KR100561647B1 - Method of Fabricating Liquid Crystal Display Panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel which can prevent spacer formation and can form a spacer at a desired position.

The present invention includes forming a black matrix and a color filter on a substrate; Forming a planarization layer on the black matrix and the color filter; Contacting the mold having a groove with the planarization layer to partially surface-treat the surface of the planarization layer; And forming a spacer by injecting a spacer material into any one of the surface treatment region and the remaining regions other than the surface treatment region.

Description

Manufacturing method of liquid crystal display panel {Method of Fabricating Liquid Crystal Display Panel}

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel of a conventional IPS mode.

2A through 2E are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a top plate of the liquid crystal display panel illustrated in FIG. 1.

3 is a view showing a hydrophobization treatment of a conventional planarization layer.

4A to 4E illustrate a method of manufacturing an upper substrate of a liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

5A to 5D illustrate a method of manufacturing an upper substrate of a liquid crystal display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a view showing the exact position of the spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

         <Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

2,102: upper substrate 4,104: black matrix

6,106: color filter 32: lower substrate

12,52: alignment layer 80,180: inkjet jetting apparatus

90 mold

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel which can prevent spacer formation defects and can form a spacer at a desired position.

In general, a liquid crystal display (LCD) displays an image corresponding to a video signal on a liquid crystal display panel in which liquid crystal cells are arranged in a matrix form by adjusting light transmittance of liquid crystal cells according to a video signal. To this end, the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel in which liquid crystal cells are arranged in an active matrix form, and driving circuits for driving the liquid crystal display panel.

The liquid crystal display is roughly classified into a twisted nematic (TN) mode using a vertical electric field and an in plan switch (IPS) mode using a horizontal electric field according to the electric field driving the liquid crystal.

The TN mode is a mode in which a liquid crystal is driven by a vertical electric field between a pixel electrode and a common electrode disposed to face the upper substrate. The TN mode has a large aperture ratio and a narrow viewing angle. The IPS mode is a mode in which a liquid crystal is driven by a horizontal electric field between a pixel electrode and a common electrode disposed side by side on a lower substrate, and has a large viewing angle, but a small aperture ratio.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel of a conventional IPS mode.

Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display panel in an IPS mode includes a black matrix 4 and a color filter sequentially formed on an upper substrate 2 having a transparent electrode material (not shown) to prevent static electricity or the like on the back side thereof. (6), the color filter array substrate consisting of the planarization layer 8, the spacer 13, and the upper alignment layer 12, the thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as "TFT") formed on the lower substrate 32, and the common electrode 10, a thin film transistor array substrate composed of a pixel electrode 56 and a lower alignment layer 52, and a liquid crystal (not shown) injected into an internal space between the color filter array substrate and the thin film transistor array substrate.

In the color filter array substrate, the black matrix 4 is formed to overlap the TFT region of the lower substrate 32 with the gate line and data line regions (not shown) and partitions the cell region where the color filter 6 is to be formed. do. The black matrix 4 prevents light leakage and absorbs external light to increase contrast. The color filter 6 is formed over the cell region separated by the black matrix 4 and the black matrix 4. The color filter 6 is formed for each of R, G, and B to implement R, G, and B colors. The planarization layer 8 is formed to cover the color filter 6 to planarize the upper substrate 2. The spacer 13 serves to maintain a cell gap between the upper substrate 2 and the lower substrate 32.

In the thin film transistor array substrate, the TFT overlaps the gate electrode 38 formed on the lower substrate 32 together with the gate line (not shown), with the gate electrode 38 and the gate insulating film 34 interposed therebetween. Semiconductor layers 92 and 93 and source / drain electrodes 46 and 48 formed together with data lines (not shown) with the semiconductor layers 92 and 93 interposed therebetween. This TFT supplies the pixel signal from the data line to the pixel electrode 56 in response to the scan signal from the gate line. The pixel electrode 56 is a transparent conductive material having a high light transmittance and is in contact with the drain electrode 48 of the TFT with the protective film 50 therebetween. The common electrode 10 is formed in a stripe shape so as to alternate with the pixel electrode 56. The common electrode 10 is supplied with a common voltage which is a reference when driving the liquid crystal. The liquid crystal rotates with respect to the horizontal direction by the horizontal electric field between the common voltage and the pixel voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 56.

