 μm.

[0205] In an embodiment, the length of the concave portion of the second deformation portion 322 is greater than the length of the concave portion of the first deformation portion 321 , and the width of the concave portion of the second deformation portion 322 is greater than the width of the concave portion of the first deformation portion 321 .

[0206] In an embodiment, the folding area FA of the polarizing film PN2 has a width smaller than that of the non-folding area NA. Fig.13 As shown in , the width of the polarizing film PN2 in the folding area FA may be smaller than the width of the polarizing film PN2 in the non-folding area NA, so that it may not be laser cut only in the folding area FA. Fig.13 is a view showing a polarizing film having a smaller width at a folding area according to an embodiment. Fig.13 As shown in , the polarizing film PN2 has a small width only in the folding area FA within the cutting line CL, so that no cutting operation is performed only in the folding area FA during laser cutting, and the laser cutting operation is performed in the non-folding area NA. Therefore, no crack is generated in the polarizing film PN2 only in the folding area FA. The deformed portion 320 is not provided at the folding area FA. That is, the polarizing film PN2 does not include the deformed portion 320 only at the edge of the folding area FA of the base substrate 310.

[0207] In the polarizing film PN2, the stretching axis SA and the folding axis AX form an angle less than about 45°, or form an angle θ3 of about 135° or more, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 as shown in . Fig.14 is a view showing the relationship between the stretching axis, the folding axis, and the phase retardation layer of the polarizing film according to the embodiment. Fig.14 , the 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer 313 has an angle θ1 of about 62.5° with respect to the folding axis AX. The 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer 314 has an angle θ2 of about 122.5° with respect to the folding axis AX.

[0208] The stretching axis SA forms an angle of less than about 45° with the folding axis AX, but may be parallel to the light absorption axis. The folding axis AX may form an angle of less than about 45° with the light absorption axis.

[0209] The stretching axis SA may be perpendicular to the light transmission axis. The folding axis AX may form an angle of less than about 135° with the light transmission axis.

[0210] The polarizing film PN2 may substantially prevent reflection of external light. The external light may pass through the linear polarizing layer 311. In such an embodiment, the light transmitted through the linear polarizing layer 311 may be linearly polarized light in which only a component perpendicular to the polarization axis of the linear polarizing layer 311 exists.

[0211] The light transmitted through the linear polarization layer 311 may pass through the phase retardation layer 312. The light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may be circularly polarized light whose phase is delayed by about 1 / 2λ by the 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer 313. The light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may be circularly polarized light whose phase is delayed by about 1 / 4λ by the 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer 314.

[0212] The light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may be reflected by the display panel PN1. The light reflected from the display panel PN1 (hereinafter referred to as 'reflected light') may maintain a circular polarization state.

[0213] The reflected light may once again pass through the phase retardation layer 312. The light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may be linearly polarized light having a phase delayed by about 1 / 4λ by the 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer 314. The light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may be linearly polarized light having a phase delayed by about 1 / 2λ by the 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer 313.

[0214] The reflected light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may be parallel to the polarization axis of the linear polarization layer 311. Therefore, the reflected light transmitted through the phase retardation layer 312 may not pass through the linear polarization layer 311 and may be absorbed by the linear polarization layer 311.

[0215] In an embodiment according to the present invention, a polarizing film and a display device including the polarizing film may be implemented as described above, wherein damage in a folding area in the polarizing film is substantially minimized during manufacturing of a foldable display device.

[0216] As described herein, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the polarizing film is cut in a state where the polarizing film is attached to a display panel, cracks may not occur in the folding region, or even if cracks occur in the folding region, the cracks have a predetermined size or less.

[0217] Therefore, in this embodiment, the life of the folding area of ​​the foldable display device can be extended and the quality of the folding area can be improved.

[0218] In such an embodiment, the layer cutting process can be performed without using a high-end laser (e.g., Femto), and thus the facility investment cost of the foldable display device can be reduced.

[0219] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. Polarizing film, including: a base substrate having a folding axis and a stretching axis defined therein; as well as a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate, wherein the deformed portion is a portion deformed by heat and includes a thermally deformable portion and a color shift portion arranged from the edge of the base substrate toward a central portion of the base substrate when viewed from a plan view in a thickness direction of the polarizing film; Wherein, the stretching axis and the folding axis form an angle less than 45°.

2. The polarizing film according to claim 1, wherein The base substrate comprises: a linear polarizing layer, the stretching axis being defined in the linear polarizing layer; and The phase retardation layer is located on the linear polarization layer.

3. The polarizing film according to claim 1, wherein The stretching axis is parallel to the folding axis.

4. The polarizing film according to claim 2, wherein: The folding axis forms an angle of less than 135° with the light transmission axis of the linear polarizing layer.

5. The polarizing film according to claim 2, wherein: The folding axis forms an angle of less than 45° with the light absorption axis of the linear polarizing layer.

6. The polarizing film according to claim 2, wherein: The phase retardation layer includes at least one of a 1 / 2λ phase retardation layer and a 1 / 4λ phase retardation layer.

7. The polarizing film according to claim 2, wherein: The phase retardation layer is disposed on a surface of the linear polarization layer.

8. The polarizing film according to claim 2, wherein: The deformation part includes: a first deformation portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and The second deformation portion extends in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

9. The polarizing film according to claim 8, wherein: The second deformed portion has a width greater than a width of the first deformed portion.

10. The polarizing film according to claim 8, wherein The second deformed portion has a width equal to or greater than 70 μm and equal to or less than 80 μm.

11. The polarizing film according to claim 8, wherein: The first deformed portion includes a thermally deformable portion and a color shift portion arranged from an edge of the linear polarizing layer toward a central portion of the linear polarizing layer when viewed from the plan view in the thickness direction of the polarizing film.

12. The polarizing film according to claim 8, wherein The first deformed portion includes a thermally deformable portion, a color shift portion, and a first concave portion arranged from an edge of the linear polarizing layer toward a central portion of the linear polarizing layer when viewed from the plan view in the thickness direction of the polarizing film.

13. The polarizing film according to claim 12, wherein: The first concave portion has a size of less than 30 μm in a direction from the edge of the linear polarization layer toward the central portion of the linear polarization layer.

14. The polarizing film according to claim 12, wherein: The second deformed portion includes a thermally deformable portion, a color shift portion, and a second concave portion arranged from the edge of the linear polarizing layer toward the central portion of the linear polarizing layer when viewed from the plan view in the thickness direction of the polarizing film.

15. The polarizing film according to claim 14, wherein The second concave portion has a plurality of concave portions arranged at regular intervals.

16. The polarizing film according to claim 14, wherein The second concave portion has a size equal to or larger than 30 μm and equal to or smaller than 40 μm in a direction from the edge of the linear polarization layer toward the central portion of the linear polarization layer.

17. The polarizing film according to claim 14, wherein: The first concave portion has a width smaller than a width of the second concave portion.

18. Polarizing film, comprising: A base substrate comprising a folding region and a non-folding region, wherein a folding axis is defined in the folding region, the non-folding region is adjacent to the folding region, wherein a stretching axis is defined in the base substrate, the stretching axis is at an angle of less than 45° relative to the folding axis; and a deformed portion located at an edge of the base substrate, wherein the deformed portion is a portion deformed by heat; Wherein, a width of the deformed portion in the non-folding region is greater than a width of the deformed portion in the folding region.

19. The polarizing film according to claim 18, wherein The stretching axis is parallel to the folding axis.

20. The polarizing film according to claim 18, wherein The deformation part includes: a first deformation portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and The second deformation portion extends in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

Images