Patent ID: 12225766

MODES OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. The same reference numbers indicate the same components throughout the specification.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” 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. For instance, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings herein. Similarly, the second element could also be termed the first element.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

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 belongs. It will be further understood that 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 the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of the display device ofFIG.1.

The display device10may refer to any electronic device that provides a display screen. In embodiments, the display device10may include portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (“PC”s), electronic watches, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (“PMP”s), navigation devices, game consoles, digital cameras, etc. which provide display screens, and televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, Internet of Things (“IoT”), etc. which provide display screens.

Referring toFIG.1andFIG.2, the display device10according to an embodiment includes a cover window100and a display panel300.

As used herein, terms “upper”, “top”, and “top face” refer to a direction (that is, a third direction DR3) in which the cover window100is disposed on the display panel300in a thickness direction of the display panel300, wherein terms “lower”, “bottom”, and “bottom face” refer to an opposite direction to the third direction DR3in the thickness of the display panel300. Further, terms “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” indicate directions in a plan view of the display panel300. For example, “left” indicates a direction opposite to a first direction DR1, “right” indicates the first direction DR1, “upper” indicates a second direction DR2, and “lower” indicates a direction opposite to the second direction DR2.

The display device10may be in a rectangular planar shape. In one embodiment, for example, the display device10may have a rectangular planar shape having a short-side extending in the first direction DR1and a long-side extending in the second direction DR2as shown inFIG.1. A corner where the short-side extending in the first direction DR1and the long-side extending in the second direction DR2meet with each other may be rounded to have a predefined curvature or may be formed at a right angle. The planar shape of the display device10is not limited to be rectangular, and may be other polygons, a circles, or an oval.

The display device10may include a flat first area DS1, a second area DS2extending from each of left and right sides of the first area DS1, and a third area DS3extending from each of upper and lower sides of the first area DS1. Each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3may be flat or curved. In an embodiment, where each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3is flat, each of an angle between the first area DS1and the second area DS2and an angle between the first area DS1and the third area DS3may be an obtuse angle. In an embodiment, where each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3is curved, each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3may have a constant curvature or have a varying curvature. The drawing shows an embodiment where the second area DS2on each of the left and right sides of the area DS1and the third area DS3on each of the upper and lower sides of the area DS1are curved with respect to the first area DS1of the display device10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The cover window100may be disposed on the display panel300to cover a top face of the display panel300. Thus, the cover window100may function to protect the top face of the display panel300. The cover window100may be attached to the top face of the display panel300via an adhesive member. The cover window100may include or be made of glass, sapphire, and/or plastic. The cover window100may be rigid or flexible. The adhesive member may be embodied as an optically cleared adhesive film (“OCA”), or an optically cleared resin (“OCR”).

The cover window100may include a light-transmission portion DA100corresponding to a display area DA of the display panel300, and a light-blocking portion NDA100corresponding to non-display area NDA of the display panel300and an area of the display device10other than an area of the display panel300. The light-transmission portion DA100may be disposed in the first area DS1, and a portion of each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3. The light-blocking portion NDA100may be disposed out of the second area DS2and the third area DS3and may be opaque.

The cover window100may include a base substrate110and a printed layer130disposed on one face of the base substrate110.

The base substrate110may include or be made of a transparent material. The base substrate110may include or be made of, for example, glass or plastic. In an embodiment, where the base substrate110includes the plastic, the base substrate110may have a flexible property.

In an embodiment, the plastic applicable to the base substrate110may include, but may not be limited to, at least one selected from polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (“PMMA”), polycarbonate (“PC”), polyethylenenaphthalate (“PEN”), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride polyvinylidene difluoride (“PVDF”), polystyrene, ethylene vinylalcohol copolymer, polyethersulphone (“PES”), polyetherimide (“PEI”), polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”), polyallylate, tri-acetyl cellulose (“TAC”), and cellulose acetate propionate (“CAP”). A plastic window may include or be made of at least one of the above listed plastic materials. In an embodiment, where the base substrate110includes the plastic, a coating layer (not shown) may be disposed on top and bottom faces of the plastic. In an embodiment, the coating layer may include organic layer including an acrylate compound and/or a hard coating layer including an organic composite layer.

A planar shape of the base substrate110may be substantially the same as a planar shape of the display device10including the base substrate110. In one embodiment, for example, where the display device10has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the base substrate110has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. In one alternative embodiment, for example, where the display device10is circular, the base substrate110may have a circular shape.

The base substrate110may be larger than the display panel300in a plan view, such that a side face thereof may protrude outwardly beyond a side face of the display panel300. The base substrate110may protrude outwardly beyond each of sides of the display panel300. Accordingly, when the cover window100and the display panel300are bonded to each other, the cover window100may cover outer side faces of the display panel300.

The printed layer130may be disposed on one face of the base substrate110, that is, a bottom face thereof facing toward the display panel300. The printed layer130may be disposed on an edge of the base substrate110and may define the light-blocking portion NDA100of the display device10. The printed layer130may define a decorative layer that imparts an aesthetic feeling and/or an outermost black matrix layer.

The display panel300may be disposed on a bottom face of the cover window100. The display panel300includes the display area DA that displays an image or a screen and the non-display area NDA that surrounds the display area DA. The display area DA of the display panel300may be disposed to overlap the light-transmission portion DA100of the cover window100, while the non-display area NDA may be disposed to overlap the light-blocking portion NDA100of the cover window100. That is, the display area DA may be disposed in the first area DS1, and a portion of each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3, while the non-display area NDA may be disposed in a portion of each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3. Accordingly, the image from the display panel300may be displayed not only from the first area DS1but also from the second area DS2and the third area DS3.

Although not shown in the drawing, a polarizing film may be attached between the display panel300and the cover window100to prevent deterioration of visibility due to reflection of external light. The polarizing film may include at least one selected from a 2/2 plate (half-wave plate) and a214plate (quarter-wave plate).

In an embodiment, the display panel300may include an organic light-emitting display panel, a micro light emitting diode (“LED”) display panel, a nano LED display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, or an electricity wet display panel, for example. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, embodiments in which the display panel300is embodied as the organic light-emitting display panel will be described, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the display panel300may be embodied as other display panels, without departing from the teachings herein.

