Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed, and the display device includes a display element layer on a substrate. The display element layer may include a first electrode and a second electrode, and a light-emitting element electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode may include a first protrusion, a first portion located between the first protrusions, a second portion corresponding to side portions of each of the first protrusions, and a third portion coupled between a first end of the first portion and the second portion. The second electrode may include second protrusions protruding toward the first electrode and spaced apart from each other in a first direction, a first portion located between the second protrusions, a second portion corresponding to side portions of each of the second protrusions, and a third portion coupled between a first end of the first portion and the second portion.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0176868, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 27, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art

[0003] Light-emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as "LEDs") can have relatively suitable or satisfactory durability even under harsh environmental conditions and have excellent performance in terms of lifespan and brightness. Currently, research on technologies for applying such LEDs to various display devices has been carried out more significantly and actively.

[0004] As part of such research, technologies for manufacturing rod-shaped LEDs having small sizes corresponding to the micron or nanometer scale using an inorganic crystal structure (e.g., a structure obtained by growing a nitride-based semiconductor) are being developed. For example, the rod-shaped LEDs can be manufactured to be small enough to form pixels of a self-emitting (or self-luminous) display device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device having a light-emitting element with excellent alignment.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display device including a display element layer disposed on a substrate. The display element layer may include: a first electrode and a second electrode extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; and a light-emitting element electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode may include: first protrusions protruding toward the second electrode in a plane and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; a first portion located between the first protrusions; a second portion corresponding to side portions of each of the first protrusions; and a third portion coupled between a first end of the first portion and the second portion. The second electrode may include: second protrusions protruding toward the first electrode in the same plane and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; a first portion located between the second protrusions; a second portion corresponding to side portions of each of the second protrusions; and a third portion coupled between a first portion of the second electrode and a first end of the second portion of the second electrode. The third portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided in the same plane with a curved shape.

[0007] In an embodiment, a third portion of the first electrode may be recessedly bent in a direction away from a direction toward a corresponding first protrusion selected from among the first protrusions in the same plane, and a third portion of the second electrode may be recessedly bent in a direction away from a direction toward a corresponding second protrusion selected from among the second protrusions in the plane.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first protrusions and the second protrusions may be alternately arranged along a first direction.

[0009] In an embodiment, at least a part of a second portion of the first electrode and at least a part of a second portion of the second electrode may face each other in the first direction.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first electrode may further include a fourth portion extending from a second end portion of the second portion of the first electrode, and the second electrode may further include a fourth portion extending from a second end portion of the second portion of the second electrode.

[0011] In an embodiment, the fourth portion of the first electrode may face the first portion of the second electrode, and the fourth portion of the second electrode may face the first portion of the first electrode.

[0012] In an embodiment, a distance from the second end portion of the second portion of the first electrode to the third portion of the second electrode may be constant (e.g., substantially constant), and a distance from the second end portion of the second portion of the second electrode to the third portion of the first electrode may be constant (e.g., substantially constant).

[0013] In an embodiment, the light-emitting element may include a first light-emitting element disposed between the first portion of the first electrode and the fourth portion of the second electrode or between the first portion of the second electrode and the fourth portion of the first electrode.

[0014] In an embodiment, the light-emitting element may include a second light-emitting element disposed between the second end portion of the second portion of the first electrode and the third portion of the second electrode or between the second end portion of the second portion of the second electrode and the third portion of the first electrode.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second light-emitting element may be diagonally arranged with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the light-emitting element may include a third light-emitting element disposed between the second portion of the first electrode and the second portion of the second electrode.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display element layer may further include a first contact electrode that electrically couples the first electrode to the light-emitting element and a second contact electrode that electrically couples the second electrode to the light-emitting element.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first contact electrode may be stacked with the first electrode and have a planar shape similar to but larger than that of the first electrode, and the second contact electrode may be stacked with the second electrode and have a planar shape similar to but larger than that of the second electrode.

[0019] In an embodiment, a third portion of the first electrode may be bent in the same plane to bulge toward a second end portion of a second portion of the second electrode, and a third portion of the second electrode may be bent in the same plane to bulge toward a second end portion of a second portion of the first electrode.

[0020] In an embodiment, a first portion of the first electrode may be recessedly bent in the same plane in a direction away from the direction toward a corresponding first protrusion selected from among the first protrusions, and a first portion of the second electrode may be recessedly bent in the same plane in a direction away from the direction toward a corresponding second protrusion selected from among the second protrusions.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first portions and the third portions of each of the first electrode and the second electrode may have the same (e.g., substantially the same) radius of curvature.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first electrode may further include a fourth portion extending from a second end portion of a second portion of the first electrode, and the second electrode may further include a fourth portion extending from a second end portion of a second portion of the second electrode.

[0023] In an embodiment, the fourth portion of the first electrode may be bent in the same plane to bulge toward the first portion and the third portion of the second electrode, and the fourth portion of the second electrode may be bent in the same plane to bulge toward the first portion and the third portion of the first electrode.

[0024] In an embodiment, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to each other in a plane may be constant (e.g., substantially constant).

[0025] In an embodiment, the fourth portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode may have a polygonal shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings, together with the specification, illustrate embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are perspective views showing a light-emitting element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0028] Figure 2A and Figure 2BEach is a circuit diagram showing a unit emission region of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing a display element layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 is showing where Figure 4 a partial EA1 is enlarged of a plan view of an embodiment of the display element layer.

[0032] Figure 6 is showing Figure 5 an embodiment of a plan view of a first electrode and a second electrode shown in

[0033] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of Figure 4

[0034] Figure 8 is showing where Figure 4 a partial EA1 is enlarged of a plan view of an embodiment of the display element layer.

[0035] Figure 9 is a plan view schematically showing a display element layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 is showing where Figure 9 a partial EA2 is enlarged of a plan view of an embodiment of the display element layer.

[0037] Figure 11 is showing Figure 10 an embodiment of a plan view of a first electrode and a second electrode shown in

[0038] Figure 12 is showing where Figure 9 a partial EA2 is enlarged of a plan view of an embodiment of the display element layer.

[0039] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0040] ​Since the present disclosure allows for various variations and many embodiments, certain embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in more detail herein in the following written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular mode of practice, and it will be understood that all changes, equivalents, and alternatives that do not depart from the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are included therein.

[0041] Throughout the present disclosure, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts (or components) throughout the various drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure. For clarity of illustration, the dimensions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element. In the present disclosure, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0042] It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", etc. are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Further, when a first portion such as a layer, film, region, or plate is on a second portion, it means that the first portion may be directly on the second portion, or a third portion may be disposed therebetween. Additionally, when it is stated that a first portion such as a layer, film, region, or plate is formed on a second portion, the surface of the second portion on which the first portion is formed is not limited to the upper surface of the second portion, and may include other surfaces such as the side surface or the lower surface of the second portion. Conversely, when a first portion such as a layer, film, region, or plate is under a second portion, it means that the first portion may be directly under the second portion, or a third portion may be disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are perspective views showing light-emitting elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Although Figure 1A and Figure 1B show a cylindrical light-emitting element LD, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, a light-emitting element LD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first semiconductor layer 11, a second semiconductor layer 13, and an active layer 12 disposed between the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13.

[0046] For example, the light-emitting element LD may be implemented as a stack formed by continuously stacking the first semiconductor layer 11, the active layer 12, and the second semiconductor layer 13.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element LD may be provided in the form of a rod extending in one direction. If the direction along which the light-emitting element LD extends is defined as the longitudinal direction, the light-emitting element LD may have a first end and a second end in the longitudinal direction (for example, a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction).

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13 may be on the first end (for example, the first portion), and the other of the first semiconductor layer 11 and the second semiconductor layer 13 may be on the second end (for example, the second portion).

[0049] The light-emitting element LD may have various suitable shapes. For example, the light-emitting element LD may have a rod shape or a strip shape extending in the longitudinal direction (for example, having an aspect ratio greater than 1). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length L of the light-emitting element LD in the longitudinal direction may be greater than its diameter (D or the width of the cross-section). The light-emitting element LD may include a light-emitting diode manufactured to have a small size (for example, having a length L and / or a diameter D corresponding to the micron scale or the nanometer scale). For example, the light-emitting element LD may have a length L and / or a diameter D of 1 nanometer (nm) to 5 micrometers (μm), such as taking 1 nm to 100 nm, 100 nm to 5 μm, or 100 nm to 800 nm as examples. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the light-emitting element LD may be changed to meet the characteristics (or design conditions) of the lighting device or the self-emitting display device.

