Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a first electrode of a first subpixel of a first pixel, a first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel, a first electrode of a first subpixel of a second pixel, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of a second pixel, which are sequentially arranged along a first direction. The display device also includes: a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel; a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel; a 2-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel; and a 2-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel. The display device also includes: a first vertical repair line that partially overlaps the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode; and a second vertical repair line that partially overlaps the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode. The first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line are formed of a transparent conductive material.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0121638 filed on October 1, 2019 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a repairable transparent display device. Background Art

[0004] Various display devices are being developed that can reduce the weight and volume that are considered to be disadvantages of cathode ray tubes. Such display devices may be implemented as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), organic light emitting display devices (OLEDs), etc.

[0005] Among these flat panel display devices, an organic light emitting display device is a self-luminous display device that excites an organic compound to emit light. An organic light emitting display device that does not require a backlight used in an LCD has the advantage that it can be manufactured to be light and thin and the process can be simplified. In addition, an organic light emitting display device can be manufactured at a low temperature, has a high-speed response speed of 1 ms or less, and exhibits characteristics such as low power consumption, a wide viewing angle, and a high contrast, so that an organic light emitting display device is widely used.

[0006] The organic light emitting display device includes an organic light emitting diode that converts electrical energy into light energy. The organic light emitting diode includes an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer disposed therebetween. Holes and electrons injected from the anode and the cathode couple in the light emitting layer to form excitons, and the formed excitons drop from an excited state to a ground state to emit light, so that the organic light emitting diode display device displays an image.

[0007] Recently, transparent display devices are being actively studied. A transparent display device refers to a display device that allows a user to recognize not only visual information implemented on the front surface of a display panel but also an object located at the rear surface of the display panel. To this end, the transparent display device includes a light-emitting area in which a driving element is provided to implement an input image and a transmission area in which external light is transmitted.

[0008] In a transparent display device, it is necessary to sufficiently ensure the area occupied by the transmissive region to allow the user to more clearly and visibly recognize the background information located at the rear surface of the display panel. It is also necessary to sufficiently ensure the area occupied by the luminous region to ensure the required aperture ratio. Therefore, in order to satisfactorily perform the functions of the transparent display device, it is necessary to appropriately allocate the luminous region and the transmissive region in a limited space.

[0009] Meanwhile, the display device includes a repair structure for repairing defective sub-pixels, thereby improving the yield. In this case, a repair area for forming the repair structure needs to be separately allocated. However, as described above, in a transparent display device, it is difficult to allocate a separate area other than the light-emitting area and the transmission area, so it is difficult to simply introduce the repair structure in a limited space. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a transparent display device including a repair structure for repairing a defective sub-pixel.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes a first electrode of a first subpixel of a first pixel, a first electrode of a second subpixel of a first pixel, a first electrode of a first subpixel of a second pixel, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of a second pixel, which are sequentially arranged along a first direction. The display device also includes: a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel; a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel; a 2-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel; and a 2-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel. The display device also includes: a first vertical repair line that partially overlaps the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode; and a second vertical repair line that partially overlaps the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode. The first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line are formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes a first pixel and a fifth pixel that are symmetrical to each other with respect to an imaginary axis extending in a first direction and are arranged to be adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The display device also includes a welding electrode and a repair line for repairing between the first pixel and the fifth pixel. The first pixel includes a first electrode of a first subpixel of the first pixel and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel, and the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel is arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel in the first direction. The fifth pixel includes: a first electrode of a first subpixel of the fifth pixel arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel along the second direction; and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the fifth pixel arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel in the first direction and adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel in the second direction. The welding electrodes include a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel, a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel, a 5-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel, and a 5-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the fifth pixel. The repair lines include a first horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode and a second horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode. At least a portion of the first and second horizontal repair lines are formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, a display device includes a repair structure for repairing a defective sub-pixel, thereby improving product yield.

[0014] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the repair line for repair is formed of a transparent conductive material, so that the corresponding area can be allocated to the transmission area. Therefore, sufficient aperture ratio and transmittance can be ensured while the repair structure is equipped, so that a transparent display device with good quality can be provided.

[0015] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, multiple pixels arranged in different directions can be selectively repaired, thereby effectively increasing the ratio of improved defective sub-pixels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an organic light emitting display device;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-pixel;

[0019] Figure 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of a sub-pixel;

[0020] Figure 4 The first embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 a plan view of part A;

[0021] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0022] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B It is shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the first repair line and the corresponding welding electrode taken along lines II-II' and III-III';

[0023] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It is shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the second repair line and the corresponding welding electrode taken along lines IV-IV' and V-V';

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-pixel and its structure for explaining a repair process according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 a plan view of part A;

[0026] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is shown along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the first auxiliary repair line and the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode taken along lines VI-VI' and VII-VII';

[0027] Fig.11 The third embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 a plan view of part A;

[0028] Fig.12 A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 a plan view of part A of

[0029] Fig.13 A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 Floor plan of section A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In the following description, when it is determined that the detailed description of the relevant known functions or configurations unnecessarily obscures the main points of the present disclosure, the detailed description is not provided. In the description of the exemplary embodiments, the same components will be representatively described at the beginning, and will not be described again in other exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Terms including common numbers, such as first and second, are used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by these terms. The above terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] The display device according to the present disclosure is a display device in which a display element is formed above a substrate. The display device can be implemented as an organic light-emitting display device, a liquid crystal display device, an electrophoretic display device, etc., and hereinafter, for ease of description, the organic light-emitting display device is described as an example.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an organic light emitting display device. Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-pixel. Figure 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of a sub-pixel.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the organic light emitting display device includes an image processor 110 , a timing controller 120 , a data driver 130 , a scan driver 140 , and a display panel 150 .

[0035] The image processor 110 outputs a data enable signal DE and a data signal DATA provided from the outside. In addition to the data enable signal DE, the image processor 110 may also output one or more of a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a clock signal, and description of these signals will be omitted for convenience.

[0036] The data signal DATA and the driving signals including the data enable signal DE or the vertical synchronization signal, the horizontal synchronization signal and the clock signal are provided from the image processor 110 to the timing controller 120. The timing controller 120 outputs the gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the scan driver 140 and the data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 130 based on the driving signal.

[0037] The data driver 130 samples and latches the data signal DATA provided from the timing controller 120 in response to the data timing control signal DDC provided from the timing controller 120 to convert the data signal into a gamma reference voltage and output the converted gamma reference voltage. The data driver 130 outputs the data signal DATA through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The data driver 130 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC).

[0038] The scan driver 140 outputs a scan signal in response to a gate timing control signal GDC provided from the timing controller 120. The scan driver 140 outputs the scan signal through the gate lines GL1 to GLm. The scan driver 140 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) or formed in the display panel 150 in a gate-in-plane manner.

[0039] The display panel 150 displays an image in response to the data signal DATA and the scan signal supplied from the data driver 130 and the scan driver 140. The display panel 150 includes sub-pixels SP for displaying an image.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, in one sub-pixel, a switching transistor SW, a driving transistor DR, a capacitor Cst, a compensation circuit CC and an organic light emitting diode OLED are included.

[0041] The switching transistor SW performs a switching operation so that a data signal provided through the data line DL is stored as a data voltage in the capacitor Cst in response to a scan signal provided through the first gate line GL1. The driving transistor DR operates according to the data voltage stored in the capacitor Cst so that a driving current flows between the power line EVDD (high potential voltage) and the cathode power line EVSS (low potential voltage). The organic light emitting diode OLED operates according to the driving current formed by the driving transistor DR to emit light.

[0042] The compensation circuit CC is a circuit added in the sub-pixel to compensate for the threshold voltage of the driving transistor DR. The compensation circuit CC is composed of one or more transistors. The compensation circuit CC has various configurations according to the external compensation method, so an example thereof will be described below.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the compensation circuit CC includes a sensing transistor ST and a sensing line VREF (or reference line). The sensing transistor ST is connected between the source electrode of the driving transistor DR and the anode electrode (hereinafter, referred to as a sensing node) of the organic light emitting diode OLED. The sensing transistor ST can be operated to provide an initialization voltage (or sensing voltage) transmitted through the sensing line VREF to the sensing node of the driving transistor DR, or to sense a voltage or current of the sensing node of the driving transistor DR or the sensing line VREF.

[0044] The drain electrode of the switching transistor SW is connected to the first data line DL1, and the source electrode thereof is connected to the gate electrode of the driving transistor DR. The drain electrode of the driving transistor DR is connected to the power line EVDD, and the source electrode thereof is connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. The first capacitor electrode of the capacitor Cst is connected to the gate electrode of the driving transistor DR, and the second capacitor electrode is connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. The anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED is connected to the source electrode of the driving transistor DR, and the cathode electrode thereof is connected to the second power line EVSS. The drain electrode of the sensing transistor ST is connected to the sensing line VREF, and the source electrode thereof is connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED as a sensing node and the source electrode of the driving transistor DR. It has been described above that the transistor is implemented as an n-type transistor, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] Depending on the external compensation algorithm (or the configuration of the compensation circuit), the operation time of the sensing transistor ST may be similar / same as that of the switching transistor SW, or may be different from that of the switching transistor SW. For example, the gate electrode of the switching transistor SW is connected to the first gate line GL1, and the gate electrode of the sensing transistor ST may be connected to the second gate line GL2. In this case, the scan signal Scan is sent to the first gate line GL1, and the sensing signal Sense is sent to the second gate line GL2. As another example, the first gate line GL1 connected to the gate electrode of the switching transistor SW and the second gate line GL2 connected to the gate electrode of the sensing transistor ST may be connected to share.

[0046] The sensing line VREF may be connected to a data driver. In this case, the data driver may sense the sensing node of the sub-pixel in real time during a non-display period of the image or an N-frame period (N is an integer of 1 or greater) and generate a sensing result. At the same time, the switching transistor SW and the sensing transistor ST may be turned on at the same timing. In this case, the sensing operation through the sensing line VREF and the data output operation of the output data signal may be separated (distinguished) from each other based on the time division method of the data driver.

[0047] In addition, the object to be compensated according to the sensing result may be a digital data signal, an analog data signal or a gamma signal. In addition, the compensation circuit that generates a compensation signal (or compensation voltage) based on the sensing result may be implemented inside the data driver or the timing controller or by a separate circuit.

[0048] exist Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, a sub-pixel having a 3T (transistor) 1C (capacitor) structure has been described, which includes a switching transistor SW, a driving transistor DR, a capacitor Cst, an organic light emitting diode OLED, and a sensing transistor ST. However, when a compensation circuit CC is added, the sub-pixel can be composed of 3T2C, 4T2C, 5T1C, and 6T2C. In the following, for ease of description, an example in which a sub-pixel has a 3T1C structure will be described.