FIG.3is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.3andFIG.4, an embodiment of the display panel300may include a plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix form. A shape of each pixel PX may be rectangular or square in a plan view, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the pixel may have a rhombus shape in which each side is inclined with respect to the first direction DR1. Each pixel PX may include a light-emitting area. Each light-emitting area may have the same shape as that of the pixel PX. Alternatively, each light-emitting area may have a shape different from that of the pixel PX. In one embodiment, for example, where the shape of the pixel PX is a rectangular shape, the shape of the light-emitting area of the pixel PX may have various shapes such as a rectangle, a rhombus, a hexagon, an octagon, and a circle.

According to an embodiment, the display panel300includes a plurality of bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. Each of sides of the display panel300may be curved from each of the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4to form a curved face, but alternatively, may be bent at a right angle. That is, the display panel300may include the first area DS1having a flat face as in the display device10or the cover window100, and the second area DS2and the third area DS3which are curved areas respectively extending from the left and right sides and the upper and lower sides of the first area DS1. The first area DS1may be a flat area located on one side of each of the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4, and each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3may be a curved area located on the opposite side of each of the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4.

An embodiment of the display panel300may include the first area DS1as a flat area that is not curved from each of the plurality of bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4, and the second area DS2and the third area DS3which are curved, for example, downwardly from the first area DS1. Each of the second area DS2and the third area DS3of the display panel300may have a curved face from each of the plurality of bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4, or may be bent at a right angle from each of the plurality of bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. The first area DS1may be surrounded with the plurality of bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4and have a flat face. The display panel300shown inFIG.3is in a state in which one side of the display panel300is not bent from each of the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4.

The first bending line BL1may be located at the opposite side in the first direction DR1of the display panel300and may extend along the second direction DR2. The second bending line BL2may be positioned at one side in the first direction DR1of the display panel300and may extend along the second direction DR2. The third bending line BL3may be located at one side of the second direction DR2of the display panel300and may extend along the first direction DR1. The fourth bending line BL4may be located at the opposite side in the second direction DR2of the display panel300and may extend along the first direction DR1. The first bending line BL1and the second bending line BL2may extend parallel to each other, while the third bending line BL3and the fourth bending line BL4may extend parallel to each other. The first bending line BL1and the second bending line BL2may intersect the third bending line BL3and the fourth bending line BL4, respectively. In one embodiment, for example, the first bending line BL1and the second bending line BL2may extend in a perpendicular manner to the third bending line BL3and the fourth bending line BL4, respectively. The disclosure is not limited thereto.

The bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4may intersect each other to define intersection points. In one embodiment, for example, the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3may intersect each other at a first bending intersection point DBP1adjacent to a corner defined by the opposite side in the first direction DR1of the display panel300and one side in the second direction DR2thereof. The second bending line BL2and the third bending line BL3may intersect each other at a second bending intersection point DBP2adjacent to a corner defined between one side in the first direction DR1and one side in the second direction DR2of the display panel300. Further, the first bending line BL1and the fourth bending line BL4may intersect each other at a third bending intersection point DBP3adjacent to a corner defined between the opposite side in the first direction DR1of the display panel300and the opposite side in the second direction DR2thereof. The second bending line BL2and the fourth bending line BL4may intersect each other at a fourth bending intersection point DBP4adjacent to a corner defined by one side in the first direction DR1of the display panel300and the opposite side in the second direction DR2of the display panel300thereof.

According to an embodiment, the bending intersection points DBP1, DBP2, DBP3, DBP4may be located in the display panel300. The bending intersection points DBP1, DBP2, DBP3, and DBP4may be located at a boundary between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display panel300. The disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the bending intersection points DBP1, DBP2, DBP3, and DBP4may be located within the display area DA or the non-display area NDA.

Each of the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4may divide each of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA into a plurality of sub-areas. The bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4may divide the display area DA into a first display area DA1to a fifth display area DA5. The bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4may divide the non-display area NDA into a first non-display area NDA1to an eighth non-display area NDA8. The fifth display area DA5may be located in the flat first area DS1of the display panel300. The first to fourth display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4may be located in the second area DS2and the third area DS3. The first to eighth non-display areas NDA1, NDA2, NDA3, NDA4, NDA5, NDA6, NDA7, and NDA8may be located in the second area DS2and the third area DS3.

The fifth display area DA5may be surrounded with the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4and may be located in an inner region of the display panel300. The first display area DA1may be located at the left side around the first bending line BL1, and may be located adjacent to the fifth display area DA5while the first bending line BL1may define a boundary therebetween. The second display area DA2may be located at the right side around the second bending line BL2, and may be located adjacent to the fifth display area DA5while the second bending line BL2may define a boundary therebetween. The third display area DA3may be located at the upper side around the third bending line BL3and adjacent to the fifth display area DA5while the third bending line BL3may define a boundary therebetween. The fourth display area DA4may be located at the lower side around the fourth bending line BL4, and may be located adjacent to the fifth display area DA5while the fourth bending line BL4may define a boundary therebetween.

The first to fourth non-display areas NDA1, NDA2, NDA3, and NDA4are located at the upper, lower, and left and right sides of the display panel300, and the fifth to eighth non-display areas NDA5, NDA6, NDA7, and NDA8are located at the curved corners of the display panel300.

The first non-display area NDA1may be positioned on the opposite side in the first direction DR1of the first display area DA1and may be spaced apart from the fifth display area DA5while the first display area DA1may be interposed therebetween. The second non-display area NDA2may be positioned on one side in the first direction DR1of the second display area DA2and may be spaced apart from the fifth display area DA5while the second display area DA2may be interposed therebetween. Further, the third non-display area NDA3may be located on one side in the second direction DR2of the third display area DA3and may be spaced apart from the fifth display area DA5while the third display area DA3may be interposed therebetween. The fourth non-display area NDA4may be located on the opposite side in the second direction DR2of the fourth display area DA4and may be spaced apart from the fifth display area DA5while the fourth display area DA4may be interposed therebetween.

