Display device and repairing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device and a repairing method thereof. The display device includes a first display area including a plurality of pixels arranged repeatedly. Each of a plurality of pixels in the first display area includes a first light emitting diode, a first pixel circuit, and a second pixel circuit adjacent to the first pixel circuit, and in at least one first pixel included in the plurality of pixels, the first light emitting diode is electrically connected to the first pixel circuit and insulated from the second pixel circuit.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0185929, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 19, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method for repairing the display device. Background art

[0004] Display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light - emitting diode displays (OLED displays) include a display panel including a plurality of pixels capable of displaying an image.

[0005] Each pixel includes a pixel electrode for receiving a data signal, and the pixel electrode is connected to a pixel circuit including at least one transistor to receive the data signal.

[0006] Each pixel may include a light - emitting region that is an area capable of emitting light.

[0007] Recently, deformable display devices have been developed that can change their shape, for example, by bending or folding the display panel.

[0008] For example, the display device may include at least a part of a deformable region that can be bent. Summary of the invention

[0009] In a region where the display device is deformed, the pixel circuit receives a greater stress, making it easy to have defects. And if a defect occurs in the pixel circuit, a defect may occur in the light - emitting element connected to the corresponding pixel circuit, which may cause defects such as black spots or bright spots to appear in the image.

[0010] Embodiments are intended to provide a structure and method for repairing defects in pixels of a deformable display device.

[0011] According to an embodiment, a display device may include a first display region including a plurality of pixels arranged in repetition. Each of the plurality of pixels in the first display region may include a first light - emitting diode, a first pixel circuit, and a second pixel circuit adjacent to one side of the first pixel circuit. In at least one first pixel included in the plurality of pixels, the first light - emitting diode may be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit and insulated from the second pixel circuit.

[0012] Each of the plurality of pixels may include a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the first transistor, and the second transistors of the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit included in each of the plurality of pixels may be connected to the same data line and the same scan line.

[0013] In at least one second pixel of the plurality of pixels, a first light-emitting diode may be insulated from the first pixel circuit and electrically connected to the second pixel circuit.

[0014] The first light-emitting diode may include a pixel electrode. In at least one second pixel, the first pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a first portion of a first connection part, the second pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a second connection part, the pixel electrode may be electrically connected to a second portion of the first connection part that is separated from and faces the first portion of the first connection part and a third connection part spaced apart from the first connection part, and the second connection part and the third connection part may overlap each other in a plan view and may be electrically connected to each other.

[0015] At least one of the first connection part, the second connection part, and the third connection part may include metal.

[0016] The first light-emitting diode may include a pixel electrode. In at least one first pixel, the first pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a first connection part, the second pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a second connection part, the pixel electrode may be electrically connected to the first connection part and a third connection part spaced apart from the first connection part, and the second connection part and the third connection part may overlap each other in a plan view and be insulated from each other.

[0017] At least one of the first connection part, the second connection part, and the third connection part may include metal.

[0018] The display device may further include: a second display area including a plurality of second pixels. Each of the plurality of second pixels in the second display area may include a second light-emitting diode and a third pixel circuit electrically connected to the second light-emitting diode.

[0019] The display device may further include a deformable area at least a part of which is deformable and at least one non-deformable area connected to the deformable area. The deformable area may include a first display area, and at least one non-deformable area may include a second display area.

[0020] A display device according to an embodiment may include a deformable first part and a second part connected to the first part and less deformable than the first part. The first part may include a plurality of first pixels, and the second part may include a plurality of second pixels. Each of the plurality of second pixels may include a first light-emitting diode and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the first light-emitting diode. Each of the plurality of first pixels may include a second light-emitting diode and a plurality of pixel circuits. In each of the plurality of first pixels, the second light-emitting diode may be electrically connected to only one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

[0021] The plurality of pixel circuits included in each of the plurality of first pixels may be connected to the same signal line.

[0022] Each of the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels may include a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the first transistor. The second transistors included in the plurality of pixel circuits included in each of the plurality of first pixels may be connected to the same data line and the same scan line.

[0023] Each of the first light-emitting diode and the second light-emitting diode may include a pixel electrode. The plurality of pixel circuits included in each of the plurality of first pixels may include a first pixel circuit and a second pixel circuit adjacent to each other. In at least one of the plurality of first pixels, the first pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a first part of a first connection part, the second pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a second connection part, the pixel electrode may be connected to the first connection part and a third connection part spaced apart from the first connection part, and the second connection part and the third connection part may overlap each other in a plan view and may be insulated from each other.