[0049] <First Embodiment>

[0050] Figure 4 The first embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 Floor plan of section A. Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 , the display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display area (or an active area) having a light emitting area EA, a repair area RA, and a transmission area TA.

[0052] The light emitting area EA may be an area where light realizing an input image is actually emitted. The light emitting area EA includes a sub-pixel PXL having a transistor and an organic light emitting diode (or light emitting diode). The transmissive area TA may be an area where external light is transmitted to allow a user to recognize an object located at the rear surface of the display device.

[0053] The repair area RA may be an area where a repair process is performed when a defect occurs in the subpixel PXL. The repair area RA includes a repair structure having a welding electrode WE and a repair line RL. Most of the repair area RA may be allocated to the transmission area TA, which will be described below.

[0054] The light emitting area EA includes pixels. The pixels may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) that intersect each other. The pixels include sub-pixels PXL. The sub-pixels PXL may be arranged along a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other. The pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL, but are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for ease of description, a configuration in which the pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL will be described as an example.

[0055] More specifically, the light emitting area EA includes a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent to each other in a first direction. The first pixel includes a 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, a 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, a 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, and a 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. Here, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the first pixel. The second pixel includes a 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, a 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, a 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, and a 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4. Here, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 is a specific example of the third sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 emit light having the same first color. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 emit light having the same second color. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 and the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 emit light having the same third color. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 and the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 emit light having the same fourth color. The first color, the second color, the third color, and the fourth color may be assigned to any one of red R, green G, blue B, and white W.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the sub-pixels PXL provided in one pixel may be arranged in a square shape.

[0057] The 1-1 subpixel PXL1-1, the 1-2 subpixel PXL1-2, the 2-1 subpixel PXL2-1 and the 2-2 subpixel PXL2-2 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The 1-3 subpixel PXL1-3, the 1-4 subpixel PXL1-4, the 2-3 subpixel PXL2-3 and the 2-4 subpixel PXL2-4 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction.

[0058] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 and the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0059] Sub-pixels PXL emitting the same color are arranged along the first direction. That is, 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 are arranged along the first direction, 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 are arranged along the first direction, 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 and 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 are arranged along the first direction, and 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 and 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2- are arranged along the first direction.

[0060] In this case, two sub-pixels PXL emitting light of different colors are alternately arranged in sequence along the first direction. That is, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 emitting light having the first color, the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 emitting light having the second color, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 emitting light having the first color, and the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 emitting light having the second color are arranged in sequence along the first direction. In addition, the 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 emitting light having the third color, the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 emitting light having the fourth color, the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 emitting light having the third color, and the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 emitting light having the fourth color are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

[0061] Each of the sub-pixels PXL includes a transistor disposed over a substrate and an organic light emitting diode electrically connected to the transistor.

[0062] For example, further reference Figure 5 , a light shielding layer LS is disposed above the substrate SUB. The light shielding layer LS blocks external light from entering to suppress the generation of photocurrent in the transistor. A buffer layer BUF is disposed above the light shielding layer LS. The buffer layer BUF is used to protect the thin film transistor formed in a subsequent process from impurities such as alkali ions leaking from the light shielding layer LS. The buffer layer BUF may be silicon oxide SiOx, silicon nitride SiNx, or a multilayer thereof.

[0063] The semiconductor layer A of the driving transistor DR is located above the buffer layer BUF, and the capacitor lower electrode LCst is arranged to be separated from the semiconductor layer A. The semiconductor layer A and the capacitor lower electrode LCst may be formed of a silicon semiconductor or an oxide semiconductor. The silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon or crystallized polycrystalline silicon. The oxide semiconductor may include oxide semiconductor materials based on IZO (InZnO), based on IGO (InGaO), based on ITO (InSnO), based on IGZO (InGaZnO), based on IGZTO (InGaZnSnO), based on GZTO (GaZnSnO), based on GZO (GaZnO), and based on ITZO (InSnZnO), but is not limited thereto. The semiconductor layer A includes a drain region and a source region containing p-type or n-type impurities and a channel formed between the drain region and the source region. The capacitor lower electrode LCst is doped with impurities to conduct electricity.

[0064] The gate insulating layer GI is located above the semiconductor layer A. The gate insulating layer GI can be silicon oxide SiOx, silicon nitride SiNx or a multilayer thereof. The gate electrode G is located above the position of the gate insulating layer GI corresponding to the predetermined region of the semiconductor layer A (i.e., the channel when the impurity is injected). The gate electrode G is formed by any one of the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or their alloys. In addition, the gate electrode G can be a multilayer formed by any one of the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and copper (Cu) or their alloys. For example, the gate electrode G can be a double layer of molybdenum / aluminum-neodymium or molybdenum / aluminum.

[0065] The interlayer insulating layer ILD that insulates the gate electrode G is located above the gate electrode G and the capacitor lower electrode LCst. The interlayer insulating layer ILD can be a silicon oxide SiOx film, a silicon nitride SiNx film, or a multilayer thereof. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D are arranged above the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D are connected to the semiconductor layer A through contact holes that expose the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer A. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D can be formed by a single layer or multiple layers. When the source electrode S and the drain electrode D are single layers, the source electrode S and the drain electrode D can be formed by any one of the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and copper (Cu) or their alloys. In addition, when the source electrode S and the drain electrode D are multilayers, the source electrode S and the drain electrode D can be formed by a double layer of molybdenum / aluminum-neodymium or a triple layer of titanium / aluminum / titanium, molybdenum / aluminum / molybdenum, or molybdenum / aluminum-neodymium / molybdenum. Thus, a driving transistor DR including the semiconductor layer A, the gate electrode G, the source electrode S, and the drain electrode D may be constructed. In addition, the source electrode S may function as a capacitor upper electrode to construct a capacitor Cst together with the capacitor lower electrode LCst.

[0066] The passivation layer PAS is located on the substrate SUB including the driving transistor DR and the capacitor Cst. The passivation layer PAS is an insulating layer that protects the elements below it, and may be a silicon oxide SiOx layer, a silicon nitride SiNx layer, or a multilayer thereof. The overcoat OC is located above the passivation layer PAS. The overcoat OC may be a planarization layer that reduces the steps of the structure below it, and may be formed of an organic material such as polyimide, a benzocyclobutene series resin, or an acrylate. The overcoat OC may be formed by a method such as spin coating on glass (SOG), which coats the organic material in liquid form and then cures the organic material. In a partial area of ​​the overcoat OC, a pixel contact hole PH is positioned to expose the passivation layer PAS to expose the source electrode S.

[0067] The organic light emitting diode OLED includes a first electrode E1, an organic light emitting layer OL, and a second electrode E2 which are opposite to each other.

[0068] The first electrode E1 may be an anode. The first electrode E1 is connected to the source electrode S of the driving transistor DR through a pixel contact hole PH passing through the overcoat layer OC and the passivation layer PAS. Depending on the light emitting method adopted, the first electrode E1 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO) or zinc oxide (ZnO) to serve as a transmissive electrode, or may include a reflective layer to serve as a reflective electrode. The reflective layer may be formed of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni) or an alloy thereof, and may be desirably formed of APC (silver / palladium / copper alloy).

[0069] The bank layer BN is disposed over the substrate SUB on which the first electrode E1 is formed. The bank layer BN may be formed of an organic material such as polyimide, benzocyclobutene series resin, or acrylate. The bank layer BN includes an opening that exposes most of the first electrode E1. The bank layer BN is disposed to expose the central portion of the first electrode E1 and cover the side edges of the first electrode E1.

[0070] The organic light emitting layer OL is disposed over the substrate SUB on which the bank layer BN is formed. The organic light emitting layer OL in which electrons and holes are combined to emit light includes a light emitting layer EML and further includes any one or more of a hole injection layer HIL, a hole transport layer HTL, an electron transport layer ETL, and an electron injection layer EIL.

[0071] The second electrode E2 is disposed above the organic light emitting layer OL. The second electrode E2 may be widely formed over the entire surface of the substrate SUB. The second electrode E2 may be used as a transmissive electrode or a reflective electrode according to the light emitting method adopted. When the second electrode E2 is a transmissive electrode, the second electrode E2 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO), and may be formed of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or an alloy thereof having a thickness thin enough to transmit light.

[0072] The repair area RA includes the welding electrode WE and the repair line RL.

[0073] The welding electrode WE is connected to the first electrode E1 of the corresponding subpixel PXL. The welding electrode WE may be a portion branched from the first electrode E1 of the subpixel PXL. Since the repair line RL is welded with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, the welding electrode is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process.

[0074] One sub-pixel may be assigned at least one welding electrode WE. 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is connected to the first electrode of 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 is connected to the first electrode of 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2. 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 is connected to the first electrode of 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3. 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 is connected to the first electrode of 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 is connected to the first electrode of 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 is connected to the first electrode of 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2. 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3 is connected to the first electrode of 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3. 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4 is connected to the first electrode of 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4.

[0075] The repair line RL may extend in the first direction. The repair line RL extending in the first direction may be referred to as a vertical repair line RL. One end and the other end of the repair line RL are set to overlap with the welding electrode WE of the sub-pixel PXL emitting light of the same color. One end of the first repair line RL1 overlaps with the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1, and the other end overlaps with the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1. One end of the second repair line RL2 overlaps with the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2, and the other end overlaps with the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2. One end of the third repair line RL3 overlaps with the 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3, and the other end overlaps with the 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3. One end of the fourth repair line RL4 overlaps with the 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4, and the other end overlaps with the 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4. At the same time, the first repair line RL1 may be referred to as a first vertical repair line. The second repair line RL2 may be referred to as a second vertical repair line. The third repair line RL3 may be referred to as a third vertical repair line. The fourth repair line RL4 may be referred to as a fourth vertical repair line.

[0076] The portions of one end and the other end of the repair line RL overlapping the welding electrode WE may be referred to as an overlapping unit OV, and the portion connecting the overlapping unit OV may be referred to as a connecting unit LN (eg, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Here, the overlapping unit OV and the connection unit LN may be formed of different materials. Specifically, the connection unit LN may be formed of a transparent conductive material, which will be described below.

[0077] The overlap unit OV overlaps the welding electrode WE to be welded with the welding electrode WE during a repair process such that the overlap unit OV is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process. The welding electrode WE and the overlap unit OV may have the same area, but are not limited thereto.