The fifth non-display area NDA5may be located at a left-upper corner of the display panel300where the first non-display area NDA1and the third non-display area NDA3meet each other. The sixth non-display area NDA6may be located at a right-upper corner of the display panel300where the third non-display area NDA3and the second where the non-display area NDA2meet each other. The seventh non-display area NDA7may be located at a left-lower corner of the display panel300where the first non-display area NDA1and the fourth non-display area NDA4meet with each other. The eighth non-display area NDA8is located at a right-lower corner of the display panel300where the fourth non-display area NDA4and the second non-display area NDA2meet with each other.

In one embodiment, for example, as described above, the display device10may include the flat first area DS1, the curved or bent second area DS2and the curved or bent third area DS3. Each of the cover window100and the display panel300of the display device10may include a flat area corresponding to the first area DS1, a curved area corresponding to the second area DS2, and a curved area corresponding to the third area DS3of the display device10. The display panel300may include the fifth display area DA5that is surrounded with the first to fourth bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4and is flat and corresponds to the first area DS1of the display device10. The display panel300may include other non-display areas NDA, the first and second display areas DA1and DA2corresponding to the second area DS2, and the third and fourth display areas DA3and DA4corresponding to the third area DS3. The first and second display areas DA1and DA2and the third and fourth display areas DA3and DA4may be bent downward to be curved from the first area DS1or the fifth display DA5and along the first to fourth bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4, respectively.

The display panel300may be manufactured in a state where an entire upper surface is in a flat state. Then, each side portion may be bent to have a predefined curvature along each of the first to fourth bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. Then, the display panel300may be interconnected with the cover window100. Thus, the display device may be manufactured. An embodiment of the display panel300includes a plurality of alignment marks200to measure a bent degree of each side of the display panel300and an alignment state thereof with the cover window100. In a bonding process between the display panel300and the cover window100, the alignment marks200may be used to measure change in a planar size of the display panel300as each of the sides of the display panel300is bent and then to calculate the bent degree thereof based on the measurement.

An embodiment of the display panel300may include a plurality of alignment marks200disposed in the first area DS1as a flat area and the second area DS2or the third area DS3as a curved area which may be distinguished from each other based on the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. The alignment mark200may include a first alignment mark210disposed in the first area DS1and a second alignment mark220disposed in the second area DS2which may be distinguished from each other based on the first bending line BL1. Further, the alignment mark200may include a third alignment mark230disposed in the first area DS1and a fourth alignment mark240disposed in the third area DS3which may be distinguished from each other based on the third bending line BL3.

Each of the first to fourth alignment marks210and220,230and240may be disposed in display area DA. The first alignment mark210and the third alignment mark230may be disposed in the first area DS1which is flat and may extend inwardly from the first and third bending lines BL1and BL3, respectively. The second alignment mark220and the fourth alignment mark240may be respectively disposed in the second area DS2and the third area DS3which are curved.

A plurality of first alignment marks210and a plurality of third alignment marks230may be disposed in the fifth display area DA5corresponding to the first area DS1. A plurality of second alignment marks220and a plurality of fourth alignment marks240may be respectively disposed in the first to the fourth display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4corresponding to the second area DS2and the third area DS3. At least one alignment mark200may be disposed at each side of the display panel300and correspond to each of the bending lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. In the drawing, two first alignment marks210and two second alignment marks220are disposed at each of left and right sides of the display panel300, while two third alignment marks230and two fourth alignment marks240are disposed at each of upper and lower sides of the display panel300. Thus, a total of 16 alignment marks200are arranged on an entire face of the display panel300. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, a lee or greater number of the alignment marks200may be disposed on the display panel300. The alignment mark200disposed in the display panel300will be described later in greater detail with reference to other drawings.

In one embodiment, for example, although not shown, a pad area for receiving an external signal may be further disposed on a lower short-side of the display panel300. The pad area may be located at the opposite side in the second direction DR2of the non-display area NDA4located at the lower short-side of the display panel300. In the pad area, signal lines extending from the display area DA may be disposed. The signal lines may be electrically connected to external signal terminals, for example, a lead line of a printed circuit board when a chip on film is applied, or bumps of a driver chip when a chip on plastic is applied.

The display panel300may include a substrate101, a thin-film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emissive element layer EML, and a thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL and a touch sensor layer TSP disposed on the substrate101as shown inFIG.4.

The substrate101may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate capable of being bent, foldable, rollable, or the like. The substrate101may include or be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. In an embodiment, polymer resin may include PES, polyacrylate (“PA”), polyarylate (“PAR”), PEI, PEN, polyethyleneterepthalate (“PET”), PPS, polyallylate, polyimide (“PI”), PC, cellulosetriacetate (“CAT”), CAP, or a combination thereof. The substrate101may include a metal material.

The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on the substrate101. In an embodiment, not only thin-film transistors for each pixel, but also scan lines, data lines, power lines, scan control lines, and link lines for connecting pads and the data lines to each other may be disposed in the thin-film transistor layer TFTL. Each of the thin-film transistors may include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode.

The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the thin-film transistors for each of the pixels, the scan lines, the data lines, and the power lines of the thin-film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA. The scan control lines and the link lines of the thin-film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

The light-emissive element layer EML may be disposed on the thin-film transistor layer TFTL. The light-emissive element layer EML may include pixels, each of which includes a first electrode, a light-emissive layer, and a second electrode, and may include a pixel defining layer defining the pixels. The light-emissive layer may be embodied as an organic light-emissive layer including an organic material. In such an embodiment, the light-emissive layer may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light-emissive layer, and an electron transporting layer. When a predefined voltage may be applied to the first electrode via the thin-film transistor of the thin-film transistor layer TFTL and a cathode voltage is applied to the second electrode, holes and electrons move to the organic light-emissive layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and then combine with each other in the organic light-emissive layer to emit light. The pixels of the light-emissive element layer EML may be disposed in the display area DA.

The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the light-emissive element layer EML. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL serves to prevent invasion of oxygen or moisture into the light-emissive element layer EML. To this end, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may include, but may not be limited to, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. In an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL serves to protect the light-emissive element layer EML from foreign materials, such as dusts. In such an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic film. The organic film may include or be made of at least one selected from an acryl resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyimide resin, and the like. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed in both the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed to cover the light-emissive element layer EML in each of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA, and to cover the thin-film transistor layer TFTL in the non-display area NDA.