The upper and lower alignment layers 12 and 52 for liquid crystal alignment are formed by applying an alignment material such as polyimide and then performing a rubbing process.

2A through 2E are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing an upper substrate in the conventional IPS mode.

After the opaque material, for example, chromium (Cr) is deposited on the upper substrate 2, the opaque material is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask, thereby forming a black matrix 4 as shown in FIG. 2A. Is formed.

After the red resin is deposited on the upper substrate 2 on which the black matrix 4 is formed, the red resin is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask to form a red color filter R. After the green resin is deposited on the upper substrate 2 on which the red color filter R is formed, the green resin G is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask to form the green color filter G. . After the blue resin is deposited on the upper substrate 2 on which the green color filter G is formed, the blue resin is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask, and thus the blue color filter B is illustrated in FIG. 2B. ) Is formed.

The planarization layer 8 is formed as shown in FIG. 2C by depositing the planarization material on the upper substrate 2 on which the red, green, and blue color filters 6 are formed.

Subsequently, on the upper substrate 2 on which the planarization layer 8 is formed to overlap with the formation position of the black matrix 4, as shown in FIG. 2D, the ink jet ejection apparatus 80 is aligned, and then the ink jet ejection apparatus 80 is formed. The spacer material 13a is sprayed onto the planarization layer 8 using. Here, an organic material is used as the spacer material 13a. The spacer 13 formed by using the inkjet injection apparatus 80 is exposed to ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 59 or is fired by heat by a predetermined width (W) and height (H) as shown in FIG. 2E. )

On the other hand, the spacer 13 formed by the inkjet method is subjected to gravity while falling to the planarization layer 8 in a state of low viscosity. Accordingly, the spacer 13, which should be formed to overlap with the black matrix 4, is spread widely when it is seated on the planarization layer 8. As a result, since the spacer 13 is formed in the display area not overlapping with the black matrix 4, a problem that the spacer 13 is not formed at a desired position frequently occurs. In order to prevent such a problem, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire surface of the planarization layer is surface-treated using CF4 plasma to form a hydrophobized surface state so that the spacer does not spread widely when it is seated on the planarization layer 8.

However, as the planarization layer 8 is surface-treated as described above, the spacer material 113a can be prevented from spreading, but the contact area between the spacer material 13 and the planarization layer 8 becomes narrow and the planarization layer 8 The adhesion force to the planarization layer 8 of the spacer 13 is weakened by the difference in the interfacial energy with the spacer material 13 generated due to the nonuniformity of the hydrophobized surface of the () phase. As a result, a problem arises in that the spacer 13 is separated from the planarization layer 8 by a cleaning process, a rubbing process for liquid crystal array, or a small impact that may be applied to the liquid crystal panel.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel which can prevent spacer formation defects and can form a spacer at a desired position.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of forming a black matrix and a color filter on a substrate; Forming a planarization layer on the black matrix and the color filter; Contacting the mold having a groove with the planarization layer to partially surface-treat the surface of the planarization layer; And forming a spacer by injecting a spacer material into any one of the surface treatment region and the remaining regions other than the surface treatment region.
The groove of the mold is characterized in that it corresponds to the remaining area except the surface treatment area.
In the planarization layer, the surface treated region is a hydrophobic region, and the remaining region except for the surface treatment region is a hydrophilic region.
The spacer is formed in the hydrophilic region.
The mold is characterized in that it comprises poly dimethylsiloxane.
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention includes forming a black matrix and a color filter on a substrate; Forming a planarization layer on the black matrix and the color filter; Contacting the mold with the planarization layer to first surface treat the entire surface of the planarization layer; Second surface treating a predetermined area on the first surface-treated planarization layer using a mask; Spraying a spacer material on the second surface treatment region of the planarization layer to form a spacer.
The first surface-treated region of the planarization layer is a hydrophobic region, and the second surface-treated region is surface-treated with a hydrophilic region.
The spacer is formed in the hydrophilic region.
The second surface treatment is characterized by using at least one of oxygen plasma, ultraviolet light and ozone.
The mold is characterized in that it comprises poly dimethylsiloxane.

