Electronic device and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

This application relates to an electronic device and a method of manufacturing an electronic device. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an electronic device includes the steps of: providing a display panel; disposing a polarizer on the display panel, the polarizer including a polarizer layer at an outermost layer of the polarizer; irradiating a portion of the polarizer layer with a laser beam; and providing a substantially neutral solution having a temperature from about 5°C to about 40°C to the portion of the polarizer layer irradiated with the laser beam.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0041972, filed on Apr. 7, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to an electronic device having a polarizing plate with partial polarization elimination and a method of manufacturing the electronic device. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, various portable electronic devices have been widely used, and their functions are being diversified. Users prefer electronic devices with a larger display area and a smaller bezel area. For this purpose, various types of electronic devices are being developed, and for example, electronic devices in which a camera and sensors overlap with the display area are being developed.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for understanding the background art of the inventive concept, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The applicant has recognized that in order to allow a camera to overlap with the display area, it is necessary to partially increase the transmittance of the polarizing plate of the display device.

[0007] An electronic device constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention has improved light transmittance in a portion of the display area that overlaps with an electronic module (such as a camera or a sensor). For example, the light transmittance can be improved by removing polarization from a part of the polarizing plate. A method of manufacturing an electronic device according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention can provide improved light transmittance in a portion of the display area that overlaps with an electronic module.

[0008] According to the principles and some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by irradiating a laser beam onto a polarizer layer and using a neutral solution to remove the residual light - absorbing material on the polarizer layer, the phenomenon of color change that would otherwise occur in the polarizer layer is avoided, thereby improving the light transmittance. In addition, the light transmittance of the display area of the electronic device can be increased without physically removing the portion of the polarizer layer that overlaps with the electronic module.

[0009] Other features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description, and will be partly apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an electronic device includes the steps of: providing a display panel; disposing a polarizer on the display panel, the polarizer including a polarizer layer at an outermost layer of the polarizer; irradiating a portion of the polarizer layer with a laser beam; and providing a substantially neutral solution having a temperature from about 5°C to about 40°C to the portion of the polarizer layer irradiated with the laser beam.

[0011] The laser beam may have a wavelength that is substantially equal to or greater than about 340 nm and substantially equal to or less than about 810 nm.

[0012] The laser beam may have a continuous wave laser beam.

[0013] The laser beam may have a pulsed laser beam with a pulse width of nanoseconds or longer.

[0014] The laser beam may have an output that is substantially equal to or greater than about 0.5 W and equal to or less than about 10 W.

[0015] The neutral solution may include water.

[0016] The polarizer layer may include a stretched film and a light absorbing material adsorbed to the stretched film, the step of irradiating the laser beam may include separating the light absorbing material, and the step of providing the neutral solution may include extracting the separated light absorbing material.

[0017] The light absorbing material may include at least one of iodine and a dichroic dye.

[0018] The display panel may include: a first region defining a hole; and a second region surrounding at least a portion of the first region, and the portion of the polarizer layer irradiated with the laser beam overlaps with the first region.

[0019] The step of irradiating a portion of the polarizer layer with the laser beam may include patterning the portion of the polarizer layer to produce a plurality of non-polarized portions and polarized portions at least partially surrounding the non-polarized portions.

[0020] The non-polarized portions may be made by a laser beam emitted from a plurality of light sources.

[0021] The polarizer may include a polarizing plate, the polarizing plate including: a polarizer layer and a protective layer disposed under the polarizer layer; and a retarder disposed under the protective layer.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes: an electronic module; a display panel including a first region overlapping with the electronic module and a second region surrounding at least a portion of at least a portion of the first region; and a polarizer disposed on the display panel and including a polarizer layer, wherein the polarizer layer has a polarization region and a transmission region overlapping with the first region, and at least a portion of the transmission region includes non-polarized portions.

[0023] The unpolarized portion may have a light transmittance that is substantially equal to or greater than about 80%.

[0024] The polarizer layer may include: a stretched film member; and a light-absorbing material that is adsorbed to the film member, and the unpolarized portion of the transmission region is the portion where the light-absorbing material is separated from the film member.

[0025] The light-absorbing material may include at least one of iodine and a dichroic dye.

[0026] The transmission region may include a plurality of unpolarized portions and a polarized portion that at least partially surrounds the unpolarized portions.

[0027] The display panel may include a pixel layer having a plurality of light-emitting regions and a non-light-emitting region that at least partially surrounds the plurality of light-emitting regions, and the unpolarized portion overlaps at least a part of the non-light-emitting region.