The touch sensor layer TSP may be disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL. In an embodiment, the touch sensor layer TSP may be directly on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL to allow a thickness of the display device10to be reduced, compared to a case where a separate touch panel including a touch sensor layer TSP is attached on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL.

The touch sensor layer TSP may include touch electrodes for detecting a user's touch in a capacitive manner and touch lines for connecting the pads and the touch electrodes to each other. In one embodiment, for example, the touch sensor layer TSP may detect a user's touch using a self-capacitance scheme or a mutual capacitance scheme.

A cover window may be additionally disposed on the touch sensor layer TSP. In an embodiment, the touch sensor layer TSP and the cover window may be attached to each other via a transparent adhesive member.

In one embodiment, for example, the display device10may include the plurality of alignment marks200disposed in the display panel300. The alignment marks200may be disposed between the thin-film transistor layer TFTL and the light-emissive element layer EML, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The alignment marks200may be disposed on the light-emissive element layer EML or the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL. As shown in the drawing, the alignment marks200may include the first alignment mark210disposed in the fifth display area DA5corresponding to the first area DS1of the display area DA, and the second alignment mark220disposed in each of the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2corresponding to the second area DS2. In an embodiment, the alignment mark200may include a plurality of stacked conductive patterns. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

As described above, an embodiment of the display device10includes the flat face first area DS1and the curved or bent second area DS2and third area DS3. In such an embodiment, the display device10may be manufactured by bending each of the sides of the display panel300to have a predefined curvature, and performing a process of bonding the display panel300to the cover window100. An embodiment of the display device10may include the alignment mark200disposed in the display panel300which may be used to calculate a bent degree of each of the sides of the display panel300, and to measure an alignment state between the display panel300and the cover window100in a bonding process between the display panel300and the cover window100. Hereinafter, the alignment mark200disposed in the display panel300will be described in detail with reference to other drawings.

FIG.5is a schematic diagram showing a Q1 portion when the display panel ofFIG.3is in a non-bent state.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI′ inFIG.5.FIG.7is a plan view showing a Q2 portion ofFIG.5.FIG.8is a schematic diagram showing a Q1 portion when the display panel ofFIG.3is in a bent state.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX′ inFIG.8.FIG.10is a plan view showing a Q3 portion ofFIG.9.

FIG.5is an enlarged view of a left-upper corner where the first bending intersection point DBP1where the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3intersect with each other is located when the display panel300is in the non-bent state.FIG.8is an enlarged view of the left-upper corner where the first bending intersection point DBP1where the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3intersect with each other is located when the display panel300is in the bent state. In an embodiment, the alignment marks200disposed in the display panel300have substantially the same structure or shape as each other except for positions thereof. In such an embodiment, the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220facing toward each other while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween are substantially the same as the third alignment mark230and the fourth alignment mark240facing toward each other while the third bending line BL3is interposed therebetween. Hereinafter, the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220facing toward each other while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween will be described in detail, and any repetitive detailed description of the first alignment marks210and the second alignment mark220facing toward each other while another bending line BL is interposed therebetween will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.5toFIG.10, an embodiment of the display panel300may include the first bending line BL1extending in one direction, for example, the second direction DR2, and located in the display area DA. The display panel300may include the first alignment mark210disposed in the first area DS1or the fifth display area DA5as one side area around the first bending line BL1, and the second alignment mark220disposed in the second area DS2or the first display area DA1as the opposite side area around the first bending line BL1.

The first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may face toward each other while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween. In an embodiment, the one side portion and the opposite side portion, that is, a first side portion corresponding to the first alignment mark210and the second side portion corresponding to the second alignment mark220may contact each other while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween.

The second area DS2of the display panel300may be bent downward in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3relative to the flat first area DS1which is not bent from the first bending line BL1. Accordingly, the first alignment mark210among the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220facing toward each other while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween may not be bent, while the second alignment mark220may be bent relative to the first alignment mark210. In a top-down view or a top plan view in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3of the display panel300in the non-bent state, a first area of the first alignment mark210and a second area of the second alignment mark220disposed on a flat face are visually recognized as a non-deformed state. However, when the second area DS2of the display panel300is bent from the first bending line BL1, the second alignment mark220may be recognized as having a narrower area due to a perspective effective as the mark220extends from the first bending line BL1toward the opposite side portion spaced apart from the first bending line BL1. In an embodiment, when the display panel300is bent at the first bending line BL1, a degree to which the display panel300is bent may be calculated based on a measuring result of change in the second area of the second alignment mark220disposed in the second area DS2as the bent area. In an alternative embodiment, when the display panel300is bent, the bent degree of the display panel300may be determined based on a comparing result of the first area of the second alignment mark220with the second area of the first alignment mark210.

According to an embodiment, the first area210S of the first alignment mark210may be different from the second area220S of the second alignment mark220. In one embodiment, for example, as shown inFIG.5toFIG.7, when the display panel300is in a non-bent state, the second area220S of the second alignment mark220may be larger than the first area210S of the first alignment mark210.

The first alignment mark210may have a first first-directional dimension DM1measured in the first direction DR1and a first second-directional dimension H1measured in the second direction DR2. The second alignment mark220may have a second first-directional dimension DM2measured in the first direction DR1and a second second-directional dimension H2measured in the second direction DR2. When the first display area DA1corresponding to the second area DS2is bent from the first bending line BL1, the first alignment mark210may be recognized as having the same area as that before the first display area DA1is bent, while the second alignment mark220may be recognized as having an area smaller than that before the first display area DA1is bent, due to a perspective effect. According to an embodiment, the second area220S of the second alignment mark220may be larger than the first area210S of the first alignment mark210. That is, at least one of the second first-directional dimension DM2and the second second-directional dimension H2may be larger than at least one of the first first-directional dimension DM1and the first second-directional dimension H1.

