Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device according to the invention comprises a substrate, a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first electrode in a first direction, and a plurality of light-emitting elements extending in one direction, each having both ends disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, wherein the first electrode includes a plurality of first patterns recessed from one side of the first electrode facing the second electrode and from the upper surface of the first electrode, and the second electrode includes a plurality of second patterns recessed from one side of the second electrode facing the first electrode and from the upper surface of the second electrode.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0002] The importance of display devices is increasing along with the development of multimedia. In response to this, various types of display devices, such as Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), are being used.

[0003] A device for displaying images of a display device includes a display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. Among these, as a light-emitting display panel, it may include a light-emitting element; for example, in the case of a light-emitting diode (LED), there are organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that use organic materials as light-emitting materials, and inorganic light-emitting diodes that use inorganic materials as light-emitting materials. The problem to be solved

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device with improved reliability of the alignment process.

[0005] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem comprises a substrate, a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first electrode in a first direction, and a plurality of light-emitting elements extending in one direction, each having both ends disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, wherein the first electrode includes a plurality of first patterns recessed from one side of the first electrode facing the second electrode and the upper surface of the first electrode, and the second electrode includes a plurality of second patterns recessed from one side of the second electrode facing the first electrode and the upper surface of the second electrode.

[0007] The first electrode extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of first patterns are spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and the second electrode extends in the second direction, and the plurality of second patterns can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction.

[0008] The plurality of first patterns are arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of second patterns, and the first patterns and the second patterns corresponding to each other may face each other in the first direction.

[0009] The diameter of the light-emitting element may be smaller than the width of the second direction of the first pattern and the width of the second direction of the second pattern.

[0010] The width of the second direction of the first pattern may be the same as the width of the second direction of the second pattern corresponding to the first pattern.

[0011] The spacing between the plurality of first patterns adjacent in the second direction is equal to each other, and the spacing between the plurality of second patterns adjacent in the second direction may be equal to each other.

[0012] The spacing between the plurality of first patterns and the spacing between the plurality of second patterns may be the same as each other.

[0013] The width of the first direction of the first pattern is smaller than the width of the first direction of the first electrode, and the width of the first direction of the second pattern may be smaller than the width of the first direction of the second electrode.

[0014] Each of the above first patterns is defined by an upper surface of the first electrode and a side wall extending from one side of the first electrode, and a bottom surface extending from one side of the first electrode and connected to the side wall of the first pattern, and each of the above second patterns is defined by an upper surface of the second electrode and a side wall extending from one side of the second electrode, and a bottom surface extending from one side of the second electrode and connected to the side wall of the second pattern, and the side wall of the first pattern and the side wall of the second pattern may face each other in the first direction.

[0015] The side wall of the first pattern may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the first pattern, and the side wall of the second pattern may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the second pattern.

[0016] The sidewall of the first pattern includes a first sidewall extending from the upper surface of the first electrode and one side of the first electrode, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the upper surface of the first electrode and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the sidewall of the second pattern includes a first sidewall extending from the upper surface of the second electrode and one side of the second electrode, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the upper surface of the second electrode and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the third sidewall of the first pattern and the third sidewall of the second pattern may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0017] The spacing between the third sidewall of the first pattern and the third sidewall of the second pattern may be greater than the length of one direction of the light-emitting element.

[0018] The spacing distance between the first sidewall of the first pattern and the second sidewall of the first pattern is greater than the diameter of the light-emitting element, and the spacing distance between the first sidewall of the second pattern and the second sidewall of the second pattern may be greater than the diameter of the light-emitting element.

[0019] One end of the light-emitting element may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first pattern, and the other end may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second pattern.

[0020] The apparatus further includes a first insulating layer disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light-emitting element may be disposed on the first insulating layer.

[0021] The thickness of the first pattern is smaller than the thickness of the first electrode, and the thickness of the second pattern may be smaller than the thickness of the second electrode.

[0022] The thickness of the first pattern and the thickness of the second pattern may be smaller than the diameter of the light-emitting element.

[0023] The light-emitting element may include a first light-emitting element, the two ends of which are respectively placed on the first pattern and the second pattern.

[0024] The first light-emitting element can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the first patterns and each of the second patterns.

[0025] The light-emitting element may further include a second light-emitting element, the two ends of which are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the first electrode and the upper surface of the second electrode.

[0026] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0027] The display device according to the present embodiment can improve the reliability of the alignment process of a plurality of light-emitting elements by forming a plurality of intaglio patterns that are recessed from the upper surface and side surface of the first electrode and the second electrode on the first electrode and the second electrode used in the alignment process of a plurality of light-emitting elements, thereby inducing the alignment of the light-emitting elements onto the intaglio patterns.

[0028] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing one pixel of a display device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' of Figure 2. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in a light-emitting area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the relative arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element placed in a light-emitting area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partial plan view showing the relative planar arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element placed in a light-emitting area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting element according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IIIa-IIIa' of Figure 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IIIb-IIIb' of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IIIc-IIIc' of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another example cut along the line IIIa-IIIa' of FIG. 7. FIG. 13 is a partial plan view showing the relative planar arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element placed in a light-emitting area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing one pixel of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partial plan view showing the relative planar arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element placed in the light-emitting region of the display device of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of cutting along the line IVa-IVa' of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of cutting along the line IVb-IVb' of FIG. 15. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0031] Elements or layers referred to as "on" another element or layer include cases where another layer or element is interposed directly above or in the middle of another element. Likewise, "below," "left," and "right" refer to cases where they are interposed immediately adjacent to another element or where another layer or material is interposed in the middle. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0032] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (10) displays a video or a still image. The display device (10) may refer to any electronic device that provides a display screen. For example, a television, laptop, monitor, billboard, Internet of Things, mobile phone, smartphone, tablet PC (Personal Computer), electronic watch, smart watch, watch phone, head-mounted display, mobile communication terminal, electronic notebook, e-book, PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation, game console, digital camera, camcorder, etc. that provide a display screen may be included in the display device (10).

[0036] The display device (10) includes a display panel that provides a display screen. Examples of display panels include an inorganic light-emitting diode display panel, an organic light-emitting diode display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting diode display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, etc. In the following examples, an inorganic light-emitting diode display panel is used as an example of a display panel, but it is not limited thereto, and if the same technical concept is applicable, it can be applied to other display panels.

[0037] In the drawings of the embodiments describing the display device (10), a first direction (DR1), a second direction (DR2), and a third direction (DR3) are defined. The first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) may be directions perpendicular to each other within a single plane. The third direction (DR3) may be a direction perpendicular to the plane where the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) are located. The third direction (DR3) is perpendicular to each of the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). In the embodiments describing the display device (10), the third direction (DR3) represents the thickness direction (or display direction) of the display device (10).

[0038] The display device (10) may have a rectangular shape that includes a long side and a short side where the first direction (DR1) in the plane is longer than the second direction (DR2). The corners where the long and short sides of the display device (10) in the plane may be right angles, but are not limited thereto, and may have a rounded curved shape. The shape of the display device (10) is not limited to the examples provided and may be varied in many ways. For example, the display device (10) may have other shapes such as a square in the plane, a square with rounded corners (vertices), other polygons, circles, etc.

[0039] The display surface of the display device (10) may be positioned on one side of the third direction (DR3), which is the thickness direction. Unless otherwise noted in the embodiments describing the display device (10), "top" indicates the display direction toward one side of the third direction (DR3), and "top surface" indicates the surface facing toward one side of the third direction (DR3). Additionally, "bottom" indicates the direction opposite to the display direction toward the other side of the third direction (DR3), and "bottom surface" refers to the surface facing toward the other side of the third direction (DR3). Furthermore, "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" indicate the direction when the display device (10) is viewed from a plane. For example, "right" indicates one side of the first direction (DR1), "left" indicates the other side of the first direction (DR1), "top" indicates one side of the second direction (DR2), and "bottom" indicates the other side of the second direction (DR2).

[0040] The display device (10) may include a display area (DPA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DPA) is an area where the screen can be displayed, and the non-display area (NDA) is an area where the screen is not displayed.

[0041] The shape of the display area (DPA) can follow the shape of the display device (10). For example, the shape of the display area (DPA) may have a planar rectangular shape similar to the overall shape of the display device (10). The display area (DPA) may generally occupy the center of the display device (10).

[0042] The display area (DPA) may include a plurality of pixels (PX). The plurality of pixels (PX) may be arranged in a matrix direction. The shape of each pixel (PX) may be a planar rectangle or a square. In an exemplary embodiment, each pixel (PX) may include a plurality of light-emitting elements made of inorganic particles.