[0050] The first semiconductor layer 11 may include, for example, at least one n-type semiconductor layer. For example, the first semiconductor layer 11 may include a semiconductor layer containing any one semiconductor material selected from InAlGaN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN, and InN and doped with a first conductive dopant such as Si, Ge, or Sn.

[0051] The material included in the first semiconductor layer 11 is not limited thereto, and the first semiconductor layer 11 may include various other suitable materials.

[0052] The active layer 12 may be formed on the first semiconductor layer 11 and have a single quantum well structure or a multiple quantum well structure. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a capping layer doped with a conductive dopant may be on and / or under the active layer 12. For example, the capping layer may include an AlGaN layer and / or an InAlGaN layer. Additionally, materials such as AlGaN and / or AlInGaN may be employed to form the active layer 12.

[0053] If an electric field of a set or predetermined voltage or a greater voltage is applied to opposite ends of the light-emitting element LD, the light-emitting element LD emits light due to the recombination (e.g., combination) of electron-hole pairs in the active layer 12.

[0054] The second semiconductor layer 13 may be disposed on the active layer 12 and include a semiconductor layer of a different type (e.g., n-type or p-type) from that of the first semiconductor layer 11. For example, the second semiconductor layer 13 may include at least one p-type semiconductor layer. For example, the second semiconductor layer 13 may include a semiconductor layer containing any one semiconductor material selected from InAlGaN, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN, and InN and doped with a second conductive dopant such as Mg.

[0055] The materials included in the second semiconductor layer 13 are not limited thereto, and the second semiconductor layer 13 may include various other suitable materials.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element LD may include not only the first semiconductor layer 11, the active layer 12, and the second semiconductor layer 13, but also a fluorescent layer, another active layer, another semiconductor layer, and / or an electrode disposed on and / or under each layer.

[0057] In an embodiment, the light-emitting element LD may further include at least one electrode on one end (e.g., the upper surface) of the second semiconductor layer 13 or on one end (e.g., the lower surface) of the first semiconductor layer 11.

[0058] For example, as Figure 1BAs shown, the light-emitting element LD may further include an electrode 15 on one end of the second semiconductor layer 13. The electrode 15 may be an ohmic contact electrode, but it is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the electrode 15 may be a Schottky contact electrode (e.g., an electrode formed by a junction of a semiconductor and a metal). In addition, the electrode 15 may include a metal and / or a metal oxide. For example, chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), ITO, and their oxides or alloys may be used alone or in combination with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the electrode 15 may be substantially transparent or semi-transparent. Thus, the light generated from the light-emitting element LD can be emitted to the outside of the light-emitting element LD after passing through the electrode 15.

[0059] The light-emitting element LD may further include an insulating layer 14. However, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating layer 14 may be omitted and / or may be provided to cover only some of the first semiconductor layer 11, the active layer 12, and the second semiconductor layer 13.

[0060] For example, the insulating layer 14 may be provided on a portion of the light-emitting element LD other than its opposite ends, such that the opposite ends of the light-emitting element LD may be exposed.

[0061] For illustration purposes, Figure 1A and Figure 1B an insulating layer 14 with a part of it removed is shown. The entire side surface of the light-emitting element LD may be surrounded by the insulating layer 14.

[0062] The insulating layer 14 may be provided to surround at least a part of the periphery (e.g., the outer circumferential surface) of the first semiconductor layer 11, the active layer 12, and / or the second semiconductor layer 13. For example, the insulating layer 14 may be provided to surround at least the periphery (e.g., the outer circumferential surface) of the active layer 12. In the case where the light-emitting element LD includes the electrode 15, the insulating layer 14 may surround at least a part of the periphery (e.g., the outer circumferential surface) of the electrode 15.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating layer 14 may include a transparent insulating material. For example, the insulating layer 14 may include at least one insulating material selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Si3N4, Al2O3, and TiO2, but it is not limited thereto. In other words, various suitable materials having insulating properties may be employed.

[0064] If the insulating layer 14 is provided on the light-emitting element LD, short-circuiting of the active layer 12 with the first electrode and / or the second electrode can be prevented (or the possibility or degree of such short-circuiting can be reduced).

[0065] In addition, due to the insulating layer 14, the occurrence of defects on the surface of the light-emitting element LD can be minimized or reduced, whereby the lifespan and efficiency of the light-emitting element LD can be improved. In the case where multiple light-emitting elements LD are in close contact with each other (e.g., direct or physical contact), the insulating layer 14 can prevent or reduce the occurrence of an undesired short circuit between the light-emitting elements LD.

[0066] The light-emitting element LD can be used as a light source for various suitable display devices. For example, the light-emitting element LD can be used as a light source element for lighting equipment or a self-emissive display device.

[0067] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each is a circuit diagram showing a unit emission area of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 2A and Figure 2B show examples of forming pixels of an active emission display panel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the unit emission area can be a pixel area in which a single sub-pixel is provided.

[0069] Referring to Figure 2A , the sub-pixel SP can include at least one light-emitting element LD and a pixel driving circuit 144 coupled to the light-emitting element LD to drive the light-emitting element LD.

[0070] The light-emitting element LD can include a first electrode (e.g., an anode electrode) coupled to a first driving power supply VDD via the pixel driving circuit 144 and a second electrode (e.g., a cathode electrode) coupled to a second driving power supply VSS.

[0071] The first driving power supply VDD and the second driving power supply VSS can have different potentials (e.g., different electric potentials). For example, the second driving power supply VSS can have a potential lower than that of the first driving power supply VDD by a value equal to or greater than the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element LD.

[0072] Each of the light-emitting elements LD can emit light with a brightness corresponding to a driving current controlled by the pixel driving circuit 144.

[0073] Although Figure 2A shows an embodiment in which each of the sub-pixels SP includes only one light-emitting element LD, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the sub-pixel SP can include a plurality of light-emitting elements LD coupled in parallel to each other.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pixel driving circuit 144 can include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. However, the structure of the pixel driving circuit 144 is not limited to Figure 2A the embodiment shown therein.

[0075] The first electrode of the first transistor (driving transistor) T1 is coupled to the first driving power supply VDD, and the second electrode of the first transistor T1 is electrically coupled to the first electrode of each of the light-emitting elements LD. The gate electrode of the first transistor T1 is coupled to the first node N1. Thus, the first transistor T1 can control the amount of driving current to be supplied to the light-emitting element LD in response to the voltage of the first node N1.

[0076] The first electrode of the second transistor (switching transistor) T2 is coupled to the data line DL, and its second electrode is coupled to the first node N1. Here, the first electrode and the second electrode of the second transistor T2 may be different electrodes. For example, if the first electrode is the source electrode, the second electrode may be the drain electrode. The gate electrode of the second transistor T2 is coupled to the scan line SL.

[0077] When a scan signal having a voltage (e.g., a low-level voltage) capable of turning on the second transistor T2 is supplied from the scan line SL, the second transistor T2 turns on to electrically couple the data line DL to the first node N1. Here, a data signal corresponding to a corresponding frame is supplied to the data line DL, so that the data signal is transmitted to the first node N1. The data signal transmitted to the first node N1 is charged in the storage capacitor Cst.

[0078] One electrode of the storage capacitor Cst is coupled to the first driving power supply VDD, and its other electrode is coupled to the first node N1. The storage capacitor Cst can be charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal supplied to the first node N1 and hold the charged voltage until a data signal of a subsequent frame is supplied.

[0079] For illustrative purposes, Figure 2A A pixel driving circuit 144 having a relatively simple structure is shown. The pixel driving circuit 144 includes a second transistor T2 configured to transmit a data signal to the sub-pixel SP, a storage capacitor Cst configured to store the data signal, and a first transistor T1 configured to supply a driving current corresponding to the data signal to the light-emitting element LD.

[0080] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the pixel driving circuit 144 can be changed in various suitable ways and can be substantially more complex. For example, the pixel driving circuit 144 may further include at least one transistor element (such as a transistor element configured to compensate for the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1, a transistor element configured to initialize the first node N1, and / or a transistor element configured to control the emission time of the light-emitting element LD) or other circuit elements (such as a boost capacitor for raising the voltage of the first node N1).