In an embodiment, the second alignment mark220has the first-directional dimension DM2measured in the first direction DR1perpendicular to the second direction DR2in which the bending line, that is, the first bending line BL1extends. The first-directional dimension DM2may be greater than the first-directional dimension DM1measured in the second direction DR2of the first alignment mark210.FIG.7shows that the first second-directional dimension H1is equal to the second second-directional dimension H2, while the second first-directional dimension DM2is larger than the first first-directional dimension DM1. In an embodiment, each of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may have a tapered shape in which a width decreases as it extends toward the first bending line BL1. Tips of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may contact each other at the first bending line BL1. That is, each of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may have a tapered shape in which a width decreases as it extends toward the first bending line BL1, while the tip of the first alignment mark210and the tip of the second alignment mark220may contact each other at the first bending line BL1. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of each of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220is not particularly limited.

When the first display area DA1as the second area DS2is bent downwards, that is, in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3and from the first bending line BL1extending in the second direction DR2, a perspective effect in a region in the first display area DA1may increase as a spacing between the region in the first display area DA1and the first bending line BL1in the second direction DR2increases. When the second alignment mark220located in the curved area is viewed in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3, the second first-directional dimension DM2extending in the first direction DR1may be smaller due to the perspective effect. Accordingly, although the second alignment mark220has an area larger than that of the first alignment mark210, the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may be recognized as having substantially the same area as each other when viewed in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3in a state where the display panel300is bent.

In an embodiment, the first area DS1of the display panel300may be a flat face which is not curved. In such an embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, an imaginary reference surface RS having a plane parallel to the flat first area DS1and spaced apart from the first area DS1in the third direction DR3may be defined. In a top-down view of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3of the display panel300, each of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may be projected on the reference surface RS such that an orthogonal projection area may be defined thereon. A first orthogonal projection area210R corresponding to the first alignment mark210in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3may be defined on the reference surface RS. A second orthogonal projection area220R corresponding to the second alignment mark220in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3may be defined on the reference surface RS. In the non-bent state of the display panel300, the first orthogonal projection area210R may be smaller than the second orthogonal projection area220R because the second area220S of the second alignment mark220may be larger than the first area210S of the first alignment mark210.

In such an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8toFIG.10, when the second area DS2of the display panel300is bent downward from the first bending line BL1and relative to the first area DS1, the first alignment mark210disposed in the flat first area DS1may not be bent, while the second alignment mark220′ disposed in the second area DS2as the curved area may be bent downwards. Thus, a spacing in the first direction DR1between a region in the second area DS2and the first bending line BL1extending in the second direction DR2may be perceived as being smaller, due to the perspective effect, as the region in the second area DS2is far away, in the first direction DR1, from the first bending line BL1extending in the second direction DR2. That is, a second first-directional dimension DM2′ in the first direction DR1of the second alignment mark220′ may be reduced when viewed in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3.

The first area210S of the first alignment mark210may have substantially the same size as that of the first orthogonal projection area210R even when the display panel300is bent. In such an embodiment, as the display panel300is bent, that is, as the second area DS2is bent, the second area220S′ of the second alignment mark220′ may be constant, while the second orthogonal projection area220R′ may become smaller.

According to an embodiment, in the state in which the display panel300is bent, the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210and the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the second alignment mark220′ may be equal to each other.FIG.10is a top-down view of an orthogonal projection area of the Q3 portion ofFIG.8in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3. As shown inFIG.7andFIG.10, each of the first first-directional dimension DM1and the first second-directional dimension H1of the first alignment mark210of the first area DS1may be constant even when the display panel300is bent. In such an embodiment, as the second area DS2is bent, the second first-directional dimension DM2′ of the second alignment mark220of the second area DS2in the first direction DR1perpendicular to the second direction DR2where the first bending line BL1extends and the second second-directional dimension H2′ may become narrower due to the perspective effect. Accordingly, the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the second alignment mark220as viewed in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3may have the same size as the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210as viewed in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3.

During the manufacturing process of the display device10, when the second area DS2of the display panel300is bent, the bent degree of the display panel300may be calculated based on the measuring result of the change in the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may be designed in a way such that the first area210S of the first alignment mark210is smaller than the second area220S of the second alignment mark220, and the first orthogonal projection area210R has the same size as that of the second orthogonal projection area220R when the display panel300is bent. Accordingly, in the manufacturing process of the display device10, the second area DS2of the display panel300is bent until the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R′ is equal to that of the first orthogonal projection area210R, and then, the display panel300and the cover window100may be interconnected to or combined with each other.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a curved area of a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.11, an embodiment of the display device10may include the fifth display area DA5located in the flat first area DS1, the first display area DA1and the first non-display area NDA1located in the second area DS2as the curved area. The cover window100includes the base substrate110and the printed layer130. The printed layer130may be disposed in an area corresponding to the first non-display area NDA1of the display panel300to define the light-blocking portion (NDA100inFIG.2) of the display device10.

The display panel300includes the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220facing toward each other while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween. The first alignment mark210may be disposed in the fifth display area DA5corresponding to the first area DS1, while the second alignment mark220may be disposed in the first display area DA1which is located in the second area DS2. When the display panel300is bent along the first bending line BL1, the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210and the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the second alignment mark220may have the same size as each other. The second alignment mark220of the display panel300may be designed in a way such that the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the second alignment mark220may have the same size as that of the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210when the display panel300is bent at a preset bent angle. Alternatively, in the method for manufacturing the display device10, the bent angle of the display panel300may be measured based on the change in the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220.

FIG.12is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.12, an embodiment of the method for manufacturing the display device10includes preparing a display panel300including the first bending line BL1extending in the first direction DR1or the second direction DR2, the first alignment mark210disposed at one side around the first bending line BL1, and the second alignment mark220disposed at the opposite side around the first bending line BL1and facing toward the first alignment mark210(S100), bending the opposite side around the first bending line BL1of the display panel300, that is, bending the second area DS2, in the opposite direction to the third direction DR3perpendicular to the first direction DR1or the second direction DR2(S200), and bonding the cover window100to the display panel300to cover the display panel300(S300).