[0028] The electronic module may include a camera module.

[0029] A window may be provided on the polarizer; and an adhesive layer may be provided between the polarizer and the window.

[0030] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the specification, are used to explain the inventive concept. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the electronic device.

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electronic device taken along line Figure 2 I-I' of.

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the polarizing plate taken along line Figure 2 II-II' of an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing an electronic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 and shows an exemplary embodiment of an operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device.

[0038] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 and shows another exemplary embodiment of an operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device.

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 and shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 and shows still another exemplary embodiment of an operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device.

[0041] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 and shows another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 and shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of a polarizer layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 12 is a graphical depiction showing the transmittance as a function of wavelength in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of a device or method that employs one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments. Additionally, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are to be understood as providing exemplary features of some ways in which the inventive concept may be implemented in practice. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, sections, regions, and / or aspects (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged otherwise without departing from the inventive concept.

[0047] The use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc. of the elements. Additionally, in the drawings, for clarity and / or description purposes, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated. When an exemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a particular process order may be performed differently than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to that described. Additionally, like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0048] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. For this reason, the term “connected” can refer to physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without intervening elements. Additionally, the D1 axis, D2 axis, and D3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1 axis, D2 axis, and D3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0050] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “on top of,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), etc., may be used herein and thereby describe the relationship of one element to another (or other elements) as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as “beneath” or “below” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “beneath” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Additionally, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and thus, the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are thus used to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated and / or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Accordingly, variations in the shapes in the figures due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular region shapes shown, but should include, for example, deviations in shapes resulting from manufacturing. In this manner, the regions shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shape of the regions of the device and are thus not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the electronic device. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the electronic device EA taken along line I-I'. Hereinafter, the electronic device EA according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2 the line I-I'. Figures 1 to 3 the description of the electronic device EA according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] The electronic device EA can be a device that is activated in response to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device EA can be applied to or take the form of a computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television set, etc. The electronic device EA can be applied to other electronic items as long as they do not deviate from the principles of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, a smart phone will be described as a representative example of the electronic device EA.

[0056] The electronic device EA can be flexible, that is, the electronic device EA has a flexible property, and the electronic device EA can be bent completely or can be bent on the scale of several nanometers. For example, the electronic device EA can be, but is not limited to, a substantially bent electronic device or a substantially foldable electronic device. In addition, the electronic device EA can be substantially rigid.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1 , the window WM can include a front surface FS exposed to the outside. The front surface FS of the electronic device EA can be defined by the front surface FS of the window WM. The electronic device EA can display an image IM through the front surface FS. The front surface FS can be defined by a surface substantially parallel to the surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The front surface FS includes a display area TA and a border area BZA defined adjacent to the display area TA.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each member are defined with respect to the direction of the displayed image IM. The front surface and the rear surface are opposite to each other on the third direction axis DR3.

[0059] The directions represented by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 can be opposite to each other and can be changed to other directions. Hereinafter, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction respectively correspond to the directions represented by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3, and are given the same reference numerals as the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3.

[0060] The image IM can be displayed through the display area TA of the electronic device EA. The image IM can include at least one of a still image and a moving image. Figure 1 A clock widget and application icons are shown as representative examples of the image IM.

[0061] The display area TA can have a substantially quadrilateral shape substantially parallel to the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. However, this is merely exemplary, and the display area TA can have various shapes and should not be limited to this or restricted thereby.

[0062] The border area BZA can be defined as adjacent to the display area TA. As Figure 1 shown, the border area BZA can surround the display area TA. However, this is merely exemplary, and the border area BZA can be defined as adjacent to only one side of the display area TA, or can be omitted.

[0063] Referring Figures 1 to 3 , the electronic device EA can include a first area HA. The first area HA (hereinafter referred to as the "hole area" or "first area") can be an area through which a hole is defined. The image IM provided from the electronic device EA can be displayed around at least a part of the edge of the first area HA. As another exemplary embodiment, the image IM provided from the electronic device EA can be displayed through the entire part of the display area TA including the first area HA. That is, the image IM can also be displayed through the first area HA.

[0064] The window WM can be disposed on the display panel EP and can cover the front surface IS of the display panel EP. The window WM can include an optically transparent insulating material. For example, the window WM can be a glass or plastic material. The window WM can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0065] The display panel EP can include a first area HA and a second area AA surrounding at least a part of the first area HA. The second area AA (hereinafter referred to as the "active area" or "second area") can be defined as the active area, and the first area HA can be defined as the hole area.

