Display device and method of repairing display device

Abstract

A display device and a method of repairing the display device are provided. The display device includes a substrate including a first pixel region and a second pixel region adjacent to each other in a first direction, a first pixel located in the first pixel region on the substrate and including a first pixel electrode, a second pixel located in the second pixel region on the substrate and including a second pixel electrode, and a repair pattern disposed on the substrate. The first pixel is located in a first pixel region on the substrate and includes a first pixel electrode, the second pixel is located in a second pixel region on the substrate and includes a second pixel electrode, and the repair pattern is located on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, is in contact with the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and electrically connects the first pixel and the second pixel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of some embodiments relate to a display device and a method of repairing a display device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, due to technological advances, display products that are smaller, lighter, and have better performance are being produced. So far, existing cathode ray tube (CRT) display devices have been widely used because they have many advantages in performance and price, but CRT display devices can be generally large and heavy and may use a relatively large amount of power. Display devices that can be relatively thinner, lighter, more portable, and consume less power (such as plasma displays, liquid crystal displays, and organic light emitting display devices) are attracting attention.

[0003] Therefore, if a defect occurs during a manufacturing process of a display device having advantages such as miniaturization, weight reduction, and low power consumption, it is necessary to repair it.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects of some embodiments include a display device that is capable of being repaired.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device may include a substrate, a first pixel, a second pixel and a repair pattern, the substrate including a first pixel region and a second pixel region adjacent to each other along a first direction, the first pixel is located in the first pixel region on the substrate and includes a first pixel electrode, the second pixel is located in the second pixel region on the substrate and includes a second pixel electrode, and the repair pattern is located on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, contacts the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and electrically connects the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a pixel defining layer covering a portion of the first pixel electrode and a portion of the second pixel electrode, and wherein the repair pattern may be located on the pixel defining layer.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern may include a metallic material.

[0009] According to some embodiments, each of the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode may include a body portion and a protrusion protruding from one side of the body portion.

[0010] According to some embodiments, in a plan view, the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are linearly symmetrical with respect to a reference line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and the protrusion of the first pixel electrode may protrude from the main body portion of the first pixel electrode in the first direction, and the protrusion of the second pixel electrode may protrude from the main body portion of the second pixel electrode in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] According to some embodiments, in a plan view, the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode may be repeatedly arranged in the same shape along a first direction, the protrusion of the first pixel electrode may protrude from the main body portion of the first pixel electrode in the first direction, and the protrusion of the second pixel electrode may protrude from the main body portion of the second pixel electrode in the first direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the color of light emitted by the first pixel may be the same as the color of light emitted by the second pixel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device may include a substrate, a first pixel, a second pixel and a repair pattern, the substrate including a first pixel area and a second pixel area, the first pixel is located in the first pixel area on the substrate and includes a first pixel electrode, the second pixel is located in the second pixel area on the substrate and includes a second pixel electrode, and the repair pattern is located below the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, contacts the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and electrically connects the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern may overlap the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode in a plan view.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the color of light emitted by the first pixel may be the same as the color of light emitted by the second pixel.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a first welding portion contacting the first pixel electrode and a second welding portion contacting the second pixel electrode, and wherein the first welding portion and the second welding portion may contact the repair pattern.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for repairing a display device includes a substrate including a first pixel area and a second pixel area, a first pixel located in the first pixel area and including a first pixel electrode, and a second pixel located in the second pixel area and including a second pixel electrode. The method for repairing the display device may include: cutting a portion of the first electrode, electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode through a repair pattern that contacts the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and applying an additional data voltage to the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0018] According to some embodiments, when a portion of the first pixel electrode is cut, the first pixel electrode may be cut using a laser.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the first pixel electrode may include a body portion and a protrusion protruding from one side of the body portion, and when a portion of the first pixel electrode is cut, the protrusion may be cut from the body portion.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the method of repairing a display device may further include forming a light emitting layer on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and forming a common electrode on the light emitting layer, and the forming of the light emitting layer and the forming of the common electrode may be performed after electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the method of repairing a display device may further include forming a pixel defining layer covering a portion of the first pixel electrode and a portion of the second pixel electrode, and electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode may include forming a repair pattern on the pixel defining layer.

[0022] According to some embodiments, a laser chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method may be used to form the repair pattern.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern may be located below the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode in a plan view, may overlap the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode may include forming a first welding portion in contact with the repair pattern and the first pixel electrode and forming a second welding portion in contact with the repair pattern and the second pixel electrode.

[0024] According to some embodiments, when the additional data voltage is applied, a basic current due to the basic data voltage and an additional current due to the additional data voltage may be applied to each of the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a magnitude of a basic current applied to each of the first pixel and the second pixel may be the same as a magnitude of an additional current applied to each of the first pixel and the second pixel.

[0026] Therefore, before forming the light emitting layer on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, repair can be performed to prevent the occurrence of bright spots and dark spots due to defective pixels. Therefore, the productivity and output of the display device can be relatively improved. In addition, the design constraints of the display device for repair can be relatively minimized or reduced, so that even when the display device has a relatively high integration, a repair pattern can be relatively easily formed.

[0027] In addition, according to the repair method according to some embodiments of the present invention, after forming the repair pattern, an additional data voltage may be applied to the first pixel and the second pixel to prevent the current from being reduced due to the repair. Therefore, the phenomenon of brightness reduction due to the repair may be prevented or reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and together with the description, illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown that the Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a pixel in a display device.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A magnified view of an example of area A.