The method for manufacturing the display device10may include bonding the display panel300to the cover window100while the display panel is in a bent state. As described above, the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220of the display panel300may vary as the second area DS2is bent. In an embodiment, the bending of the display panel300may include comparing the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210with the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220. The bent angle of the display panel300may be calculated based on the measuring result of the change in the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220. The method will be described in detail with reference to other drawings.

FIG.13toFIG.15are cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

First, referring toFIG.13, the method may prepare the display panel300including the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220. The display panel300includes the first bending line BL1and the second bending line BL2, and may include the first area DS1as a flat area therebetween, and the second area DS2as a curved area other than the first area DS1. The first area DS1includes the fifth display area DA5, and the second area DS2includes the first display area DA1and the first non-display area NDA1, or the second display area DA2and the second non-display area NDA2. Since the display panel300is the same as that described above, any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the display device10will be described based on the first bending line BL1of the display panel300. Descriptions based on the first bending line BL1to be made below may be equally applied to the second bending line BL2or each of the third and fourth bending lines BL3and BL4which are not shown in the drawings.

FIG.13shows the orthogonal projection areas210R and220R of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220before the display panel300is bent. The first orthogonal projection area210R and the second orthogonal projection area220R before the display panel300is bent have the same sizes as those of the first area210S of the first alignment mark210and the second area220S of the second alignment mark220, respectively. According to an embodiment, the second area220S of the second alignment mark220is larger than the first area210S of the first alignment mark210. Thus, inFIG.13, the second orthogonal projection area220R may be larger than the first orthogonal projection area210R.

Next, referring toFIG.14, the method may include bending the display panel300. In an embodiment, the second area DS2as the opposite side around the first bending line BL1may be bent downwardly. When the second area DS2is bent, the size of the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210disposed in the first area DS1may not change, while the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220disposed in the second area DS2may change. According to an embodiment, the bending of the display panel300includes measuring the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210and the second orthogonal projection area220R of the second alignment mark220, and comparing the first orthogonal projection area210R and the second alignment mark220with each other.

As described above, the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may be designed in a way such that the second area220S of the second alignment mark220of the display panel300may be larger than the first area210S of the first alignment mark210. A ratio of the first area210S to the second area220S may be designed based on the bent angle of the display panel300. In a process of bending the display panel300, the bent angle of the display panel300may be calculated based on a measuring result of the change in the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the second alignment mark220. In an embodiment, when the display panel300is in a bent state, the size of the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the second alignment mark220may be the same as the size of the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210.

The second alignment mark220of the display panel300may be designed so that when the display panel is bent by a preset bent angle, the second orthogonal projection area220R′ of the display panel300has the same size as that of the first orthogonal projection area210R of the first alignment mark210. The bending of the display panel300as shown inFIG.14may include bending the display panel300until a size of the second orthogonal projection area220R′ becomes equal to a size of the first orthogonal projection area210R.

Next, referring to15, the method may bond the cover window100to the bent display panel300. In a process of bonding the cover window100, the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220may be used to measure an alignment state between the cover window100and the display panel300. Like the display panel300, the cover window100may include the flat area first area DS1and the curved area second area DS2. When bonding the display panel300and the cover window100to each other, the method may measure a position and a size of the second alignment mark220of the display panel300, calculate the bent angle of the display panel300based on the measured position and size, align the display panel with the cover window100based on the bent angle, and then bond the display panel to the cover window100. Using the above method, an embodiment of the display device10may be manufactured. In an embodiment, the display device10includes the second alignment mark220having an area different from that of the first alignment mark210. In such an embodiment, the method for manufacturing the display device10may include measure the bent angle of the display panel300using the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220and align the cover window100with the display panel300based on the bent angle.

In one embodiment, for example, as described above, the shapes of the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220are not limited to those shown inFIG.5toFIG.10. Hereinafter, an alternative embodiment of the display device10will be described.

FIG.16andFIG.17are plan views showing a first alignment mark and a second alignment mark according to an alternative embodiment.

Referring toFIG.16, in an embodiment of a display panel300_1, a second-directional dimension of each of side portions of a first alignment mark210_1and a second alignment mark220_1contacting each other may be larger than a second-directional dimension of each of opposite side portions of the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1as spaced from each other. Each of the alignment marks210_1and220_1inFIG.16is the same as each of the alignment marks210and220inFIG.7, except for a shape in a plan view. Hereinafter, differences therebetween will be described in detail.

The first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1ofFIG.16may be designed in a way such that the second-directional dimension of each of side portions of the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1contacting each other at and along the first bending line BL1may be larger than the second-directional dimension of each of opposite side portions of the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1as spaced from each other. In such an embodiment, the second-directional dimension at a position in each of the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1may decrease as a spacing between the position and the first bending line BL1increases.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.16, a first second-directional dimension H1_1of the first alignment mark210_1and a second second-directional dimension H2_1of the second alignment mark220_1may be equal to each other, while a first first-directional dimension DM1_1of the first alignment mark210_1may be smaller than a second first-directional dimension DM2_1of the second alignment mark220_1. In an embodiment, as long as the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1have different areas from each other, shapes thereof are not particularly limited. As long as the second-directional dimensions H1_1and H2_1of the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1measured in the second direction DR2in which the first bending line BL1of extends are equal to each other, while the first first-directional dimension DM1_1and the second first-directional dimension DM2_1thereof measured in the first direction DR1perpendicular to the second direction DR2are different from each other, the shapes of the first alignment mark210_1and the second alignment mark220_1are not limited thereto.

In one alternative embodiment, for example, referring toFIG.17, second-directional dimensions H1_2, H2_2of a first alignment mark210_2and a second alignment mark220_2as measured in the second direction DR2in which the first bending line BL1extends may be different from each other. In such an embodiment, first-directional dimensions DM1_2and DM2_2thereof measured in the first direction DR1perpendicular to the second direction DR2may be different from each other.

As described above, shapes of the first alignment mark210_2and the second alignment mark220_2are not particularly limited as long as the first alignment mark210_2and the second alignment mark220_2have different areas from each other. The first first-directional dimension DM1_2and the second first-directional dimension DM2_2respectively measured in the first direction DR1of the first alignment mark210_2and the second alignment mark220_2inFIG.17may be different from each other. Further, the first second-directional dimension H1_2and the second second-directional dimension H2_2respectively measured in the second direction DR2of the first alignment mark210_2and the second alignment mark220_2inFIG.17may be different from each other. The disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG.18is a plan view showing alignment marks according to another alternative embodiment.