[0066] The first area HA can be defined to have various shapes. In some exemplary embodiments, the first area HA is shown as having a substantially circular shape. However, the shape of the first area HA should not be limited to a substantially circular shape. That is, the first area HA can have various shapes, such as a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially quadrilateral shape, or a shape including substantially curved and straight edges.

[0067] At least a part of the first area HA can be surrounded by the active area AA. In some exemplary embodiments, the edge of the first area HA can be completely surrounded by the active area AA. When the electronic device EA is assembled, the first area HA can be defined at a position overlapping with the display area TA and spaced apart from the border area BZA.

[0068] The display area TA can be optically transparent. The display area TA can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the active area AA. For example, the display area TA can overlap with all or a part of the active area AA. The image IM displayed through the active area AA of the display panel EP can be viewed from the outside through the display area TA.

[0069] The peripheral region NAA can be defined as adjacent to the active region AA. The peripheral region NAA can surround the active region AA. The driving circuit or driving lines required to drive the active region AA can be arranged in the peripheral region NAA.

[0070] The peripheral region NAA can be covered by the border region BZA, and thus, the peripheral region NAA covered by the border region BZA can be prevented from being observed from the outside. This is merely exemplary, and the border region BZA can be omitted.

[0071] A polarizer in the form of a polarizing plate POL can be provided between the window WM and the display panel EP. The polarizing plate POL can reduce the reflectance of external light incident from the outside of the window WM. Thus, the external light visibility can be improved. In some exemplary embodiments, the polarizing plate POL can include a polarizing film.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the polarizing plate POL can include a transmissive region HA-P and a polarizing region AA-P. The transmissive region HA-P can overlap with the hole region HA of the display panel EP. At least a part of the transmissive region HA-P can be at least partially surrounded by the polarizing region AA-P of the polarizing plate POL. The transmissive region HA-P can overlap with the electronic module EM and can have a higher light transmittance than the polarizing region AA-P of the polarizing plate POL.

[0073] An adhesive layer ADL can be provided between the polarizing plate POL and the window WM and can combine the polarizing plate POL and the window WM. The adhesive layer ADL can include an optically transparent resin.

[0074] The electronic module EM can be provided under the window WM. In a plan view, the electronic module EM can overlap with the first region HA of the display panel EP. When the electronic module EM overlaps with the first region HA, the size of the border region BZA may not increase.

[0075] The electronic module EM can overlap with the transmissive region HA-P of the polarizing plate POL that overlaps with the first region HA. The electronic module EM can receive an external input applied thereto through the transmissive region HA-P or can provide an output through the transmissive region HA-P. The transmissive region HA-P can be a region that overlaps with a camera module for photographing an external object or a region that overlaps with a photosensor for sensing light. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic module EM can be a camera module having a lens facing the front surface FS.

[0076] In Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment shown, the display panel EP is assembled in a substantially flat state such that the active area AA and the peripheral area NAA face the window WM. However, this is merely exemplary, and a part of the display panel EP may be bent in the peripheral area NAA. In this case, a part of the peripheral area NAA may face the rear surface of the electronic device EA, thereby reducing the bezel area BZA on the front surface FS of the electronic device EA. In addition, the display panel EP may be assembled in a state where a part of the active area AA is bent. Further, according to another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral area NAA of the display panel EP may be omitted.

[0077] The electronic device EA may include a circuit board DC connected to the display panel EP. The circuit board DC may include a flexible board CF and a main board MB. The flexible board CF may include an insulating film and wires mounted on the insulating film. The wires may be connected to pads PD to electrically connect the circuit board DC to the display panel EP. Various signal lines, pads PD, or electronic components may be arranged in the peripheral area NAA to supply electrical signals to the active area AA.

[0078] In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible board CF may be assembled in a bent state. Thus, the main board MB may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel EP and may be stably accommodated in the space provided by the housing HU. In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible board CF may be omitted, and in this case, the main board MB may be directly connected to the display panel EP.

[0079] The main board MB may include signal lines and electronic components. The electronic components may be connected to the signal lines to be electrically connected to the display panel EP. The electronic components may generate various electrical signals, such as signals for generating an image IM or signals for sensing an external input, or the electronic components may process the sensed signals. The main board MB may be provided in a plurality, and the main board MB may correspond to the electrical signals to be generated and processed, respectively. However, they should not be particularly limited.