[0024] At least one of the first connection part, the second connection part, and the third connection part may include metal.

[0025] Each of the first light-emitting diode and the second light-emitting diode may include a pixel electrode. The plurality of pixel circuits included in each of the plurality of first pixels may include a first pixel circuit and a second pixel circuit adjacent to each other. In at least one of the plurality of first pixels, the first pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a first part of a first connection part, the second pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a second connection part, the pixel electrode may be electrically connected to a second part of the first connection part separated from and facing the first part of the first connection part and a third connection part spaced apart from the first connection part, and the second connection part and the third connection part may overlap each other in a plan view and may be electrically connected to each other.

[0026] At least one of the first connection part, the second connection part, and the third connection part may include metal.

[0027] The repair method of a display device according to an embodiment may include: in a display device including a first display area including a plurality of pixels, where each of the plurality of pixels in the first display area may include a light-emitting diode, a first pixel circuit, and a second pixel circuit adjacent to the first pixel circuit, in at least one first pixel among the plurality of pixels, disconnecting the electrical connection between the light-emitting diode and the first pixel circuit and electrically connecting the light-emitting diode to the second pixel circuit.

[0028] Each of the plurality of pixels may include a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the first transistor, and the second transistors of the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit included in each of the plurality of pixels may be connected to the same data line and the same scan line.

[0029] The light-emitting diode may include a pixel electrode. In at least one first pixel, the first pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a first portion of a first connection part, the second pixel circuit may be electrically connected to a second connection part, the pixel electrode may be electrically connected to a second portion of the first connection part that is separated from and faces the first portion of the first connection part and a third connection part spaced apart from the first connection part, and the second connection part and the third connection part may overlap each other in a plan view and may be electrically connected to each other.

[0030] The repair method may further include using a laser, and the laser may be used in the disconnection of the light-emitting diode and the first pixel circuit and the electrical connection of the light-emitting diode to the second pixel circuit.

[0031] According to an embodiment, when a defect occurs in a pixel of a deformable display device, the display defect can be solved by repairing the pixel. Description of the Drawings

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a repaired pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a top view of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A2 of the display device shown in

[0036] Figure 5 is a plan view of a repaired pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6Yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A3 - A4 of the display device shown in

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 15 A plan view of a display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 16 A plan view of a display device in a folded state according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0048] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure.

[0049] The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] To clearly explain the present disclosure, parts not related to this description are omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals.

[0051] In addition, the dimensions and thicknesses of each of the components shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of explanation, and thus the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0052] In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly illustrate the various layers and regions.

[0053] Also in the drawings, for ease of explanation, the thicknesses of some of the layers and regions are exaggerated.

[0054] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. For this reason, the term "connected" can refer to physical, electrical, and / or fluid connection with or without intervening elements.

[0055] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "on top of," "higher," and "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein and are thus used to describe the relationship of one element to another(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation above and below. Additionally, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and thus the spatially relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are thus used to interpret the inherent deviations of measured, calculated, and / or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] In this specification and the claims, for the purposes of their meaning and interpretation, the phrase "at least one of..." is intended to include the meaning of "at least one selected from the group of...". For example, "at least one of A and B" can be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B". In this specification and the claims, for the purposes of their meaning and interpretation, the term "and / or" is intended to include any combination of the terms "and" and "or". For example, "A and / or B" can be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B". The terms "and" and "or" can be used in a conjunctive or disjunctive sense and can be understood to be equivalent to "and / or".

[0058] In addition, throughout the specification, when referring to "on a plane" or "in a plan view", this means when viewing the target part from above, and when referring to "in a cross-section" or "in a cross-sectional view", this means when vertically cutting and viewing the cross-section of the target part from the side.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined or implied herein, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in this specification.

[0060] Now reference will be made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 to describe a display device according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a repaired pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 , a display device according to an embodiment may include a display area, and the display area may include a plurality of pixels that are units capable of displaying an image.

[0063] The pixels may be repeatedly arranged in the display area and may include a pixel PXb including a pixel circuit, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 .

[0064] Each of the pixels PXb included in a display device according to an embodiment may include a light-emitting diode ED, a first pixel circuit PXC1, and a second pixel circuit PXC2.

[0065] Each of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 may include a plurality of transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and a capacitor Cst.

[0066] The configurations of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 may be the same as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 or may have different circuit configurations.