[0081] In addition, although in Figure 2AIn [the figure], the transistors (e.g., the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2) included in the pixel driving circuit 144 have been shown to be formed of p-type transistors, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 included in the pixel driving circuit 144 can be changed to an n-type transistor.

[0082] Referring to Figure 2B , in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 can be implemented as n-type transistors. Except for the change in the connection positions of some components due to the change in the transistor type, Figure 2B the structure and operation of the pixel driving circuit 144 shown in Figure 2A are similar to the structure and operation of the pixel driving circuit 144 of

[0083] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device using the light-emitting element LD shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B as a light source.

[0084] Referring to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 3 , a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a substrate SUB, pixels PXL provided on the surface of the substrate SUB, a driver provided on the substrate SUB to drive the pixels PXL, and a line component that combines the pixels PXL and the driver.

[0085] According to the method of driving the light-emitting element LD, the display device can be a passive matrix type display device or an active matrix type display device. For example, when the display device is implemented as an active matrix type, each of the pixels PXL may include a driving transistor that controls the amount of current supplied to the light-emitting element LD and a switching transistor that transmits a data signal to the driving transistor.

[0086] Recently, an active matrix type display device that can selectively turn on each pixel PXL in consideration of resolution, contrast, and working speed has been developed or become mainstream. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a passive matrix type display device in which the pixels PXL can be turned on in groups can also employ components (e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode) for driving the light-emitting element LD.

[0087] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is an area where pixels PXL are provided to display an image, and may be referred to as an active area. In various embodiments, each of the pixels PXL may include at least one light-emitting element LD. The light-emitting element LD may be an organic light-emitting diode or a small inorganic light-emitting diode having a micron or nanometer size, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The display device may drive the pixels PXL in response to image data input from an external device, thereby displaying an image in the display area DA.

[0088] The non-display area NDA is an area located around the display area DA, and may be referred to as an inactive area. In various embodiments, the non-display area NDA may comprehensively include the area on the substrate SUB except for the display area DA. As Figure 3 shown, the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA.

[0089] The non-display area NDA may be an area where a part of a line component for coupling the pixels PXL to a driver and a driver for driving the pixels PXL are provided.

[0090] The pixels PXL may be provided in the display area DA on the substrate SUB. Each of the pixels PXL refers to a unit capable of displaying an image, and a plurality of pixels PXL may be provided. Each of the pixels PXL may include a light-emitting element LD that emits white light and / or colored light. Each pixel PXL may emit light having any one color selected from red, green, and blue, but it is not limited thereto. For example, each of the pixels PXL may emit light having any one color selected from cyan, magenta, yellow, and white.

[0091] The pixels PXL may be arranged in a matrix form along columns extending in a first direction DR1 and rows extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the arrangement of the pixels PXL is not limited to a specific arrangement. In other words, the pixels PXL may be arranged in various other suitable forms.

[0092] The driver may provide signals to each pixel PXL through a line component, thereby controlling the operation of the pixel PXL. In Figure 3 the figure, for illustrative purposes, the line component is omitted.

[0093] The driver may include a scan driver SDV that provides a scan signal to the pixels PXL through scan lines, an emission driver that provides an emission control signal to the pixels PXL through emission control lines, a data driver DDV that provides a data signal to the pixels PXL through data lines, and a timing controller. The timing controller may control the scan driver SDV, the emission driver, and the data driver DDV.

[0094] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in various suitable electronic devices. For example, the display device can be included in, for example, a television, a notebook computer, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a smart tablet, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation device, and / or various suitable types of wearable devices (such as a smart watch), etc.

[0095] Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing a display element layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 4 schematically shows a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2, and a light-emitting element LD included in the display element layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of description, in Figure 4 the first bank and the second bank, and the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode included in the display element layer are not shown separately.

[0096] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the display element layer in which a part EA1 of Figure 4 is enlarged, Figure 6 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the first electrode and the second electrode shown in Figure 5 , and Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 4 .

[0097] As shown in Figures 4 to 7B , a display element layer DPL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a first bank BNK1, a second bank BNK2, a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2, an insulating layer INS, a light-emitting element LD, and a first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2 provided on a substrate SUB. The light-emitting element LD can include a first light-emitting element LD1, a second light-emitting element LD2, and a third light-emitting element LD3.

[0098] Hereinafter, when any one of the first light-emitting element LD1, the second light-emitting element LD2, and the third light-emitting element LD3 is arbitrarily mentioned, this is referred to as the light-emitting element LD (for example, it can refer to a single light-emitting element). At the same time, when the first light-emitting element LD1, the second light-emitting element LD2, and the third light-emitting element LD3 are mentioned together, they are referred to as the light-emitting element LD (for example, it can refer to a plurality of light-emitting elements).

[0099] The substrate SUB can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

[0100] Examples of the rigid substrate can include a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a glass-ceramic substrate, and a crystallized glass substrate.

[0101] Examples of the flexible substrate may include a film substrate and a plastic substrate, each of which includes a polymer organic material. For example, the flexible substrate may include one selected from polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In addition, the flexible substrate may include glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0102] In some embodiments, the material applied to the substrate SUB may be tolerant of high processing temperatures (e.g., heat resistance) during the process of manufacturing the display device. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the whole or at least a part of the substrate SUB may be flexible (e.g., may be a flexible substrate).

[0103] The display element layer DPL may include a buffer layer provided on the substrate SUB. For example, the above-described first bank BNK1 and second bank BNK2, first electrode EL1 and second electrode EL2, insulating layer INS, light-emitting element LD, and first contact electrode CNT1 and second contact electrode CNT2 may be provided on the buffer layer.

[0104] The buffer layer may prevent or reduce the diffusion of impurities into the light-emitting element LD. The buffer layer may be provided as a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure having two or more layers. In the case where the buffer layer has a multi-layer structure, each layer may be formed of the same material or different materials. In some embodiments, the buffer layer may be omitted depending on the material of the substrate SUB or the processing conditions.

[0105] On the substrate SUB, the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. The light-emitting element LD may be electrically coupled to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0106] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the first electrode EL1 may include first protrusions VP1 that protrude toward the second electrode EL2 in a plane and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0107] The first electrode EL1 may include a first portion P1 located between the first protrusions VP1 in a first direction DR1. For example, the first portion P1 may be a side portion of the first electrode EL1 located between the first protrusions VP1. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 may be disposed parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to the first direction DR1. However, the direction along which the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 is disposed is not limited to the above direction. For example, the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 may be disposed at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the first direction DR1. In addition, the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 may face each other in a plane (e.g., may face each other).

[0108] The first electrode EL1 may include a second portion P2 corresponding to the side portion of each of the first protrusions VP1. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the side portions of the facing first protrusions VP1 among the first protrusions VP1 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 in a plane correspond to the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1. For example, the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 corresponds to the side portion of the first protrusion VP1 that faces the adjacent first protrusion VP1 in a plane.

[0109] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 may be disposed parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to the second direction DR2. However, the direction along which the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 is disposed is not limited to the above direction. For example, the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 may be disposed at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the second direction DR2.

[0110] The first electrode EL1 may include a third portion P3 coupled between the first end EP1 of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The third portion P3 may be a side portion of the first electrode EL1 located between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2.

[0111] The first electrode EL1 may include a fourth portion P4 extending from the second end EP2 of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the side portion of the first protrusion VP1 facing the second electrode EL2 in the second direction DR2 corresponds to the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1. Thus, the first protrusion VP1 may form the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1. For example, the first protrusion VP1 may include the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1, or may be defined by the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1.

[0112] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 may be disposed parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to a first direction DR1. However, the direction along which the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 is disposed is not limited to the above direction. For example, the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 may be disposed at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the first direction DR1.

[0113] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the second electrode EL2 may include second protrusions VP2 that protrude toward the first electrode EL1 in a plane and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0114] The second electrode EL2 may include a first portion P1' that is located between the second protrusions VP2 in the first direction DR1. For example, the first portion P1' may be a side portion of the second electrode EL2 that is located between the second protrusions VP2. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 may be disposed parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to the first direction DR1. However, the direction along which the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 is disposed is not limited to the above direction. For example, the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 may be disposed at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the first direction DR1. In addition, the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 and the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 may face each other in a plane (e.g., face each other).