[0078] In the first embodiment, any one of one end and the other end of the repair line RL is connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE, while the other end is not connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE. For example, as shown in the figure, one end of the first repair line RL1 is separated from the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first repair line RL1 can be connected to the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1. One end of the second repair line RL2 is separated from the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the second repair line RL2 can be connected to the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2. One end of the third repair line RL3 is separated from the 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the third repair line RL3 can be connected to the 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3. One end of the fourth repair line RL4 is separated from the 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the fourth repair line RL4 can be connected to the 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4. In the following, for the convenience of description, only the configuration shown in the accompanying drawings will be described as an example.

[0079] When a defective sub-pixel PXL is detected during the inspection process, the separated repair line RL and the corresponding welding electrode WE are welded to be electrically connected. For example, when the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is determined to be defective during the inspection process, the signal applied to the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is cut off by the cut-off process and one end of the separated first repair line RL1 and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are connected by the welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 can be electrically connected.

[0080] The connection unit LN of the repair line RL is formed of a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material may be any one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but is not limited thereto. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, since the repair line RL has a predetermined transmittance, the area in the repair area RA where the repair line RL is disposed may also be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, regardless of the position of the repair line RL, the area of ​​the transmission area TA may be sufficiently ensured while ensuring the required area of ​​the light emitting area EA, thereby providing a transparent display device with high quality.

[0081] In the following, reference will be made to Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Fig. 7A , Figure 7B Describe the connection relationship between the repair wire and the welding electrode. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B They are shown along Figure 4A cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the first repair line and the corresponding welding electrode taken along lines II-II' and III-III'. Fig. 7A and 7B They are shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the second repair line and the corresponding welding electrode taken along lines IV-IV' and V-V'.

[0082] Reference Fig. 6A and Figure 6B as well as Figure 4 , the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 may be formed of the same material as the semiconductor layer A of the transistor on the same layer as the semiconductor layer A of the transistor. That is, the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 may be disposed over the buffer layer BUF.

[0083] For example, the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 may be formed simultaneously with the semiconductor layer A. The connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 is formed to be conductive together to have conductivity during the step of making the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer A conductive. In this case, a separate process of forming the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 is not required, thereby facilitating improvement of manufacturing cost and process yield.

[0084] Although not shown in the figure, the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 may also be formed on the same layer as the source electrode S / drain electrode D of the transistor. Alternatively, the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 may be formed on the same layer as the light shielding layer LS of the transistor. Also in this case, the connection unit LN of the first repair line RL1 is formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0085] The overlapping unit OV of the first repair line RL1 may be formed on the same layer as the source electrode S / drain electrode D of the transistor. Although not shown in the figure, the overlapping unit OV of the first repair line RL1 may also be formed on the same layer as the light shielding layer LS of the transistor. The overlapping unit OV of the first repair line RL1 and the connection unit LN may be connected through a through hole VH passing through the insulating layer interposed therebetween. The through hole VH may be disposed so as not to overlap with the welding area.

[0086] Reference Fig. 6A , the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 overlapping the overlap unit OV, one end of the first repair line RL1, is formed on the same layer as the first electrode. That is, the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is disposed above the overcoat layer OC. The 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the 1-1 subpixel PXL1-1. The overlap unit OV of the first repair line RL1 and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are electrically isolated from each other by at least one insulating layer interposed therebetween.

[0087] Here, a 1-1 opening OH1-1 exposing a portion of the passivation layer PAS may be formed on the overcoat OC. In this case, at least a portion of the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is located above the passivation layer PAS in the 1-1 opening OH1-1 passing through the overcoat OC. The area where the 1-1 opening OH1-1 is formed overlaps with the area where the laser is irradiated. According to the present disclosure, the overcoat OC having a predetermined thickness is removed in advance from the area where the welding process is performed, so that the welding process can be easily performed without causing process failure due to the thickness of the insulating layer. Although not shown in the figure, the 1-1 opening OH1-1 may also be formed through the overcoat OC and the passivation layer PAS to expose a portion of the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0088] Reference Figure 6B The 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 overlapping the other end of the first repair line RL1, that is, the overlapping unit OV, is formed on the same layer as the first electrode. That is, the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 is disposed above the overcoat layer OC. The 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the 2-1 subpixel PXL2-1.

[0089] A 2-1 opening OH2-1 exposing the other end of the first repair line RL1, i.e., a portion of the overlap unit OV, may be formed in the overcoat layer OC, the passivation layer PAS, and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The 2-1 opening OH2-1 passes through the overcoat layer OC, the passivation layer PAS, and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. At least a portion of the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 may directly contact the first repair line RL1 through the 2-1 opening OH2-1.

[0090] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B as well as Figure 4 , the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 may be formed of the same material as the semiconductor layer A of the transistor on the same layer as the semiconductor layer A of the transistor. That is, the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 may be disposed above the buffer layer BUF.

[0091] For example, the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 may be formed simultaneously with the semiconductor layer A. The connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 is formed to be conductive together to have conductivity during the step of making the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer A conductive. In this case, a separate process of forming the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 is not required, thereby facilitating improvement of manufacturing cost and process yield.

[0092] Although not shown in the figure, the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 may also be formed on the same layer as the source electrode S / drain electrode D of the transistor. Alternatively, the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 may be formed on the same layer as the light shielding layer LS of the transistor. Also in this case, the connection unit LN of the second repair line RL2 is formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0093] The overlapping unit OV of the second repair line RL2 may be formed on the same layer as the source electrode S / drain electrode D of the transistor. Although not shown in the figure, the overlapping unit OV of the second repair line RL2 may also be formed on the same layer as the light shielding layer LS of the transistor. The overlapping unit OV of the second repair line RL2 and the connection unit LN may be connected by a through hole VH passing through the insulating layer interposed therebetween. The through hole VH may be set not to overlap with the welding area.

[0094] Reference Fig. 7A , the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 overlapping the overlap unit OV, which is one end of the second repair line RL2, is formed on the same layer as the first electrode. That is, the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 is disposed above the overcoat layer OC. The 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2. The overlap unit OV of the second repair line RL2 and the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 are electrically isolated from each other by at least one insulating layer interposed therebetween.

[0095] For example, a 1-2 opening OH1-2 exposing a portion of the passivation layer PAS may be formed on the overcoat OC. In this case, at least a portion of the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 is located above the passivation layer PAS in the 1-2 opening OH1-2 passing through the overcoat OC. The area where the 1-2 opening OH1-2 is formed overlaps with the area where the laser is irradiated. According to the present disclosure, the overcoat OC having a predetermined thickness is removed in advance from the area where the welding process is performed, so that the welding process can be easily performed without causing process failure due to the thickness of the insulating layer. Although not shown in the figure, the 1-2 opening OH1-2 may also be formed through the overcoat OC and the passivation layer PAS to expose a portion of the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0096] Reference Figure 7B The 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 overlapping the other end of the second repair line RL2, that is, the overlapping unit OV, is formed on the same layer as the first electrode. That is, the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 is disposed above the overcoat layer OC. The 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the 2-2 subpixel PXL2-2.

[0097] A 2-2 opening OH2-2 exposing the other end of the second repair line RL2, i.e., a portion of the overlap unit OV, may be formed in the overcoat layer OC, the passivation layer PAS, and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The 2-2 opening OH2-2 passes through the overcoat layer OC, the passivation layer PAS, and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. At least a portion of the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 may directly contact the second repair line RL2 through the 2-2 opening OH2-2.

[0098] Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to Fig. 6A and 6B The connection structure of the third repair line RL3 is constructed as shown, and can be Fig. 7A and 7B The connection structure of the fourth repair line RL4 is shown.

[0099] Figure 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-pixel and its structure for explaining a repair process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The display device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a repair structure that performs a repair process. The repair process may include: an inspection process for detecting whether a sub-pixel PXL is defective; a cut-off process for cutting off a signal to be applied to a sub-pixel PXL determined to be a defective sub-pixel; and a welding process for connecting the sub-pixel PXL and the defective sub-pixel PXL adjacent to each other to apply a signal of the adjacent sub-pixel PXL to the defective sub-pixel PXL.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 , the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 are sub-pixels PXL that emit light having the same color. When the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is determined as a defective sub-pixel during the detection process, a cut-off process is performed to cut off a signal to be applied to the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. For example, the cut-off process may include a process of cutting off between the source electrode of the driving transistor DR and the first electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED, and a process of cutting off between the source electrode of the sensing transistor ST and the first electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0102] Next, a welding process is performed to connect the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. In the first embodiment, the repair line RL is electrically connected to any one of the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. Therefore, during the welding process, only a process of electrically connecting the repair line RL to the other of the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 may be performed.

[0103] <Second Embodiment>

[0104] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Floor plan of section A. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are shown along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the first auxiliary repair line and the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode taken along lines VI-VI' and VII-VII'. In the description of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of the configuration substantially the same as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0105] Reference Fig. 9 , the display device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display area including a light emitting area EA, a repair area RA, and a transmission area TA.

[0106] The light emitting area EA may be an area where light realizing an input image is actually emitted. The light emitting area EA includes a sub-pixel PXL having a transistor and an organic light emitting diode (or light emitting diode). The transmissive area TA may be an area where external light is transmitted to allow a user to recognize an object located at the rear surface of the display device.

[0107] The repair area RA may be an area where a repair process is performed when a defect occurs in the subpixel PXL. The repair area RA includes a repair structure having a welding electrode WE and a repair line RL. Most of the repair area RA may be allocated to the transmission area TA, which will be described below.

[0108] The light emitting area EA includes pixels. The pixels may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) that intersect each other. The pixels include sub-pixels PXL. The sub-pixels PXL may be arranged along a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other. The pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL, but are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for ease of description, a configuration in which the pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL will be described as an example.

[0109] More specifically, the light emitting area EA includes a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, and a fourth pixel adjacent to each other in the first direction. Two pixels adjacent to each other in the first direction may form a pair. That is, the first pixel and the second pixel form a first pair, and the third pixel and the fourth pixel form a second pair.

[0110] The first pixel includes a 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, a 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, a 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, and a 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. Here, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the first pixel. The second pixel includes a 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, a 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, a 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, and a 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4. Here, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the second pixel.

[0111] The third pixel includes a 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1, a 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2, a 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3, and a 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4. Here, the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the third pixel. The 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the third pixel. The 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the third pixel. The 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the third pixel. The fourth pixel includes a 4-1 sub-pixel PXL4-1, a 4-2 sub-pixel PXL4-2, a 4-3 sub-pixel PXL4-3, and a 4-4 sub-pixel PXL4-4. Here, the 4-1 sub-pixel PXL4-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the fourth pixel. The 4-2 sub-pixel PXL4-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the fourth pixel. The 4-3 sub-pixel PXL4-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the fourth pixel. The 4-4 sub-pixel PXL4-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the fourth pixel.