[0043] A non-display area (NDA) may be placed around a display area (DPA). The non-display area (NDA) may surround the display area (DPA) in whole or in part. The non-display area (NDA) may form the bezel of the display device (10).

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing one pixel of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 2, Each pixel (PX) of the display device (10) may include a light-emitting region (EMA) and a non-light-emitting region (not shown). The light-emitting region (EMA) is an area where light emitted from a light-emitting element (ED) is emitted, and the non-light-emitting region may be defined as an area where light is not emitted because the light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED) does not reach it.

[0046] The light-emitting region (EMA) may include a region where a light-emitting element (ED) is placed and an adjacent region. Additionally, the light-emitting region may further include a region where light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED) is reflected or refracted by another member and emitted.

[0047] Each pixel (PX) may further include a sub-region (SA) disposed in a non-emissive region. A light-emitting element (ED) may not be disposed in the sub-region (SA). The sub-region (SA) may be disposed above the light-emitting region (EMA) within a pixel (PX) (or on one side of the second direction (DR2)). The sub-region (SA) may be disposed between the light-emitting regions (EMA) of pixels (PX) disposed adjacently in the second direction (DR2). The sub-region (SA) may include a region in which the first and second electrodes (210, 220) and the first and second contact electrodes (710, 720) are respectively connected through a contact hole (CNT1, CNT2) penetrating the first insulating layer (510, see FIG. 3) described later.

[0048] The sub-region (SA) may include a separation portion (ROP). The separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA) may be an area where the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), which are included in each pixel (PX) adjacent to each other along the second direction (DR2), are each separated from each other.

[0049] Each pixel (PX) of the display device (10) may include a first electrode (210), a second electrode (220), a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED), a first bank (600), a first contact electrode (710), and a second contact electrode (720).

[0050] Hereinafter, a planar arrangement of a plurality of members arranged in one pixel (PX) of a display device (10) will be described.

[0051] The first bank (600) is positioned across the boundary of each pixel (PX) to distinguish neighboring pixels (PX). Additionally, the first bank (600) is positioned to surround the light-emitting region (EMA) and the sub-region (SA), thereby serving to distinguish the light-emitting region (EMA) and the sub-region (SA) of each pixel (PX). The first bank (600) is formed to have a greater height than the second bank (400) described later in cross-section, so that during the inkjet printing process for aligning a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) in the manufacturing process of the display device (10), the ink in which the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) are dispersed is not mixed into adjacent pixels (PX) but is sprayed into the light-emitting region (EMA).

[0052] The first bank (600) may be arranged in a grid pattern including a portion extending in the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) in a plane.

[0053] The first electrode (210) may have a shape that extends in a second direction (DR2). The first electrode (210) may be extended in the second direction (DR2) and positioned across a light-emitting region (EMA) and a sub-region (SA). For example, the first electrode (210) may be positioned to the left of a pixel (PX) on a plane. The first electrode (210) may be extended in the second direction (DR2) but separated from the first electrode (210) of an adjacent pixel (PX) in the second direction (DR2) at a separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA).

[0054] The second electrode (220) may have a shape that extends in the second direction (DR2). The second electrode (220) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the first electrode (210) in the first direction (DR1). The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) may be spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction (DR1).

[0055] The second electrode (220) may be extended in a second direction (DR2) and positioned across a light-emitting region (EMA) and a sub-region (SA). For example, the second electrode (220) may be positioned to the right of a pixel (PX) in a planar manner. The second electrode (220) may be extended in a second direction (DR2) but separated from the second electrode (220) of an adjacent pixel (PX) in the second direction (DR2) at a separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA).

[0056] The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) can be electrically connected to a circuit element layer (CCL, see FIG. 3) through the first electrode contact hole (CTD) and the second electrode contact hole (CTS), respectively. The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) can be connected to the circuit element layer (CCL) through the first electrode contact hole (CTD) and the second electrode contact hole (CTS) to transmit an electrical signal to a light-emitting element (ED).

[0057] The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) can be used as alignment lines to apply an alignment signal during the process of aligning a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) in the manufacturing process of the display device (10) described later. For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) can be aligned such that both ends are placed on the first electrode (210) or the second electrode (220) by an electric field generated between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) according to the alignment signal applied to the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220).

[0058] In one embodiment, a plurality of patterns may be formed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) used in the alignment process of the light-emitting element (ED) to induce alignment of the light-emitting element (ED) such that both ends of the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) are respectively seated on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220).

[0059] Specifically, the first electrode (210) may include a plurality of first patterns (GR1) that are recessed from one side of the first electrode (210) facing the second electrode (220) and from the upper surface of the first electrode (210). For example, the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be formed to be recessed from the right side and upper surface of the first electrode (210) on a planar surface. Additionally, the second electrode (220) may include a plurality of second patterns (GR2) that are recessed from one side of the second electrode (220) facing the first electrode (220) and from the upper surface of the second electrode (220). For example, the plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be formed to be recessed from the left side and upper surface of the second electrode (220) on a planar surface. A detailed description of the plurality of first patterns (GR1) and the plurality of second patterns (GR2) will be described later with reference to other drawings.

[0060] A plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) may have a shape that extends in one direction. A plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) may be arranged such that both ends are placed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), respectively. A plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) may be spaced apart from each other along the second direction (DR2) in which the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) extend, and may be aligned substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) may be arranged such that both ends are placed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), respectively, on which the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) are formed.

[0061] The first contact electrode (710) may be placed on the first electrode (210). The first contact electrode (710) may have a shape that extends along the second direction (DR2). The first contact electrode (710) may contact the first electrode (210) and one end of the light-emitting element (ED), respectively. Specifically, the first contact electrode (710) may contact the first electrode (210) through a first contact hole (CNT1) that exposes the upper surface of the first electrode (210) in the sub-region (SA), and may contact one end of the light-emitting element (ED) placed on the first pattern (GR1) in the light-emitting region (EMA). The first contact electrode (710) may serve to electrically connect the first electrode (210) and the light-emitting element (ED).

[0062] The second contact electrode (720) may be placed on the second electrode (210). The second contact electrode (720) may have a shape that extends along the second direction (DR2). The second contact electrode (720) may contact the second electrode (220) and the other end of the light-emitting element (ED), respectively. Specifically, the second contact electrode (720) may contact the second electrode (220) through a second contact hole (CNT2) that exposes the upper surface of the second electrode (220) in the sub-region (SA), and may contact the other end of the light-emitting element (ED) placed on the second pattern (GR2) in the light-emitting region (EMA). The second contact electrode (720) may serve to electrically connect the second electrode (220) and the light-emitting element (ED).

[0063] The second contact electrode (720) may be spaced apart from the first contact electrode (710) in a first direction (DR1). The second contact electrode (720) and the first contact electrode (710) may be electrically insulated from each other.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' of FIG. 2.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the display device (10) may include a substrate (SUB), a circuit element layer (CCL) disposed on the substrate (SUB), a first bank (600) disposed on the circuit element layer (CCL), a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED), a first electrode (210), a second electrode (220), a second bank (400), a first contact electrode (710), a second contact electrode (720), and a plurality of insulating layers.

[0066] The substrate (SUB) may be an insulating substrate. The substrate (SUB) may be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. The substrate (SUB) may be a rigid substrate, but it may also be a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc.

[0067] A circuit element layer (CCL) may be disposed on a substrate (SUB). The circuit element layer (CCL) may include a plurality of conductive layers, at least one transistor (TR), a plurality of insulating films, and first and second voltage lines (VL1, VL2).

[0068] The lower metal layer (110) may be disposed on a substrate (SUB). The lower metal layer (110) may include a first light-blocking pattern (BML). The first light-blocking pattern (BML) may be a light-blocking layer that serves to protect the active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR). The first light-blocking pattern (BML) may be disposed to cover at least the channel region of the active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR) from the bottom, and furthermore, may be disposed to cover the entire active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR).

[0069] The lower metal layer (110) may include a material that blocks light. For example, the lower metal layer (110) may be formed of an opaque metal material that blocks the transmission of light. However, it is not limited thereto, and the lower metal layer (110) may be omitted.

[0070] A buffer layer (161) may be placed on a lower metal layer (110). The buffer layer (161) may be placed to cover the front surface of a substrate (SUB) on which the lower metal layer (110) is placed. The buffer layer (161) may serve to protect multiple transistors from moisture penetrating through the substrate (SUB), which is susceptible to moisture permeability.