[0067] The first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in a pixel PXb may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0068] The light-emitting diode ED of a pixel PXb may be electrically connected to either the first pixel circuit PXC1 or the second pixel circuit PXC2 to receive a data signal.

[0069] Figure 1 The state where the light-emitting diode ED of the pixel PXb is electrically disconnected from the second pixel circuit PXC2 and electrically connected to the first pixel circuit PXC1 is shown, and Figure 2 the state where the light-emitting diode ED of the pixel PXb is electrically disconnected from the first pixel circuit PXC1 and electrically connected to the second pixel circuit PXC2 is shown.

[0070] The transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 included in each of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 may be the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, the fourth transistor T4, the fifth transistor T5, the sixth transistor T6, and the seventh transistor T7.

[0071] Each transistor T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 may have a gate terminal capable of receiving a gate-on voltage and a gate-off voltage that enable the transistor to turn on / off, a first terminal that may be a source terminal, and a second terminal that may be a drain terminal.

[0072] The gate terminal of the first transistor T1 may be connected to one end of the capacitor Cst, the first terminal of the first transistor T1 may be connected to a driving voltage line capable of transmitting a driving voltage ELVDD via the fifth transistor T5, and the second terminal of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the anode of the light-emitting diode ED via the sixth transistor T6.

[0073] The first transistor T1 may receive a data signal Dm according to the switching operation of the second transistor T2 and supply a driving current to the light-emitting diode ED.

[0074] The data signal Dm may have a voltage level dependent on an image signal input to the display device.

[0075] The gate terminal of the second transistor T2 may be connected to a scan line that transmits a scan signal GWn, the first terminal of the second transistor T2 may be connected to a data line that transmits a data signal Dm, and the second terminal of the second transistor T2 may be connected to the first terminal of the first transistor T1 and to a driving voltage line that can transmit a driving voltage ELVDD via a fifth transistor T5.

[0076] The second transistor T2 may be turned on in accordance with the scan signal GWn and may transmit the data signal Dm transmitted from the data line to the first terminal of the first transistor T1.

[0077] The second transistors T2 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb may be connected to the same data line and receive the same data signal Dm.

[0078] The second transistors T2 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb may be connected to the same scan line and receive the same scan signal GWn.

[0079] The gate terminal of the third transistor T3 may be connected to a scan line that can transmit a scan signal GWn, and the first terminal of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the second terminal of the first transistor T1 and to the anode of a light emitting diode ED via a sixth transistor T6.

[0080] The second terminal of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the second terminal of the fourth transistor T4, one end of a capacitor Cst, and the gate terminal of the first transistor T1.

[0081] The third transistor T3 may be turned on in accordance with the scan signal GWn and may connect the gate terminal and the second terminal of the first transistor T1 to each other to diode-connect the first transistor T1.

[0082] The third transistors T3 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb may be connected to the same scan line and receive the same scan signal GWn.

[0083] The gate terminal of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to a scan line that can transmit a scan signal GIn, the first terminal of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to an initialization voltage line that can transmit an initialization voltage Vint, and the second terminal of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to one end of the capacitor Cst and the gate terminal of the first transistor T1 via the second terminal of the third transistor T3.

[0084] The fourth transistor T4 can be turned on according to the scan signal GIn, and can transmit the initialization voltage Vint to the gate terminal of the first transistor T1 to initialize the voltage of the gate terminal of the first transistor T1.

[0085] The fourth transistors T4 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the fourth transistors T4 of the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb can be connected to the same scan line and receive the same scan signal GIn.

[0086] The scan signal GIn and the scan signal GWn can transmit gate-on voltages at different timings.

[0087] For example, if the scan signal GWn is the n-th scan signal (n is a natural number of 1 or greater) among the scan signals applied during one frame, the scan signal GIn can be a previous scan signal such as the (n - 1)-th scan signal.

[0088] The gate terminal of the fifth transistor T5 can be connected to a control line capable of transmitting a control signal EM that can control the light emission of the light-emitting diode ED, the first terminal of the fifth transistor T5 can be connected to a drive voltage line capable of transmitting a drive voltage ELVDD, and the second terminal of the fifth transistor T5 can be connected to the first terminal of the first transistor T1 and the second terminal of the second transistor T2.

[0089] The control signal EM can transmit a gate-on voltage and a gate-off voltage.