[0112] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1, and the 4-1 sub-pixel PXL4-1 emit light having the same first color. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, the 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2, and the 4-2 sub-pixel PXL4-2 emit light having the same second color. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, the 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3, and the 4-3 sub-pixel PXL4-3 emit light having the same third color. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4, the 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4, and the 4-4 sub-pixel PXL4-4 emit light having the same fourth color. The first color, the second color, the third color, and the fourth color may be assigned to any one of red R, green G, blue B, and white W.

[0113] As shown in the figure, the sub-pixels PXL provided in one pixel may be arranged in a square shape.

[0114] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1, the 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2, the 4-1 sub-pixel PXL4-1, and the 4-2 sub-pixel PXL4-2 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4, the 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3, the 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4, the 4-3 sub-pixel PXL4-3, and the 4-4 sub-pixel PXL4-4 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction.

[0115] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 and the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1 and the 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2 and the 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 4-1 sub-pixel PXL4-1 and the 4-3 sub-pixel PXL4-3 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 4-2 sub-pixel PXL4-2 and the 4-4 sub-pixel PXL4-4 may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0116] The repair area RA includes a welding electrode WE, a repair line RL, an auxiliary welding electrode AWE and an auxiliary repair line ARL.

[0117] The welding electrode WE is connected to the first electrode E1 of the corresponding subpixel PXL. The welding electrode WE may be a portion branched from the first electrode E1 of the subpixel PXL. Since the repair line RL is welded with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, the welding electrode is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process.

[0118] One sub-pixel may be assigned at least one welding electrode WE.

[0119] 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is connected to the first electrode of 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 is connected to the first electrode of 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2. 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 is connected to the first electrode of 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3. 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 is connected to the first electrode of 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 is connected to the first electrode of 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 is connected to the first electrode of 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2. 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3 is connected to the first electrode of 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3. 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4 is connected to the first electrode of 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4.

[0120] 3-1 welding electrode WE3-1 is connected to the first electrode of 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1. 3-2 welding electrode WE3-2 is connected to the first electrode of 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2. 3-3 welding electrode WE3-3 is connected to the first electrode of 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3. 3-4 welding electrode WE3-4 is connected to the first electrode of 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4. 4-1 welding electrode WE4-1 is connected to the first electrode of 4-1 sub-pixel PXL4-1. 4-2 welding electrode WE4-2 is connected to the first electrode of 4-2 sub-pixel PXL4-2. 4-3 welding electrode WE4-3 is connected to the first electrode of 4-3 sub-pixel PXL4-3. 4-4 welding electrode WE4-4 is connected to the first electrode of 4-4 sub-pixel PXL4-4.

[0121] The repair line RL may be used to repair between sub-pixels of a pixel forming a pair. The repair line RL may extend in a first direction. The repair line RL extending in the first direction may be referred to as a vertical repair line RL. One end and the other end of the repair line RL are arranged to overlap with the welding electrode WE of the sub-pixel PXL emitting light of the same color.

[0122] One end of the first repair line RL1 overlaps with the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1, and the other end overlaps with the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1. One end of the second repair line RL2 overlaps with the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2, and the other end overlaps with the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2. One end of the third repair line RL3 overlaps with the 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3, and the other end overlaps with the 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3. One end of the fourth repair line RL4 overlaps with the 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4, and the other end overlaps with the 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4. At the same time, the first repair line RL1 can be referred to as the first vertical repair line. The second repair line RL2 can be referred to as the second vertical repair line. The third repair line RL3 can be referred to as the third vertical repair line. The fourth repair line RL4 can be referred to as the fourth vertical repair line.

[0123] One end of the fifth repair line RL5 overlaps with the 3-1 welding electrode WE3-1, and the other end overlaps with the 4-1 welding electrode WE4-1. One end of the sixth repair line RL6 overlaps with the 3-2 welding electrode WL3-2, and the other end overlaps with the 4-2 welding electrode WE4-2. One end of the seventh repair line RL7 overlaps with the 3-3 welding electrode WE3-3, and the other end overlaps with the 4-3 welding electrode WE4-3. One end of the eighth repair line RL8 overlaps with the 3-4 welding electrode WE3-4, and the other end overlaps with the 4-4 welding electrode WE4-4. At the same time, the fifth repair line RL5 can be referred to as the fifth vertical repair line. The sixth repair line RL6 can be referred to as the sixth vertical repair line. The seventh repair line RL7 can be referred to as the seventh vertical repair line. The eighth repair line RL8 can be referred to as the eighth vertical repair line.

[0124] The portions of one end and the other end of the repair line RL overlapping with the welding electrode WE may be referred to as an overlapping unit OV. The overlapping unit OV overlaps with the welding electrode WE to be welded together with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, so that the overlapping unit OV is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process. The welding electrode WE and the overlapping unit OV may have the same area, but are not limited thereto.

[0125] In the second embodiment, any one of one end and the other end of the repair line RL is connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE, while the other end is not connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE.

[0126] For example, one end of the first repair line RL1 is separated from the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first repair line RL1 can be connected to the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1. One end of the second repair line RL2 is separated from the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the second repair line RL2 can be connected to the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2. One end of the third repair line RL3 is separated from the 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the third repair line RL3 can be connected to the 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3. One end of the fourth repair line RL4 is separated from the 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the fourth repair line RL4 can be connected to the 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4.

[0127] One end of the fifth repair line RL5 is separated from the 3-1 welding electrode WE3-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the fifth repair line RL5 can be connected to the 4-1 welding electrode WE4-1. One end of the sixth repair line RL6 is separated from the 3-2 welding electrode WE3-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the sixth repair line RL6 can be connected to the 4-2 welding electrode WE4-2. One end of the seventh repair line RL7 is separated from the 3-3 welding electrode WE3-3 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the seventh repair line RL7 can be connected to the 4-3 welding electrode WE4-3. One end of the eighth repair line RL8 is separated from the 3-4 welding electrode WE3-4 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the eighth repair line RL8 can be connected to the 4-4 welding electrode WE4-4.

[0128] When a defective sub-pixel PXL is detected during the inspection process, the separated repair line RL and the corresponding welding electrode WE are welded to be electrically connected. For example, when the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is determined to be a defective sub-pixel during the inspection process, the signal applied to the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is cut off through the cut-off process, and one end of the separated first repair line RL1 and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are connected through the welding process.

[0129] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the repair line RL may be used to allow repair between the sub-pixels PXL forming a pair of pixels.

[0130] In addition, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, repair between sub-pixels PXL forming different pairs of pixels can be allowed. To this end, the display device according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an auxiliary welding electrode AWE and an auxiliary repair line ARL. That is, the auxiliary welding electrode AWE and the auxiliary repair line ARL can be used to repair between sub-pixels forming different pairs of pixels. In the following, for the sake of convenience of description, only the repair structure between the second pixel constituting the first pair and the third pixel constituting the second pair is described as an example.

[0131] The auxiliary welding electrode AWE is connected to the first electrode of the corresponding sub-pixel PXL. The auxiliary welding electrode AWE may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the sub-pixel PXL. The auxiliary welding electrode AWE may be a portion branched from the welding electrode WE connected to the first electrode of the sub-pixel PXL. Since the auxiliary welding electrode AWE is welded with the auxiliary repair line ARL during the repair process, the auxiliary welding electrode is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process.

[0132] One sub-pixel may be assigned at least one auxiliary welding electrode AWE. For example, the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 is connected to the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. The 2-2 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-2 is connected to the first electrode of the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2. The 2-3 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-3 is connected to the first electrode of the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3. The 2-4 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-4 is connected to the first electrode of the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4. The 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1 is connected to the first electrode of the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1. The 3-2 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-2 is connected to the first electrode of the 3-2 sub-pixel PXL3-2. The 3-3 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-3 is connected to the first electrode of the 3-3 sub-pixel PXL3-3. The 3-4 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-4 is connected to the first electrode of the 3-4 sub-pixel PXL3-4.

[0133] The auxiliary repair line ARL may extend in the first direction.

[0134] One end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 overlaps with the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1, and the other end overlaps with the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1. One end of the second auxiliary repair line ARL2 overlaps with the 2-2 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-2, and the other end overlaps with the 3-2 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-2. One end of the third auxiliary repair line ARL3 overlaps with the 2-3 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-3, and the other end overlaps with the 3-3 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-3. One end of the fourth auxiliary repair line ARL4 overlaps with the 2-4 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-4, and the other end overlaps with the 3-4 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-4.

[0135] The portion of one end and the other end of the auxiliary repair line ARL that overlaps the auxiliary welding electrode AWE may be referred to as an auxiliary overlapping unit AOV. That is, one end and the other end of the auxiliary repair line ARL may be referred to as an auxiliary overlapping unit AOV, and the portion connecting the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV may be referred to as an auxiliary connection unit ALN. Here, the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV and the auxiliary connection unit ALN may be formed of different materials. Specifically, the auxiliary connection unit ALN may be formed of a transparent conductive material, which will be described below. For example, the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV may be formed of the same material as the overlapping unit OV on the same layer as the overlapping unit OV, and the auxiliary connection unit ALN may be formed of the same material as the connection unit LN on the same layer as the connection unit LN.

[0136] The auxiliary overlap unit AOV overlaps the auxiliary welding electrode AWE to be welded therewith during a repair process, so that the auxiliary overlap unit AOV is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process. The auxiliary welding electrode AWE and the auxiliary overlap unit AOV may have the same area, but are not limited thereto.

[0137] In the second embodiment, any one of one end and the other end of the auxiliary repair line ARL is connected to the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode AWE, while the other end is not connected to the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode AWE.

[0138] For example, one end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 is separated from the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 can be connected to the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1. One end of the second auxiliary repair line ARL2 is separated from the 2-2 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the second auxiliary repair line ARL2 can be connected to the 3-2 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-2. One end of the third auxiliary repair line ARL3 is separated from the 2-3 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-3 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the third auxiliary repair line ARL3 can be connected to the 3-3 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-3. One end of the fourth auxiliary repair line ARL4 is separated from the 2-4 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-4 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the fourth auxiliary repair line ARL4 can be connected to the 3-4 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-4.

[0139] Further references Fig. 10A, the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 overlapping one end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1, namely the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV, is formed on the same layer as the first electrode. That is, the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 is disposed above the overcoat layer OC. The 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. The auxiliary overlapping unit AOV of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 are electrically isolated from each other by at least one insulating layer interposed therebetween.