[0071] The semiconductor layer (120) is placed on the buffer layer (161). The semiconductor layer (120) may include the active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR). The active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR) may be placed overlapping the first light-blocking pattern (BML) as described above.

[0072] The semiconductor layer (120) may include polycrystalline silicon, single-crystal silicon, oxide semiconductor, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, when the semiconductor layer includes polycrystalline silicon, the polycrystalline silicon may be formed by crystallizing amorphous silicon. When the semiconductor layer (120) includes polycrystalline silicon, the active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR) may include a plurality of doped regions doped with impurities and channel regions between them. In another exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor layer (120) may include an oxide semiconductor. The oxide semiconductor may be, for example, indium-tin oxide (ITO), indium-zinc oxide (IZO), indium-gallium oxide (IGO), indium-zinc-tin oxide (IZTO), indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO), indium-gallium-tin oxide (IGTO), indium-gallium-zinc-tin oxide (IGZTO), etc.

[0073] The gate insulating film (162) can be disposed on the semiconductor layer (120). The gate insulating film (162) can function as the gate insulating film of each transistor. The gate insulating film (162) can be formed as a multilayer in which inorganic layers comprising at least one of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) are alternately stacked.

[0074] The first conductive layer (130) may be disposed on the gate insulating film (162). The first conductive layer (130) may include the gate electrode (GE) of the transistor (TR). The gate electrode (GE) of the transistor (TR) may be disposed to overlap the channel region of the active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR) in the third direction (DR3), which is the thickness direction.

[0075] The first interlayer insulating film (163) may be disposed on the first conductive layer (130). The first interlayer insulating film (163) may be disposed to cover the gate electrode (GE) of the transistor (TR). The first interlayer insulating film (163) performs the function of an insulating film between the first conductive layer (130) and other layers disposed thereon, and can protect the first conductive layer (130).

[0076] The second conductive layer (140) may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating film (163). The second conductive layer (140) may include the drain electrode (SD1) and the source electrode (SD2) of the transistor (TR).

[0077] The drain electrode (SD1) and source electrode (SD2) of the transistor (TR) can be electrically connected to both end regions of the active layer (ACT) of the transistor (TR) through contact holes penetrating the first interlayer insulating film (163) and the gate insulating film (162), respectively. Additionally, the source electrode (SD2) can be electrically connected to the first light-blocking pattern (BML) through another contact hole penetrating the first interlayer insulating film (163), the gate insulating film (162), and the buffer layer (161).

[0078] The second interlayer insulating film (164) may be disposed on the second conductive layer (140). The second interlayer insulating film (164) performs the function of an insulating film between the second conductive layer (140) and other layers disposed thereon, and can protect the second conductive layer (140).

[0079] A third conductive layer (150) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating film (164). The third conductive layer (150) may include a first voltage line (VL1), a second voltage line (VL2), and a first conductive pattern (CDP).

[0080] A high potential voltage (or, first power supply voltage) supplied to the transistor (TR) is applied to the first voltage line (VL1), and a low potential voltage (or, second power supply voltage) lower than the high potential voltage supplied to the first voltage line (VL1) may be applied to the second voltage line (VL2).

[0081] The first voltage line (VL1) can be electrically connected to the drain electrode (SD1) of the transistor (TR) through a contact hole penetrating the second interlayer insulating film (164).

[0082] The second voltage line (VL2) can be electrically connected to the second electrode (220) through a second electrode contact hole (CTS) that penetrates the via layer (165) described later. The second power supply voltage applied to the second voltage line (VL2) can be supplied to the second electrode (220). During the manufacturing process of the display device (10), an alignment signal required to align the light-emitting element (ED) may be applied to the second voltage line (VL2).

[0083] The first conductive pattern (CDP) can be electrically connected to the transistor (TR). The first conductive pattern (CDP) can be electrically connected to the source electrode (SDS) of the transistor (TR) through a contact hole penetrating the second interlayer insulating film (164). Additionally, the first conductive pattern (CDP) can be electrically connected to the first electrode (210) through a first electrode contact hole (CTD) penetrating the via layer (165). The transistor (TR) can transmit a first power supply voltage applied from the first voltage line (VL1) to the first electrode (210) through the first conductive pattern (CDP).

[0084] The via layer (165) may be disposed on the third conductive layer (150). The via layer (165) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating film (164) on which the third conductive layer (150) is disposed. The via layer (165) may include an organic insulating material, for example, an organic material such as polyimide (PI). The via layer (165) may perform a surface flattening function.

[0085] The above-described buffer layer (161), gate insulating film (162), first interlayer insulating film (163), and second interlayer insulating film (164) may be composed of a plurality of inorganic layers stacked alternately. For example, the buffer layer (161), gate insulating film (162), first interlayer insulating film (163), and second interlayer insulating film (164) may be formed as a double layer in which an inorganic layer comprising at least one of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), and silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) is stacked, or as a multilayer in which these are stacked alternately. However, not limited thereto, the buffer layer (161), gate insulating film (162), first interlayer insulating film (163), and second interlayer insulating film (164) may be composed of a single inorganic layer comprising the insulating material described above.

[0086] Additionally, the first conductive layer (130), the second conductive layer (140), and the third conductive layer (150) may be formed as a single layer or a multilayer made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof. However, they are not limited thereto.

[0087] A display element layer may be disposed on the via layer (165). Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cross-sectional structure of the display element layer disposed on the circuit element layer (CCL) will be described.

[0088] The second bank (400) may be disposed on the via layer (165) in the light-emitting region (EMA). The second bank (400) may include a plurality of sub-banks (410, 420) disposed spaced apart from each other within the light-emitting region (EMA). For example, the second bank (400) may include a first sub-bank (410) and a second sub-bank (420) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (DR1). The first sub-bank (410) and the second sub-bank (420) may each be disposed on one side of the via layer (165). The first sub-bank (410) and the second sub-bank (420) may each have a shape protruding in the thickness direction of the substrate (SUB) with respect to one side of the via layer (165). A plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) may be arranged between the first sub-bank (410) and the second sub-bank (420) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0089] The second bank (400) may include inclined sides and serve to change the direction of propagation of light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED) and traveling toward the side of the second bank (400) to an upward direction (e.g., a display direction). That is, the second bank (400) provides a space for the light-emitting element (ED) to be placed, and at the same time, can also serve as a reflective barrier that changes the direction of propagation of light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED) to a display direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the second bank (400) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) may be placed on the second bank (400) and the via layer (165) exposed by the second bank (400).

[0091] The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) may be extended in the second direction (DR2) as described above and may be placed across the light-emitting region (EMA) and sub-region (SA) of each pixel (PX). The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) may be placed on the via layer (165) exposed by the second bank (400) in the light-emitting region (EMA) and on the via layer (165) exposed by the second bank (400) in the non-light-emitting region.

[0092] The first electrode (210) may be placed on the first sub-bank (410) in the light-emitting region (EMA). The first electrode (210) may be placed on the first side of the first sub-bank (410) facing the second sub-bank (420) in the light-emitting region (EMA), and may also be placed on the via layer (165) that is exposed by them in the region between the first sub-bank (410) and the second sub-bank (420) and extends outward from the first side of the first sub-bank (410).

[0093] The second electrode (220) may be placed on the second sub-bank (420) in the light-emitting region (EMA). The second electrode (220) may be placed on the first side of the second sub-bank (420) facing the first sub-bank (410), and may also be placed on the via layer (165) exposed by them in the region between the first sub-bank (410) and the second sub-bank (420) extending outward from the first side of the second sub-bank (420). In the region between the first sub-bank (410) and the second sub-bank (420), the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (DR1).

[0094] The first electrode (210) can be electrically connected to the first conductive pattern (CDP) through the first electrode contact hole (CTD) penetrating the via layer (165), and the second electrode (220) can be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VL2) through the second electrode contact hole (CTS) penetrating the via layer (165).

[0095] Specifically, the first electrode (210) can be in contact with the first conductive pattern (CDP1) through the first electrode contact hole (CTD) penetrating the via layer (165), and the second electrode (220) can be in contact with the second voltage line (VL2) through the second electrode contact hole (CTS) penetrating the via layer (165). The first electrode (210) is electrically connected to the transistor (TR) through the first conductive pattern (CDP1), and the second electrode (220) is electrically connected to the second voltage line (VL2) so that the second power supply voltage can be transmitted. In the drawing, the first electrode contact hole (CTD) and the second electrode contact hole (CTS) are shown to be arranged to overlap the second bank (600) and the third direction (DR3), but the positions of the first electrode contact hole (CTD) and the second electrode contact hole (CTS) are not limited thereto.