[0032] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of another example of area A. FIG.

[0033] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0034] Figures 6 to 10 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of repairing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of yet another example of area A.

[0036] Fig.12 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of yet another example of area A.

[0037] Fig.13 is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0038] Figures 14 to 16 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of repairing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.17 is a plan view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 An enlarged view of an example of portion B.

[0041] Fig.19 is along Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various aspects of some illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , the display device 1000 may include a display panel PNL, a data driver DIC, a gate driver GIC, and a control unit TC.

[0045] A plurality of pixels and signal lines capable of applying electrical signals to the pixels may be positioned on the display panel PNL.

[0046] The pixels may be repeatedly arranged in a matrix form or arrangement (e.g., rows and columns) on a plane (or in a plan view, or in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the display surface of the display device 1000, for example, in a view from a third direction D3). For example, the pixels may be repeatedly arranged in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The signal line may include a data line DL extending in the first direction D1 and a gate line GL extending in the second direction D2. The gate line GL may be arranged to be spaced apart along the first direction D1, and a gate signal may be transmitted to the pixel. The data line DL may be arranged to be spaced apart along the second direction D2, and a data signal may be transmitted to the pixel. According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of pixels may be connected to at least one corresponding gate line among the gate lines GL and at least one corresponding data line among the data lines DL.

[0047] The data driver DIC may be connected to the data lines DL, and may supply data signals to the data lines DL in response to data control signals provided from the control unit TC.

[0048] The gate driver GIC may be connected to the gate lines GL, generate gate signals in response to gate control signals provided from the control unit TC, and sequentially supply the gate signals to the gate lines GL.

[0049] Hereinafter, as a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention, an ultra-small light-emitting diode display (or micro LED display) including an ultra-small light-emitting diode (or micro light-emitting diode) will be described as an example, and the present invention may not be limited to these embodiments. Alternatively, the display device 1000 may be an inorganic light-emitting display, a quantum dot light-emitting display, or the like.

[0050] The display device 1000 (eg, the display panel PNL) may be divided into a plurality of pixel regions. The pixel regions may be repeatedly arranged along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. At this time, each of the plurality of pixel regions may be a division of a repeated structure and does not mean a break in the structure.

[0051] Various components constituting the display device 1000 may be positioned on a substrate (eg, Figure 5 Therefore, the substrate SUB may include a pixel area.

[0052] A plurality of pixels may be arranged in a plurality of pixel regions, respectively. In other words, one pixel may be positioned in each of the plurality of pixel regions.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the pixel region may include a first pixel region PA1 and a second pixel region PA2. The first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2 may be adjacent to each other along a first direction D1.

[0054] The first pixel PX1 may be positioned in the first pixel area PA1, and the second pixel PX2 may be positioned in the second pixel area PA2. Therefore, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be adjacent to each other along the first direction D1.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the color of light emitted by the first pixel PX1 and the color of light emitted by the second pixel PX2 may be the same. In other words, the color of light emitted from the first pixel area PA1 and the color of light emitted from the second pixel area PA2 may be the same.

[0056] For example, the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1 and the color of light emitted from the second pixel PX2 may be red. For another example, the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1 and the color of light emitted from the second pixel PX2 may be green. For yet another example, the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1 and the color of light emitted from the second pixel PX2 may be blue. However, the present invention may not necessarily be limited thereto, and the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may vary according to the embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2 It is shown that the Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an example of a pixel in a display device.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 , multiple pixels (e.g., Figure 1 Each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 in the embodiment may include first, second, third and fourth transistors T1, T2, T3 and T4, a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2 and a light emitting device LED.

[0059] The first transistor T1 may include a gate electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A first gate signal GS1 transmitted from the gate line GL may be applied to the gate electrode of the first transistor T1. A data signal transmitted through the data line DL may be applied to the first electrode of the first transistor T1. The second electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

[0060] The second transistor T2 may include a gate electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The emission control signal EM may be applied to the gate electrode of the second transistor T2. The driving voltage ELVDD may be applied to the first electrode of the second transistor T2. The second electrode of the second transistor T2 may be connected to the first capacitor C1.

[0061] The third transistor T3 may include a gate electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The gate electrode of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1. The first electrode of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the second electrode of the fourth transistor T4. The second electrode of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the second electrode of the second transistor T2.

[0062] The fourth transistor T4 may include a gate electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The second gate signal GS2 transmitted from the gate line GL may be applied to the gate electrode of the fourth transistor T4. The initialization voltage VINT may be applied to the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4. The second electrode of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to the first electrode of the third transistor T3.

[0063] The first capacitor C1 may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode of the first capacitor C1 may be connected to the second electrode of the second transistor T2. The second electrode of the first capacitor C1 may be connected to the second electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0064] The second capacitor C2 may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode of the second capacitor C2 may be connected to a first electrode (pixel electrode or anode) of the light emitting device LED. The second electrode of the second capacitor C2 may be connected to a second electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0065] The light emitting device LED may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode of the light emitting device LED may be connected to the first electrode of the second capacitor C2. The common voltage ELVSS may be applied to the second electrode of the light emitting device LED.