[0140] For example, a 1-1 auxiliary opening AOH1-1 exposing a portion of the passivation layer PAS may be formed above the overcoat OC. In this case, at least a portion of the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 is located above the passivation layer PAS in the 1-1 auxiliary opening AOH1-1 passing through the overcoat OC. The area where the 1-1 auxiliary opening AOH1-1 is formed overlaps with the area where the laser is irradiated. According to the present disclosure, the overcoat OC having a predetermined thickness is removed in advance from the area where the welding process is performed, so that the welding process can be easily performed without causing process failure due to the thickness of the insulating layer. Although not shown in the figure, the 1-1 auxiliary opening AOH1-1 may also be formed to pass through the overcoat OC and the passivation layer PAS to expose a portion of the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0141] Further references Fig. 10B , the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1 overlapping the other end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1, namely the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV, is formed on the same layer as the first electrode. That is, the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1 is disposed above the overcoat layer OC. The 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1 may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the 3-1 subpixel PXL3-1.

[0142] A 2-1 auxiliary opening AOH2-1 exposing the other end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1, i.e., a portion of the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV, may be formed in the overcoat layer OC, the passivation layer PAS, and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The 2-1 auxiliary opening AOH2-1 passes through the overcoat layer OC, the passivation layer PAS, and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. At least a portion of the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1 may directly contact the auxiliary overlapping unit AOV of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 through the 2-1 auxiliary opening AOH2-1.

[0143] When a defective sub-pixel PXL is detected during the inspection process, the separated auxiliary repair line ARL and the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode AWE are welded to be electrically connected. For example, when the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is determined as a defective sub-pixel during the inspection process, the signal to be applied to the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is cut off through the cut-off process, and one end of the separated first auxiliary repair line ARL1 and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 are connected through the welding process.

[0144] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary repair line ARL may be used to allow repair between sub-pixels PXL forming different pairs of pixels.

[0145] According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to allow repair not only between sub-pixels PXL of a pixel forming a pair, but also between sub-pixels PXL of pixels forming different pairs. The repair process can be selectively performed. That is, the repair process can be performed by selecting any one of the processes using the repair line RL and the processes using the auxiliary repair line ARL.

[0146] For example, when the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is determined as a defective sub-pixel during the inspection process, a cut-off process is performed to cut off a signal to be applied to the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. When the process of using the repair line RL is selected, one end of the separated first repair line RL1 is connected to the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 through a welding process to electrically connect the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. On the contrary, when the process of using the auxiliary repair line ARL is selected, one end of the separated first auxiliary repair line ARL1 is connected to the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 through a welding process to electrically connect the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the first electrode of the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1.

[0147] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the first embodiment, repair is allowed between sub-pixels PXL of pixels forming different pairs. Therefore, even if all sub-pixels PXL emitting light having the same color in pixels forming a pair are defective, the quality of the corresponding sub-pixels PXL can still be improved. Therefore, the second embodiment of the present disclosure is conducive to significantly improving the manufacturing yield of the display device.

[0148] In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary connection unit ALN of the auxiliary repair line ARL is formed of a transparent conductive material. The auxiliary connection unit ALN of the auxiliary repair line ARL may be formed of the same material as the connection unit LN of the repair line RL on the same layer as the connection unit LN of the repair line RL. The transparent conductive material may be any one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but is not limited thereto. In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, since the auxiliary repair line ARL has a predetermined transmittance, the area in the repair area RA where the repair line RL and the auxiliary repair line ARL are disposed may also be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, regardless of the positions of the repair line RL and the auxiliary repair line ARL, the area of ​​the transmission area TA may be sufficiently ensured while ensuring the required area of ​​the light emitting area EA, thereby providing a transparent display device with high quality.

[0149] <Third Embodiment>

[0150] Fig.11 The third embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 In the description of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0151] Reference Fig.11 , the display device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display area including a light emitting area EA, a repair area RA, and a transmission area TA.

[0152] The light emitting area EA may be an area where light realizing an input image is actually emitted. The light emitting area EA includes a sub-pixel PXL having a transistor and an organic light emitting diode (or light emitting diode). The transmissive area TA may be an area where external light is transmitted to allow a user to recognize an object located at the rear surface of the display device.

[0153] The repair area RA may be an area where a repair process is performed when a defect occurs in the subpixel PXL. The repair area RA includes a repair structure having a welding electrode WE and a repair line RL'. Most of the repair area RA may be allocated to the transmission area TA, which will be described below.

[0154] The light emitting area EA includes pixels. The pixels may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) that intersect each other. The pixels include sub-pixels PXL. The sub-pixels PXL may be arranged along a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other. The pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL, but are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for ease of description, a configuration in which the pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL will be described as an example. Each of the sub-pixels PXL includes a transistor disposed above a substrate and an organic light emitting diode electrically connected to the transistor.

[0155] More specifically, the light emitting area EA includes a first pixel and a fifth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction. The first pixel and the fifth pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the first pixel and the fifth pixel may have a line symmetric relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing through the first pixel and the fifth pixel in the first direction.

[0156] The first pixel includes a 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, a 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, a 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, and a 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. Here, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the first pixel. The fifth pixel includes a 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1, a 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2, a 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3, and a 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4. Here, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the fifth pixel.

[0157] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 emit light having the same first color. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 emit light having the same second color. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 and the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 emit light having the same third color. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 emit light having the same fourth color. The first color, the second color, the third color, and the fourth color may be assigned to any one of red R, green G, blue B, and white W.

[0158] As shown in the figure, the sub-pixels PXL provided in one pixel may be arranged in a square shape.

[0159] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction. The 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 and the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 and the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction. The 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction.

[0160] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 and the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0161] The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1, and the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction. Here, the first pixel and the fifth pixel have a symmetrical relationship, so that the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 of the first pixel and the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 of the fifth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction may emit light having the same color.

[0162] The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction. Here, the first pixel and the fifth pixel have a symmetrical relationship, so that the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 of the first pixel and the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 of the fifth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction may emit light having the same color.

[0163] The repair area RA includes the welding electrode WE and the repair line RL'.

[0164] The welding electrode WE is connected to the first electrode E1 of the corresponding subpixel PXL. The welding electrode WE may be a portion branched from the first electrode E1 of the subpixel PXL. Since the repair line RL' is welded with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, the welding electrode is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process.

[0165] One sub-pixel may be assigned at least one welding electrode WE.

[0166] 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is connected to the first electrode of 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 is connected to the first electrode of 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2. 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 is connected to the first electrode of 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3. 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 is connected to the first electrode of 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4.

[0167] 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1 is connected to the first electrode of 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1. 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2 is connected to the first electrode of 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2. 5-3 welding electrode WE5-3 is connected to the first electrode of 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3. 5-4 welding electrode WE5-4 is connected to the first electrode of 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4.

[0168] The repair line RL' may extend in the second direction. The repair line RL' extending in the second direction may be referred to as a horizontal repair line RL'. One end and the other end of the repair line RL' are set to overlap with the welding electrode WE of the sub-pixel PXL emitting light of the same color. One end of the first 'repair line RL1' overlaps with the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1, and the other end overlaps with the 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1. One end of the second 'repair line RL2' overlaps with the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2, and the other end overlaps with the 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2. At the same time, the first 'repair line RL1' may be referred to as a first horizontal repair line. The second 'repair line RL2' may be referred to as a second horizontal repair line.

[0169] The portions of one end and the other end of the repair line RL' overlapping with the welding electrode WE may be referred to as an overlapping unit OV. The overlapping unit OV overlaps with the welding electrode WE to be welded with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, so that the overlapping unit OV is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process. The welding electrode WE and the overlapping unit OV may have the same area, but are not limited thereto.

[0170] In the third embodiment, any one of one end and the other end of the repair line RL' is connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE, while the other end is not connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE. For example, one end of the first 'repair line RL1' is separated from the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first 'repair line RL1' can be connected to the 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1. One end of the second 'repair line RL2' is separated from the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the second 'repair line RL2' can be connected to the 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2. In the following, for the sake of convenience of description, only the configuration shown in the accompanying drawings will be described as an example.

[0171] When a defective sub-pixel PXL is detected during the inspection process, the separated repair line RL' and the corresponding welding electrode WE are welded to be electrically connected. For example, when the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is determined to be defective during the inspection process, the signal applied to the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is cut off by the cutting process and one end of the separated first 'repair line RL1' and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are connected by the welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 can be electrically connected.

[0172] The connection unit LN of the repair line RL' is formed of a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material may be any one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but is not limited thereto. In the third embodiment of the present disclosure, since the repair line RL' has a predetermined transmittance, the area in the repair area RA where the repair line RL' is provided may also be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, regardless of the position of the repair line RL', the area of ​​the transmission area TA may be fully ensured while ensuring the required area of ​​the light emitting area EA, thereby providing a transparent display device with high quality.

[0173] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0174] Fig.12 A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 A plan view of part A of the present disclosure. The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may be a structure in which the structure of the first embodiment and the structure of the third embodiment are combined. In the description of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of the configuration substantially the same as the first and third embodiments may be omitted.

[0175] Reference Fig.12 , the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display area including a light emitting area EA, a repair area RA, and a transmission area TA.

[0176] The light emitting area EA may be an area where light realizing an input image is actually emitted. The light emitting area EA includes a sub-pixel PXL having a transistor and an organic light emitting diode (or light emitting diode). The transmissive area TA may be an area where external light is transmitted to allow a user to recognize an object located at the rear surface of the display device.

[0177] The repair area RA may be an area in which a repair process is performed when a defect occurs in the sub-pixel PXL. The repair area RA includes a repair structure having a welding electrode WE and repair lines RL and RL'. Most of the repair area RA may be allocated to the transmission area TA, which will be described below. For example, in the repair area RA, at least an area in which the repair lines RL and RL' are provided may be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, the transmission area TA may be the entire area in which the elements of the light emitting area EA and the welding electrode WE of the repair area RA are not provided.

[0178] The light emitting area EA includes pixels. The pixels may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) that intersect each other. The pixels include sub-pixels PXL. The sub-pixels PXL may be arranged along a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other. The pixels may include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL, but are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for ease of description, a configuration in which the pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL will be described as an example. Each of the sub-pixels PXL includes a transistor disposed above a substrate and an organic light emitting diode electrically connected to the transistor.

[0179] More specifically, the light emitting area EA includes a first pixel, a second pixel, a fifth pixel, and a sixth pixel. The first pixel and the second pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the first direction. The fifth pixel and the sixth pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the first direction. The first pixel and the fifth pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The second pixel and the sixth pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0180] The first pixel and the fifth pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the first pixel and the fifth pixel may have a line symmetry relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing through the first pixel and the fifth pixel in the first direction. The second pixel and the sixth pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the second pixel and the sixth pixel may have a line symmetry relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing through the second pixel and the sixth pixel in the first direction.