[0096] The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) placed in each pixel (PX) can be separated from the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) of the adjacent pixel (PX) in the second direction (DR2) at the separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA). The shape of the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) separated at the separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA) can be formed by extending the electrode line used in the process of aligning a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) in the second direction (DR2), and after aligning the light-emitting elements (ED), by separating the electrode line from the separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA) through a subsequent process. The electrode line can be utilized to generate an electric field within the pixel (PX) to align the light-emitting elements (ED) during the manufacturing process of the display device (10).

[0097] The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (ED). The first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) can be connected to both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) through the first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720), respectively, and can transmit an electrical signal applied from the first conduction pattern (CDP) and the second voltage line (VL2) to the light-emitting element (ED).

[0098] As described above, in the light-emitting region (EMA), the first electrode (210) may include a plurality of first patterns (GR1) recessed from one side of the first electrode (210) facing the second electrode (220) and from the upper surface of the first electrode (210). The first pattern (GR1) may be an intaglio pattern recessed in a vertical direction (or, in the thickness direction of the first electrode (210)) from the upper surface of the first electrode (210) in cross-section. Specifically, the first pattern (GR1) may be a shape recessed downward from the upper surface of the first electrode (210) in cross-section.

[0099] The first electrode (210) may have a surface step with a different thickness due to the first pattern (GR1). For example, the thickness of the first electrode (210) on which the first pattern (GR1) is formed may be smaller than the thickness of the first electrode (210) on which the first pattern (GR1) is not formed.

[0100] In the light-emitting region (EMA), the second electrode (220) may include a plurality of second patterns (GR2) recessed from one side of the second electrode (220) facing the first electrode (210) and from the upper surface of the second electrode (220). The second patterns (GR2) may be intaglio patterns recessed in a vertical direction (or, in the thickness direction of the second electrode (220)) from the upper surface of the second electrode (220) in cross-section. Specifically, the second patterns (GR2) may have a shape recessed downward from the upper surface of the second electrode (220) in cross-section.

[0101] The second electrode (220) may have a surface step with a different thickness due to the second pattern (GR2). For example, the thickness of the second electrode (220) on which the second pattern (GR2) is formed may be smaller than the thickness of the second electrode (220) on which the second pattern (GR2) is not formed.

[0102] In a process of aligning a plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs), the plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) may be dispersed within the ink and sprayed onto the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). In this case, the plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) dispersed within the ink may be induced to be aligned onto a first pattern (GR1) and a second pattern (GR2) having a relatively low thickness due to the fluidity of the ink. That is, by including a step structure between the area where the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) are formed and the area where they are not formed, the plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) may be induced to be aligned onto an area having a relatively low height (or level) in the alignment process.

[0103] The first and second electrodes (210, 220) may each include a highly reflective conductive material. For example, the first and second electrodes (210, 220) may include a metal such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al) as a highly reflective material, or an alloy including aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), or lanthanum (La). The first and second electrodes (210, 220) may reflect light emitted from the light-emitting element (ED) and traveling toward the inclined side of the second bank (400) from the surface of the first and second electrodes (210, 220) toward the upper direction of the pixel (PX).

[0104] However, the first and second electrodes (210, 220) may each further include a transparent conductive material, without being limited thereto. For example, the first and second electrodes (210, 220) may include materials such as ITO, IZO, ITZO, etc. In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes (210, 220) may each form a structure in which a transparent conductive material and a metal layer with high reflectivity are each stacked one or more times, or may be formed as a single layer including these. For example, the first and second electrodes (210, 220) may each have a stacked structure such as ITO / Ag / ITO / , ITO / Ag / IZO, or ITO / Ag / ITZO / IZO.

[0105] A first insulating layer (510) may be disposed on a first electrode (210) and a second electrode (220). The first insulating layer (510) may be disposed to cover the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). The first insulating layer (510) may protect the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) while simultaneously insulating them from each other. Additionally, the first insulating layer (510) may prevent the light-emitting element (ED) from being damaged by direct contact with other components. Although not limited thereto, the first insulating layer (510) may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0106] In the light-emitting region (EMA), the first insulating layer (510) may be positioned to completely cover the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). Since the first insulating layer (510) comprises an inorganic insulating material, the first insulating layer (510) may have a surface shape that reflects the step difference of the lower portion. In this case, the first insulating layer (510) positioned on the first electrode (210) on which a first pattern (GR1) is formed and the second electrode (220) on which a second pattern (GR2) is formed within the light-emitting region (EMA) may include a step structure (GR3) that reflects the step difference between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). As the first insulating layer (510) reflects the lower step (GR3) of the first electrode (210) on which the first pattern (GR1) is formed and the second electrode (220) on which the second pattern (GR2) is formed, the first insulating layer (510) may also have a shape that is recessed downward in cross-section similar to the first and second patterns (GR1, GR2), even though the first insulating layer (510) is placed on the first and second electrodes (210, 220).

[0107] The first insulating layer (510) may not be placed in the separation portion (ROP) of the sub-region (SA). The first insulating layer (510) may include a first contact hole (CNT1) that penetrates the first insulating layer (510) in the sub-region (SA) to expose at least a portion of the first electrode (210) and a second contact hole (CNT2) that penetrates the first insulating layer (510) in the sub-region (SA) to expose at least a portion of the second electrode (220).

[0108] The first contact hole (CNT1) may expose a portion of the upper surface of the first electrode (210) in the sub-region (SA), and the second contact hole (CNT2) may expose a portion of the upper surface of the second electrode (220) in the sub-region (SA). The first and second electrodes (210, 220) may be electrically connected to the first and second contact electrodes (710, 720), respectively, through the first contact hole (CNT1) and the second contact hole (CNT2) in the sub-region (SA).

[0109] The first bank (600) may be placed on the first insulating layer (510). As described above, the first bank (600) is placed across the boundary of each pixel (PX) and is positioned to surround the light-emitting region (EMA) and the sub-region (SA) to distinguish them. Additionally, the first bank (600) is formed to have a greater height than the second bank (400), and by distinguishing the regions, during the inkjet printing process for aligning light-emitting elements (ED) during the manufacturing process of the display device (10), the ink in which a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) are dispersed is not mixed into adjacent pixels (PX) but is sprayed into the light-emitting region (EMA).

[0110] A plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) may be disposed within a light-emitting region (EMA). The light-emitting elements (ED) may be disposed between a first sub-bank (410) and a second sub-bank (420) in the light-emitting region (EMA). A plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) may be disposed on a first insulating layer (510) such that both ends are disposed on a first pattern (GR1) and a second pattern (GR2), respectively. As described above, the first insulating layer (510) may include a step structure (GR3) that reflects the step difference between the lower first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), and the light-emitting elements (ED) may be disposed on the step structure (GR3) formed on the first insulating layer (510).

[0111] The light-emitting element (ED) may include semiconductor layers doped with different conductivity types. The light-emitting element (ED) may include a plurality of semiconductor layers and be oriented such that one end faces a specific direction according to the direction of the electric field generated on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). Additionally, the light-emitting element (ED) may include a device active layer to emit light of a specific wavelength range.

[0112] The second insulating layer (520) may be partially disposed on the light-emitting element (ED). The second insulating layer (520) may be disposed to partially wrap the outer surface of the light-emitting element (ED) so as not to cover both ends of the light-emitting element (ED). The portion of the second insulating layer (520) disposed on the light-emitting element (ED) may be disposed extending in a first direction (DR1) on the first insulating layer (510) in a planar view. The second insulating layer (520) may protect the light-emitting element (ED) and, at the same time, serve to fix the light-emitting element (ED) during the manufacturing process of the display device (10). In an exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer (520) may include an organic insulating material, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] A third insulating layer (530) may be interposed between a light-emitting element (ED) and a second insulating layer (520). The third insulating layer (530) may include an inorganic insulating material. By including an inorganic insulating material, the third insulating layer (530) may serve to fix a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) on the first insulating layer (510) so that the light-emitting elements (ED) are not detached by the organic insulating material before the process of forming the second insulating layer (520), even if the second insulating layer (520) includes an organic insulating material. However, the third insulating layer (530) may be omitted, not limited thereto.

[0114] The first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720) can be placed on the second insulating layer (520).