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Other objects and features of the present invention in addition to the above objects will become apparent from the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

4A through 4E are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

After the opaque material, for example, chromium (Cr) is deposited on the upper substrate 102, the opaque material is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask, thereby forming a black matrix 104 as shown in FIG. 4A. Is formed.

After the red resin is deposited on the upper substrate 102 on which the black matrix 104 is formed, the red resin is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask to form a red color filter R. After the green resin is deposited on the upper substrate 102 on which the red color filter R is formed, the green color filter G is formed by patterning the green resin G by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask. . After the blue resin is deposited on the upper substrate 102 on which the green color filter G is formed, the blue resin is patterned by a photolithography process and an etching process using a mask, so that the blue color filter B is illustrated in FIG. 4B. ) Is formed.

The planarization layer 108 is formed as shown in FIG. 4C by depositing the planarization material on the upper substrate 102 on which the red, green, and blue color filters 106 are formed.

Subsequently, the mold 90 having the groove 90a as shown in FIG. 4D is brought into contact with the planarization layer 108 to surface the surface of the planarization layer 8 into a hydrophobic region A and a hydrophilic region B. FIG. Process. Here, the mold 90 is manufactured by a separate process as a thermosetting material containing a poly dimethyl siloxane (Poly-dimethyl Siloxane: hereinafter referred to as "PDMS") proposed in the patent application No. 2003-0046760 .

Specifically, when the mold 90 including the PDMS is pressed against the planarization layer 108, the region in contact with the mold 90 is separated from the -OH group of the terminal group on the surface thereof to be changed to the minority region (A). That is, the minority area A of the planarization layer 108 is an area in contact with the mold 90, and the hydrophilic area B of the planarization layer 108 is an area corresponding to the groove 90a of the mold 90. to be. As a result, the planarization layer 108 is divided into a minority region A and a hydrophilic region B. FIG.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4E, the inkjet ejection apparatus 180 is aligned on the upper substrate 102 on which the planarization layer 108 is formed to overlap with the formation position of the black matrix 104, and then the inkjet ejection apparatus 180. The spacer material 113a is sprayed onto the hydrophilic region B on the planarization layer 108 by using a s) and then fired to form a spacer 113 having a predetermined width and height. Herein, the spacer 113 is formed in the hydrophilic region B having a uniform surface, thereby improving adhesion to the planarization layer 108. In other words, the spacer 113 is formed in the hydrophilic region B whose surface is uniform compared to the hydrophobic region A where the surface is uneven, so that the spacer 113 is separated from the flattening layer even in the cleaning process, the rubbing process and the impact applied to the panel. Will not be. In addition, the spacer material 113a is sprayed onto the hydrophilic region B and does not spread to other hydrophobic regions A so that the spacer 113 having a desired shape can be formed at a desired position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the formation of the spacer 113 and to easily form the spacer 113 at a desired position.

5A through 5D are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

On the upper substrate 102 on which the black matrix 104, the color filter 106, and the planarization layer 108 are formed, as shown in FIG. 5A, the front surface of the planarization layer 108 is removed using a CF4 plasma. Surface treatment with Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the mold 90 including the PDMS is brought into contact with the planarization layer 108 to surface-treat the entire surface of the planarization layer 108 into the minority region A. FIG. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the mask 100 having the transmissive part 100a and the blocking part 100b is aligned on the planarization layer 108 in which the entire surface is hydrophobic. Subsequently, at least one of oxygen (O ₂ ) plasma, ultraviolet (UV), and ozone (O ₃ ) may be formed in the region where the spacer 113 on the planarization layer 108 is to be formed through the transmission part 100a of the mask 100. Surface treatment is performed to the hydrophilic region (B).