[0115] The second electrode EL2 may include a second portion P2' corresponding to a side portion of each of the second protrusions VP2. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the side portions of the facing second protrusions VP2 among the second protrusions VP2 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 in a plane correspond to the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2. For example, the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 corresponds to the side portion of the second protrusion VP2 that faces the adjacent second protrusion VP2 in a plane.

[0116] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 may be disposed parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to a second direction DR2. However, the direction along which the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 is disposed is not limited to the above direction. For example, the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 may be disposed at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the second direction DR2.

[0117] The second electrode EL2 may include a third portion P3' coupled between the first end portion EP1' of the first portion P1' and the second portion P2'. The third portion P3' may be a side portion of the second electrode EL2 located between the first portion P1' and the second portion P2'.

[0118] The second electrode EL2 may include a fourth portion P4' extending from the second end portion EP2' of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the side portion of the second protrusion VP2 facing the first electrode EL1 in the second direction DR2 corresponds to the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2. Accordingly, the second protrusion VP2 may form the second portion P2' and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2. For example, the second protrusion VP2 may include the second portion P2' and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2, or may be defined by the second portion P2' and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2.

[0119] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 may be disposed parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to the first direction DR1. However, the direction along which the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 is disposed is not limited to the above direction. For example, the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 may be disposed at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the first direction DR1.

[0120] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first electrode EL1 is provided with a first protrusion VP1, and the second electrode EL2 is provided with a second protrusion VP2, whereby the alignment of the light-emitting element LD between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may be improved.

[0121] When an alignment signal is applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, an electric field may be concentrated on the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2. In some embodiments, the electric field may be concentrated on the most protruding portions of each of the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2 (e.g., may be concentrated on the respective portions of the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2 that protrude farthest from the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2). For example, the electric field may be concentrated on the edge portions of each of the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2. Thereby, the light-emitting element LD may be effectively aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0122] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2 may be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1. As Figures 4 to 6As shown, since the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2 are alternately arranged in the first direction DR1, the alignment of the light-emitting element LD between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be improved. For example, when an alignment signal is applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, an electric field can be strongly formed between the first protrusion VP1 and the second electrode EL2, between the second protrusion VP2 and the first electrode EL1, and between the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2. Therefore, the light-emitting element LD can be effectively aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0123] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a part of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 and at least a part of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 may face each other in the first direction DR1. Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2 may be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1, and concurrently (or simultaneously), a part of the first protrusion VP1 and a part of the second protrusion VP2 may be set to face each other. In other words, at least a part of the second portion P2 included in the first electrode EL1 and at least a part of the second portion P2' included in the second electrode EL2 may overlap each other in the first direction DR1 in a plane.

[0124] At least a part of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 and at least a part of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 may be set to face each other in the first direction DR1 in a plane, so that the number of light-emitting elements LD provided per unit area of the substrate SUB can be increased. When an alignment signal is applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, a strong electric field can be formed between the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 that face each other.

[0125] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the light-emitting element LD is disposed between the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2, so that the integration degree of the light-emitting element LD can be improved in the same area of the substrate SUB.

[0126] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1 and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 may be set in a curved shape in a plane. As Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can be recessed and bent in a plane in a direction opposite to the direction of the first protrusion VP1, and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can be recessed and bent in a plane in a direction opposite to the direction of the second protrusion VP2. For example, the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can be recessed and bent in a plane away from (e.g., at an angle such as a 45-degree angle away from) the direction along which the first protrusion VP1 protrudes, and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can be recessed and bent in a plane away from (e.g., at an angle such as a 45-degree angle away from) the direction along which the second protrusion VP2 protrudes.

[0127] The third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can be recessed and bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the first protrusion VP1, and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can be recessed and bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the second protrusion VP2, thereby allowing the light-emitting element LD to be easily aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. For example, when an alignment signal is applied to each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the light-emitting element LD irregularly disposed on the substrate SUB can move more easily between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 and is easily located in the area to be aligned.

[0128] In addition, the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can be recessed and bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the first protrusion VP1, and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can be recessed and bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the second protrusion VP2, thereby allowing the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 to effectively contact the light-emitting element LD.

[0129] For example, if the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 are not bent but form a right angle, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 are not likely to contact the light-emitting element LD at the third parts P3 and P3' that can have a right angle.

[0130] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can be recessed and bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the first protrusion VP1, and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can be recessed and bent in a direction opposite to the direction of the second protrusion VP2, thereby eliminating (or reducing) contact blind spots and allowing the light-emitting element LD to easily contact the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2.

[0131] Refer to Figure 4, the first electrode EL1 can be coupled to the first bonding wire CNL1 or formed integrally with the first bonding wire CNL1. The first bonding wire CNL1 can be electrically coupled to a power supply line to which the above-mentioned first driving power supply (see Figure 2A and Figure 2B VDD) is applied.

[0132] The second electrode EL2 can be coupled to the second bonding wire CNL2 or formed integrally with the second bonding wire CNL2. The second bonding wire CNL2 can be electrically coupled to a power supply line to which the above-mentioned second driving power supply (see Figure 2A and Figure 2B VSS) is applied.

[0133] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display element layer DPL may include a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2 disposed on the substrate SUB.

[0134] As shown in Figure 5 , the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may extend in the first direction DR1, may be disposed on the substrate SUB while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and may define a unit emission region.

[0135] Two banks BNK1 and BNK2 adjacent to each other on the substrate SUB may be spaced apart from each other by a set or predetermined distance in the second direction DR2. For example, two adjacent first banks BNK1 and second banks BNK2 may be disposed on the substrate SUB so as to be spaced apart by the length of the light-emitting element LD or more.

[0136] The first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may include an inorganic insulating layer made of an inorganic material or an organic insulating layer made of an organic material. In an embodiment, the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may include a single organic insulating layer and / or a single inorganic insulating layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may be disposed in the form of a multilayer structure by stacking at least one organic insulating layer and / or at least one inorganic insulating layer. However, the materials of the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 are not limited to the above embodiments. According to an embodiment, the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may include a conductive material.

[0137] As shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may each have a trapezoidal cross-section that tapers in width from bottom to top in the third direction DR3, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may each have a curved surface having a semi-circular or semi-elliptical cross-section that tapers in width from bottom to top. In the present disclosure, the shape and / or inclination of each of the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 may be changed in various suitable ways and is not particularly limited.

[0138] Referring Figure 5 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the first electrode EL1 may be disposed on the first bank BNK1, and the second electrode EL2 may be disposed on the second bank BNK2. Here, the first electrode EL1 may have a shape corresponding to the inclination of the first bank BNK1, and the second electrode EL2 may have a shape corresponding to the inclination of the second bank BNK2. For example, each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may include a protruding portion corresponding to the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2 and a flat portion corresponding to the substrate SUB.

[0139] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bank BNK1 may have a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the first electrode EL1, and the second bank BNK2 may have a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the second electrode EL2.

[0140] In the present disclosure, the corresponding shape may refer to a substantially identical or similar shape.

[0141] As Figure 5 shown, the first bank BNK1 may be superimposed on the first electrode EL1 and have a planar shape similar to but smaller than the planar shape of the first electrode EL1. In addition, the second bank BNK2 may be superimposed on the second electrode EL2 and have a planar shape similar to but smaller than the planar shape of the second electrode EL2.

[0142] Since the first bank BNK1 has a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the first electrode EL1, the first bank BNK1 may include a first bank protruding portion having a shape corresponding to the planar shape of the first protruding portion VP1. In addition, the first bank BNK1 may include first to fourth portions having planar shapes corresponding to the planar shapes of the first to fourth portions P1, P2, P3, and P4 of the first electrode EL1, respectively.

[0143] Since the second bank portion BNK2 has a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the second electrode EL2, the second bank portion BNK2 may include a second bank protrusion having a shape corresponding to the planar shape of the second protrusion VP2. In addition, the second bank portion BNK2 may include first through fourth portions having planar shapes corresponding to the planar shapes of the first through fourth portions P1', P2', P3', and P4' of the second electrode EL2, respectively.

[0144] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may each be a reflective electrode. The first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, being reflective electrodes, may guide light emitted from the light-emitting element LD from the substrate SUB toward the display element layer DPL (e.g., the front surface).