[0115] A first contact electrode (710) may be placed on the first electrode (210). The first contact electrode (710) may contact one end of the light-emitting element (ED) and the first electrode (210), respectively, which are exposed by the second insulating layer (520) and the third insulating layer (530). The first contact electrode (710) may contact the first electrode (210) exposed through a first contact hole (CNT1) penetrating the first insulating layer (510) in a sub-region (SA), and may contact one end of the light-emitting element (ED) exposed by the second insulating layer (520) and the third insulating layer (530) in a light-emitting region (EMA). The first contact electrode (710) may serve to electrically connect one end of the light-emitting element (ED) and the first electrode (210).

[0116] The second contact electrode (720) may be placed on the second electrode (220). The second contact electrode (720) may contact the other end of the light-emitting element (ED) and the second electrode (220), respectively, which are exposed by the second insulating layer (520) and the third insulating layer (530). The second contact electrode (720) may contact the second electrode (220) exposed through the second contact hole (CNT2) penetrating the first insulating layer (510) in the sub-region (SA), and may contact the other end of the light-emitting element (ED) exposed by the second insulating layer (520) and the third insulating layer (530) in the light-emitting region (EMA). The second contact electrode (720) may serve to electrically connect the other end of the light-emitting element (ED) and the second electrode (220).

[0117] The first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720) may be spaced apart from each other with the second insulating layer (520) and the third insulating layer (530) in between. The first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720) may be placed on the sides of the second insulating layer (520) and the third insulating layer (530), respectively, but may not be placed on the upper surface of the second insulating layer (520). However, not limited thereto, the first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720) may be spaced apart and facing each other on the upper surface of the second insulating layer (520), and a separate insulating layer may be further included between the first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720).

[0118] The first and second contact electrodes (710, 720) may include a conductive material. For example, the first and second contact electrodes (710, 720) may include ITO, IZO, ITZO, aluminum (Al), etc. As an example, the first and second contact electrodes (710, 720) may include a transparent conductive material. Since the first and second contact electrodes (710, 720) include a transparent conductive material, light emitted through both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) can pass through the first and second contact electrodes (710, 720) and proceed to the first and second electrodes (210, 220).

[0119] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, a separate insulating layer may be further disposed on the first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720). The insulating layer is disposed over the entire surface of the substrate (SUB) and can function to protect a plurality of members disposed on the substrate (SUB) from the external environment.

[0120] Hereinafter, the arrangement relationship between the first electrode (210), the second electrode (220), the plurality of first patterns (GR1), the plurality of second patterns (GR2), and the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) will be described in detail.

[0121] FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in a light-emitting region of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the relative arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element disposed in a light-emitting region of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partial plan view showing the relative planar arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element disposed in a light-emitting region of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first electrode (210) may include a plurality of first patterns (GR1) recessed from one side (210SS) of the first electrode (210) facing the second electrode (220) and from the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210). The plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be located at one end of the first electrode (210) facing the second electrode (220) in a planar manner. The plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be recessed in a horizontal direction (e.g., opposite direction of the first direction (DR1)) from one side (210SS) of the first electrode (210) facing the second electrode (220), and recessed in a vertical direction (or thickness direction of the first electrode (210)) from the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210). Since a plurality of first patterns (GR1) are formed to be simultaneously recessed from the upper surface (210US) and one side (210SS) of the first electrode (210), the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may have a stepped structure.

[0123] As a plurality of first patterns (GR1) are formed to be recessed in a horizontal direction from one side (210SS) of the first electrode (210), the height of one side (210SS1) of the first electrode (210) where the plurality of first patterns (GR1) are not formed and the height of one side (210SS2) of the first electrode (210) where the plurality of first patterns (GR1) are formed may be different from each other. For example, the height of one side (210SS1) of the first electrode (210) where the plurality of first patterns (GR1) are not formed may be greater than the height of one side (210SS2) of the first electrode (210) where the plurality of first patterns (GR1) are formed.

[0124] A plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be arranged along one direction. The arrangement direction of the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may coincide with the extension direction of the first electrode (210). For example, a plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be arranged in a single column along a second direction (DR2). A plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be spaced apart from each other along the second direction (DR2) in a plane and arranged at a predetermined interval. The sizes of the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be the same, but are not limited thereto. For example, some of the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may have different sizes from each other.

[0125] The second electrode (220) may include a plurality of second patterns (GR2) recessed from one side (220SS) of the second electrode (220) facing the first electrode (210) and from the upper surface (220US) of the second electrode (220). The plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be located at one end of the second electrode (220) facing the first electrode (210) in a planar manner. The plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be intaglio patterns recessed in a horizontal direction (e.g., a first direction (DR1)) from one side (220SS) of the second electrode (220) facing the first electrode (210) and recessed in a vertical direction (or the thickness direction of the second electrode (210)) from the upper surface of the second electrode (220). Since a plurality of second patterns (GR2) are formed to be simultaneously recessed from the upper surface (220US) and one side (220SS) of the second electrode (220), the plurality of second patterns (GR2) may have a stepped structure.

[0126] As a plurality of second patterns (GR2) are formed to be recessed in a horizontal direction from one side (220SS) of the second electrode (220), the height of one side (220SS1) of the second electrode (220) where the plurality of second patterns (GR2) are not formed and the height of one side (220SS2) of the second electrode (220) where the plurality of second patterns (GR2) are formed may be different from each other. For example, the height of one side (220SS1) of the second electrode (220) where the plurality of second patterns (GR2) are not formed may be greater than the height of one side (220SS2) of the second electrode (220) where the plurality of second patterns (GR2) are formed.

[0127] A plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be arranged along one direction. The arrangement direction of the plurality of second patterns (GR2) may coincide with the extension direction of the second electrode (220). For example, a plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be arranged in a single column along the second direction (DR2). A plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be spaced apart from each other along the second direction (DR2) in a plane and arranged at a predetermined interval. The sizes of the plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be the same, but are not limited thereto. For example, some of the plurality of second patterns (GR2) may have different sizes from each other.

[0128] Each of the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of second patterns (GR2). Each first pattern (GR1) may be arranged to overlap with each second pattern (GR2) in a first direction (DR1). For example, each first pattern (GR1) may be arranged to overlap with each second pattern (GR2) in a horizontal direction so as to correspond one-to-one with each second pattern (GR2). The second pattern (GR2) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1) may face the corresponding first pattern (GR1) in a first direction (DR1).

[0129] The spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of each first pattern (GR1) may be constant. Likewise, the spacing (d2) of the second direction (DR2) of each second pattern (GR2) may be constant. The spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of the first pattern (GR1) and the spacing (d2) of the second direction (DR2) of the second pattern (GR2) may be identical to each other. By forming the spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of each first pattern (GR1) and the spacing (d2) of the second direction (DR2) of the second pattern (GR2) identical to each other, a plurality of first patterns (GR1) and a plurality of second patterns (GR2) may be arranged to correspond one-to-one. In addition, by arranging the spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of a plurality of first patterns (GR1) (or the spacing (d2) of the second direction (DR2) of a plurality of second patterns (GR2)) in a constant manner, the spacing between the light-emitting elements (ED) whose ends are respectively placed on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) can also be induced to be constant. Accordingly, the display quality of the display device (10) can be improved by maintaining a uniform arrangement density of light-emitting elements (ED) for each region within the light-emitting region (EMA).

[0130] However, not limited thereto, the spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of the first pattern (GR1) and the spacing (d2) of the second direction (DR2) of the second pattern (GR2) are identical to each other, but the spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of each first pattern (GR1) (or the spacing (d2) of the second direction (DR2) of each second pattern (GR2)) may differ depending on the region within the light-emitting region (EMA). By adjusting the spacing (d1) of the second direction (DR2) of each first pattern (GR1) to differ depending on the region within the light-emitting region (EMA), the arrangement density of the light-emitting elements (ED) may be controlled for each region within the light-emitting region (EMA).

[0131] The first pattern (GR1) may include a first surface (GR1_SS1), a second surface (GR1_SS2), a third surface (GR1_SS3), and a fourth surface (GR1_BS). The first surface (GR1_SS1) of the first pattern (GR1) may be a surface extending from the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) and one side surface (210SS) of the first electrode (210). The second surface (GR1_SS2) of the first pattern (GR1) may be a surface facing the first surface (GR1_SS1) of the first pattern (GR1). The third surface (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) may be a surface extending from one side surface (210SS) of the first electrode (210) and connecting the first surface (GR1_SS1) and the second surface (GR1_SS2) of the first pattern (GR1). The fourth surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1) extends from one side (210SS) of the first electrode (210) and may be a surface connecting the first to third surfaces (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1). The first pattern (GR1) may be defined by the first to fourth surfaces (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3, GR1_BS).