[0066] At the same time, in this manual Figure 2 , a pixel having a 4T2C structure is shown, but the structure of the pixel of the present invention may not be limited thereto, and may be configured in various ways such as 2T1C, 3T1C, 5T2C, 6T2C, 7T2C, and the like. That is, according to various embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments according to the present disclosure, the pixel may include additional components or fewer components.

[0067] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of an example of region A. For example, Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of an example of arrangement of the first and second pixel electrodes AE1 and AE2 and the repair pattern RP1 in the region A.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the first pixel electrode AE1 of the first pixel PX1 may be positioned in the first pixel area PA1, and the second pixel electrode AE2 of the second pixel PX2 may be positioned in the second pixel area PA2.

[0069] Thus, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be positioned adjacent to each other along the first direction D1. The repair pattern RP1 may be positioned on the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2.

[0070] The first pixel electrode AE1 may include a first body portion BD1 and a first protrusion PT1 protruding from one side of the first body portion BD1. For example, the first protrusion PT1 may protrude from one side of the first body portion BD1 in the first direction D1. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0071] The first pixel electrode AE1 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. For example, the first pixel electrode AE1 may be an anode electrode.

[0072] The second pixel electrode AE2 may include a second body portion BD2 and a second protrusion PT2 protruding from one side of the second body portion BD2. For example, the second protrusion PT2 may protrude from one side of the second body portion BD2 in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0073] The second pixel electrode AE2 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. For example, the second pixel electrode AE2 may be an anode electrode.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be line-symmetrical with respect to a reference line BL on a plane. The reference line BL may be a line extending in the second direction D2 between the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. Therefore, as described above, the first protrusion PT1 of the first pixel electrode AE1 may protrude from the first body portion BD1 of the first pixel electrode AE1 in the first direction D1. Conversely, the second protrusion PT2 of the second pixel electrode AE2 may protrude from the second body portion BD2 of the second pixel electrode AE2 in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0075] The repair pattern RP1 may be positioned on the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The repair pattern RP1 may contact the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. Therefore, the repair pattern RP1 may electrically connect the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. The repair pattern RP1 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0076] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of another example of area A. FIG.

[0077] For example, Figure 4 It is schematically shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of another example of the arrangement of the first and second pixel electrodes AE1 and AE2 and the repair pattern RP1 in the region A.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be repeatedly arranged in the same shape along the first direction D1 on a plane. Therefore, the first protrusion PT1 of the first pixel electrode AE1 may protrude from the first body portion BD1 of the first pixel electrode AE1 in the first direction D1, and the second protrusion PT2 of the second pixel electrode AE2 may protrude from the second body portion BD2 of the second pixel electrode AE2 in the first direction D1.

[0079] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The display device 1000 includes a substrate SUB, a transistor layer TL, an insulating layer IL, a connection pattern CP, a first pixel electrode AE1, a second pixel electrode AE2, a pixel defining layer PDL, and a repair pattern RP1.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a silicon wafer. The substrate SUB may be a supporting member for supporting other components of the display device 1000 .

[0082] The transistor layer TL may be positioned on the substrate SUB. The transistor layer TL may include a first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and a second pixel circuit unit PXC2. The first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2 may include various driving elements, wirings, and the like for driving the light emitting elements of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

[0083] The insulating layer IL may be positioned on the transistor layer TL. The insulating layer IL may be positioned in the first pixel area PA1 and the second pixel area PA2. The insulating layer IL may prevent contact between the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 and the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2. The insulating layer IL may include an organic material. Examples of organic materials that may be used as the insulating layer IL may include photoresists, polyacrylic resins, polyimide resins, and acrylic resins. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0084] A plurality of contact holes penetrating the insulating layer IL may be defined in the insulating layer IL. The plurality of contact holes may expose the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2, respectively. Each of the plurality of contact holes may be filled with a connection pattern CP. The connection pattern CP may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2. For example, the connection pattern CP positioned in the first pixel area PA1 may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit unit PXC1, and the connection pattern CP positioned in the second pixel area PA2 may be electrically connected to the second pixel circuit unit PXC2. According to some embodiments, the connection pattern CP may include a conductive material. For example, the connection pattern CP may include tungsten (W).

[0085] The first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL. For example, the first pixel electrode AE1 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL to correspond to the first pixel area PA1, and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL to correspond to the second pixel area PA2. The first pixel electrode AE1 may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 through the connection pattern CP, and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be electrically connected to the second pixel circuit unit PXC2 through the connection pattern CP.

[0086] The pixel defining layer PDL may be positioned on the insulating layer IL, the first pixel electrode AE1, and the second pixel electrode AE2. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. That is, the pixel defining layer PDL may expose a portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may cover a side portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2, and expose a central portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The pixel defining layer PDL may prevent electrical connection between the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The pixel defining layer PDL may be formed of an organic material. Examples of organic materials may include photoresists, polyacrylic resins, polyimide resins, and acrylic resins. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0087] The repair pattern RP1 may be positioned on the pixel defining layer PDL, the first pixel electrode AE1, and the second pixel electrode AE2. The repair pattern RP1 may not be disconnected on the pixel defining layer PDL. The repair pattern RP1 may contact the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2, and may electrically connect the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. Therefore, the repair pattern RP1 may allow the same current to flow through the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The repair pattern RP1 may include metals, alloys, metal nitrides, conductive metal oxides, transparent conductive materials, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0088] That is, according to some embodiments, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be positioned adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, and the repair pattern RP1 may overlap the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 on the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. Therefore, when a defect occurs in any one of the adjacent pixels, the repair pattern RP1 may repair the defective pixel. For example, when a defect occurs in one of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, the defective pixel may be repaired by the repair pattern RP1.