[0145] The first bank portion BNK1 and the second bank portion BNK2, as well as the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, may each serve as a reflective member that guides light emitted from the light-emitting element LD in a suitable or desired direction to improve the light efficiency of the display device. For example, the first bank portion BNK1 and the second bank portion BNK2, as well as the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, may each serve as a reflective member that guides light emitted from the light-emitting element LD toward the front of the display device (e.g., in the image display direction) to improve the light output efficiency of the light-emitting element LD.

[0146] When the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 are reflective electrodes, they may include a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material having a high light reflectivity. The conductive material having a high light reflectivity may include metals such as Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Ti, and / or their alloys.

[0147] In an embodiment, each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may include a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material may include conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and / or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), and / or conductive polymers such as PEDOT. When each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 includes a transparent conductive material, a separate conductive layer made of an opaque metal may also be included to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting element LD toward the front of the display device (e.g., in the image display direction). However, the materials of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 are not limited to the above materials.

[0148] In some embodiments, a bank pattern may be provided in the peripheral region of the pixel region of each pixel PXL.

[0149] The bank pattern may surround at least one side of the peripheral region included in the pixel region of each pixel PXL. The bank pattern may be a structure that defines (or divides) the emission regions of each pixel PXL and each adjacent pixel PXL. An example of the bank pattern may be a pixel defining layer. Such a bank pattern may include at least one light-shielding material and / or reflective material to prevent or reduce light leakage between each pixel PXL and its adjacent pixel PXL. Thus, light leakage defects can be prevented (or the possibility or degree of such defects can be reduced). According to an embodiment, in order to further improve the efficiency of light emitted from each pixel PXL, a reflective material layer may be formed on the bank pattern. According to an embodiment, the bank pattern may be formed on a layer different from or the same as the layer of the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2.

[0150] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display element layer DPL may include an insulating layer INS to cover the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. For example, the insulating layer INS may be disposed on the surface of the substrate SUB including the first bank BNK1 and the second bank BNK2, and the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. Since the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 are covered by the insulating layer INS, the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 may be unaffected (or substantially unaffected) by static electricity caused externally.

[0151] In some embodiments, the insulating layer INS may include an organic insulating layer, an inorganic insulating layer, or an organic insulating layer on an inorganic insulating layer. Here, the inorganic insulating layer may include at least one selected from silicon oxide SiO x , silicon nitride SiN x , silicon oxynitride SiON, and metal oxides such as AlO x .

[0152] The organic insulating layer may include an organic insulating material that can transmit light. The organic insulating layer may include, for example, at least one selected from polyacrylate resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene resin.

[0153] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the insulating layer INS may be formed of an inorganic insulating layer suitable for protecting the light-emitting element LD from the pixel circuit layer of each pixel PXL, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the insulating layer INS may be formed of an organic insulating layer suitable for flattening the support surface of the light-emitting element LD.

[0154] The light-emitting element LD can be disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 on the insulating layer INS. The light-emitting element LD can be disposed on a layer different from the layers of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0155] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression "components are formed and / or disposed on the same layer" may mean that the components are formed by the same process, and the expression "components are formed and / or disposed on different layers" may mean that the components are formed by different processes.

[0156] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element LD can be disposed on the insulating layer INS, and an alignment signal can be applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 so that the light-emitting element LD can be aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0157] The light-emitting element LD can be placed on the insulating layer INS that overlaps with the emission region of each of the pixels PXL by an inkjet printing method, a slot coating method, and / or other various suitable methods. For example, the light-emitting element LD can be mixed with a volatile solvent and then supplied to the emission region of each pixel PXL by an inkjet printing method and / or a slot coating method.

[0158] For example, the inkjet nozzle can be on the insulating layer INS, and the solvent in which a plurality of light-emitting elements LD are mixed can be placed in the emission region of each of the pixels PXL through the inkjet nozzle. Here, the solvent can be any one selected from acetone, water, ethanol, and toluene, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the solvent can be in the form of ink or slurry. The method of placing the light-emitting element LD in the emission region of each of the pixels PXL is not limited to the above embodiments. The method of placing the light-emitting element LD can be changed in various suitable ways.

[0159] After the light-emitting element LD is placed in the emission region of each of the pixels PXL, the solvent can be removed.

[0160] After the light-emitting element LD is disposed on the insulating layer INS, an alignment signal can be applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 so that the light-emitting element LD can be aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0161] In other words, the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be used as alignment electrodes (or alignment lines) for aligning the light-emitting element LD. If an alignment signal is applied to each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the self-alignment of the light-emitting element LD can be caused by the electric field formed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0162] The first alignment signal applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second alignment signal applied to the second electrode EL2 may be signals having a voltage difference and / or a phase difference such that the light-emitting element LD can be aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. For example, the first alignment signal and the second alignment signal may have different voltage levels. In addition, at least some of the first alignment signal and the second alignment signal may be alternating current (AC) signals, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0163] In addition, when the light-emitting element LD is aligned, by controlling the alignment signal (or alignment voltage) applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 or by forming a magnetic field, the light-emitting element LD can be aligned to deflect relatively between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. For example, each of the light-emitting elements LD may be aligned such that its first end faces the first electrode EL1 and its second end faces the second electrode EL2. Conversely, each of the light-emitting elements LD may be aligned such that its first end faces the second electrode EL2 and its second end faces the first electrode EL1.

[0164] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element LD may include a first light-emitting element LD1 disposed between a first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 and a fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 or disposed between a first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 and a fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1.

[0165] If an alignment signal is applied to each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the electric field may be concentrated on the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2. Here, the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 may be opposite to (e.g., may face) the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2, and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 may be opposite to (e.g., may face) the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1. Accordingly, the first light-emitting element LD1 can be effectively aligned between the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 or between the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 and the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1.

[0166] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element LD may include a second light-emitting element LD2 disposed between the second end EP2 of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 or disposed between the second end EP2' of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 and the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1.

[0167] If an alignment signal is applied to each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the electric field can be concentrated on the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2. For example, the electric field can be concentrated on the second ends EP2 and EP2' of the second parts P2 and P2'. In this case, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the second end EP2 of the second part P2 included in the first electrode EL1 can be opposed to the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 (e.g., can face the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2), and the second end EP2' of the second part P2' included in the second electrode EL2 can be opposed to the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 (e.g., can face the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1). Thereby, the second light-emitting element LD2 can be effectively aligned between the second end EP2 of the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 or between the second end EP2' of the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2 and the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance d from the second end EP2 of the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 to the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can be constant (e.g., substantially constant). As Figure 6 shown, the distance d from the second end EP2 of the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 to any point of the third part P3' included in the second electrode EL2 can be the same (e.g., substantially the same). For example, the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 can have an arc shape with the second end EP2 of the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 as the center point.

[0169] The distance d' from the second end EP2' of the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2 to the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can be constant (e.g., substantially constant). As Figure 6 shown, the distance d' from the second end EP2' of the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2 to any point of the third part P3 included in the first electrode EL1 can be the same (e.g., substantially the same). For example, the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 can have an arc shape with the second end EP2' of the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2 as the center point.

[0170] The distance d from the second end EP2 of the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 to the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 is constant (e.g., substantially constant), and the distance d' from the second end EP2' of the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2 to the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1 is constant (e.g., substantially constant), thereby eliminating (or reducing) contact blind spots, and allowing the second light-emitting element LD2 to easily contact the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2.

[0171] In addition, the distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 adjacent to each other in the plane can be formed to be constant (e.g., substantially constant). The distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 is formed to be constant (e.g., substantially constant), thereby improving the alignment of the light-emitting element LD between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, and allowing the aligned light-emitting element LD to more easily contact the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2.

[0172] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second light-emitting element LD2 can be arranged diagonally with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. As Figure 5 shown, the second light-emitting element LD2 can be aligned while being inclined at a set or predetermined angle with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 between the second end EP2 of the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 or between the second end EP2' of the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2 and the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1.

[0173] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element LD can include a third light-emitting element LD3 disposed between the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2.

[0174] If an alignment signal is applied to each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the electric field can be concentrated on the first protrusion VP1 and the second protrusion VP2. Here, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, at least a part of the second part P2 included in the first electrode EL1 and at least a part of the second part P2' included in the second electrode EL2 can face each other in the first direction DR1. Thus, the third light-emitting element LD3 can be effectively aligned between the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2.