Referring toFIG.18, according to an embodiment, an alignment mark200_3, may include a first alignment mark210_3and a second alignment mark220_3, and may further include at least one fifth alignment mark251_3and252_3. The at least one fifth alignment mark251_3and252_3may be spaced apart from the first alignment mark210_3while the first bending line BL1is interposed therebetween, and may be disposed in the second area DS2, and may have a third area larger than a second area220S of the second alignment mark220_3. In such an embodiment, the alignment mark200_3may include a plurality of alignment marks disposed in the second area DS2as the curved area. The alignment marks200_3inFIG.18may be identical with the first alignment mark210and the second alignment mark220inFIG.7, except that the alignment marks200_3inFIG.18further includes the fifth alignment marks251_3and252_3. In such an embodiment, the first alignment mark210_3may have a first first-directional dimension DM1_3measured in the first direction DR1and a first second-directional dimension H1_3measured in the second direction DR2, as described above with reference toFIG.7. Hereinafter, differences therebetween will be described.

The display panel300may further include a plurality of fifth alignment marks251_3and252_3other than the second alignment mark220_3as alignment marks disposed in the second area DS2. Although the drawing shows that a first fifth alignment mark251_3and a second fifth alignment mark252_3are further disposed in the second area DS2, the disclosure is not limited thereto. A larger number of the fifth alignment marks may be disposed therein.

When the second area DS2of the display panel300is bent downward from the first bending line BL1, a perspective effect in a region in the second area DS2may increase as a spacing between the region and the first bending line BL1in the first direction DR1perpendicular to the extended second direction DR2increases. That is, an orthogonal projection area in a region of each of the second alignment mark220_3, the first fifth alignment mark251_3, and the second fifth alignment mark252_3disposed in the second area DS2may be greatly reduced as a spacing between the region and the first bending line BL1in the first direction DR1gradually increases.

According to an embodiment, a third area as an area of each of the first fifth alignment mark251_3and the second fifth alignment mark252_3may be larger than a second area of the second alignment mark220_3. As shown in the drawing, a first fifth first-directional dimension DM5ameasured in the first direction DR1of the first fifth alignment mark251_3may be larger than a second first-directional dimension DM2_3of the second alignment mark220_3. A first fifth second-directional dimension H5ameasured in the second direction DR2of the first fifth alignment mark251_3may be larger than the second second-directional dimension H2_3of the second alignment mark220_3. Similarly, a second fifth first-directional dimension DM5band a second fifth second-directional dimension H5bof the second fifth alignment mark252_3may be respectively larger than the first fifth first-directional dimension DM5aand the first fifth second-directional dimension H5aof the first fifth alignment mark251_3. As a position is displaced from the second alignment mark220_3toward the second fifth alignment mark252_3, a spacing between the position and the first bending line BL1may increase. Thus, when the second area DS2of the display panel300is bent, the orthogonal projection area of a region of each of the first fifth alignment mark251_3and the second fifth alignment mark252_3may be greatly reduced as a spacing between the region and the first bending line BL1may increase. Accordingly, as a position is displaced from the second alignment mark220_3to the second fifth alignment mark252_3, planar sizes of the second alignment mark220_3to the second fifth alignment mark252_3may increase in this order in the non-bent state of the display panel300may increase, while the orthogonal projection areas of the first alignment mark210_3, the second alignment mark220_3, the first fifth alignment mark251_3, and the second fifth alignment mark252_3may be identical to each other in the bent state of the display panel300. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, for example, the display panel300may include the first bending line BL1extending in the second direction DR2and the third bending line BL3extending in the first direction DR1and intersecting the first bending line BL1. The first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3may intersect each other at the first bending intersection point DBP1. The first bending intersection point DBP1may be located at a boundary between the fifth non-display area NDA5and the fifth display area DA5. When the display panel300is bent from the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3, the fifth non-display area NDA5where the second area DS2and the third area DS3intersect with each other may be bent along different bending lines. According to an embodiment, the plurality of alignment marks200may be disposed in an area where different bending lines BL intersect with each other. Thus, a bent angle in the intersecting area may be calculated based on the alignment marks200.

FIG.19is an enlarged view showing a portion of a display panel according to an alternative embodiment.FIG.20is a plan view showing a Q4 portion in a non-bent state of the display panel ofFIG.19.FIG.21is a plan view showing the Q4 portion in a bent state of the display panel ofFIG.19.

Referring toFIG.19toFIG.21, in an embodiment of the display panel300_4, the alignment mark200may be disposed on an area where the second area DS2bent from the first bending line BL1and the third area DS3bent from the third bending line BL3intersect with each other. The area where the second area DS2and the third area DS3intersect with each other may be a doble-curved area bent from a plurality of bending lines BL1and BL3. A plurality of alignment marks200may be disposed in the doble-curved area. Thus, a bent angle of the doble-curved area may be calculated based on a change in the orthogonal projection area of each mark.

The alignment mark200according to an embodiment may further include a sixth alignment mark260_4disposed in the first area DS1and having a sixth area260S_4and having one side contacting the first bending intersection point DBP1_4, and a seventh alignment mark270_4disposed in the fifth non-display area NDA5and facing toward the sixth alignment mark260_4while the first bending intersection point DBP1_4is interposed therebetween, and having a seventh area270S_4different from the sixth area260S_4. Further, the alignment mark200according to an embodiment may further include an eighth alignment mark280_4which may be spaced apart from the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3and may be disposed in the fifth non-display area NDA5, and have an eighth area280S_4larger than the seventh area270S_4.

The sixth alignment mark260_4may substantially correspond to the first alignment mark210described above with reference toFIG.5toFIG.10. The sixth alignment mark260_4may be disposed on the first area DS1as a flat area. Even when the display panel300is bent, a sixth orthogonal projection area260R_4thereof may not change. However, unlike the first alignment mark210, the sixth alignment mark260_4may be disposed to overlap the third bending line BL3intersecting the first bending line BL1. Accordingly, the sixth alignment mark260_4may be used to measure a bent angle of the third area DS3bent from the third bending line BL3and the first bending line BL1.