[0089] Figures 6 to 10 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of repairing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 First, a transistor layer TL, an insulating layer IL, a connection pattern CP, first and second pixel electrodes AE1 and AE2 , and a pixel defining layer PDL may be formed on a substrate SUB.

[0091] Thereafter, when the first pixel electrode AE1 is defective, a portion of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut. For example, if a portion of the first pixel electrode AE1 is cut due to a defect in the first pixel electrode AE1, Figure 1 ) may appear bright spots or dark spots, a portion of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut.

[0092] For example, when the first pixel electrode AE1 is defective, the first protrusion PT1 of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut from the first body portion BD1. That is, a cutting line CL may be defined between the first protrusion PT1 and the first body portion BD1.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut using a laser. For example, the laser used for cutting may be an ultrafast laser. For example, the ultrafast laser may be a picosecond laser, a femtosecond laser, or an attosecond laser. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0094] Afterwards, refer to Figure 8 , a repair pattern RP1 may be formed on the pixel defining layer PDL, the first pixel electrode AE1, and the second pixel electrode AE2. The repair pattern RP1 may be formed so as not to disconnect on the pixel defining layer PDL. The repair pattern RP1 may be formed so as to electrically connect the first pixel PX1 in contact with the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel PX2 in contact with the second pixel electrode AE2. For example, the repair pattern RP1 may cause the same current to flow through the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern RP1 may be formed using a laser chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, which refers to a method of locally irradiating a laser beam while vaporizing a material to be deposited and depositing a material at the irradiated location.

[0096] Reference Fig. 9 , a light emitting layer EL may be formed on the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The light emitting layer EL may be disconnected by the pixel defining layer PDL. Therefore, the light emitting layer EL formed on the first pixel electrode AE1 and the light emitting layer EL formed on the second pixel electrode AE2 may not be electrically connected.

[0097] Thereafter, a common electrode CE may be formed on the light emitting layer EL and the pixel defining layer PDL. Specifically, the common electrode CE may be formed by being connected to the first pixel electrode AE1, the second pixel electrode AE2, and the pixel defining layer PDL without disconnecting.

[0098] For example, when the first pixel electrode AE1 is defective, a portion of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut, a repair pattern RP1 may be formed, and then the light emitting layer EL and the common electrode CE may be formed. Specifically, after the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 are electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1, the light emitting layer EL and the common electrode CE may be formed.

[0099] Afterwards, refer to Fig.10 , the additional data voltage V2 may be applied to the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. According to some embodiments, the additional data voltage V2 may be applied together with the basic data voltage V1.

[0100] That is, the basic current I1 due to the basic data voltage V1 and the additional current I2 due to the additional data voltage V2 may be applied to the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. Therefore, the final data voltage V3 which is the sum of the basic data voltage V1 and the additional data voltage V2 may be applied to the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

[0101] Since the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may share a current applied by the basic data voltage V1. Therefore, when the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1, the magnitude of the current applied to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 by the basic data voltage V1 may be reduced, compared to a case where the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are not electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the additional data voltage V2 may be applied to the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, and accordingly, the additional current I2 may be applied to the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. Therefore, the final current I3 which is the sum of the basic current I1 and the additional current I2 may be applied to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

[0103] That is, the additional data voltage V2 may be sized so that a current equal to the amount reduced by the repair may be applied to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. In other words, the additional data voltage V2 may be a compensation data voltage to compensate for the current reduction for each pixel due to the repair pattern RP1. Therefore, even when the repair pattern RP1 is included, the reduction in brightness of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be prevented or reduced.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the magnitude of the basic current I1 applied to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 and the magnitude of the additional current I2 applied to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may be equal or substantially equal to each other.

[0105] That is, since the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may share half of the current applied by the basic data voltage V1. Therefore, when the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1, the magnitude of the current applied to each of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 by the basic data voltage V1 is approximately half, compared to a case where the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are not electrically connected through the repair pattern RP1.

[0106] Therefore, the magnitude of the additional current I2 applied by the additional data voltage V2 may be substantially the same as the magnitude of the basic current I1. However, the present invention may not necessarily be limited thereto.

[0107] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of yet another example of area A. Fig.12 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged view of yet another example of area A.

[0108] For example, Fig.11 It is schematically shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of an example of the arrangement of the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 and the repair pattern RP2 in the region A of FIG. Fig.11 The configuration described can be compared with Figure 3 The configurations described are substantially the same, and therefore, repeated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0109] For example, Fig.12 It is schematically shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of an example of the arrangement of the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 and the repair pattern RP2 in the region A of FIG. Fig.12 The configuration described can be compared with Figure 4 The configurations described are substantially the same, and therefore, repeated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0110] That is, except that the repair pattern RP2 is included instead of the repair pattern RP1, Fig.11 and Fig.12 The configuration shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The configuration shown in is essentially the same.