[0080] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment showing a part of a polarizing plate taken along line II-II' Figure 2 According to some exemplary embodiments, the polarizing plate POL may include a polarizer layer PVA and a retarder member POL-RL disposed under the polarizer layer PVA. The retarder member POL-RL may include a protective layer PL and at least one retarder RL1 and RL2. Figure 4 depicts a polarizing plate POL including a plurality of retarders RL1 and RL2.

[0081] The polarizer layer PVA can be an optical layer that polarizes the light provided thereto in one direction. The polarizer layer PVA can include a film member that is stretched and oriented in a specific direction. The film member can be a polymer film. For example, the stretched polymer film can be a stretched polyvinyl alcohol-based film, however, it should not be limited to this or restricted thereby.

[0082] The polarizer layer PVA can be manufactured by adsorbing a light-absorbing material onto the stretched film member. The light-absorbing material can be a dichroic dye or iodine. For example, the polarizer layer PVA can include a polyvinyl alcohol-based film adsorbed with iodine. The polarizer layer PVA including the light-absorbing material can absorb the light vibrating in the stretching direction and can transmit the light vibrating in the perpendicular direction therethrough to obtain polarized light having a specific vibration direction.

[0083] The polarizing plate POL can include a first retarder RL1 and a second retarder RL2 disposed under the polarizer layer PVA. The polarizing plate POL can include one retarder. The first retarder RL1 can be disposed under the second retarder RL2. Each of the first retarder RL1 and the second retarder RL2 can be an optical layer that retards the phase of the light provided thereto. The first retarder RL1 can be a λ / 4 retarder, and the second retarder RL2 can be a λ / 2 retarder.

[0084] Each of the first retarder RL1 and the second retarder RL2 can be a liquid crystal coating. The first retarder RL1 and the second retarder RL2 can be liquid crystal coatings formed using reactive liquid crystal monomers. The first retarder RL1 and the second retarder RL2 can be manufactured by coating, aligning, and polymerizing reactive liquid crystal monomers.

[0085] The protective layer PL can be disposed between the second retarder RL2 and the polarizer layer PVA. The protective layer PL can include a protective film, and the protective film can be a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, however, it should not be limited to this or restricted thereby.

[0086] The polarizing plate POL can include at least one adhesive layer AP1 and AP2. As Figure 4 shown, the first adhesive layer AP1 can be disposed under the first retarder RL1, and the second adhesive layer AP2 can be disposed under the second retarder RL2. The first adhesive layer AP1 can attach the component disposed under the polarizing plate POL to the polarizing plate POL. For example, the first adhesive layer AP1 can attach the upper part of the display panel EP to the polarizing plate POL. The second adhesive layer AP2 can attach the retarders RL1 and RL2 to each other.

[0087] Referring to Figure 3 , the polarizing plate POL can include a transmissive region HA-P. The transmissive region HA-P can be through Figure 5Formed by an exemplary method of manufacturing an electronic device as shown. The transmissive region HA-P may include an unpolarized portion NPVA (as Figure 6B depicted in), and the light-absorbing material of the film member adsorbed to the polarizer layer PVA is separated from the unpolarized portion NPVA. Due to the separation of the light-absorbing material, the polarization of the unpolarized portion NPVA is eliminated, and the light transmittance of the unpolarized portion NPVA increases. Accordingly, the light sensitivity of the electronic module EM disposed under the polarizing plate POL and overlapping with the transmissive region HA-P can be increased.

[0088] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing an electronic device according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 which shows an exemplary embodiment of the operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 which shows another exemplary embodiment of the operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 which shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 which shows still another exemplary embodiment of the operation of a method of manufacturing an electronic device.

[0089] A method of manufacturing an electronic device according to some exemplary embodiments may include: providing a display panel (S1); disposing a polarizer on the display panel (the polarizer includes a polarizer layer disposed at its outermost layer) (S2); irradiating a laser beam onto the polarizer layer (S3); and providing a neutral solution having a temperature of about 5°C to about 40°C to the polarizer layer irradiated with the laser beam (S4).

[0090] In the operation of providing a display panel (S1), the display panel EP provided may include a first region HA and a second region AA surrounding at least a portion of the first region HA. As an example, a display panel EP in which the first region HA is defined as a hole region may be provided. The details of the above display panel EP may equally apply to the display panel EP including the hole region HA. As another example, the display panel EP may be a display panel EP including a pixel layer PXL in a first region HA overlapping with the electronic module EM to allow an image IM to be displayed through the first region HA.