[0090] The gate terminal of the sixth transistor T6 can be connected to the control line capable of transmitting the control signal EM, the first terminal of the sixth transistor T6 can be connected to the second terminal of the first transistor T1 and the first terminal of the third transistor T3, and the second terminal of the sixth transistor T6 can be electrically connected to the anode of the light-emitting diode ED.

[0091] The fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 can be turned on simultaneously according to the control signal EM, and in this way, the drive voltage ELVDD can be compensated by the diode-connected first transistor T1 and can be transmitted to the light-emitting diode ED.

[0092] The fifth transistors T5 and the sixth transistors T6 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the fifth transistors T5 and the sixth transistors T6 of the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb can be connected to the same control line and can receive the same control signal EM.

[0093] The gate terminal of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to a scan line capable of transmitting a scan signal GWn, the first terminal of the seventh transistor P7 may be connected to the second terminal of the sixth transistor T6 and the anode of the light-emitting diode ED, and the second terminal of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to an initialization voltage line capable of transmitting an initialization voltage Vint and the first terminal of the fourth transistor T4.

[0094] The gate terminal of the seventh transistor T7 may receive a scan signal having a different timing from the scan signal GWn.

[0095] The seventh transistor T7 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the seventh transistor T7 of the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb may be connected to the same scan line and receive the same scan signal GWn.

[0096] The transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 may be P-channel transistors such as PMOS, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least one of the transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 may be an N-channel transistor.

[0097] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment in which the transistors T3 and T4 are N-channel transistors is shown.

[0098] As described above, one end of the capacitor Cst may be connected to the gate terminal of the first transistor T1, and the other end is connected to a drive voltage line capable of transmitting a drive voltage ELVDD.

[0099] The cathode of the light-emitting diode ED may be connected to a common voltage line capable of transmitting a common voltage ELVSS and may receive the common voltage ELVSS.

[0100] The corresponding transistors T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in one pixel PXb according to an embodiment may receive the same scan signals GWn, GIn, the same data signal Dm, and the same drive voltage ELVDD.

[0101] The structures of the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 included in the pixel PXb are not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the structures shown therein, and the number and connection relationships of the transistors and capacitors may be modified in various ways.

[0102] In as Figure 1When the light-emitting diode ED is connected to the first pixel circuit PXC1 as shown, the pixel PXb in the normal state of the display device can emit light. However, when a defect occurs in the first pixel circuit PXC1, as shown in Figure 2 the electrical connection path to the first pixel circuit PXC1 can be cut off and the light-emitting diode ED can be connected to the second pixel circuit PXC2 instead, so that the light-emitting diode ED can emit light normally.

[0103] This process is called the repair of the pixel PXb, and Figure 2 the state shown in

[0104] is called the post-repair state. A laser can be used to cut off the electrical connection path between the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the light-emitting diode ED, and a laser can also be used to establish the electrical connection between the second pixel circuit PXC2 and the light-emitting diode ED.

[0105] This repair method of the pixel PXb will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 along with what has been described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG.

[0106] Figure 3 is a top view of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device shown in Figure 5 taken along line A1-A2, Figure 6 is Figure 5 a plan view of a post-repair pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, and

[0107] is Figure 3 and Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device shown in

[0108] With reference to Figure 3 and

[0109]

[0110] Figure 3 In the normal state, the pixel electrode 191 can be electrically connected to the first pixel circuit PXC1 to receive a data voltage, and the electrical connection can be made through the first connection portion CN1 which is a conductor. Figure 3As shown differently, in another embodiment, the first connection portion CN1 may be on the same layer as the terminal of the first pixel circuit PXC1 or may be an extension of the terminal of the first pixel circuit PXC1, and the contact hole CH1 may be omitted.

[0111] In another embodiment, the first connection portion CN1 may be on the same layer as the pixel electrode 191 or may be an extension of the pixel electrode 191, and the contact hole CH2 may be omitted.

[0112] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in the normal state, the pixel electrode 191 may be electrically insulated from the second pixel circuit PXC2.

[0113] The terminal of the second pixel circuit PXC2 may be electrically connected to the second connection portion CN2 which is a conductor through the contact hole CH3, and the pixel electrode 191 may be electrically connected to the third connection portion CN3 which is a conductor insulated from the second connection portion CN2 through the contact hole CH4.

[0114] The third connection portion CN3 may be spaced apart from the first connection portion CN1.

[0115] The second connection portion CN2 and the third connection portion CN3 may overlap each other in the plan view, and refer to Figure 4 , the second connection portion CN2 and the third connection portion CN3 may be in different conductive layers and the insulating layer INS may be located therebetween.