[0111] Reference Figure 1 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the first pixel electrode AE1 of the first pixel PX1 may be positioned in the first pixel area PA1, and the second pixel electrode AE2 of the second pixel PX2 may be positioned in the second pixel area PA2. The repair pattern RP2 may be positioned below the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The repair pattern RP2 may overlap the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 on a plane.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern RP2 may contact the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. Therefore, the repair pattern RP2 may electrically connect the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

[0113] According to some embodiments, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , even when the repair pattern RP2 electrically connecting the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 is positioned at the bottom, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be line-symmetrical with respect to the reference line BL on a plane.

[0114] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, Fig.12 As shown in FIG. , even when the repair pattern RP2 electrically connecting the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 is positioned at the bottom, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be repeatedly arranged in the same shape along the first direction D1 on a plane.

[0115] Fig.13 is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0116] In addition to the repair pattern RP2, the first welding part WD1 and the second welding part WD2, refer to Fig.13 The configuration described can be used with Figure 5 The configuration shown in is essentially the same.

[0117] That is, except for including the repair pattern RP2, the first welding part WD1 and the second welding part WD2 instead of the repair pattern RP1, Fig.13 The configuration shown in Figure 5 The configuration shown in is essentially the same.

[0118] Reference Figure 1 , Fig.11 and Fig.13, the display device 1000 may include a substrate SUB, a transistor layer TL, a connection pattern CP, an insulating layer IL, a first welding portion WD1, a second welding portion WD2, a first pixel electrode AE1, a second pixel electrode AE2, and a pixel defining layer PDL.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the transistor layer TL may include a repair pattern RP2. For example, the repair pattern RP2 may be located at the same layer as one of the several metal patterns located on the transistor layer TL. In other words, the repair pattern RP2 may be formed in the same process as any one of the several metal patterns located on the transistor layer TL.

[0120] For example, the repair pattern RP2 may be positioned at the same layer as one of the metal patterns forming the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and / or the second pixel circuit unit PXC2. In other words, the repair pattern RP2 may be formed in the same process as one of the metal patterns forming the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and / or the second pixel circuit unit PXC2.

[0121] The repair pattern RP2 may electrically connect the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. For example, the repair pattern RP2 may cause the same current to flow through the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2. The repair pattern RP2 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0122] For example, the repair pattern RP2 may electrically connect the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 through a welding process. That is, the first welding portion WD1 may be formed through a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP2 and the first pixel electrode AE1 overlap, and the second welding portion WD2 may be formed through a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP2 and the second pixel electrode AE2 overlap. Therefore, the first welding portion WD1 may contact the first pixel electrode AE1 and the repair pattern RP2, and the second welding portion WD2 may contact the second pixel electrode AE2 and the repair pattern RP2.

[0123] Therefore, the repair pattern RP2 may be electrically connected to the first pixel electrode AE1 through the first welding portion WD1, and electrically connected to the second pixel electrode AE2 through the second welding portion WD2. In other words, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be electrically connected through the first welding portion WD1 and the second welding portion WD2 with the repair pattern RP2 interposed therebetween.

[0124] The first welding portion WD1 and the second welding portion WD2 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and the like, which may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0125] Figures 14 to 16 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of repairing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0126] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 First, a transistor layer TL, an insulating layer IL, a connection pattern CP, first and second pixel electrodes AE1 and AE2 , and a pixel defining layer PDL may be formed on a substrate SUB.

[0127] Meanwhile, the transistor layer TL may include the first pixel circuit unit PXC1, the second pixel circuit unit PXC2, and the repair pattern RP2. According to some embodiments, the repair pattern RP2 may be formed with one of the metal patterns forming the first pixel circuit unit PXC1 and / or the second pixel circuit unit PXC2 in the same process.

[0128] Thereafter, when the first pixel electrode AE1 has a defect, a portion of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut. For example, if a defect in the first pixel electrode AE1 causes a defect in the first pixel (PX1, see Figure 1 ) may appear bright spots or dark spots, then part of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut.

[0129] For example, when the first pixel electrode AE1 is defective, the first protrusion PT1 of the first pixel electrode AE1 may be cut from the first body portion BD1. That is, a cutting line CL may be defined between the first protrusion PT1 and the first body portion BD1.

[0130] Afterwards, refer to Fig.16 , the first welding portion WD1 and the second welding portion WD2 may be formed by a welding process. For example, the first welding portion WD1 may be formed by a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP2 and the first pixel electrode AE1 overlap, and the second welding portion WD2 may be formed by a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP2 and the second pixel electrode AE2 overlap. Therefore, the first welding portion WD1 may be formed to contact the first pixel electrode AE1 and the repair pattern RP2, and the second welding portion WD2 may be formed to contact the second pixel electrode AE2 and the repair pattern RP2.

[0131] Therefore, the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 may be electrically connected through the first and second welding portions WD1 and WD2 with the repair pattern RP2 interposed therebetween.