[0181] The first pixel includes a 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, a 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, a 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, and a 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. Here, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the first pixel. The second pixel includes a 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, a 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, a 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, and a 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4. Here, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the second pixel. The fifth pixel includes the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1, the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2, the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3, and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4. Here, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 is a specific example of the first sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 is a specific example of the second sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 is a specific example of the third sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The sixth pixel includes the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1, the 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2, the 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3, and the 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4. Here, the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 is a specific example of the first sub-pixel of the sixth pixel. The 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 is a specific example of the second sub-pixel of the sixth pixel. The 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3 is a specific example of the third sub-pixel of the sixth pixel. The 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the sixth pixel.

[0182] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 and the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 emit light having the same first color. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 and the 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 emit light having the same second color. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 and the 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3 emit light having the same third color. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4, the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 and the 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 emit light having the same fourth color. The first color, the second color, the third color and the fourth color may be assigned to any one of red R, green G, blue B and white W.

[0183] As shown in the figure, the sub-pixels PXL provided in one pixel may be arranged in a square shape.

[0184] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, and the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, and the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1, the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2, the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1, and the 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3, the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4, the 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3, and the 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction.

[0185] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 and the 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 and the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0186] The 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 and the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 and the 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction. The 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 and the 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0187] The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1, and the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction. Here, the first pixel and the fifth pixel have a symmetrical relationship, so that the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 of the first pixel and the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 of the fifth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction may emit light having the same color.

[0188] The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 and the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction. Here, the first pixel and the fifth pixel have a symmetrical relationship, so that the 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 of the first pixel and the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 of the fifth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction may emit light having the same color.

[0189] The 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 and the 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction. Here, the second pixel and the sixth pixel have a symmetrical relationship, so that the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 of the second pixel and the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 of the sixth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction may emit light having the same color.

[0190] The 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4, the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, the 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 and the 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction. Here, the second pixel and the sixth pixel have a symmetrical relationship, so that the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 of the second pixel and the 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 of the sixth pixel adjacent to each other in the second direction may emit light having the same color.

[0191] The repair area RA includes the welding electrode WE and the repair lines RL and RL'.

[0192] The welding electrode WE is connected to the first electrode E1 of the corresponding subpixel PXL. The welding electrode WE may be a portion branched from the first electrode E1 of the subpixel PXL. Since the repair lines RL and RL' are welded with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, the welding electrode is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process.

[0193] One sub-pixel may be assigned at least one welding electrode WE.

[0194] 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is connected to the first electrode of 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 is connected to the first electrode of 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2. 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 is connected to the first electrode of 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3. 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 is connected to the first electrode of 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4.

[0195] 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1 is connected to the first electrode of 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1. 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2 is connected to the first electrode of 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2. 5-3 welding electrode WE5-3 is connected to the first electrode of 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3. 5-4 welding electrode WE5-4 is connected to the first electrode of 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4.

[0196] 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 is connected to the first electrode of 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1. 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 is connected to the first electrode of 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2. 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3 is connected to the first electrode of 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3. 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4 is connected to the first electrode of 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4.

[0197] 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1 is connected to the first electrode of 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1. 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2 is connected to the first electrode of 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2. 6-3 welding electrode WE6-3 is connected to the first electrode of 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3. 6-4 welding electrode WE6-4 is connected to the first electrode of 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4.

[0198] The repair lines RL and RL' may extend in the first direction and the second direction. One end and the other end of the repair lines RL and RL' are arranged to overlap with the welding electrode WE of the sub-pixel PXL emitting light of the same color. The repair line RL extending in the first direction may be referred to as a vertical repair line RL. The repair line RL' extending in the second direction may be referred to as a horizontal repair line RL'.

[0199] One end of the first repair line RL1 overlaps with the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1, and the other end overlaps with the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1. One end of the second repair line RL2 overlaps with the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2, and the other end overlaps with the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2. One end of the third repair line RL3 overlaps with the 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3, and the other end overlaps with the 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3. One end of the fourth repair line RL4 overlaps with the 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4, and the other end overlaps with the 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4. At the same time, the first repair line RL1 can be referred to as the first vertical repair line. The second repair line RL2 can be referred to as the second vertical repair line. The third repair line RL3 can be referred to as the third vertical repair line. The fourth repair line RL4 can be referred to as the fourth vertical repair line.

[0200] One end of the ninth repair line RL9 overlaps with the 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1, and the other end overlaps with the 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1. One end of the tenth repair line RL10 overlaps with the 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2, and the other end overlaps with the 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2. One end of the eleventh repair line RL11 overlaps with the 5-3 welding electrode WE5-3, and the other end overlaps with the 6-3 welding electrode WE6-3. One end of the twelfth repair line RL12 overlaps with the 5-4 welding electrode WE5-4, and the other end overlaps with the 6-4 welding electrode WE6-4. At the same time, the ninth repair line RL9 can be called the ninth vertical repair line. The tenth repair line RL10 can be called the tenth vertical repair line. The eleventh repair line RL11 can be called the eleventh vertical repair line. The twelfth repair line RL12 can be called the twelfth vertical repair line.

[0201] One end of the first 'repair line RL1' overlaps with the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1, and the other end overlaps with the 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1. One end of the second 'repair line RL2' overlaps with the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2, and the other end overlaps with the 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2. Meanwhile, the first 'repair line RL1' may be referred to as a first horizontal repair line. The second 'repair line RL2' may be referred to as a second horizontal repair line.

[0202] One end of the third 'repair line RL3' overlaps with the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1, and the other end overlaps with the 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1. One end of the fourth 'repair line RL4' overlaps with the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2, and the other end overlaps with the 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2. At the same time, the third 'repair line RL3' can be called a third horizontal repair line. The fourth 'repair line RL2' can be called a fourth horizontal repair line.

[0203] Portions of one end and the other end of the repair lines RL and RL' overlapping with the welding electrode WE may be referred to as an overlapping unit OV. The overlapping unit OV overlaps with the welding electrode WE to be welded with the welding electrode WE during the repair process, so that the overlapping unit OV is formed to have a predetermined area required for the process. The welding electrode WE and the overlapping unit OV may have the same area, but are not limited thereto.

[0204] In the fourth embodiment, any one of one end and the other end of the repair lines RL and RL′ is connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE, while the other end is not connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE.

[0205] For example, as shown in the figure, one end of the first repair line RL1 is separated from the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first repair line RL1 can be connected to the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1. One end of the second repair line RL2 is separated from the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the second repair line RL2 can be connected to the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2. One end of the third repair line RL3 is separated from the 1-3 welding electrode WE1-3 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the third repair line RL3 can be connected to the 2-3 welding electrode WE2-3. One end of the fourth repair line RL4 is separated from the 1-4 welding electrode WE1-4 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the fourth repair line RL4 can be connected to the 2-4 welding electrode WE2-4.

[0206] One end of the ninth repair line RL9 is separated from the 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the ninth repair line RL9 can be connected to the 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1. One end of the tenth repair line RL10 is separated from the 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the tenth repair line RL10 can be connected to the 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2. One end of the eleventh repair line RL11 is separated from the 5-3 welding electrode WE5-3 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the eleventh repair line RL11 can be connected to the 6-3 welding electrode WE6-3. One end of the twelfth repair line RL12 is separated from the 5-4 welding electrode WE5-4 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the twelfth repair line RL12 can be connected to the 6-4 welding electrode WE6-4.

[0207] One end of the first 'repair line RL1' is separated from the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first 'repair line RL1' is connected to the 5-1 welding electrode WE5-1. One end of the second 'repair line RL2' is separated from the 1-2 welding electrode WE1-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the second 'repair line RL2' is connected to the 5-2 welding electrode WE5-2.

[0208] One end of the third 'repair line RL3' is separated from the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the third 'repair line RL3' can be connected to the 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1. One end of the fourth 'repair line RL4' is separated from the 2-2 welding electrode WE2-2 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the fourth 'repair line RL4' can be connected to the 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2.

[0209] In one area, the vertical repair line RL extending in the first direction and the horizontal repair line RL' extending in the second direction may be connected to each other. For example, in the area where the 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2 is located, the other end of the tenth repair line RL10 and the other end of the fourth 'repair line RL4' may be connected to each other and may be connected to the 6-2 welding electrode WE6-2 through one contact point.

[0210] When a defective sub-pixel PXL is detected during the inspection process, the separated repair lines RL and RL′ and the corresponding welding electrodes WE are welded to be electrically connected.

[0211] For example, when it is determined during the inspection process that the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is defective, the signal applied to the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is cut off by a cutting process and one end of the separated first repair line RL1 and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are connected by a welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 can be electrically connected. Alternatively, the signal to be applied to the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is cut off by a cutting process, and one end of the separated first 'repair line RL1' and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are connected by a welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 can be electrically connected.

[0212] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the sub-pixels PXL of pixels adjacent in the first direction can be selectively repaired. Therefore, the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is conducive to significantly improving the manufacturing yield of the display device.

[0213] The connection unit LN of the repair lines RL and RL' is formed of a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material may be any one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but is not limited thereto. In the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, since the repair lines RL and RL' have a predetermined transmittance, the area in the repair area RA where the repair line RL or RL' is disposed may also be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, regardless of the position of the repair line RL or RL', the area of ​​the transmission area TA may be sufficiently ensured while ensuring the required area of ​​the light emitting area EA, thereby providing a transparent display device with high quality.

[0214] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0215] Fig.13 A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 A plan view of part A of the present disclosure. The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may be a structure in which the structure of the second embodiment and the structure of the fourth embodiment are combined. In the description of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of the configuration substantially the same as the second and fourth embodiments may be omitted.

[0216] Reference Fig.13 , the display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display area including a light emitting area EA, a repair area RA, and a transmission area TA.

[0217] The light emitting area EA may be an area where light realizing an input image is actually emitted. The light emitting area EA includes a sub-pixel PXL having a transistor and an organic light emitting diode (or light emitting diode). The transmissive area TA may be an area where external light is transmitted to allow a user to recognize an object located at the rear surface of the display device.

[0218] The repair area RA may be an area in which a repair process is performed when a defect occurs in the sub-pixel PXL. The repair area RA includes a repair structure having a welding electrode WE and repair lines RL and RL'. Most of the repair area RA may be allocated to the transmission area TA, which will be described below. For example, in the repair area RA, at least an area in which the repair lines RL and RL' are provided may be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, the transmission area TA may be the entire area in which the elements of the light emitting area EA and the welding electrode WE of the repair area RA are not provided.