[0116] Unlike Figure 3 as shown, in another embodiment, the second connection portion CN2 may be on the same layer as the terminal of the second pixel circuit PXC2 or may be an extension of the terminal of the second pixel circuit PXC2, and the contact hole CH3 may be omitted.

[0117] In another embodiment, the third connection portion CN3 may be on the same layer as the pixel electrode 191 or may be an extension of the pixel electrode 191, and the contact hole CH4 may be omitted.

[0118] Refer to Figure 5 , in an abnormal state where a defect occurs in the first pixel circuit PXC1, the pixel electrode 191 may be electrically insulated from the first pixel circuit PXC1 and electrically connected to the second pixel circuit PXC2 to receive a data voltage.

[0119] In an embodiment, the first connection part CN1 may be completely cut at the first point PT1 such that the first connection part CN1 includes two parts separated from each other and facing each other, and the second connection part CN2 connected to the second pixel circuit PXC2 and the third connection part CN3 overlapping the second connection part CN2 may be connected to each other at the second point PT2 such that the pixel electrode 191 may be electrically connected to the second pixel circuit PXC2 and receive a data voltage.

[0120] The first point PT1 may be an internal part of the first connection part CN1, and the second point PT2 may be a part where the second connection part CN2 and the third connection part CN3 overlap each other in a plan view.

[0121] A laser may be used to cut the first connection part CN1, and a laser may be used to physically and electrically connect the second connection part CN2 and the third connection part CN3 to each other, as Figure 6 shown.

[0122] In this way, when a defect occurs in a pixel, the display defect can be easily solved through repair as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0123] Reference will be made to Figures 7 to 10 together with what has been described above Figures 1 to 6 to describe the structure and repair method of the display device.

[0124] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0125] Figures 7 to 10 The pixel in

[0126] may be the pixel PXb described above. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a display device according to an embodiment may include a substrate 110, a barrier layer 111 which is an insulating layer and may be disposed on the substrate 110, and a buffer layer 120 which is an insulating layer and may be disposed on the barrier layer 111.

[0127] At least one of the barrier layer 111 and the buffer layer 120 may be omitted.

[0128] The active pattern 130 may be located on the buffer layer 120.

[0129] The active pattern 130 may include channel regions 131a, 131c, and 131f that form channels of each of the transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 described above, and conductive regions 136c, 136f, 137a, 137c, and 137f at the ends.

[0130] The first and second terminals of each of the transistors described above may include conductive regions located on the sides of the corresponding channel regions.

[0131] The active pattern 130 may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

[0132] The first insulating layer 121 may be located on the active pattern 130, and the first conductive layer may be located on the first insulating layer 121.

[0133] The first conductive layer may include the scan lines and control lines described above, drive gate electrodes 155a, and gate electrodes 155c and 155f.

[0134] Reference Figure 8 , the first conductive layer located in the second pixel circuit PXC2 may further include a conductor 153.

[0135] The second insulating layer 122 may be located on the first conductive layer and the first insulating layer 121, and the second conductive layer may be located on the second insulating layer 122.

[0136] The second conductive layer may include a storage unit 166a that overlaps with the drive gate electrode 155a in a plan view.

[0137] The third insulating layer 123 may be provided on the second conductive layer and the second insulating layer 122.

[0138] At least one of the barrier layer 111, buffer layer 120, first insulating layer 121, second insulating layer 122, and third insulating layer 123 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or aluminum oxide and / or an organic insulating material.

[0139] Some or all of the first insulating layer 121, second insulating layer 122, and third insulating layer 123 may include a plurality of contact holes 61, 62, 63, and 69.

[0140] The third conductive layer may be located on the third insulating layer 123.

[0141] The third conductive layer may include a plurality of connection members 74 and 79, data lines, and drive voltage lines.

[0142] The first transistor T1 may include a channel region 131a, a first conductive region, a second conductive region 137a, and a driving gate electrode 155a.

[0143] The driving gate electrode 155a may be electrically connected to the connection member 74 through a contact hole 61.

[0144] The contact hole 61 may be located in a hole 51 included in the memory cell 166a.

[0145] The third transistor T3 may include a channel region 131c, a first conductive region 136c, a second conductive region 137c, and a gate electrode 155c.

[0146] The second conductive region 137c may be connected to the connection member 74 through a contact hole 63.

[0147] The sixth transistor T6 may include a channel region 131f, a first conductive region 136f, a second conductive region 137f, and a gate electrode 155f.