[0175] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display element layer DPL may include a first contact electrode CNT1 that electrically couples a first electrode EL1 to a light-emitting element LD and a second contact electrode CNT2 that electrically couples a second electrode EL2 to the light-emitting element LD. After the light-emitting element LD is aligned, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may serve as drive electrodes for driving the light-emitting element LD.

[0176] As Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown in, the first contact electrode CNT1, the second contact electrode CNT2, and the light-emitting element LD (e.g., the first light-emitting element LD1) may be disposed on an insulating layer INS. Through contact holes formed through the insulating layer INS, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the first electrode EL1 may be coupled to each other, and the second contact electrode CNT2 and the second electrode EL2 may be coupled to each other.

[0177] Although in Figure 7A and Figure 7B it is shown that the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 are disposed on the same layer of the insulating layer INS, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may be disposed on different layers. If the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 are disposed on different layers, a separate insulating layer may be provided between the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2.

[0178] The first contact electrode CNT1 may be disposed on a first end portion of the light-emitting element LD, and the second contact electrode CNT2 may be disposed on a second end portion of the light-emitting element LD. Thus, the light-emitting element LD may be electrically coupled to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0179] The first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may include at least one of various suitable transparent conductive materials (e.g., ITO, IZO, and ITZO) and may be substantially transparent or translucent to meet a set or predetermined transmittance (e.g., light transmittance).

[0180] The first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such that light emitted from each light-emitting element LD can be transmitted without loss (e.g., substantially without loss). However, the materials of the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 are not limited to the above embodiments. According to an embodiment, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may be formed of various suitable opaque conductive materials.

[0181] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first contact electrode CNT1 may have a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the first electrode EL1. For example, the first contact electrode CNT1 may be stacked with the first electrode EL1 and have a planar shape similar to but larger than the planar shape of the first electrode EL1.

[0182] Since the first contact electrode CNT1 has a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the first electrode EL1, the first contact electrode CNT1 may include a first contact electrode protrusion having a shape corresponding to the planar shape of the first protrusion VP1. In addition, the first contact electrode CNT1 may include first to fourth portions having planar shapes corresponding to the planar shapes of the first to fourth portions P1, P2, P3, and P4 of the first electrode EL1, respectively.

[0183] The second contact electrode CNT2 may have a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the second electrode EL2. For example, the second contact electrode CNT2 may be stacked with the second electrode EL2 and have a planar shape similar to but larger than the planar shape of the second electrode EL2.

[0184] Since the second contact electrode CNT2 has a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the second electrode EL2, the second contact electrode CNT2 may include a second contact electrode protrusion having a shape corresponding to the planar shape of the second protrusion VP2. In addition, the second contact electrode CNT2 may include first to fourth portions having planar shapes corresponding to the planar shapes of the first to fourth portions P1', P2', P3', and P4' of the second electrode EL2, respectively.

[0185] Because the first contact electrode CNT1 is stacked with the first electrode EL1 and has a planar shape similar to but larger than the planar shape of the first electrode EL1, and the second contact electrode CNT2 is stacked with the second electrode EL2 and has a planar shape similar to but larger than the planar shape of the second electrode EL2, the contact electrodes can more easily contact the exposed light-emitting element LD on the insulating layer INS. In some embodiments, since the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 have the above shapes, contact blind spots are eliminated or reduced, thereby allowing the light-emitting element LD to more easily contact the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2. Thus, by reducing the number of light-emitting elements LD that are darkened due to defective contact, the light-emitting efficiency of the display device can be further improved.

[0186] Refer to Figure 7B, the display element layer DPL may include an insulating pattern INSP disposed on the light-emitting element LD. The insulating pattern INSP may prevent the light-emitting element LD disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 from shifting from the alignment position (or may reduce the possibility or degree of such shifting).

[0187] The insulating pattern INSP may be arranged to extend in the first direction DR1. The insulating pattern INSP may overlap a part of each of the light-emitting elements LD to expose the first end portion and the second end portion of the light-emitting element LD. The insulating pattern INSP may be formed of a transparent insulating material to allow light emitted from the light-emitting element LD to transmit without loss.

[0188] The insulating pattern INSP may be formed of a single-layer or multi-layer structure and may include an inorganic insulating layer containing at least one inorganic material or an organic insulating layer containing at least one organic material. The insulating pattern INSP may further fixedly arrange each of the light-emitting elements LD in the emission region of each pixel PXL.

[0189] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating pattern INSP may include an inorganic insulating layer adapted to protect the active layer 12 of each of the light-emitting elements LD from external oxygen or water. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The insulating pattern INSP may include an organic insulating layer containing an organic material according to the design conditions of the display device to which the light-emitting element LD is applied.

[0190] In some embodiments, when there is an empty gap (or space) between the insulating layer INS and the light-emitting element LD in the third direction DR3 before forming the insulating pattern INSP, the empty gap may be filled with the insulating pattern INSP in the process of forming the insulating pattern INSP. Therefore, the insulating pattern INSP may form an organic insulating layer adapted to fill the empty gap between the insulating layer INS and the light-emitting element LD.

[0191] As Figure 7B shown, the first contact electrode CNT1 may be disposed on the first end portion of the light-emitting element LD exposed by the insulating pattern INSP, and the second contact electrode CNT2 may be disposed on its second end portion. In addition, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may also be disposed on some regions of the insulating pattern INSP. Here, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 may be spaced apart from each other on the insulating pattern INSP. Since the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 are disposed on some regions of the insulating pattern INSP, the position of the light-emitting element LD aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be more stably fixed.

[0192] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display element layer DPL may include a first electrode EL1 and a second electrode EL2, a first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2, and a encapsulation layer INC disposed on a surface of a substrate SUB on which a light-emitting element LD is disposed. The encapsulation layer INC covers the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2, and the light-emitting element LD to prevent or reduce exposure of the light-emitting element LD to the outside, thereby preventing or reducing corrosion of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2, and the light-emitting element LD.

[0193] The encapsulation layer INC may include a transparent insulating material, thereby allowing light to pass through. The transparent insulating material may include an organic material or an inorganic material. For example, the encapsulation layer INC may be formed of a transparent insulating material such as IZO so as to minimize or reduce loss of light emitted from the light-emitting element LD and then reflected by the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 in an image display direction of the display device.

[0194] In addition, the encapsulation layer INC may be a planarization layer that compensates for steps generated by components (e.g., the light-emitting element LD, a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2, the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, and the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2) located thereunder.

[0195] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover layer may be disposed on the encapsulation layer INC. The cover layer may be an encapsulation layer provided to prevent or reduce penetration of oxygen, water, etc. into the light-emitting element LD.

[0196] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-described first bank BNK1 and second bank BNK2, first electrode EL1 and second electrode EL2, light-emitting element LD, insulating pattern INSP, and first contact electrode CNT1 and second contact electrode CNT2 may be disposed in each of the pixels PXL.

[0197] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a display element layer in which a portion EA1 thereof Figure 4 is magnified.

[0198] To reduce redundant description, components not mentioned in the display device according to the above-described embodiments will be mainly described. Components not separately described in the following description of the present embodiment are the same as those of the foregoing embodiments. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same components, and similar reference numerals will be used to denote similar components. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0199] Refer to Figures 4 to 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display element layer DPL may include a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2 disposed on a substrate SUB, a first electrode EL1 and a second electrode EL2, an insulating layer INS, a light-emitting element LD, and a first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2. The light-emitting element LD may include a first light-emitting element LD1, a second light-emitting element LD2, and a third light-emitting element LD3.

[0200] As Figure 8 shown, in an embodiment, in a plane, a third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1 may be convexly bent toward a second end EP2' of a second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2. In the plane, a third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 may be convexly bent toward a second end EP2 of a second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1.

[0201] The third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1 is convexly bent toward the second end EP2' of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2, and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 is convexly bent toward the second end EP2 of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1, such that when an alignment signal is applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, an electric field may be concentrated on the third portions P3 and P3'. Thus, the second light-emitting element LD2 may be effectively aligned between the second end EP2 of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 or between the second end EP2' of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 and the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1.

[0202] Here, in the plane, a distance between the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1 and the second end EP2' of the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2 and a distance between the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 and the second end EP2 of the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 may be equal to or greater than a length of the light-emitting element LD.