[0132] The first to third surfaces (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) may form the side walls of the first pattern (GR1), and the fourth surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1) may form the bottom surface of the first pattern (GR1). The first to third surfaces (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) may also be referred to as the first to third side walls (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1). The bottom surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1) is parallel to the top surface (210US) of the first electrode (210), and the side walls (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1). The side walls (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) are formed to have a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the bottom surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1), so that light emitted from one end of the light-emitting element (ED) can be reflected through the first to third surfaces (GR1_SS1, GR1_SS2, GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1).

[0133] The upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) may be disposed between the plurality of first patterns (GR1). The spacing (d1) in the second direction (DR2) between the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be substantially the same as the width in the second direction (DR2) of the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) disposed between the plurality of first patterns (GR1).

[0134] Likewise, the second pattern (GR2) may include a first surface (GR2_SS1), a second surface (GR2_SS2), a third surface (GR2_SS3), and a fourth surface (GR2_BS). The first surface (GR2_SS1) of the first pattern (GR2) may be a surface extending from the upper surface (220US) of the second electrode (220) and one side surface (220SS) of the second electrode (220). The second surface (GR2_SS2) of the second pattern (GR2) may be a surface facing the first surface (GR2_SS1) of the second pattern (GR2). The third surface (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) may be a surface extending from one side surface (220SS) of the second electrode (220) and connecting the first surface (GR2_SS1) and the second surface (GR2_SS2) of the second pattern (GR2). The fourth surface (GR2_BS) of the second pattern (GR2) extends from one side (220SS) of the second electrode (220) and may be a surface connecting the first to third surfaces (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2). The second pattern (GR2) may be defined by the first to fourth surfaces (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3, GR2_BS).

[0135] The first to third surfaces (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) may form the side walls of the second pattern (GR2), and the fourth surface (GR2_BS) of the second pattern (GR2) may form the bottom surface of the second pattern (GR2). The first to third surfaces (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) may also be referred to as the first to third side walls (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2). The bottom surface (GR2_BS) of the second pattern (GR2) is parallel to the top surface (220US) of the second electrode (220), and the side walls (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface (GR2_BS) of the second pattern (GR2). The side walls (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) are formed to have a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the bottom surface (GR2_BS) of the second pattern (GR2), so that light emitted from the other end of the light-emitting element (ED) can be reflected through the first to third surfaces (GR2_SS1, GR2_SS2, GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2).

[0136] The upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) may be disposed between the plurality of first patterns (GR1). The spacing (d1) in the second direction (DR2) between the plurality of first patterns (GR1) may be substantially the same as the width in the second direction (DR2) of the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) disposed between the plurality of first patterns (GR1).

[0137] As described above, a plurality of first patterns (GR1) and a plurality of second patterns (GR2) can serve to induce the two ends of a plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) to be placed on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), respectively, during the process of aligning the light-emitting elements (EDs) by forming a plurality of intaglio patterns on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). In order to prevent the phenomenon of clustering of the plurality of light-emitting elements (EDs) and the phenomenon of eccentricity in which they are placed biased toward the first electrode (210) or the second electrode (220) that may occur during the alignment process of the light-emitting elements (EDs), it is desirable to establish an appropriate placement relationship between the first pattern (GR1), the second pattern (GR2), and the light-emitting elements (EDs). In one embodiment, each light-emitting element (ED) may be placed to correspond one-to-one with each first pattern (GR1) and each second pattern (GR2).

[0138] In order for both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) to be placed on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), respectively, the size of each alignment area induced by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) needs to be larger than the size of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0139] Specifically, the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) may be larger than the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED). Additionally, the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) may be larger than the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED). The width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) may be measured as the distance between the first sidewall (GR1_SS1) of the first pattern (GR1) and the second sidewall (GR1_SS2) of the first pattern (GR1), and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) may be measured as the distance between the first sidewall (GR2_SS1) of the second pattern (GR2) and the second sidewall (GR2_SS2) of the second pattern (GR2). Alternatively, the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) may be measured as the width of the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2), and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) may be measured as the width of the third sidewall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2). By forming the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) to be larger than the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED), both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) can be stably seated on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2).

[0140] Meanwhile, if the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) or the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) is excessively larger than the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED), a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) may be placed on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2). In this case, a clumping phenomenon may occur between the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED), causing a defect in the contact relationship with other members. Therefore, in order to arrange each light-emitting element (ED) in a one-to-one correspondence with the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) may each have a range of four times or less the diameter (W_ED) of the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED). That is, the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) can be formed to be larger than the diameter (W_ED) of the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED), but having a range of four times or less of the diameter (W_ED) of the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED).

[0141] The width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) may be the same as shown in the drawing. A plurality of first patterns (GR1) and a plurality of second patterns (GR2) can be formed by etching a part of the first electrode (210) and a part of the second electrode (220) using the same mask process after the process of forming the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), thereby forming a plurality of first patterns (GR1) and second patterns (GR2) having the same width in the second direction (DR2). Meanwhile, in the drawings, the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) are shown as being the same, but are not limited thereto. Depending on the case, the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) may be different from each other. However, even in this case, by forming the width (Wy1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the second direction (DR2) and the width (Wy2) of the second pattern (GR2) in the second direction (DR2) larger than the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED), it is possible to induce the two ends of the plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) to be stably seated on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), respectively.

[0142] In addition, for both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) to be placed on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), respectively, the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area induced by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) needs to be greater than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0143] Specifically, the separation distance (W3) of the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) in the first direction (DR1) may be smaller than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED). By arranging the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) such that the separation distance (W3) between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) is smaller than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED), both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) may be placed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), respectively. The separation distance (W3) between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) may be measured as the distance between one side (210SS) of the first electrode (210) and one side (220SS) of the second electrode (220) facing each other.

[0144] The width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), where both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) are placed, may be greater than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED). Specifically, the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) may be measured as the distance (d3) between the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) and the third sidewall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2). As described above, the third side wall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) and the third side wall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) may be spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction (DR1), and the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) can be measured as the distance between the third side wall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) and the third side wall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2) that are spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction (DR1).

[0145] Additionally, the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) may be equal to the sum of the width (Wx1) of the first direction (DR1) of the first pattern (GR1), the width (Wx2) of the first direction (DR1) of the second pattern (GR2), and the separation distance (W3) between the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). The width (Wx1) of the first direction (DR1) of the first pattern (GR1) may be measured as the width (Wx1) of the first direction (DR1) of the first sidewall (GR1_SS1) of the first pattern (GR1), and the width (Wx2) of the first direction (DR1) of the second pattern (GR2) may be measured as the width (Wx1) of the first direction (DR1) of the first sidewall (GR2_SS1) of the second pattern (GR2).

[0146] By forming the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) to be larger than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED), both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) can be stably positioned on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), respectively.

[0147] Meanwhile, if the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) is excessively larger than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED), the light-emitting element (ED) may be positioned eccentrically or offset toward the first electrode (210) or the second electrode (220) during the alignment process of the light-emitting element (ED). In this case, at least one end of the light-emitting element (ED) may not be positioned on the first electrode (210) or the second electrode (220), or may not be in contact with the contact electrode (710, 720), and thus may not receive an electrical signal. Accordingly, in order for both ends of a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED) to be placed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220), respectively, the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) may have a range of less than or equal to twice the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED). That is, the width (d3) of the first direction (DR1) of the virtual alignment area partitioned by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) may be formed to be greater than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED), but less than or equal to twice the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0148] Accordingly, the width (Wx1) of the first direction (DR1) of the first pattern (GR1) is smaller than the width (W_210) of the first direction (DR1) of the first electrode (210), and the width (Wx2) of the first direction (DR1) of the second pattern (GR2) is smaller than the width (W_220) of the first direction (DR1) of the second electrode (220).

[0149] The width (Wx1) of the first pattern (GR1) in the first direction (DR1) and the width (Wx2) of the second pattern (GR2) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1) in the first direction (DR1) may be the same, but are not limited thereto.