[0091] In the step of disposing a polarizer on the display panel (S2), the polarizer may be disposed in the form of a polarizing plate POL-A. As referred to Figure 4As described, in the operation (S2) of setting the polarizing plate POL-A on the display panel, the polarizing plate POL-A may include a polarizer layer PVA provided at its outermost layer. When the polarizer layer PVA is provided at the outermost layer of the polarizing plate POL-A, a neutral solution NS for extracting the light-absorbing material separated after the irradiation of the laser beam LS may be supplied to the polarizer layer PVA.

[0092] Figure 6A FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing the irradiation of the laser beam LS onto the polarizer layer PVA of the polarizing plate POL-A. The laser beam LS may be irradiated onto a region POL-HA of the polarizer layer PVA that overlaps with a first region HA in which a hole is defined therein. The laser beam LS may separate the light-absorbing material included in the polarizer layer PVA. For example, iodine adsorbed on the stretched film member may be separated.

[0093] The laser beam LS may be light selected from a wavelength range of about 340 nm or greater and about 810 nm or less. Light corresponding to this wavelength range may be absorbed by the light-absorbing material adsorbed to the film member, and thus electron excitation may occur. For example, electron excitation may occur in iodine adsorbed to the film member by the irradiation of the laser beam LS onto iodine, and thus, iodine may dissociate into monatomic iodine. Therefore, the polarization of the region POL-HA irradiated with the laser beam LS may be eliminated, and the light transmittance of the region POL-HA may be increased.

[0094] The laser beam LS may be a continuous wave laser beam. As another alternative, the laser beam LS may be a pulsed laser beam and may have a pulse width of nanoseconds or longer. The laser beam LS may decolorize the polarizer layer PVA by separating the dichroic dye or iodine adsorbed to the polarizer layer PVA without physically removing the polarizing plate POL-A.

[0095] The laser beam LS may have an output value in a range equal to or greater than about 0.5 W and equal to or less than about 10 W. A laser beam LS having an output value less than about 0.5 W may be insufficient to cause the separation of the light-absorbing material. A laser beam LS having an output value exceeding about 10 W may damage the polarizer layer PVA due to the energy of the laser beam LS, and thus, defects may appear on the surface of the polarizer layer PVA.

[0096] Figure 6BFIG. 0 is a cross-sectional view showing a neutral solution NS being supplied to a polarizer layer PVA (S4) of a polarizing plate POL-A on which a laser beam LS is irradiated. The neutral solution NS can dissolve and extract a light absorption material separated from the polarizer layer PVA on which the laser beam LS is irradiated, for example, a dichroic dye or iodine. Since the remaining dichroic dye or iodine is extracted by the neutral solution NS, color change due to a reversible reaction of the remaining light absorption material does not occur in the non-polarized portion NPVA, and the light transmittance of the non-polarized portion NPVA can be increased.

[0097] The neutral solution NS can have a temperature value in the range of equal to or greater than about 5°C and equal to or less than about 40°C. The neutral solution NS having a temperature value lower than about 5°C can have poor solubility and may be insufficient to dissolve the remaining light absorption material. For example, the processing time is increased to sufficiently dissolve the remaining dichroic dye or iodine in the neutral solution NS having a temperature value lower than about 5°C. In the operation of supplying the neutral solution NS, the neutral solution NS having a temperature value exceeding about 40°C reduces the degree of polarization of the polarization region AA-P included in the polarizing plate POL-A.

[0098] The neutral solution NS can be a solution having a pH value between about pH6 and about pH8. For example, the neutral solution NS can have a pH value of about pH7. The neutral solution NS can be water, such as distilled water, purified water, mineral water, or tap water, however, it should not be limited to this or restricted thereby.

[0099] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 2 line I-I' to show the operation (S3-a and S3-b) of irradiating the laser beam LS onto the polarizing plate POL-A. Figure 7 FIG. 16 shows an exemplary manufacturing method of an electronic device provided with a display panel EP in which a hole region HA is defined. Figure 8 FIG. 18 shows an exemplary manufacturing method of an electronic device including a polarizer layer PVA having a plurality of non-polarized portions NPVA.

[0100] Referring to Figure 7 , the display panel EP can include a base layer BL, a circuit layer DP-CL, a light-emitting element layer DP-OLED, and a packaging layer TFE. The circuit layer DP-CL can be provided on the base layer BL. The circuit layer DP-CL can include a plurality of transistors to drive the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting element layer DP-OLED.