[0203] Figure 9 is a plan view schematically showing a display element layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 9 schematically shows the first electrode EL1, the second electrode EL2, and the light-emitting element LD included in the display element layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of description, Figure 9 the first bank and the second bank and the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode included in the display element layer are not separately shown in

[0204] Figure 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of the display element layer showing a portion EA2 therein Figure 9 is enlarged, and Figure 11is a plan view showing Figure 10 an embodiment of the first electrode and the second electrode shown in

[0205] Referring to Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figures 9 to 11 , a display element layer DPL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2, a first electrode EL1 and a second electrode EL2, an insulating layer INS, a light-emitting element LD, and a first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2 disposed on a substrate SUB.

[0206] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a plane, a first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 may be recessedly bent in a direction opposite to a first protrusion VP1. The first portion P1 and a third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1 may have the same (e.g., substantially the same) radius of curvature. As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown in, the first portion P1 and the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1 may be provided in a continuous form while having the same (e.g., substantially the same) radius of curvature.

[0207] In a plane, a first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 may be recessedly bent in a direction opposite to a second protrusion VP2. Here, the first portion P1' and a third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 may have the same (e.g., substantially the same) radius of curvature. As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown in, the first portion P1' and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 may be provided in a continuous form while having the same (e.g., substantially the same) radius of curvature.

[0208] In each of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the first portion P1 or P1' and the third portion P3 or P3' have the same (e.g., substantially the same) radius of curvature, thus allowing the light-emitting element LD to be effectively aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0209] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 may be convexly bent toward the first portion P1' and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2, and a fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 may be convexly bent toward the first portion P1 and the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1.

[0210] The distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 adjacent to each other in a plane may be formed to be constant (e.g., substantially constant). Referring to Figure 11, the distance d2 between the fourth part P4 of the first electrode EL1 and the first part P1' of the second electrode EL2 may be equal to the distance d1 between the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2. In addition, the distance between the fourth part P4 of the first electrode EL1 and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 may be equal to the distance d1 between the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2.

[0211] The distance between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 adjacent to each other in the plane is formed to be constant (e.g., substantially constant), thereby allowing the light-emitting element LD to be effectively aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, and allowing the aligned light-emitting element LD to more easily contact the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2. Thereby, the number of light-emitting elements LD provided per unit area is increased, and the number of light-emitting elements LD darkened due to defective contact is reduced, so that the light-emitting efficiency of the display device can be improved.

[0212] The light-emitting element LD may include a first light-emitting element LD1, a second light-emitting element LD2, and a third light-emitting element LD3. As Figure 10 shown, the first light-emitting element LD1 may be disposed between the first part P1 of the first electrode EL1 and the fourth part P4' of the second electrode EL2 or between the first part P1' of the second electrode EL2 and the fourth part P4 of the first electrode EL1.

[0213] The second light-emitting element LD2 may be disposed between the fourth part P4 of the first electrode EL1 and the third part P3' of the second electrode EL2 or between the fourth part P4' of the second electrode EL2 and the third part P3 of the first electrode EL1. Here, the second light-emitting element LD2 may be disposed diagonally with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0214] The third light-emitting element LD3 may be disposed between the second part P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second part P2' of the second electrode EL2.

[0215] Figure 12 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a display element layer in which Figure 9 the partial EA2 is enlarged.

[0216] Referring to Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 12, the display element layer DPL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2, a first electrode EL1 and a second electrode EL2, an insulating layer INS, a light-emitting element LD, and a first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2 disposed on a substrate SUB.

[0217] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth portions P4 of the first electrode EL1 and the fourth portions P4' of the second electrode EL2 may be set in a polygonal shape. As Figure 12 shown, the fourth portions P4 of the first electrode EL1 and the fourth portions P4' of the second electrode EL2 may be set in a semi-hexagonal shape (for example, may have a shape of half of a hexagon or a part of an octagon), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When an alignment signal is applied to the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the electric field may be concentrated on the protruding portions (for example, vertices) of the fourth portions P4 and P4' set in the semi-hexagonal shape. Thereby, the light-emitting element LD may be effectively aligned between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2.

[0218] However, the shapes of the first protruding portion VP1 and the second protruding portion VP2 are not limited to the above shapes, and various modifications may be made according to the design of the display device.

[0219] As Figure 12 shown, the first light-emitting element LD1 may be disposed between the first portion P1 of the first electrode EL1 and the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 or between the first portion P1' of the second electrode EL2 and the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1.

[0220] The second light-emitting element LD2 may be disposed between the fourth portion P4 of the first electrode EL1 and the third portion P3' of the second electrode EL2 or between the fourth portion P4' of the second electrode EL2 and the third portion P3 of the first electrode EL1. Here, the second light-emitting element LD2 may be disposed diagonally with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0221] The third light-emitting element LD3 may be disposed between the second portion P2 of the first electrode EL1 and the second portion P2' of the second electrode EL2.

[0222] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a display device including Figure 7B the display element layer DPL shown in

[0223] As Figure 13 shown, the display device may include a substrate SUB, a pixel circuit layer PCL, and a display element layer DPL.

[0224] The pixel circuit layer PCL may include a buffer layer BFL, a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and a driving voltage line DVL.

[0225] The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the surface of the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may prevent or reduce the diffusion of impurities into the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2. The buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure having two or more layers. In the case where the buffer layer BFL has a multi-layer structure, each layer may be formed of the same material or different materials. Depending on the material and / or processing conditions of the substrate SUB, the buffer layer BFL may be omitted.

[0226] The first transistor T1 may be a driving transistor electrically coupled to the light-emitting element LD to drive the light-emitting element LD. The second transistor T2 may be a switching transistor electrically coupled to the first transistor T1 to switch the first transistor T1.

[0227] Each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may include a semiconductor layer SCL, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0228] The semiconductor layer SCL may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SCL may include a source region and a drain region that are respectively in contact with the corresponding source electrode SE and the corresponding drain electrode DE. The region between the source region and the drain region may be a channel region. The semiconductor layer SCL may be a semiconductor pattern formed of polysilicon, amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, etc. The channel region may be a semiconductor pattern doped with impurities. The impurities may be impurities such as n-type impurities, p-type impurities, or other metals.

[0229] The gate electrode GE may be disposed on the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL, and a first gate insulating layer GI1 is disposed between the gate electrode GE and the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL.

[0230] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE included in the first transistor T1 may be respectively coupled to the source region and the drain region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL through contact holes passing through the second gate insulating layer GI2 and the first gate insulating layer GI1.

[0231] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE included in the second transistor T2 may be respectively coupled to the source region and the drain region of the corresponding semiconductor layer SCL through contact holes passing through the second gate insulating layer GI2 and the first gate insulating layer GI1.

[0232] Although the driving voltage line DVL may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD, the position of the driving voltage line DVL is not limited thereto. The driving voltage line DVL may be electrically coupled to a second driving power supply (see Figure 2A andFigure 2B The power supply line of the VSS). Therefore, the second driving power supply VSS can be supplied to the driving voltage line DVL by the power supply line. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, a signal corresponding to the driving voltage can be directly supplied from the driver to the driving voltage line DVL.

[0233] The pixel circuit layer PCL may further include a passivation layer PSV covering the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2. The passivation layer PSV may include an organic insulating layer, an inorganic insulating layer, or an organic insulating layer on an inorganic insulating layer. Here, the inorganic insulating layer may include at least one selected from silicon oxide SiO x silicon nitride SiN x silicon oxynitride SiON, and metal oxides such as AlO x . The organic insulating layer may include an organic insulating material that can transmit light. The organic insulating layer may include, for example, at least one selected from polyacrylate resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene resin.

[0234] In addition, the case where the transistors T1 and T2 are thin film transistors having a top gate structure has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the transistors T1 and T2 may be thin film transistors having a bottom gate structure.

[0235] Figure 13 A first light emitting element LD1 disposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 is shown. Hereinafter, the first light emitting element LD1 among the light emitting elements LD will be mainly described.

[0236] Referring to Figure 13 , the display element layer DPL may include a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2, a first electrode EL1 and a second electrode EL2, an insulating layer INS, a first light emitting element LD1, an insulating pattern INSP, and a first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2.