[0132] The first welding portion WD1 may electrically connect the first pixel electrode AE1 and the repair pattern RP2. The second welding portion WD2 may electrically connect the second pixel electrode AE2 and the repair pattern RP2. For example, the first welding portion WD1 and the second welding portion WD2 may allow substantially the same current to flow through the first pixel electrode AE1 and the second pixel electrode AE2 through the repair pattern RP2.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the first welding part WD1 and the second welding part WD2 may be formed using a laser. That is, the welding process may be performed using a laser. For example, the laser used in the welding process may be an ultrafast laser. For example, the ultrafast laser may be a picosecond laser, a femtosecond laser, or an attosecond laser. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0134] Fig.17 is a plan view showing a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0135] In addition to the first pixel area PA1', the second pixel area PA2', the third pixel area PA3, the fourth pixel area PA4, the first pixel PX1', the second pixel PX2', the third pixel PX3 and the fourth pixel PX4, Fig.17 The display device 2000 described can be used with reference to Figure 1 The display devices described are substantially the same, and therefore, repeated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0136] That is, except for including the first pixel area PA1', the second pixel area PA2', the third pixel area PA3, the fourth pixel area PA4, the first pixel PX1', the second pixel PX2', the third pixel PX3 and the fourth pixel PX4 instead of the first pixel area PA1, the second pixel area PA2, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, Fig.17 The configuration shown in Figure 1 The configuration shown in is essentially the same.

[0137] According to some embodiments, the pixel region may include first, second, third, and fourth pixel regions PA1', PA2', PA3, and PA4, which may be arranged along the second direction D2.

[0138] For example, the third pixel region PA3 may be adjacent to the first pixel region PA1' in the second direction D2, the fourth pixel region PA4 may be adjacent to the third pixel region PA3 in the second direction D2, and the second pixel region PA2' may be adjacent to the fourth pixel region PA4 in the second direction D2. That is, the second pixel region PA2' is separated from the first pixel region PA1' in the second direction D2 via the third pixel region PA3 and the fourth pixel region PA4.

[0139] The first pixel PX1 ′ may be positioned in the first pixel area PA1 ′, the second pixel PX2 ′ may be positioned in the second pixel area PA2 ′, the third pixel PX3 may be positioned in the third pixel area PA3 , and the fourth pixel PX4 may be positioned in the fourth pixel area PA4 .

[0140] Therefore, the third pixel PX3 may be adjacent to the first pixel PX1' in the second direction D2, the fourth pixel PX4 may be adjacent to the third pixel PX3 in the second direction D2, and the second pixel PX2' may be adjacent to the fourth pixel PX4 in the second direction D2. That is, the second pixel PX2' may be spaced apart from the first pixel PX1' in the second direction D2 via the third pixel PX3 and the fourth pixel PX4.

[0141] According to some embodiments, the color of light emitted by the first pixel PX1' and the color of light emitted by the second pixel PX2' may be the same. In other words, the color of light emitted from the first pixel area PA1' and the color of light emitted from the second pixel area PA2' may be the same.

[0142] For example, the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1' and the color of light emitted from the second pixel PX2' may be red. For another example, the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1' and the color of light emitted from the second pixel PX2' may be green. For yet another example, the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1' and the color of light emitted from the second pixel PX2' may be blue. However, the present invention may not necessarily be limited thereto, and the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2' may be changed in various embodiments.

[0143] In addition, the color of light emitted from the third pixel PX3 may be different from the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2', and the color of light emitted from the fourth pixel PX4 may be different from the color of light emitted from the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2'. In other words, the color of light emitted from the third pixel area PA3 may be different from the color of light emitted from the first pixel area PA1' and the second pixel area PA2', and the color of light emitted from the fourth pixel area PA4 may be different from the color of light emitted from the first pixel area PA1' and the second pixel area PA2'.

[0144] In addition, the color of light emitted by the third pixel PX3 may be different from the color of light emitted by the fourth pixel PX4. In other words, the color of light emitted from the third pixel region PA3 may be different from the color of light emitted from the fourth pixel region PA4.

[0145] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 An enlarged view of an example of part B. For example, Fig.18 It is schematically shown Fig.17 An enlarged view of an example of arrangement of the first pixel electrode AE1 ′ and the second pixel electrode AE2 ′ and the repair pattern RP3 in the region B of FIG.

[0146] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the first pixel electrode AE1 ′ of the first pixel PX1 ′ may be positioned in the first pixel area PA1 ′, and the second pixel electrode AE2 ′ of the second pixel PX2 ′ may be positioned in the second pixel area PA2 ′.

[0147] Thus, the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2' may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. For example, the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2' may be spaced apart in the second direction D2 via electrodes positioned in the third pixel area PA3 and the fourth pixel area PA4.

[0148] According to some embodiments, Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first pixel electrode AE1 ′ and the second pixel electrode AE2 ′ may be line-symmetrical with respect to the reference line BL′ on a plane. However, the embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0149] For example, the first pixel electrode AE1' may include a first body portion BD1' and a first protrusion PT1' protruding from one side of the first body portion BD1' in a direction opposite to the second direction D2. The second pixel electrode AE2' may include a second body portion BD2' and a second protrusion PT2' protruding from one side of the second body portion BD2' in the second direction D2. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0150] The first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2' may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. For example, the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2' may be anode electrodes.

[0151] The repair pattern RP3 may be positioned under the first pixel electrode AE1 ′ and the second pixel electrode AE2 ′. According to some embodiments, the repair pattern RP3 may be arranged to overlap the first pixel electrode AE1 ′ and the second pixel electrode AE2 ′.