[0101] The encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the light-emitting element layer DP-OLED and can cover the light-emitting elements. The encapsulation layer TFE can include at least one inorganic layer. In addition, the encapsulation layer TFE can include an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The encapsulation layer TFE can protect the light-emitting elements from moisture, oxygen, or impurities.

[0102] The hole region HA defined to pass through the display panel EP may not overlap with the circuit layer DP-CL and the light-emitting element layer DP-OLED of the display panel EP. The hole region HA may overlap with the electronic module EM.

[0103] In operation (S3-a), the laser beam LS irradiated onto Figure 7 the polarizer POL-A shown in may be irradiated onto the region where the hole region HA overlaps with the polarizer layer PVA. When the operations of irradiating the laser beam LS and providing the neutral solution NS are performed on the polarizer layer PVA, the light transmittance of the region POL-HA irradiated with the laser beam LS may increase. The region POL-HA irradiated with the laser beam LS may overlap with the electronic module EM, and thus, the sensitivity of the electronic module EM receiving an external input may increase.

[0104] Figure 8 The operations of irradiating the laser beams LS1 and LS2 according to another exemplary embodiment are shown. Referring to Figure 8 , the first region HA defined to pass through the display panel EP may overlap with the transmission region HA-P of the polarizer layer PVA. The laser beams LS1 and LS2 may be irradiated such that a plurality of non-polarized portions NPVA (as depicted in Figure 10 ) are included in the transmission region HA-P. The region POL-HA1 irradiated with the laser beams LS1 and LS2 may overlap with the non-light-emitting region NPA of the display panel EP. The transmission region HA-P may include the non-polarized portions NPVA and may include polarized portions PVA-a (as depicted in Figure 11 ) disposed between the non-polarized portions NPVA.

[0105] The plurality of laser beams LS1 and LS2 may be irradiated by at least one light source LI1 and LI2. Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the laser beams LS1 and LS2 respectively emitted from the light sources LI1 and LI2 are irradiated onto a plurality of regions POL-HA1 of the polarizer layer PVA.

[0106] The non-polarized portions NPVA (as Figure 10As depicted in [description], it can be formed by a mask method. That is, when a mask including a transmissive part and a non-transmissive part is disposed on the polarizer layer PVA and a laser beam LS is irradiated, the part of the polarizer layer PVA where the laser beam LS is irradiated through the transmissive part can be formed as a non-polarized part NPVA. For example, the mask for forming the non-polarized part NPVA can be a fine metal mask (FMM), however, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto or thereby. The polarizer layer PVA including the non-polarized part NPVA can be formed by providing a laser beam LS that transmits through a plurality of transmissive parts. In addition, the part where the non-polarized part NPVA is formed can overlap with the electronic module EM.

[0107] By a laser scanning method or a mask method using a plurality of light sources, the polarizer layer PVA can be patterned to include a plurality of non-polarized parts NPVAG (e.g., NPVA1, NPVA2, and NPVA3) as depicted in [description], and a polarized part PVA-a surrounding the non-polarized parts NPVA1, NPVA2, and NPVA3. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the Figure 11 patterned shape shown in [description]. Figure 11

[0108] Figure 8 According to Figure 10 an exemplary embodiment of [description], the display panel EP can include a base layer BL, a pixel layer PXL, and a encapsulation layer TFE. These will be described in detail with reference to [description].

[0109] Figure 9 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of Figure 10 [description], which shows another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of Figure 9 [description], which shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Hereinafter, the features of the electronic devices EA-1 and EA-2 different from the Figure 10 electronic device EA of Figures 1 to 8 [description] will be mainly described with reference to [description] and

[0110] [description]. Figure 9 Referring to Figure 10 [description] and Figure 4 [description], the polarizing plates POL-1 and POL-2 can include a retarder member POL-RL and a polarizer layer PVA. The retarder member POL-RL can include retarders RL1 and RL2 as shown in [description]. The polarizer layer PVA can include a stretched film member and a light-absorbing material adsorbed to the film member. For example, the polarizer layer PVA can include a dichroic dye or iodine adsorbed on the stretched film member.

[0111] The polarizer layer PVA may include a transmissive region HA-P. The transmissive region HA-P may include an unpolarized portion NPVA. The unpolarized portion NPVA may have an increased light transmittance by separating and extracting a light-absorbing material adsorbed on the polarizer layer PVA. In the wavelength range of visible light, the light transmittance of the unpolarized portion NPVA may be about 80% or higher.

[0112] The unpolarized portion NPVA may overlap with a hole region HA defined by the display panel EP and an electronic module EM. The electronic module EM may be a camera module. The electronic module EM may receive an external input or may provide an output to the outside through the unpolarized portion NPVA included in the transmissive region HA-P.