[0219] The light emitting area EA includes pixels. The pixels may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) that intersect each other. The pixels include sub-pixels PXL. The sub-pixels PXL may be arranged along a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other. The pixels may include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL, but are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for ease of description, a configuration in which the pixels include red R sub-pixels PXL, green G sub-pixels PXL, blue B sub-pixels PXL, and white W sub-pixels PXL will be described as an example. Each of the sub-pixels PXL includes a transistor disposed above a substrate and an organic light emitting diode electrically connected to the transistor.

[0220] More specifically, the light emitting area EA includes a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, a fourth pixel, a fifth pixel, a sixth pixel, a seventh pixel, and a fourth pixel. The first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, and the fourth pixel may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The fifth pixel and the sixth pixel, the seventh pixel, and the eighth pixel may be sequentially arranged along the first direction.

[0221] Two pixels adjacent in the first direction may form a pair. That is, the first pixel and the second pixel form a first pair, and the third pixel and the fourth pixel form a second pair. In addition, the fifth pixel and the sixth pixel form a first pair, and the seventh pixel and the eighth pixel form a second pair.

[0222] The first pixel and the fifth pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The second pixel and the sixth pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The third pixel and the seventh pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The fourth pixel and the eighth pixel are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0223] The first pixel and the fifth pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the first pixel and the fifth pixel may have a line symmetry relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing between the first pixel and the fifth pixel in the first direction. The second pixel and the sixth pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the second pixel and the sixth pixel may have a line symmetry relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing between the second pixel and the sixth pixel in the first direction. The third pixel and the seventh pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the third pixel and the seventh pixel may have a line symmetry relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing between the third pixel and the seventh pixel in the first direction. The fourth pixel and the eighth pixel may be symmetrical to each other. That is, the fourth pixel and the eighth pixel may have a line symmetry relationship with respect to an imaginary axis passing between the fourth pixel and the eighth pixel in the first direction.

[0224] The first pixel includes a 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, a 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, a 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, and a 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4. Here, the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the first pixel. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the first pixel. The second pixel includes a 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, a 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, a 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, and a 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4. Here, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the second pixel. The 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the second pixel.

[0225] The fifth pixel includes a 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1, a 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2, a 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3, and a 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4. Here, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 is a specific example of a fourth sub-pixel of the fifth pixel. The sixth pixel includes a 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1, a 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2, a 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3, and a 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4. Here, the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 is a specific example of a first sub-pixel of the sixth pixel. The 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 is a specific example of a second sub-pixel of the sixth pixel. The 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3 is a specific example of a third sub-pixel of the sixth pixel. The 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 is a specific example of the fourth sub-pixel of the sixth pixel.

[0226] The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1, the 5-1 sub-pixel PXL5-1 and the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 emit light having the same first color. The 1-2 sub-pixel PXL1-2, the 2-2 sub-pixel PXL2-2, the 5-2 sub-pixel PXL5-2 and the 6-2 sub-pixel PXL6-2 emit light having the same second color. The 1-3 sub-pixel PXL1-3, the 2-3 sub-pixel PXL2-3, the 5-3 sub-pixel PXL5-3 and the 6-3 sub-pixel PXL6-3 emit light having the same third color. The 1-4 sub-pixel PXL1-4, the 2-4 sub-pixel PXL2-4, the 5-4 sub-pixel PXL5-4 and the 6-4 sub-pixel PXL6-4 emit light having the same fourth color. The first color, the second color, the third color and the fourth color may be assigned to any one of red R, green G, blue B and white W.

[0227] As shown in the figure, the sub-pixels PXL arranged in one pixel may be arranged in a square shape. As shown in the figure, the arrangement of the sub-pixels PXL in each pixel may correspond to the combined structure of the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0228] Hereinafter, only the repair structure of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 of the first pixel, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 of the second pixel, the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1 of the third pixel, and the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 of the sixth pixel will be described as an example. The 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 of the first pixel, the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 of the second pixel, the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1 of the third pixel, and the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 of the sixth pixel are sub-pixels PXL that emit light having the same color.

[0229] The repair area RA includes the welding electrode WE, the repair lines RL and RL′, the auxiliary welding electrode AWE, and the auxiliary repair line ARL.

[0230] The welding electrode WE is connected to the first electrode E1 of the corresponding sub-pixel PXL. The welding electrode WE may be a portion branched from the first electrode E1 of the sub-pixel PXL.

[0231] For example, the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 is connected to the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1. The 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 is connected to the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1.

[0232] The repair lines RL and RL' may extend in the first direction and the second direction. One end and the other end of the repair lines RL and RL' are arranged to overlap with the welding electrode WE of the sub-pixel PXL emitting light of the same color. The repair line RL extending in the first direction may be referred to as a vertical repair line RL. The repair line RL' extending in the second direction may be referred to as a horizontal repair line RL'.

[0233] The vertical repair line RL can be used to repair between sub-pixels PXL of pixels forming a pair among pixels adjacent to each other along the first direction. To this end, one end of the first repair line RL1 can be set to overlap the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 and the other end to overlap the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1.

[0234] Any one of one end and the other end of the vertical repair line RL is connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE, and the other end is not connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE. For example, one end of the first repair line RL1 is separated from the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first repair line RL1 is connected to the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1.

[0235] The horizontal repair line RL' can be used to repair between sub-pixels PXL of pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction. To this end, one end of the third 'repair line RL3' can be arranged to overlap the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1, and the other end can overlap the 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1.

[0236] Any one of one end and the other end of the horizontal repair line RL' is connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE, and the other end is not connected to the corresponding welding electrode WE. For example, one end of the third 'repair line RL3' is separated from the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the third 'repair line RL3' is connected to the 6-1 welding electrode WE6-1.

[0237] The auxiliary welding electrode AWE is connected to the first electrode of the corresponding subpixel PXL. The auxiliary welding electrode AWE may be a portion branched from the first electrode of the subpixel PXL. The auxiliary welding electrode AWE may be a portion branched from the welding electrode WE connected to the first electrode of the subpixel PXL.

[0238] One subpixel may be assigned at least one auxiliary welding electrode AWE. For example, the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 is connected to the first electrode of the 2-1 subpixel PXL2-1. The 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1 is connected to the first electrode of the 3-1 subpixel PXL3-1.

[0239] The auxiliary repair line ARL may extend in the first direction. The auxiliary repair line ARL may be used to repair between sub-pixels PXL of pixels forming different pairs among pixels adjacent to each other along the first direction. To this end, one end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 overlaps the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1, and the other end overlaps the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1.

[0240] Either one end or the other end of the auxiliary repair line ARL is connected to the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode AWE, and the other end is not connected to the corresponding auxiliary welding electrode AWE. For example, one end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 is separated from the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 by at least one insulating layer therebetween, and the other end of the first auxiliary repair line ARL1 is connected to the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE3-1.

[0241] The repair process can be selectively performed as follows.

[0242] For example, when it is determined during the inspection process that the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is defective, a signal to be applied to the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is cut off through the cutting process, and one end of the separated first repair line RL1 and the 1-1 welding electrode WE1-1 are connected through the welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 1-1 sub-pixel PXL1-1 and the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 may be electrically connected.

[0243] Alternatively, the signal to be applied to the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is cut off by a cutting process, and one end of the separated third 'repair line RL3' is connected to the 2-1 welding electrode WE2-1 by a welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the first electrode of the 6-1 sub-pixel PXL6-1 can be electrically connected.

[0244] Alternatively, the signal to be applied to the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 is cut off by a cutting process, and one end of the separated first auxiliary repair line ARL1 and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode AWE2-1 are connected by a welding process. Therefore, the first electrode of the 2-1 sub-pixel PXL2-1 and the first electrode of the 3-1 sub-pixel PXL3-1 can be electrically connected.

[0245] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, repair can be selectively performed between pixels forming a pair among pixels adjacent to each other in the first direction, between pixels forming different pairs among pixels adjacent to each other in the first direction, and between pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction. Therefore, the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is conducive to significantly improving the manufacturing yield of the display device.

[0246] The connection unit LN of the repair lines RL and RL' and the auxiliary connection unit ALN of the auxiliary repair line ARL are formed of a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material may be any one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but is not limited thereto. In the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, since the repair lines RL and RL' have a predetermined transmittance, the area in the repair area RA where the repair lines RL or RL' and the auxiliary repair lines ARL are disposed may also be allocated to the transmission area TA. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, regardless of the positions of the repair lines RL and RL' and the auxiliary repair lines ARL, the area of ​​the transmission area TA can be sufficiently ensured while ensuring the required area of ​​the light-emitting area EA, thereby providing a transparent display device with high quality.

[0247] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be described as follows:

[0248] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes a first electrode of a first subpixel of a first pixel, a first electrode of a second subpixel of a first pixel, a first electrode of a first subpixel of a second pixel, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of a second pixel, which are sequentially arranged along a first direction. The display device also includes: a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel; a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel; a 2-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel; and a 2-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel. The display device also includes: a first vertical repair line that partially overlaps the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode; and a second vertical repair line that partially overlaps the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode. The first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line are formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0249] The first vertical repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the first vertical repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and the first vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0250] The second vertical repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the second vertical repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode, and the second vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0251] The first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line may be disposed on the same layer.

[0252] The first subpixel of the first pixel and the first subpixel of the second pixel may emit light having a first color, and the second subpixel of the second pixel and the second subpixel of the second pixel may emit light having a second color different from the first color.

[0253] The display device may further include: a first electrode of a first subpixel of a third pixel, disposed adjacent to a first electrode of a second subpixel of a second pixel along a first direction; a 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode connected to a first electrode of a first subpixel of a second pixel; a 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode connected to a first electrode of a first subpixel of a third pixel; and an auxiliary repair line partially overlapping the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode. At least a portion of the auxiliary repair line may be formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0254] The 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode may be a portion branched from the 2-1 welding electrode.

[0255] The auxiliary repair line can be set on a different layer from the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the auxiliary repair line and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode, and the auxiliary repair line is connected to any one of the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0256] The first vertical repair line, the second vertical repair line and the auxiliary repair line may be disposed on the same layer.

[0257] The first subpixel of the first pixel, the first subpixel of the second pixel, and the first subpixel of the third pixel may emit light having a first color, and the second subpixel of the first pixel and the second subpixel of the second pixel may emit light having a second color different from the first color.

[0258] The display device may further include: a first electrode of a first subpixel of a fifth pixel, which is disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first electrode of a second subpixel of the fifth pixel, which is disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel along the first direction and adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel along the second direction; a 5-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel; a 5-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the fifth pixel; a first horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode; and a second horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode. At least a portion of the first horizontal repair line and the second horizontal repair line may be formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0259] The first horizontal repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the first horizontal repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode, and the first horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0260] The second horizontal repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the second horizontal repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode, and the second horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0261] The first vertical repair line, the second vertical repair line, the first horizontal repair line, and the second horizontal repair line may be disposed on the same layer.