[0150] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting element according to one embodiment.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 8, the light-emitting element (ED) is a particle-shaped element and may have a rod or cylindrical shape having a predetermined aspect ratio. The length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED) is greater than the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED), and the aspect ratio may be 6:5 to 100:1, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The light-emitting element (ED) may have a size ranging from a nanometer scale (1 nm or more and less than 1 µm) to a micrometer scale (1 µm or more and less than 1 mm). In one embodiment, the light-emitting element (ED) may have both a diameter (W_ED) and a length (h) of a nanometer scale or both of micrometer scales. In some other embodiments, the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED) may have a nanometer scale, while the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED) may have a micrometer scale. In some embodiments, some light-emitting elements (ED) may have a diameter (W_ED) and / or a length (h) of a nanometer scale, while others may have a diameter (W_ED) and / or a length (h) of a micrometer scale.

[0153] In one embodiment, the light-emitting element (ED) may be an inorganic light-emitting diode. The inorganic light-emitting diode may include a plurality of semiconductor layers. For example, the inorganic light-emitting diode may include a first conductivity type (e.g., n-type) semiconductor layer, a second conductivity type (e.g., p-type) semiconductor layer, and an active semiconductor layer interposed between them. The active semiconductor layer receives holes and electrons from the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, respectively, and the holes and electrons reaching the active semiconductor layer may combine with each other to emit light.

[0154] In one embodiment, the semiconductor layers described above may be sequentially stacked along the length direction of the light-emitting element (ED). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the light-emitting element (ED) may include a first semiconductor layer (31), a device active layer (33), and a second semiconductor layer (32) sequentially stacked along the length direction. The first semiconductor layer (31), the device active layer (33), and the second semiconductor layer (32) may each be the first conductivity type semiconductor layer, the active semiconductor layer, and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer described above.

[0155] The first semiconductor layer (31) may be doped with a first conductivity type dopant. The first conductivity type dopant may be Si, Ge, Sn, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (31) may be n-GaN doped with n-type Si.

[0156] The second semiconductor layer (32) may be spaced apart from the first semiconductor layer (31) with the device active layer (33) in between. The second semiconductor layer (32) may be doped with a second conductivity type dopant such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Se, Ba, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the second semiconductor layer (32) may be p-GaN doped with p-type Mg.

[0157] The device active layer (33) may include a material having a single or multiple quantum well structure. As described above, the device active layer (33) may emit light by the coupling of electron-hole pairs according to an electric signal applied through the first semiconductor layer (31) and the second semiconductor layer (32).

[0158] In some embodiments, the device active layer (33) may have a structure in which semiconductor materials with a large band gap energy and semiconductor materials with a small band gap energy are alternately stacked, and may include different group 3 to group 5 semiconductor materials depending on the wavelength of the light emitted.

[0159] The light emitted from the device active layer (33) can be emitted not only on the outer surface in the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting element (ED), but also on both sides. That is, the light emitted from the device active layer (33) is not limited to a single direction of emission.

[0160] The light-emitting element (ED) may further include a device electrode layer (37) disposed on the second semiconductor layer (32). The device electrode layer (37) may be in contact with the second semiconductor layer (32). The device electrode layer (37) may be an ohmic contact electrode, but is not limited thereto, and may be a Schottky contact electrode.

[0161] The device electrode layer (37) can be positioned between the second semiconductor layer (32) and the electrode to reduce resistance when the contact electrodes (710, 720) are electrically connected to both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) to apply an electrical signal to the first semiconductor layer (31) and the second semiconductor layer (32). The device electrode layer (37) may include at least one of aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), indium (In), gold (Au), silver (Ag), ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), and ITZO (Indium Tin-Zinc Oxide). The device electrode layer (37) may also include an n-type or p-type doped semiconductor material.

[0162] The light-emitting element (ED) may further include a device insulating film (38) that surrounds the outer surface of the first semiconductor layer (31), the second semiconductor layer (32), the device active layer (33), and / or the device electrode layer (37). The device insulating film (38) is arranged to surround at least the outer surface of the device active layer (33) and may extend in one direction in which the light-emitting element (ED) extends. The device insulating film (38) can perform the function of protecting the above components. The device insulating film (38) is made of materials having insulating properties and can prevent an electrical short circuit that may occur when the device active layer (33) comes into direct contact with the electrode through which an electrical signal is transmitted to the light-emitting element (ED). In addition, since the device insulating film (38) protects the outer surface of the first and second semiconductor layers (31, 32), including the device active layer (33), it can prevent a decrease in light-emitting efficiency.

[0163] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IIIa-IIIa' of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IIIb-IIIb' of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IIIc-IIIc' of FIG. 7.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the first electrode (210) may include a step formed by the first pattern (GR1) in the area where the first pattern (GR1) is formed. The first electrode (210) may have a first thickness (t1) in the area where the first pattern (GR1) is not formed, and may have a second thickness (t2) smaller than the first thickness (t1) in the area where the first pattern (GR1) is formed. The first thickness (t1) of the first electrode (210) may be equal to the sum of the second thickness (t2) of the first electrode (210) and the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1).

[0165] The thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1) recessed from the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) may be smaller than the thickness (t1) of the first electrode (210) in the area where the first pattern (GR1) is not formed. That is, the first pattern (GR1) may be formed to be recessed from the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) but not to penetrate the first electrode (210). The thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1) may be measured as the thickness from the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) to the lower surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1).

[0166] Hereinafter, since the cross-sectional shape of the second electrode (220) is generally similar to the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode (210), the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode (210) will be described mainly, and the cross-sectional shape of the second electrode (220) will be replaced by the description of the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode (210).

[0167] The first insulating layer (510) may be disposed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). The first insulating layer (510) may have a surface shape that reflects the step difference at the bottom.

[0168] Specifically, the first insulating layer (510) disposed on the first electrode (210) including the step formed by the first pattern (GR1) may include a first step structure (GR3) formed by the first pattern (GR1) and a second step structure (GR4) formed by one side (210SS2, 220SS2) of the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220). The first step structure (GR3) is composed of a third side wall (GR1_SS3) and a bottom surface (GR1_BS) of the first pattern (GR1), and the second step structure (GR4) may be composed of a side (210SS2) of the first electrode (210) where the first pattern (GR1) is formed, a side (220SS2) of the second electrode (220), and one surface of the via layer (164). Due to the above step, the light-emitting element (ED) can be induced to be aligned with the first step structure (GR3). The width (d4) of the first direction (DR1) of the first step structure (GR3) may be greater than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED) and smaller than the spacing distance (d3) between the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) and the third sidewall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2).

[0169] The first insulating layer (510) disposed on the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) that are not formed by the first pattern (GR1) may include a third step structure (GR5) composed of one side (210SS1, 220SS1) of the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) and a via layer (165).

[0170] The light-emitting element (ED) can be arranged so that its extension direction is parallel to the upper surface of the substrate (SUB). A plurality of semiconductor layers included in the light-emitting element (ED) can be arranged sequentially along a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate (SUB). For example, the first semiconductor layer (31), the device active layer (33), and the second semiconductor layer (32) of the light-emitting element (ED) can be arranged sequentially so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the substrate (SUB).

[0171] Specifically, the light-emitting element (ED) may have a first semiconductor layer (31), an active element layer (33), a second semiconductor layer (32), and an electrode layer (37) formed sequentially in a direction horizontal to the upper surface of the substrate (SUB1) across both ends.

[0172] A light-emitting element (ED) may be placed on a first insulating layer (510) such that one end is located on the bottom surface (GR1_BS) of a first pattern (GR1) and the other end is located on the bottom surface (GR2_BS) of a second pattern (GR2). The light-emitting element (ED) may be aligned such that both ends are located on the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2) by a first step structure (GR3) of the first insulating layer (510) formed by a plurality of first patterns (GR1) and a plurality of second patterns (GR2).

[0173] The diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED) may be larger than the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1). Additionally, the thickness (t4) of the first insulating layer (510) may be smaller than the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1). As the diameter (W_ED) of the light-emitting element (ED) is larger than the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1) and the thickness (t4) of the first insulating layer (510) is smaller than the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1), at least a portion of the light-emitting element (ED) may be spaced apart from the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1). Accordingly, light emitted from one end of the light-emitting element (ED) may be incident on and reflected by the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1).

[0174] A second and third insulating layer (520, 530) may be disposed on the light-emitting element (ED). The second and third insulating layer (520, 530) may be disposed to surround the outer surface of the light-emitting element (ED). The second and third insulating layer (520, 530) may be disposed to surround the outer surface of the light-emitting element (ED) in the area where the light-emitting element (ED) is disposed, and may be disposed on the first insulating layer (510) in the area where the light-emitting element (ED) is not disposed. In the area where the light-emitting element (ED) is disposed, the spaced-apart area between the second step structure (GR4) of the first insulating layer (510) and the light-emitting element (ED) may be filled with a material containing the second insulating layer (520). In the area where the light-emitting element (ED) is not disposed, the second and third insulating layer (520, 530) may be disposed within the third step structure (GR6).