Subsequently, the inkjet jetting apparatus 180 is aligned on the upper substrate 102 on which the planarization layer 108 is formed to overlap the formation position of the black matrix 104, as shown in FIG. 5D. The spacer material 113a is sprayed onto the hydrophilic region B of the planarization layer 108 by using the. Here, an organic material is used as the spacer material 113a. The spacer 113 formed by using the inkjet injection apparatus 180 may have a predetermined width and height through exposure to ultraviolet rays emitted from a light source or through a baking process by heat.

In this case, the spacer 113 is formed in the hydrophilic region B having a uniform surface, thereby improving adhesion to the planarization layer 8. That is, since the spacer 113 is formed in the hydrophilic region B having a uniform surface compared to the minority region A having a nonuniform surface, the planarization layer 108 is subjected to the cleaning process, the rubbing process, and the impact applied to the panel. Will not be separated from. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the spacer material 113a is sprayed onto the hydrophilic region B and does not spread to other hydrophobic regions A so as to form a spacer 113 of a desired shape at a desired position. It becomes possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent the formation of the spacer and to easily form the spacer 113 at a desired position.

As described above, in the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention, the surface of the planarization layer 108 is surface-treated to be divided into the hydrophobic region (A) and the hydrophilic region (B) using the mold 90 including PDMS. Subsequently, the surface 113 is satisfactory and the spacer 113 is formed in the uniform hydrophilic region (B). Accordingly, the spacer 113 is not separated from the planarization layer 108 even when the adhesive force with the planarization layer 108 is improved, even in the cleaning process, the rubbing process, and the impact applied to the panel. In addition, the spacer material 113a is sprayed onto the hydrophilic region B and does not spread to other hydrophobic regions A so that the spacer 113 having a desired shape can be formed at a desired position. As a result, defects such as separation of the spacer 113 from the planarization layer 108 can be prevented and the spacer 113 can be easily formed at a desired position.

As such, a method of forming a spacer by surface-treating the planarization layer using a mold including PDMS includes liquid crystals of not only an in-plane-switching (IPS) mode but also a twisted nematic (TN) mode and a vertical alignment (VA) mode. It can also be easily applied to the display panel.

As described above, in the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the planarization layer is treated with a hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region by using a mold including PDMS, and the hydrophilic region having a good surface state. Form a spacer. Accordingly, a defect in which the spacer is separated from the planarization layer by the cleaning and rubbing process is prevented, and the spacer material is sprayed into the hydrophilic region and the surface state is not spread to other hydrophobic regions, thereby forming a spacer having a desired shape at a desired position. Will be.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification but should be defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

Forming a black matrix and a color filter on the substrate; Forming a planarization layer on the black matrix and the color filter; Contacting the mold having a groove with the planarization layer to partially surface-treat the surface of the planarization layer; And forming a spacer by injecting a spacer material into any one of the surface treatment region and the remaining regions other than the surface treatment region. The method of claim 1, And the groove of the mold corresponds to the remaining area except for the surface treatment area. The method of claim 1, And the surface treated region of the planarization layer is a hydrophobic region, and the remaining region except for the surface treatment region is a hydrophilic region. The method of claim 3, wherein And said spacers are formed in said hydrophilic region. The method of claim 1, The mold is a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel, characterized in that the poly dimethyl siloxane. Forming a black matrix and a color filter on the substrate; Forming a planarization layer on the black matrix and the color filter; Contacting the mold with the planarization layer to first surface treat the entire surface of the planarization layer; Second surface treating a predetermined area on the first surface-treated planarization layer using a mask; And forming a spacer by injecting a spacer material into the second surface treatment region of the planarization layer. The method of claim 6, And a region of the first surface treated in the planarization layer is a hydrophobic region, and a region of the second surface treated with a hydrophilic region. The method of claim 7, wherein And said spacers are formed in said hydrophilic region. The method of claim 6, And the second surface treatment uses at least one of oxygen plasma, ultraviolet light and ozone. The method of claim 6, The mold comprises a poly dimethyl siloxane, the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel.

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