[0148] The first conductive region 136f may be connected to the second conductive region 137a of the first transistor T1.

[0149] As Figure 7 shown, the second conductive region 137f of the first pixel circuit PXC1 may be connected to the connection member 79 through a contact hole 69, and as Figure 8 shown, the second conductive region 137f of the second pixel circuit PXC2 may be connected to the conductor 153 through a contact hole 62.

[0150] In the second pixel circuit PXC2, the conductor 153 and the connection member 79 may overlap each other in a plan view and may be insulated from each other, and the second insulating layer 122 and the third insulating layer 123 may be interposed between the conductor 153 and the connection member 79.

[0151] In the first pixel circuit PXC1, the connection member 79 may correspond to Figure 3 the first connection portion CN1 in Figure 3 and in the second pixel circuit PXC2, the conductor 153 may correspond to Figure 3 the second connection portion CN2 in

[0152] The capacitor Cst may include the driving gate electrode 155a and the memory cell 166a that overlap each other in a plan view as two terminals, and the second insulating layer 122 may be interposed between the driving gate electrode 155a and the memory cell 166a.

[0153] At least one of the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the third conductive layer may include at least one metal such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), their alloys, and the like.

[0154] The fourth insulating layer 141 may be located on the third conductive layer.

[0155] The fourth insulating layer 141 may include an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material such as polyimide, acrylic polymer, or silicone polymer.

[0156] The pixel electrode layer may be provided as the fourth conductive layer on the fourth insulating layer 141.

[0157] The pixel electrode layer may include pixel electrodes 191.

[0158] The pixel electrode layer may include a semi-transmissive conductive material or a reflective conductive material, or may include a metal.

[0159] The pixel electrode 191 may be connected to the connection member 79 through the contact hole 89 of the fourth insulating layer 141 and may receive a data voltage.

[0160] The fifth insulating layer 350 (also referred to as a pixel defining layer) may be located on the fourth insulating layer 141.

[0161] The fifth insulating layer 350 may have an opening 351 located above the pixel electrode 191.

[0162] The fifth insulating layer 350 may include an organic insulating material such as polyacrylic resin or polyimide resin.

[0163] The light-emitting layer 370 may be located on the pixel electrode 191.

[0164] The light-emitting layer 370 may include a portion located in the opening 351 of the fifth insulating layer 350.

[0165] The light-emitting layer 370 may include an organic light-emitting material or an inorganic light-emitting material.

[0166] The common electrode 270 may be located on the light-emitting layer 370.

[0167] The common electrode 270 may also be formed on the fifth insulating layer 350 and may be formed continuously across multiple pixels.

[0168] The common electrode 270 may include a conductive transparent material.

[0169] The pixel electrode 191, the light-emitting layer 370, and the common electrode 270 together can form a light-emitting diode ED, and one of the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270 can be a cathode and the other of the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270 can be an anode.

[0170] In a normal state, as Figure 7 shown, the pixel electrode 191 of a pixel can be electrically connected to a sixth transistor T6 of a first pixel circuit PXC1 through a connection member 79 and can receive a data voltage, and as Figure 8 shown, the pixel electrode 191 can be insulated from a second pixel circuit PXC2.

[0171] Referring to Figure 9 , when a defect occurs in the first pixel circuit PXC1, the connection member 79 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 can be cut at a first point PT1 which is an internal part, such as by using a laser, so that the pixel electrode 191 can be disconnected from and insulated from the sixth transistor T6 of the first pixel circuit PXC1.

[0172] As Figure 10 shown, a laser or the like can be applied to a second point PT2 where the connection member 79 and the conductor 153 overlap each other in a plan view to physically and electrically connect the connection member 79 to the conductor 153.

[0173] According to this repair, the pixel electrode 191 can be connected to the sixth transistor T6 of a normal second pixel circuit PXC2.

[0174] Reference will be made to Figures 11 to 14 together with the above-described Figures 1 to 10 to describe the structure and repair method of the display device.

[0175] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second pixel circuit of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0176] According to Figures 11 to 14 the embodiment shown, the display device can be similar to Figures 7 to 10The structure of the display device shown in [reference], except that in the normal state, the second conductive region 137f of the sixth transistor T6 in the second pixel circuit PXC2 can be connected to the connection member 79 through the contact hole 69, and the pixel electrode 191 can be insulated from the connection member 79 by the fourth insulating layer 141 between the pixel electrode 191 and the connection member 79.