[0237] The first electrode EL1 may be disposed on the first bank BNK1, and the second electrode EL2 may be disposed on the second bank BNK2. Here, the planar shape of the first electrode EL1 may correspond to the planar shape of the first bank BNK1, and the planar shape of the second electrode EL2 may correspond to the planar shape of the second bank BNK2.

[0238] The first electrode EL1 may include first protrusions VP1 that protrude toward the second electrode EL2 in a plane and are spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. The second electrode EL2 may include second protrusions VP2 that protrude toward the first electrode EL1 in a plane and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0239] One of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 can be electrically coupled to at least one of a plurality of transistors included in the pixel circuit layer PCL.

[0240] For example, the first electrode EL1 can be electrically coupled to the drain electrode DE of the first transistor T1 via a contact hole passing through the passivation layer PSV and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The source electrode SE of the first transistor T1 can be electrically coupled to a power supply line to which a first driving power supply (see Figure 2A and Figure 2B VDD) is applied. Thus, the first electrode EL1 can receive a signal from the first transistor T1.

[0241] The second electrode EL2 can be electrically coupled to the driving voltage line DVL through a contact hole formed through the passivation layer PSV. A second driving power supply VSS can be applied to the driving voltage line DVL. Thus, the second electrode EL2 can receive a signal (e.g., the second driving power supply VSS) from the driving voltage line DVL.

[0242] An insulating layer INS can be provided on the surface of the passivation layer PSV on which a first bank BNK1 and a second bank BNK2, and the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 are provided. A first light-emitting element LD1 can be provided on the insulating layer INS.

[0243] An insulating pattern INSP can be provided on a part of the first light-emitting element LD1 to fix the position of the first light-emitting element LD1. A first end portion and a second end portion of the first light-emitting element LD1 can be exposed by the insulating pattern INSP.

[0244] A first contact electrode CNT1 and a second contact electrode CNT2 can be provided on the insulating layer INS. A first end portion of the first light-emitting element LD1 exposed by the insulating pattern INSP can be in contact with the first contact electrode CNT1, and a second end portion of the first light-emitting element LD1 exposed by the insulating pattern INSP can be in contact with the second contact electrode CNT2. In addition, through a contact hole formed through the insulating layer INS, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the first electrode EL1 can be coupled to each other, and the second contact electrode CNT2 and the second electrode EL2 can be coupled to each other.

[0245] Therefore, the first light-emitting element LD1 can be subjected to a set or predetermined voltage through the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2. If an electric field of a set or predetermined voltage is applied to both ends of the first light-emitting element LD1, the first light-emitting element LD1 emits light while electron-hole pairs are combined in the active layer 12 of the first light-emitting element LD1. For example, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 can be used as driving electrodes for driving the light-emitting element LD.

[0246] In addition, since the first contact electrode CNT1 is coupled to the first electrode EL1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 is coupled to the second electrode EL2, the line resistance of each of the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2 can be reduced, thereby minimizing or reducing a driving failure of the first light-emitting element LD1 due to signal delay.

[0247] Light emitted from two ends of the first light-emitting element LD1 can be reflected by the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2 to be guided upward (e.g., in a front direction) along a third direction DR3.

[0248] The encapsulation layer INC may be disposed on a passivation layer PSV on which the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2, and the first light-emitting element LD1 are disposed. The encapsulation layer INC covers the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2, and the first light-emitting element LD1 to prevent or reduce exposure of the first light-emitting element LD1 to the outside, thereby preventing or reducing corrosion of the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL2, the first contact electrode CNT1 and the second contact electrode CNT2, and the first light-emitting element LD1.

[0249] In some embodiments, a capping layer may be disposed on the encapsulation layer INC. The capping layer may be an encapsulation layer configured to prevent or reduce penetration of oxygen, water, or the like into the first light-emitting element LD1.

[0250] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device having a light-emitting element with excellent alignment can be provided.

[0251] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by disposing a third portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode in a bent shape, alignment of the light-emitting element is not complicated or is easy, and the number of light-emitting elements disposed per unit area can be increased.

[0252] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by disposing a third portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode in a bent shape, contact between the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode and the light-emitting element can be effectively formed.

[0253] However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and various suitable modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0254] The foregoing detailed description may illustrate and describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, the foregoing description has merely illustrated and described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, the subject matter of the present disclosure may be used in various different combinations, modifications, and in various different environments, and may be changed or modified within the scope of the subject matter disclosed in this specification, the scope equivalent to the foregoing description, and / or the scope of the technology or knowledge in the art. Therefore, the description is not intended to limit the described subject matter to the forms disclosed herein. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to include equivalent embodiments and alternative embodiments.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display element layer located on a substrate, wherein the display element layer includes: a first electrode and a second electrode, extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; and a light-emitting element electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the second electrode includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion opposite to the first extension portion, both the first extension portion and the second extension portion extending in the first direction, and the first extension portion of the second electrode, the first electrode, and the second extension portion of the second electrode are sequentially arranged in the second direction, wherein the first electrode includes: first protrusions protruding in a plane towards the first extension portion or the second extension portion and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; a first portion located between the first protrusions; a second portion corresponding to the side portions of each of the first protrusions; and a third portion coupled between the first end portions of the first portion and the second portion, wherein the second electrode further includes: second protrusions protruding in the plane from the first extension portion or the second extension portion towards the first electrode and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; a first portion located between the second protrusions; a second portion corresponding to the side portions of each of the second protrusions; and a third portion coupled between the first portion of the second electrode and the first end portion of the second portion of the second electrode, wherein the third portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode has a curved shape in the plane.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The third portion of the first electrode is recessedly curved in the plane in a direction away from the direction towards the corresponding first protrusion selected from among the first protrusions, and wherein the third portion of the second electrode is recessedly curved in the plane in a direction away from the direction towards the corresponding second protrusion selected from among the second protrusions.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusions and the second protrusions are alternately arranged along the first direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the second portion of the first electrode and at least a part of the second portion of the second electrode face each other in the first direction.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The first electrode further includes a fourth portion extending from the second end portion of the second portion of the first electrode, and wherein the second electrode further includes a fourth portion extending from the second end portion of the second portion of the second electrode.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The fourth portion of the first electrode faces the first portion of the second electrode, and wherein the fourth portion of the second electrode faces the first portion of the first electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The distance from the second end portion of the second portion of the first electrode to the third portion of the second electrode is constant, and wherein the distance from the second end portion of the second portion of the second electrode to the third portion of the first electrode is constant.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The light-emitting element includes: The first light-emitting element is disposed between the first portion of the first electrode and the fourth portion of the second electrode or between the first portion of the second electrode and the fourth portion of the first electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting element includes: The second light-emitting element is disposed between the second end of the second portion of the first electrode and the third portion of the second electrode or between the second end of the second portion of the second electrode and the third portion of the first electrode.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The second light-emitting element is disposed diagonally with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting element includes: The third light-emitting element is disposed between the second portion of the first electrode and the second portion of the second electrode.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display element layer further includes: The first contact electrode electrically couples the first electrode to the light-emitting element; and The second contact electrode electrically couples the second electrode to the light-emitting element.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The first contact electrode overlaps with the first electrode and has a planar shape similar to but larger than the planar shape of the first electrode, and wherein, the second contact electrode overlaps with the second electrode and has a planar shape similar to but larger than the planar shape of the second electrode.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third portion of the first electrode is bent in the plane to bulge toward the second end of the second portion of the second electrode, and wherein, the third portion of the second electrode is bent in the plane to bulge toward the second end of the second portion of the first electrode.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion of the first electrode is concavely bent in the plane in a direction away from the direction toward the corresponding first protrusion selected from the first protrusions, and wherein, the first portion of the second electrode is concavely bent in the plane in a direction away from the direction toward the corresponding second protrusion selected from the second protrusions.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The first portion and the third portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode have the same radius of curvature.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The first electrode further includes a fourth portion extending from the second end of the second portion of the first electrode, and wherein, the second electrode further includes a fourth portion extending from the second end of the second portion of the second electrode.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The fourth portion of the first electrode is bent in the plane to bulge toward the first portion and the third portion of the second electrode, and wherein, the fourth portion of the second electrode is bent in the plane to bulge toward the first portion and the third portion of the first electrode.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein, The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to each other in the plane is constant.

20. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The fourth portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode has a polygonal shape.

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