[0262] The first subpixel of the first pixel and the first subpixel of the fifth pixel may emit light having a first color, and the second subpixel of the first pixel and the second subpixel of the fifth pixel may emit light having a second color different from the first color.

[0263] The first vertical repair line may include: an overlapping unit overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode; and a connecting unit connecting the overlapping units and formed of a transparent conductive material. The overlapping unit and the connecting unit may be connected to each other through a through hole passing through an insulating layer disposed between the overlapping unit and the connecting unit.

[0264] The through hole may not overlap the soldering area.

[0265] The auxiliary repair line may include: an auxiliary overlapping unit overlapping the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode; and an auxiliary connecting unit connecting the auxiliary overlapping units and formed of a transparent conductive material. The auxiliary overlapping unit and the auxiliary connecting unit may be connected to each other through a through hole passing through an insulating layer disposed between the auxiliary overlapping unit and the auxiliary connecting unit.

[0266] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes a first pixel and a fifth pixel that are symmetrical to each other with respect to an imaginary axis extending in a first direction and are arranged to be adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The display device also includes a welding electrode and a repair line for repairing between the first pixel and the fifth pixel. The first pixel includes a first electrode of a first subpixel of the first pixel and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel, and the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel is arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel in the first direction. The fifth pixel includes: a first electrode of a first subpixel of the fifth pixel arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel along the second direction; and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the fifth pixel arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel in the first direction and adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel in the second direction. The welding electrodes include a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel, a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel, a 5-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel, and a 5-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the fifth pixel. The repair lines include a first horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode and a second horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode. At least a portion of the first and second horizontal repair lines are formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0267] The first horizontal repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the first horizontal repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode, and the first horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0268] The second horizontal repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the second horizontal repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode, and the second horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0269] The display device may further include: a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel along the first direction. The second pixel may include: a first electrode of a first subpixel of the second pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel along the first direction, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the second pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel along the first direction. The welding electrode may include a 2-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel and a 2-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel. The repair line may include: a first vertical repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and a second vertical repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode. At least a portion of the first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line may be formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0270] The first vertical repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the first vertical repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and the first vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0271] The second vertical repair line can be set on a different layer from the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the second vertical repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode, and the second vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0272] The display device may further include: a third pixel adjacent to the second pixel along the first direction; and an auxiliary welding electrode and an auxiliary repair line for repairing between the second pixel and the third pixel. The third pixel may include a first electrode of a first subpixel of the third pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of a second subpixel of the second pixel along the first direction. The auxiliary welding electrode may include: a 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel, and a 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the third pixel. The auxiliary repair line may include an auxiliary repair line partially overlapping the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode. At least a portion of the auxiliary repair line may be formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0273] The auxiliary repair line can be set on a different layer from the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode through at least one insulating layer between the auxiliary repair line and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode, and the auxiliary repair line is connected to any one of the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode through an opening passing through at least one insulating layer.

[0274] The first subpixel of the first pixel, the first subpixel of the fifth pixel, the first subpixel of the second pixel, and the first subpixel of the third pixel may emit light having the same color.

[0275] The first horizontal repair line may include: an overlapping unit overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode; and a connecting unit connecting the overlapping units and formed of a transparent conductive material. The overlapping unit and the connecting unit may be connected to each other through a through hole passing through an insulating layer disposed between the overlapping unit and the connecting unit.

[0276] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel includes a plurality of sub-pixels emitting light of different colors, and each sub-pixel has a first electrode. The display device also includes a repair structure, which includes a plurality of welding electrodes and a plurality of repair lines. The plurality of welding electrodes are respectively connected to the first electrodes of the plurality of sub-pixels included in the plurality of pixels. The plurality of repair lines partially overlap with the welding electrodes of the sub-pixels emitting light of the same color in adjacent pixels along a first direction and / or a second direction intersecting the first direction. At least a portion of the plurality of repair lines is formed of a transparent conductive material.

[0277] Through the above description, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the technical field of the present disclosure is not limited to the technical field described in the detailed description of the specification, but can be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first electrode of a first subpixel of a first pixel, a first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel, a first electrode of a first subpixel of a second pixel, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of a second pixel are sequentially arranged along a first direction; a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel, a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel, a 2-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel, and a 2-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel; as well as a first vertical repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and a second vertical repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode, a first electrode of a first subpixel of a third pixel, wherein the first electrode of the first subpixel of the third pixel is arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel along the first direction; 2-1 an auxiliary welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first sub-pixel of the second pixel; 3-1 an auxiliary welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first sub-pixel of the third pixel; and an auxiliary repair line partially overlapping the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode, Wherein, the first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line are formed of a transparent conductive material, and Wherein, at least a portion of the auxiliary repair line is formed of a transparent conductive material.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first vertical repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the first vertical repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and the first vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, wherein the second vertical repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the second vertical repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode, and the second vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, and Wherein, the first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line are arranged on the same layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode is a portion branched from the 2-1 welding electrode.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary repair line and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the auxiliary repair line and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode, and the auxiliary repair line is connected to any one of the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, and Wherein, the first vertical repair line, the second vertical repair line and the auxiliary repair line are arranged on the same layer.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first subpixel of the first pixel, the first subpixel of the second pixel, and the first subpixel of the third pixel emit light having a first color, and the second subpixel of the first pixel and the second subpixel of the second pixel emit light having a second color different from the first color.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a first electrode of a first subpixel of a fifth pixel, wherein the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel is arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first electrode of a second subpixel of a fifth pixel, wherein the first electrode of the second subpixel of the fifth pixel is arranged to be adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel along the first direction and to be adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel along the second direction; 5-1 a welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first sub-pixel of the fifth pixel; 5-2 a welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second sub-pixel of the fifth pixel; a first horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode; as well as a second horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode, Wherein, at least a portion of the first horizontal repair line and the second horizontal repair line is formed of a transparent conductive material.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first horizontal repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the first horizontal repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode, and the first horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, wherein the second horizontal repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the second horizontal repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode, and the second horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, and Wherein, the first vertical repair line, the second vertical repair line, the first horizontal repair line and the second horizontal repair line are arranged on the same layer.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first subpixel of the first pixel, the first subpixel of the second pixel, and the first subpixel of the fifth pixel emit light having a first color, and the second subpixel of the first pixel, the second subpixel of the second pixel, and the second subpixel of the fifth pixel emit light having a second color different from the first color.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first vertical repair line comprises: an overlapping unit that overlaps the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode; and a connecting unit connecting the overlapping units and formed of the transparent conductive material, and The overlapping unit and the connecting unit are connected to each other through a through hole, and the through hole passes through an insulating layer disposed between the overlapping unit and the connecting unit.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The through hole does not overlap with the welding area.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary repair line includes: an auxiliary overlapping unit that overlaps the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode; and an auxiliary connection unit connecting the auxiliary overlapping units and formed of the transparent conductive material, and The auxiliary overlapping unit and the auxiliary connecting unit are connected to each other through a through hole, and the through hole passes through an insulating layer disposed between the auxiliary overlapping unit and the auxiliary connecting unit.

12. A display device, comprising: a first pixel and a fifth pixel, the first pixel and the fifth pixel being symmetrical to each other with respect to an imaginary axis extending in a first direction and being arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as a welding electrode and a repair line for repairing between the first pixel and the fifth pixel, Wherein, the first pixel comprises: a first electrode of a first subpixel of a first pixel and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel in the first direction, The fifth pixel includes: a first electrode of a first subpixel of a fifth pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel along the second direction, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the fifth pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel in the first direction and adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel in the second direction, The welding electrode comprises: a 1-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the first pixel, a 1-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the first pixel, a 5-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the fifth pixel, and a 5-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the fifth pixel; The repair line includes: a first horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode, and a second horizontal repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode, and Wherein, at least a portion of the first horizontal repair line and the second horizontal repair line is formed of a transparent conductive material.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first horizontal repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the first horizontal repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode, and the first horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, and In which, the second horizontal repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the second horizontal repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode, and the second horizontal repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 5-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer.

14. The display device according to claim 12, further comprising: a second pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel along the first direction, Wherein, the second pixel comprises: a first electrode of a first subpixel of the second pixel disposed adjacent to a first electrode of a second subpixel of the first pixel along the first direction, and a first electrode of a second subpixel of the second pixel disposed adjacent to a first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel along the first direction, The welding electrode comprises: a 2-1 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first subpixel of the second pixel and a 2-2 welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel, The repair line includes: a first vertical repair line partially overlapping the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and a second vertical repair line partially overlapping the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode, and Wherein, at least a portion of the first vertical repair line and the second vertical repair line is formed of a transparent conductive material.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first vertical repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the first vertical repair line and the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode, and the first vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-1 welding electrode and the 2-1 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer, and In which, the second vertical repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the second vertical repair line and the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode, and the second vertical repair line is connected to any one of the 1-2 welding electrode and the 2-2 welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer.

16. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising: a third pixel disposed adjacent to the second pixel along the first direction; and an auxiliary welding electrode and an auxiliary repair line for repairing between the second pixel and the third pixel, Wherein, the third pixel comprises: a first electrode of a first subpixel of a third pixel disposed adjacent to the first electrode of the second subpixel of the second pixel along the first direction; The auxiliary welding electrode comprises: A 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first sub-pixel of the second pixel, and a 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode connected to the first electrode of the first sub-pixel of the third pixel, the auxiliary repair line comprising: an auxiliary repair line partially overlapping the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode, and Wherein, at least a portion of the auxiliary repair line is formed of a transparent conductive material.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The auxiliary repair line and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode are arranged on different layers through at least one insulating layer between the auxiliary repair line and the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode, and the auxiliary repair line is connected to any one of the 2-1 auxiliary welding electrode and the 3-1 auxiliary welding electrode through an opening passing through the at least one insulating layer.

18. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first horizontal repair line includes: an overlapping unit that overlaps the 1-1 welding electrode and the 5-1 welding electrode; and a connecting unit connecting the overlapping units and formed of the transparent conductive material, and The overlapping unit and the connecting unit are connected to each other through a through hole, and the through hole passes through an insulating layer disposed between the overlapping unit and the connecting unit.

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