[0152] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern RP3 may contact the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2', and may electrically connect the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2'. For example, the repair pattern RP3 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0153] Fig.19 is along Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0154] In addition to the first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3, the fourth pixel electrode AE4, the first welding part WD1', the second welding part WD2' and the repair pattern RP3, Fig.19 The configuration described can be compared with Fig.13 The configurations described are substantially the same, and therefore, repeated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0155] That is, in addition to including the first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3, the fourth pixel electrode AE4, the first welding part WD1', the second welding part WD2' and the repair pattern RP3 instead of the first pixel electrode AE1, the second pixel electrode AE2, the first welding part WD1, the second welding part WD2 and the repair pattern RP2, Fig.19 The configuration shown in Fig.13 The configuration shown in is essentially the same.

[0156] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.19 The display device 2000 may include a substrate SUB, a transistor layer TL, an insulating layer IL, a connection pattern CP, a first welding portion WD1', a second welding portion WD2', a first pixel electrode AE1', a second pixel electrode AE2', a third pixel electrode AE3, a fourth pixel electrode AE4 and a pixel defining layer PDL.

[0157] The transistor layer TL may be positioned on the substrate SUB. The transistor layer TL may include a first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and a second pixel circuit unit PXC2'. The first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2' may include various driving elements, wirings, and the like for driving the light emitting element of the first pixel PX1' and the light emitting element of the second pixel PX2'.

[0158] According to some embodiments, the transistor layer TL may include a repair pattern RP3. The repair pattern RP3 may be located at the same layer as one of the several metal patterns located on the transistor layer TL. In other words, the repair pattern RP3 may be formed in the same process as any one of the several metal patterns located on the transistor layer TL.

[0159] Specifically, the repair pattern RP3 may be positioned at the same layer as one of the metal patterns forming the first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and / or the second pixel circuit unit PXC2'. In other words, the repair pattern RP3 may be formed in the same process as one of the metal patterns forming the first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and / or the second pixel circuit unit PXC2'.

[0160] The repair pattern RP3 may contact the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2', and may electrically connect the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2'. For example, the repair pattern RP3 may cause the same current to flow through the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2'. The repair pattern RP3 may include metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, transparent conductive material, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0161] For example, the repair pattern RP3 may electrically connect the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2' by a welding process. That is, the first welding portion WD1' may be formed by a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP3 and the first pixel electrode AE1' overlap, and the second welding portion WD2' may be positioned by a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP3 and the second pixel electrode AE2' overlap. Therefore, the first welding portion WD1' may contact the first pixel electrode AE1' and the repair pattern RP3, and the second welding portion WD2' may contact the second pixel electrode AE2' and the repair pattern RP3.

[0162] Therefore, the repair pattern RP3 may be electrically connected to the first pixel electrode AE1' through the first welding portion WD1', and may be electrically connected to the second pixel electrode AE2' through the second welding portion WD2'. In other words, the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2' may be electrically connected through the first welding portion WD1' and the second welding portion WD2' with the repair pattern RP3 interposed therebetween.

[0163] According to some embodiments, the repair pattern RP3 may be formed to overlap the first pixel electrode AE1 ′ and the second pixel electrode AE2 ′ on a plane.

[0164] The insulating layer IL may be positioned on the transistor layer TL. The insulating layer IL may be positioned in the pixel region. The insulating layer IL may prevent contact between the first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3 and the fourth pixel electrode AE4 and the first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2'.

[0165] A plurality of contact holes penetrating the insulating layer IL may be defined in the insulating layer IL. The plurality of contact holes may expose the first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2', respectively. Each of the plurality of contact holes may be filled with a connection pattern CP. The connection pattern CP may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit unit PXC1' and the second pixel circuit unit PXC2'. For example, the connection pattern CP positioned in the first pixel area PA1' may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit unit PXC1', and the connection pattern CP positioned in the second pixel area PA2' may be electrically connected to the second pixel circuit unit PXC2'.

[0166] The first welding portion WD1' and the second welding portion WD2' may be formed in the insulating layer IL by a welding process. For example, the repair pattern RP3 may electrically connect the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2' by a welding process. That is, the first welding portion WD1' may be formed by a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP3 and the first pixel electrode AE1' overlap, and the second welding portion WD2' may be formed by a welding process in a region where the repair pattern RP3 and the second pixel electrode AE2' overlap. Therefore, the first welding portion WD1' may contact the first pixel electrode AE1' and the repair pattern RP3, and the second welding portion WD2' may contact the second pixel electrode AE2' and the repair pattern RP3.

[0167] Therefore, the repair pattern RP3 may be electrically connected to the first pixel electrode AE1' through the first welding portion WD1', and may be electrically connected to the second pixel electrode AE2' through the second welding portion WD2'. In other words, the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2' may be electrically connected through the first welding portion WD1' and the second welding portion WD2' with the repair pattern RP3 interposed therebetween.

[0168] The first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3, and the fourth pixel electrode AE4 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL. For example, the first pixel electrode AE1' may be positioned on the insulating layer IL corresponding to the first pixel area PA1', the second pixel electrode AE2' may be positioned on the insulating layer IL corresponding to the second pixel area PA2', the third pixel electrode AE3 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL corresponding to the third pixel area PA3, and the fourth pixel electrode AE4 may be positioned on the insulating layer IL corresponding to the fourth pixel area PA4. The first pixel electrode AE1' may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit unit PXC1' through the connection pattern CP, and the second pixel electrode AE2' may be electrically connected to the second pixel circuit unit PXC2' through the connection pattern CP.