[0175] The first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720) may be placed on the second and third insulating layers (520, 530). The first contact electrode (710) and the second contact electrode (720) may each be placed at both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) and may be placed to surround not only the end surfaces of the light-emitting element (ED) but also the outer surfaces of both ends of the light-emitting element (ED). The first and second contact electrodes (710) may also be placed on the bottom and side surfaces of the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2), respectively.

[0176] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another example cut along the line IIIa-IIIa' of FIG. 7.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 12, the difference from the embodiment of FIG. 9 is that the thickness (t4) of the first insulating layer (510_1) is formed to be the same as the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1). As the thickness (t4) of the first insulating layer (510_1) is formed to be the same as the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1), the two ends of the light-emitting element (ED) may not be spaced apart from the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1) and the third sidewall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2). However, even in this case, the first insulating layer (510_2) may include a step structure (GR3) that reflects the lower step of the first electrode (210) and the second electrode (220) formed by the first pattern (GR1) and the second pattern (GR2). Accordingly, the light-emitting element (ED) can have both ends disposed on the first and second patterns (GR1, GR2) respectively by the step structure (GR3) of the first insulating layer (510).

[0178] FIG. 13 is a partial plan view showing the relative planar arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element placed in a light-emitting area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 13, the width (Wx1) in the first direction (DR1) of the first pattern (GR1_1) and the width (Wx2) in the first direction (DR1) of the second pattern (GR2_1) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1_1) are different from each other, which is a difference from the embodiment of FIG. 7. However, even in this case, the width (Wy1) in the second direction (DR2) of the first pattern (GR1_1) and the width (Wy2) in the second direction (DR2) of the second pattern (GR2_1) are the same, and the distance (d3) between the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1_1) and the third sidewall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2_1) can be formed to be larger than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED). Accordingly, even though the width (Wx1) in the first direction (DR1) of the first pattern (GR1_1) and the width (Wx2) in the first direction (DR1) of the second pattern (GR2_1) corresponding to the first pattern (GR1_1) are different from each other, the separation distance (d3) between the third sidewall (GR1_SS3) of the first pattern (GR1_1) and the third sidewall (GR2_SS3) of the second pattern (GR2_1) is formed to be larger than the length (h) of the light-emitting element (ED), thereby enabling the first pattern (GR1_1) and the second pattern (GR2_1) to induce both ends of the light-emitting element (ED) to be stably seated on the first pattern (GR1_1) and the second pattern (GR2_1), respectively.

[0180] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing one pixel of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partial plan view showing the relative planar arrangement of a first electrode, a second electrode, a first pattern, a second pattern, and a light-emitting element disposed in a light-emitting region of the display device of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IVa-IVa' of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example cut along the line IVb-IVb' of FIG. 15.

[0181] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the difference from the embodiment of FIG. 2 is that one pixel (PX_1) of the display device (10) according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED_1) including a first light-emitting element (ED1) and a second light-emitting element (ED2).

[0182] Specifically, a plurality of light-emitting elements (ED_1) may include a plurality of first light-emitting elements (ED1) and a plurality of second light-emitting elements (ED2). The plurality of first light-emitting elements (ED1) may be light-emitting elements in which both ends are disposed on a first pattern (GR1) and a second pattern (GR2), respectively, and the plurality of second light-emitting elements (ED2) may be light-emitting elements in which both ends are disposed on the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) and the upper surface (220US) of the second electrode (220). The first light-emitting element (ED1) may be a light-emitting element corresponding to the light-emitting element (ED) described above. Accordingly, the second light-emitting element (ED2) will be described below.

[0183] The second light-emitting element (ED2) may have both ends disposed on the upper surface (210US) of the first electrode (210) and the upper surface (220US) of the second electrode (220), respectively. Since the thickness (t1) of the first electrode (210) on which the second light-emitting element (ED2) is disposed is thicker than the thickness (t2) of the second electrode (210) on which the first pattern (GR1) is formed, the second light-emitting element (ED2) may be disposed at a higher level compared to the first light-emitting element (ED1). The height difference between the first light-emitting element (ED) and the second light-emitting element (ED) may be equal to the thickness (t3) of the first pattern (GR1).

[0184] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0185] 10: Display device 210: First electrode 220: Second electrode GR1: Pattern 1 GR2: Pattern 2

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on one surface of the substrate; a second electrode disposed on one surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the first electrode in a first direction; and a plurality of light-emitting elements extending in one direction, each having both ends disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, wherein the first electrode includes a plurality of first patterns recessed from one side of the first electrode facing the second electrode and the upper surface of the first electrode, and the second electrode includes a plurality of second patterns recessed from one side of the second electrode facing the first electrode and the upper surface of the second electrode, and the first electrode includes a first portion overlapping with the light-emitting element along a direction perpendicular to one surface of the substrate and a second portion overlapping with the light-emitting element along the first direction, and the first portion of the first electrode and the second portion of the first electrode are integrally formed. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the plurality of first patterns are spaced apart from each other along the second direction, the second electrode extends in the second direction, and the plurality of second patterns are spaced apart from each other along the second direction. Claim 3 In claim 2, the plurality of first patterns are arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of second patterns, and the first patterns and the second patterns corresponding to each other are a display device facing each other in the first direction. Claim 4 In claim 3, the diameter of the light-emitting element is smaller than the width of the second direction of the first pattern and the width of the second direction of the second pattern. Claim 5 In claim 4, a display device in which the width of the second direction of the first pattern is the same as the width of the second direction of the second pattern corresponding to the first pattern. Claim 6 A display device according to claim 3, wherein the spacing between the plurality of first patterns adjacent in the second direction is equal to each other, and the spacing between the plurality of second patterns adjacent in the second direction is equal to each other. Claim 7 In claim 6, the spacing between the plurality of first patterns and the spacing between the plurality of second patterns are the same as each other in the display device. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 2, wherein the width of the first direction of the first pattern is smaller than the width of the first direction of the first electrode, and the width of the first direction of the second pattern is smaller than the width of the first direction of the second electrode. Claim 9 In claim 1, the first pattern is defined by an upper surface of the first electrode and a side wall extending from one side of the first electrode, and a bottom surface extending from one side of the first electrode and connected to the side wall of the first pattern, and the second pattern is defined by an upper surface of the second electrode and a side wall extending from one side of the second electrode, and a bottom surface extending from one side of the second electrode and connected to the side wall of the second pattern, wherein the side wall of the first pattern and the side wall of the second pattern are opposite each other in the first direction. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 9, wherein the side wall of the first pattern is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the first pattern, and the side wall of the second pattern is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the second pattern. Claim 11 In claim 9, the sidewall of the first pattern comprises a first sidewall extending from the upper surface of the first electrode and one side of the first electrode, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the upper surface of the first electrode and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the sidewall of the second pattern comprises a first sidewall extending from the upper surface of the second electrode and one side of the second electrode, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the upper surface of the second electrode and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the third sidewall of the first pattern and the third sidewall of the second pattern are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 11, wherein the spacing between the third sidewall of the first pattern and the third sidewall of the second pattern is greater than the length in one direction of the light-emitting element. Claim 13 A display device according to claim 11, wherein the spacing distance between the first sidewall of the first pattern and the second sidewall of the first pattern is greater than the diameter of the light-emitting element, and the spacing distance between the first sidewall of the second pattern and the second sidewall of the second pattern is greater than the diameter of the light-emitting element. Claim 14 In claim 9, the light-emitting element is a display device in which one end is disposed on the bottom surface of the first pattern and the other end is disposed on the bottom surface of the second pattern. Claim 15 In claim 9, the display device further comprises a first insulating layer disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the light-emitting element is disposed on the first insulating layer. Claim 16 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first pattern is smaller than the thickness of the first electrode, and the thickness of the second pattern is smaller than the thickness of the second electrode. Claim 17 In claim 16, the thickness of the first pattern and the thickness of the second pattern are smaller than the diameter of the light-emitting element in the display device. Claim 18 In claim 1, the light-emitting element is a display device comprising a first light-emitting element having both ends disposed on the first pattern and the second pattern, respectively. Claim 19 In claim 18, the first light-emitting element is a display device arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first pattern and the second pattern. Claim 20 In claim 18, the display device further comprises a second light-emitting element, wherein both ends of the light-emitting element are disposed on the upper surface of the first electrode and the upper surface of the second electrode, respectively.

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