[0113] The base layer BL included in the display panel EP may be a transparent substrate. For example, the base layer BL may be a plastic substrate or a glass substrate. The electronic device EA-1 according to some exemplary embodiments may include a window WM and an adhesive layer ADL, and the window WM and the adhesive layer ADL are disposed on the polarizing plate POL-1. The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed between the window WM and the polarizing plate POL-1. The adhesive layer ADL may bond the window WM and the polarizing plate POL-1.

[0114] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the unpolarized portion NPVA may be formed by separating and extracting a light-absorbing material from the polarizing plates POL-1 and POL-2, and thus, the light transmittance of a region of the polarizing plates POL-1 and POL-2 may be increased. Since polarization is eliminated without physical perforation, the phenomenon that the display panel is pressed by the adhesive layer in the region where the polarizing plate is physically removed can be prevented.

[0115] Figure 10 The display panel EP shown in may include a base layer BL, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the base layer BL, and a packaging layer TFE disposed on the base layer BL to cover the pixel layer PXL. The packaging layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer. In addition, the packaging layer TFE may include an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture or oxygen. The organic layer may protect the pixel layer PXL from foreign substances.

[0116] The light-emitting element OLED may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2 facing the first electrode EL1, and an organic layer OEL disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. The organic layer OEL may include a hole transport region, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transport region.

[0117] The pixel layer PXL may include transistors for driving the light-emitting element OLED, an insulating layer, and connection electrodes, and the first electrode EL1 of the light-emitting element OLED may be connected to the connection electrodes through contact holes CNT.

[0118] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed between the light-emitting element OLED and adjacent light-emitting elements. The pixel defining layer PDL may include a light-absorbing material. The pixel defining layer PDL may overlap with the non-light-emitting region NPA. The pixel defining layer PDL may be provided with pixel openings OP defined therethrough. A portion of the first electrode EL1 may be exposed through the pixel opening OP of the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0119] Referring to Figure 10 , the pixel layer PXL of the display panel EP may include a plurality of light-emitting regions PA and non-light-emitting regions NPA surrounding the plurality of light-emitting regions PA. The electronic module EM may overlap with the light-emitting regions PA and the non-light-emitting regions NPA. The electronic module EM may overlap with a portion of the light-emitting regions PA and a portion of the non-light-emitting regions NPA. And the electronic module EM may overlap with the transmissive region HA-P included in the polarizer layer PVA. The transmissive region HA-P may include a plurality of non-polarized portions NPVA that overlap with a portion of the non-light-emitting region NPA.

[0120] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display panel EP may include a light-emitting region PA that overlaps with the transmissive region HA-P of the polarizer layer PVA. An image IM (such as Figure 1 as depicted) may be provided to a user through the light-emitting region PA included in the display panel EP that overlaps with the electronic module EM and the transmissive region HA-P. By maintaining the polarization of the polarizer layer PVA in a portion of the transmissive region HA-P that overlaps with the light-emitting region PA, reflection of external light is reduced, and visibility of the image provided through the transmissive region HA-P may be improved.

[0121] According to some exemplary embodiments, since the electronic module EM is disposed under the display panel EP, it is beneficial to increase the light transmittance of the polarizer layer PVA that overlaps with the electronic module EM. The non-polarized portions NPVA may correspond to portions where the light-absorbing material (e.g., dichroic dye or iodine) included in the polarizer layer PVA is separated therefrom. The light transmittance of the transmissive region HA-P may be increased by the non-polarized portions NPVA.

[0122] An electronic module EM disposed under a display panel EP can operate while eliminating the polarization of a polarizer layer PVA overlapping a non-light-emitting area NPA on the electronic module EM and maintaining the polarization of the polarizer layer PVA overlapping a light-emitting area PA, and substantially simultaneously, an image IM can be displayed through a first area HA where the display panel EP and the electronic module EM overlap. Accordingly, a user can view the image IM through a wider display area TA.

[0123] Figure 11 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of a polarizer layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Referring to Figure 11 , non-polarized portions NPVA1, NPVA2, and NPVA3 may be patterned in a substantially constant shape or in a substantially regular spaced pattern. The non-polarized portions NPVA1, NPVA2, and NPVA3 may be surrounded by a polarized portion PVA-a. However, the shape of the non-polarized portions NPVA1, NPVA2, and NPVA3 should not be limited to Figure 11 the shape shown in. The patterning process may be performed by laser scanning or a mask method.