[0177] A part of the pixel electrode 191 in the first pixel circuit PXC1 may correspond to the first connection portion CN1 described above. Figure 3 And the connection member 79 in the second pixel circuit PXC2 may correspond to the second connection portion CN2. Figure 3 The portion of the pixel electrode 191 overlapping with the connection member 79 may correspond to the third connection portion CN3. Figure 3

[0178] In the normal state, as shown in [reference], the pixel electrode 191 of the pixel can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor T6 of the first pixel circuit PXC1 through the connection member 79 and can receive a data voltage. As shown in [reference], the pixel electrode 191 can be insulated from the second pixel circuit PXC2. Figure 11 Figure 12

[0179] Refer to [reference]. Figure 13 When a defect occurs in the first pixel circuit PXC1, it can be cut at the first point PT1, which is an internal part of the pixel electrode 191 of the first pixel circuit PXC1, using a laser or the like, so that a part of the pixel electrode 191 forming the light-emitting diode ED can be insulated from the sixth transistor T6 of the first pixel circuit PXC1.

[0180] As shown in [reference]. Figure 14 A laser or the like can be applied to the second point PT2 where the pixel electrode 191 and the connection member 79 overlap each other in the plan view to physically and electrically connect the pixel electrode 191 to the connection member 79.

[0181] According to this repair, the pixel electrode 191 can be connected to the sixth transistor T6 of the normal second pixel circuit PXC2.

[0182] Refer to [reference]. Figure 15 And Figure 16 The display device according to the embodiment will be described together with the previously described drawings.

[0183] Figure 15 [Figure] is a plan view of the display device according to the embodiment in the unfolded state, and Figure 16 [Figure] is a plan view of the display device according to the embodiment in the folded state.

[0184] Refer to [reference]. Figure 15 AndFigure 16 According to one embodiment, a display device can be a deformable display device that can change its shape, for example, by bending or folding at least a part of the display device.

[0185] For example, a display device 1000 according to an embodiment can include a deformable area 300 that can be deformed (e.g., at least partially bent) and at least one non-deformable area 100, 200 connected to the deformable area 300.

[0186] Figure 15 and Figure 16 Schematically illustrates an embodiment in which a display device 1000 according to an embodiment includes non-deformable areas 100 and 200 facing each other, and in which the deformable area 300 is located between the non-deformable areas 100 and 200.

[0187] Compared with the deformable area 300, the non-deformable areas 100 and 200 can be relatively less deformed or have a completely fixed shape.

[0188] For example, the deformable area 300 can be a bending area, and the non-deformable areas 100 and 200 can be non-bending areas that do not bend.

[0189] The deformable area 300 and the non-deformable areas 100 and 200 can include a display area capable of displaying an image that includes pixels.

[0190] The non-deformable areas 100 and 200 can include a plurality of pixels PXa, and the deformable area 300 can include a plurality of pixels PXb.

[0191] In the non-deformable areas 100 and 200, the pixels PXa can generally be arranged in a matrix form in a plan view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pixels PXa can be repeatedly arranged according to various rules.

[0192] In the deformable area 300, the pixels PXb can generally be arranged in a matrix form in a plan view parallel to a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pixels PXb can be repeatedly arranged according to various rules.

[0193] As Figure 15 shown, the light-emitting area PXL of the pixels PXb in the deformable area 300 can be located in the deformable area 300, and the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 connected to the light-emitting area PXL can generally be located in the deformable area 300, or can be partially located in the adjacent non-deformable areas 100 and 200.

[0194] With Figure 15As shown in [reference], in another embodiment, the light-emitting region PXL of the pixel PXb, and the first pixel circuit PXC1 and the second pixel circuit PXC2 connected thereto may all be located in the deformable region 300.

[0195] Each pixel PXa, PXb may include pixels capable of displaying light of different colors.

[0196] For example, each pixel PXa, PXb may display colors such as red, green, and blue.

[0197] Each pixel PXa, PXb may include a light-emitting region PXL that is a region capable of emitting light.

[0198] The light-emitting region PXL may be defined by the opening 351 of the fifth insulating layer 350 described above.

[0199] A light-emitting diode including a pixel electrode may be located in each light-emitting region PXL.

[0200] As Figure 15 shown, in the case where the display device 1000 is unfolded, the image displayed by the light-emitting region PXL of each pixel PXa, PXb may be a first image on the inner display surface that is exposed to the outside in the case where the display device 1000 is unfolded. The first image may be displayed in a direction parallel to a third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0201] In the non-deformable regions 100 and 200, each pixel PXa may include a pixel circuit PXC.