The seventh alignment mark270_4may face toward the sixth alignment mark260_4while the first bending intersection point DBP1_4is disposed therebetween. The seventh alignment mark270_4may correspond to the second alignment mark220as described above with reference toFIG.5toFIG.10. In such an embodiment, the seventh alignment mark270_4may be disposed to overlap the third bending line BL3, and may be partially disposed in the non-display area located in the doble-curved area of the display panel300, that is, the fifth non-display area NDA5. The seventh alignment mark270_4is located in both of the second area DS2and the third area DS3that are respectively bent from the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3. Thus, when the display panel300is bent, the orthogonal projection area of the seventh alignment mark270_4may change in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. In such an embodiment, the orthogonal projection area of the seventh alignment mark270_4may change in the first direction DR1as the display panel is bent at the first bending line BL1. As the display panel is bent at the third bending line BL3, the orthogonal projection area of the seventh alignment mark270_4may change in the second direction DR2.

The eighth alignment mark280_4may be spaced apart from the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3and may be disposed in the fifth non-display area NDA5as the doble-curved area where the second area DS2and the third area DS3intersect with each other. Like the seventh alignment mark270_4, the orthogonal projection area of the eighth alignment mark280_4may change in the first direction DR1as the display panel is bent at the first bending line BL1. As the display panel is bent at the third bending line BL3, the orthogonal projection area of the eighth alignment mark280_4may change in the second direction DR2. However, unlike the seventh alignment mark270_4, the eighth alignment mark280_4may be spaced apart from the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3. Thus, the eighth area280S_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4may be larger than the seventh area270S_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4.

FIG.20shows the sixth alignment mark260_4, the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth alignment mark280_4when the display panel300ofFIG.19is in a non-bent state.FIG.21shows the sixth alignment mark260_4, the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth alignment mark280_4when the display panel300is in the bent state.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.20, when the display panel300is in the non-bent state, the sixth area260S_4of the sixth alignment mark260_4, the seventh area270S_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth area280S_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4may be equal to a sixth orthogonal projection area, a seventh orthogonal projection area and an eighth orthogonal projection area on the reference surface RS thereof, respectively. InFIG.20, it is shown that the sixth area260S_4, the seventh area270S_4and the eighth area280S_4are defined on the reference surface RS. As the display panel300is in the non-bent state, it may be understood that the sixth area260S_4of the sixth alignment mark260_4, the seventh area270S_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth area280S_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4are equal to the sixth orthogonal projection area, the seventh orthogonal projection area and the eighth orthogonal projection area on the reference surface RS thereof, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the areas of the sixth alignment mark260_4, the seventh alignment mark270_4, and the eighth alignment mark280_4may increase in this order. A second-directional dimension H6_4and a sixth first-directional dimension DM6_4of the sixth alignment mark260_4may be smaller than a seventh second-directional dimension H7_4and a seventh first-directional dimension DM7_4of seventh alignment mark270_4, respectively. The seventh second-directional dimension H7_4and the seventh first-directional dimension DM7_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4may be smaller than an eighth second-directional dimension H8_4and an eighth first-directional dimension DM8_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4, respectively.

In such an embodiment, as shown inFIG.21, when the display panel300is bent along the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3, an orthogonal projection area of each of the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth alignment mark280_4disposed in the second area DS2and the third area DS3may be reduced. According to an embodiment, in the bent state of the display panel300, each of a seventh orthogonal projection area270R′_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4and an eighth orthogonal projection area280R′_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4may be equal to a sixth orthogonal projection area260R_4of the sixth alignment mark260_4. The sixth alignment mark260_4may be disposed in the first area DS1. Thus, even when the display panel300is bent, a size of the sixth orthogonal projection area260R_4may not change. On the contrary, a size of each of the seventh orthogonal projection area270R′_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth orthogonal projection area280R′_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4may change when the display panel300is bent. In such an embodiment, the eighth orthogonal projection area280R′_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4spaced from the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3may greatly change. In an embodiment, the sizes of the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth alignment mark280_4may be designed in a way such that a size of each of the seventh orthogonal projection area270R′_4and the eighth orthogonal projection area280R′_4is equal to a size of the sixth orthogonal projection area260R_4when the display panel300is bent at a preset bent angle.

Alternatively, according to an embodiment, in the manufacturing process of the display device10, the bent angle of the display panel300may be determined based on a measuring result of a change in a size of each of the seventh orthogonal projection area270R′_4of the seventh alignment mark270_4and the eighth orthogonal projection area280R′_4of the eighth alignment mark280_4. Detailed descriptions thereof is the same as those described above, and thus is omitted.

FIG.22andFIG.23are enlarged views showing a portion of a display panel according to another alternative embodiment.

Referring toFIG.22, in an embodiment of a display panel300_5, each of a sixth alignment mark260_5, a seventh alignment mark270_5, and an eighth alignment mark280_5may be located between the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3. UnlikeFIG.21, each of the sixth alignment mark260_5and the seventh alignment mark270_5do not overlap the third bending line BL3, and may be located between the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3. Accordingly, the sixth alignment mark260_5may be located in the first area DS1. When the second area DS2and the third area DS3are bent, a sixth orthogonal projection area260R thereof may be constantly maintained. The alignment marks ofFIG.22may be the same as the alignment marks ofFIG.21when the latter rotate by a certain angle around the first bending intersection point DBP1_5. A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.23, according to an embodiment of a display panel300_6, a first bending intersection point DBP1_6where the first bending line BL1and the third bending line BL3intersect with each other may be located in the fifth non-display area NDA5. Accordingly, all of the sixth alignment mark260_6, the seventh alignment mark270_6and the eighth alignment mark280_6may be located in the non-display area NDA. At least a portion of the non-display area NDA may be located on the non-bent first area DS1. The display panel ofFIG.23is the same as that ofFIG.22, except for a location of the first bending intersection point DBP1_6and except that a portion of the non-display area NDA may be located on the first area DS1. Thus, a detailed description will be omitted.

The invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.