[0124] The non-polarized portions NPVA1, NPVA2, and NPVA3 may be formed by separating and extracting a light-absorbing material adsorbed on the polarizer layer PVA without physically removing the polarizer layer PVA. That is, the polarization of an area of the polarizer layer PVA may be eliminated, and thus the light transmittance may be increased. The polarized portion PVA-a may overlap a plurality of light-emitting areas PA1 and PA2 defined thereunder to reduce reflection of external light.

[0125] Figure 12 is a graphical depiction showing the light transmittance as a function of wavelength in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention shows the light transmittance of a transmission area provided with a neutral solution at room temperature after irradiating a nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a wavelength value of about 532 nm with an output of about 1.5 W onto the polarizer layer PVA. The comparative example shows the light transmittance of a polarized area that maintains polarization without being irradiated with a laser beam.

[0126] Referring to Figure 12 , in the visible light wavelength range, the light transmittance of the polarized area of the comparative example is maintained at a value of about 45% or less. In the visible light wavelength range, the light transmittance of the transmission area of the exemplary embodiment is significantly maintained at a value of about 80% or higher, and there is also an area where the light transmittance of the transmission area is maintained at a value of about 90% or higher.

[0127] In addition, in the polarizing plate POL according to the exemplary embodiment, when the residual dichroic dye or iodine is extracted by the neutral solution NS and the polarizing plate POL is subjected to an unbiased high-accelerated temperature and humidity stress test (Uhast) using high temperature and high humidity as environmental parameters, the color of the polarizing plate POL does not change and the increased light transmittance is maintained. As an example, even after about 500 hours in an environment of a temperature of about 65° C. and a relative humidity of about 90%, no color change of the residual iodine is observed.

[0128] That is, in the case of the exemplary embodiment in which the neutral solution at room temperature is provided after irradiation with a nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a wavelength value of about 532 nm with an output of about 1.5 W, by significantly showing a result that the light transmittance is equal to or higher than about 80%, it is observed that the polarization characteristics are effectively removed. In addition, by showing the result of good reliability characteristics under the high temperature and high humidity test conditions, it is observed that the polarization characteristics in the polarization layer are effectively controlled by the method of the exemplary embodiment.

[0129] The manufacturing method according to the principles of the present invention and some exemplary implementations and / or the exemplary method of the present invention includes separating the adsorbed light absorbing material by irradiating the polarizer layer with a laser beam, and extracting the light absorbing material by providing a neutral solution to the polarizer layer. Accordingly, the problem of color change caused by the reversible reaction of the residual light absorbing material is solved, and the light transmittance is improved. In addition, the light transmittance of a region of the polarizer layer can be increased without physically perforating the polarizer layer.

[0130] The electronic device constructed according to the principles of the present invention and some exemplary embodiments increases the light transmittance of the region of the polarizing plate that overlaps with the electronic module disposed under the display panel. Accordingly, the electronic module disposed under the display panel can receive an input from the outside or can provide an output to the outside. As another example, an image can be provided even in the region where the display panel overlaps with the electronic module, and thus, the electronic device can have a wider display area.

[0131] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a display panel; Providing a polarizer on the display panel, the polarizer including a polarizer layer at an outermost layer of the polarizer; Irradiating a portion of the polarizer layer with a laser beam; And Providing a neutral solution having a temperature from 5°C to 40°C to the portion of the polarizer layer irradiated with the laser beam, Wherein the polarizer layer includes a stretched film and a light-absorbing material adsorbed to the stretched film, the step of irradiating the laser beam includes separating the light-absorbing material, and the step of providing the neutral solution includes extracting the separated light-absorbing material.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The laser beam has a wavelength equal to or greater than 340 nm and equal to or less than 810 nm.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The laser beam includes a continuous wave laser beam.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The laser beam includes a pulsed laser beam having a pulse width of nanoseconds or longer.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The laser beam has an output equal to or greater than 0.5 W and equal to or less than 10 W.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The neutral solution includes water.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The light-absorbing material includes at least one of iodine and a dichroic dye.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The display panel includes: A first region defining a hole; and A second region surrounding at least a portion of the first region, Wherein the portion of the polarizer layer irradiated with the laser beam overlaps with the first region.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The step of irradiating the portion of the polarizer layer with the laser beam includes patterning the portion of the polarizer layer to produce a plurality of non-polarized portions and polarized portions at least partially surrounding the non-polarized portions.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The non-polarized portions are made by the laser beam emitted from a plurality of light sources.

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