[0202] The pixel circuit PXC may be electrically connected to the light-emitting diode of each pixel PXa and may transmit data signals.

[0203] Each pixel PXb in the deformable region 300 may be the same as the pixel PXb described above and may include a plurality of pixel circuits including a first pixel circuit PXC1 and a second pixel circuit PXC2.

[0204] In the deformable region 300, the plurality of pixel circuits included in each pixel PXb may be connected to the same signal line.

[0205] The connection relationship and repair method of the pixel electrode 191 of the light-emitting diode ED of each pixel PXb may be the same as those described above, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0206] Reference Figure 16When the deformable region 300 of the display device 1000 is bent and folded, the non-deformable region 100 may include an outer display surface 100A capable of displaying an image to the outside, and the non-deformable region 200 may also include an outer display surface 200A capable of displaying an image.

[0207] The deformable region 300 may also include an outer display surface 300A capable of displaying an image to the outside in a bent state.

[0208] Due to repeated deformation, the deformable portion of the display device (such as the deformable area 300) may be subjected to relatively greater stress than the non-deformable areas 100 and 200, so defects may be generated in each stacked layer, and the pixel circuit to which the light-emitting diode is connected may become defective. However, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of pixel circuits PXC1 and PXC2 may be arranged in each pixel PXb, so even when a defect occurs in the pixel circuit to which the light-emitting diode is initially connected, the light-emitting diode can be connected to another pixel circuit. Since the data signal can be received by the repair of the connection, display defects such as dark spots and bright spots can be solved.

[0209] The above description is an example of the technical features of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to make various modifications and variations.Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented separately or in combination with each other.

[0210] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure, but are used to describe the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims, and should be interpreted as all technical spirits within the equivalent scope are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The first display area includes a plurality of pixels arranged repeatedly, wherein Each of the plurality of pixels in the first display area comprises: a first light emitting diode; a first pixel circuit; and a second pixel circuit adjacent to one side of the first pixel circuit, and In at least one first pixel included in the plurality of pixels, the first light emitting diode is electrically connected to the first pixel circuit and is insulated from the second pixel circuit.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of pixels includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the first transistor, and The second transistor of the first pixel circuit and the second transistor of the second pixel circuit included in each of the plurality of pixels are connected to the same data line and the same scan line.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: In at least one second pixel among the plurality of pixels, the first light emitting diode is insulated from the first pixel circuit and electrically connected to the second pixel circuit.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first light emitting diode comprises a pixel electrode, In the at least one second pixel, The first pixel circuit is electrically connected to a first portion of the first connection portion, The second pixel circuit is electrically connected to the second connection portion, The pixel electrode is electrically connected to a second portion of the first connection portion that is separated from and faces the first portion of the first connection portion and a third connection portion that is spaced apart from the first connection portion, and The second connection portion and the third connection portion overlap each other in a plan view and are electrically connected to each other.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion includes metal.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first light emitting diode comprises a pixel electrode, In the at least one first pixel, The first pixel circuit is electrically connected to the first connection portion, The second pixel circuit is electrically connected to the second connection portion, The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the first connection portion and a third connection portion spaced apart from the first connection portion, and The second connection portion and the third connection portion overlap each other in a plan view and are insulated from each other.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: At least one of the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion includes metal.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The second display area includes a plurality of second pixels. Each of the plurality of second pixels in the second display area includes a second light emitting diode and a third pixel circuit electrically connected to the second light emitting diode.

9. A display device, comprising: a first portion that is deformable and a second portion that is connected to the first portion and is less deformable than the first portion, wherein The first portion includes a plurality of first pixels, The second portion includes a plurality of second pixels, Each of the plurality of second pixels includes a first light emitting diode and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the first light emitting diode, Each of the plurality of first pixels includes a second light emitting diode and a plurality of pixel circuits, and In each of the plurality of first pixels, the second light emitting diode is electrically connected to only one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

10. A method for repairing a display device, comprising: In the display device including a first display area comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels in the first display area includes a light emitting diode, a first pixel circuit and a second pixel circuit adjacent to the first pixel circuit, in at least one first pixel included in the plurality of pixels, the electrical connection between the light emitting diode and the first pixel circuit is disconnected and the light emitting diode is electrically connected to the second pixel circuit.

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