[0169] The pixel defining layer PDL may be positioned on the insulating layer IL, the first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3, and the fourth pixel electrode AE4. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3, and the fourth pixel electrode AE4. That is, the pixel defining layer PDL may expose a portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1', the second pixel electrode AE2', the third pixel electrode AE3, and the fourth pixel electrode AE4. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may cover a side portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2', and may expose a central portion of each of the first pixel electrode AE1' and the second pixel electrode AE2'.

[0170] According to some embodiments, when a defect occurs in any one of a plurality of pixels arranged to be spaced apart from each other, the defective pixel may be repaired. For example, when a defect occurs in one of the first pixel PX1' and the second pixel PX2', the defective pixel may be repaired by the repair pattern RP3.

[0171] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a display device may include: a substrate SUB including a first pixel area and a second pixel area, a first pixel positioned in the first pixel area on the substrate SUB and including a first pixel electrode, a second pixel positioned in the second pixel area on the substrate SUB and including a second pixel electrode, and a repair pattern positioned on and / or below the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and electrically connecting the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

[0172] Therefore, before forming the light emitting layer EL on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, repair can be performed to prevent the occurrence of bright spots and dark spots due to defective pixels. Therefore, the productivity and yield of the display device can be relatively improved. In addition, even when the design constraints of the display device for repair are minimized and the integration of the display device is high, the above repair pattern can be relatively easily formed.

[0173] In addition, according to the repair method according to the embodiment of the present invention, after forming the repair pattern, an additional data voltage may be applied to the first pixel and the second pixel to prevent the current from being reduced due to the repair. Therefore, the phenomenon of brightness reduction due to the repair may be prevented or reduced.

[0174] Although certain embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather, embodiments according to the present disclosure are defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a substrate including a first pixel region and a second pixel region adjacent to each other along a first direction; a first pixel, the first pixel being located in the first pixel region on the substrate and comprising a first pixel electrode; a second pixel located in the second pixel region on the substrate and comprising a second pixel electrode; as well as A repair pattern is located on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, contacts the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and electrically connects the first pixel and the second pixel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a pixel defining layer, the pixel defining layer covering a portion of the first pixel electrode and a portion of the second pixel electrode, and Wherein, the repair pattern is located on the pixel defining layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The repair pattern includes a metal material.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode includes a body portion and a protrusion protruding from one side of the body portion.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, in a plan view, The first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are line-symmetrical with respect to a reference line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, The protrusion of the first pixel electrode protrudes from the body portion of the first pixel electrode in the first direction, and The protrusion of the second pixel electrode protrudes from the body portion of the second pixel electrode in a direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, in a plan view, The first pixel electrodes and the second pixel electrodes are repeatedly arranged in the same shape along the first direction, The protrusion of the first pixel electrode protrudes from the body portion of the first pixel electrode in the first direction, and The protrusion of the second pixel electrode protrudes from the body portion of the second pixel electrode in the first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The color of light emitted by the first pixel and the color of light emitted by the second pixel are the same.

8. A display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate comprising a first pixel region and a second pixel region; a first pixel, the first pixel being located in the first pixel region on the substrate and comprising a first pixel electrode; a second pixel located in the second pixel region on the substrate and comprising a second pixel electrode; A repair pattern is located below the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, contacts the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and electrically connects the first pixel and the second pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The repair pattern overlaps the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode in a plan view.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The color of light emitted by the first pixel and the color of light emitted by the second pixel are the same.

11. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: a first welding portion, the first welding portion being in contact with the first pixel electrode; as well as a second welding portion, the second welding portion being in contact with the second pixel electrode, and Wherein, the first welding part and the second welding part are in contact with the repair pattern.

12. A method for repairing a display device, the display device comprising a substrate including a first pixel region and a second pixel region, a first pixel located in the first pixel region and comprising a first pixel electrode, and a second pixel located in the second pixel region and comprising a second pixel electrode, the method for repairing the display device comprising: cutting a portion of the first pixel electrode; electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode through a repair pattern contacting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; as well as An additional data voltage is applied to the first pixel and the second pixel.

13. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 12, wherein: When the portion of the first pixel electrode is cut, the first pixel electrode is cut using a laser.

14. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first pixel electrode includes a body portion and a protrusion protruding from one side of the body portion, and When the portion of the first pixel electrode is cut, the protrusion is cut from the body portion.

15. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 12, further comprising: forming a light emitting layer on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; as well as forming a common electrode on the light emitting layer, and Wherein, the forming of the light emitting layer and the forming of the common electrode are performed after the electrically connecting of the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode.

16. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 12, further comprising: forming a pixel defining layer covering a portion of the first pixel electrode and a portion of the second pixel electrode, and Wherein, electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode includes forming the repair pattern on the pixel defining layer.

17. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 16, wherein: The repair pattern is formed using a laser chemical vapor deposition method.

18. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 12, wherein: The repair pattern is located below the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode in a plan view and overlaps the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and The electrically connecting the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode comprises: forming a first welding portion contacting the repair pattern and the first pixel electrode; and A second welding portion contacting the repair pattern and the second pixel electrode is formed.

19. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 12, wherein: When the additional data voltage is applied, A basic current based on a basic data voltage and an additional current based on the additional data voltage are applied to each of the first pixel and the second pixel.

20. The method for repairing a display device according to claim 19, wherein: The magnitude of the basic current applied to each of the first pixel and the second pixel is equal to the magnitude of the additional current applied to each of the first pixel and the second pixel.

Images