KR102185319B1 - Liquid Crystal Display Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first substrate including a plurality of pixel regions defined by crossing data lines and gate lines; A thin film transistor formed in the plurality of pixel regions; A planarization layer formed to cover the thin film transistor; A first electrode and a second electrode formed on the first substrate to drive the liquid crystal layer; A first alignment layer formed on the first electrode and the second electrode; A black matrix formed on a second substrate and defining the plurality of pixels as a light blocking area and an opening area; A gap spacer and a pressing spacer formed on either the first substrate or the second substrate; And a plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers on either the first substrate or the second substrate so as to correspond to the gap spacer and the pressing spacer.

Description

Liquid Crystal Display Device {Liquid Crystal Display Device}

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/950/645 filed March 10, 2014, the provisional patent application incorporated herein by reference.

A liquid crystal display device (LCD) is suitable as a display device for TVs and portable devices because of its advantages in mass production technology, ease of driving means, low power consumption, and high definition. A liquid crystal display device displays an image according to an image signal by adjusting a transmittance of light passing through a liquid crystal layer of a pixel according to an image signal input from the outside.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a problem in that an alignment layer is damaged due to a flow of a column spacer and a misalignment occurs in a liquid crystal display device according to the related art.

Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display device according to the prior art includes a first substrate 10 (TFT array substrate), a second substrate 20 (color filter array substrate), and the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. ) And a liquid crystal layer (not shown) formed therebetween.

A plurality of pixels are defined by forming data lines and gate lines to cross each other on the first substrate 10, and a thin film transistor (not shown) as a switching element is formed in the plurality of pixels.

A planarization layer is formed to cover the thin film transistor. The planarization layer is formed of a photoacryl (PAC) material to have a thickness of 2.0 μm. A protective layer is formed on the planarization layer, and a first alignment layer 18 is formed on the protective layer. In FIG. 1, the pixel electrode and the common electrode formed in each pixel are not shown.

The second substrate 20 includes a plurality of black matrices 22, a plurality of red (R), green (G), blue (B) color filters, an overcoat layer, a plurality of column spacers 30, and a second alignment layer 28. ). The black matrix 22 is formed to correspond to the light blocking area, and the color filter is formed to correspond to the opening area.

A plurality of column spacers 30 are formed on the overcoat layer in a region corresponding to the black matrix 22. The plurality of column spacers 30 form a gap spacer that maintains a cell gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 and a pressing gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. It includes a pressing spacer to make it. A second alignment layer 28 is formed to cover the plurality of column spacers 30. 1 shows a gap spacer among a plurality of gap spacers and a plurality of pressing spacers.

When the screen is touched with a finger, pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display device to move the second substrate 20, and the column spacers 30 formed on the second substrate 20 also move. In addition, when the applied pressure disappears, the second substrate 20 moves to the left and returns to its original position, and the column spacer 30 formed on the second substrate 20 also moves to its original position.

Here, the first alignment layer 18 and the second alignment layer 28 are oriented in a predetermined direction. As the column spacer 30 moves, a region in contact with the first alignment layer 18 is displaced in the alignment direction. In addition, when an external force is strongly applied, the first alignment layer 18 is scratched while the column spacer 03 moves, and if damage occurs on the alignment layer, the alignment direction is changed.

2 is a diagram illustrating a light leakage defect due to scratching of an alignment layer.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the first alignment layer 18 is scratched and the alignment direction is changed, liquid crystal molecules are arranged in different directions, so that the transmittance of light is changed. At this time, there is a problem in that the area where the column spacer 30 moves and is in contact with the first alignment layer 18 so as to be scratched is not covered with the black matrix 22, and thus light leakage occurs like the “A” part.

In order to prevent light leakage defects, the area of the black matrix 22 is reduced to a region in which the first alignment layer 18 is misaligned due to the flow of the column spacer 30 and a region where damage may occur to the first alignment layer 18. Should be expanded. However, when the area of the black matrix 22 is expanded, the aperture ratio of the pixel is lowered. That is, although the area of the black matrix 22 can be increased to improve light leakage defects, another problem of lowering the aperture ratio of the pixels occurs.

In addition, since the areas of the black matrix in the portion where the spacers are formed and the black matrix in the portion where the spacers are not formed are designed to be asymmetric, there is another problem in that a difference in color sense occurs due to a difference in transmittance of pixels. In order to solve this problem, if the area of the entire black matrix is increased equally, the problem of color difference can be improved, but there is a problem in that the transmittance of all pixels decreases. In particular, the size of the pixels decreases as the high-resolution model increases, and if the area of the black matrix is expanded to prevent light leakage defects, there is a problem that the transmittance of the pixels rapidly decreases.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of preventing damage to an alignment layer due to flow of a column spacer.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of preventing the alignment direction of an alignment layer from being distorted due to the flow of column spacers.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of increasing an aperture ratio while preventing light leakage.

In addition to the technical problems of the present invention mentioned above, other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below or will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from such technology and description.

A liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first substrate including a plurality of pixel regions defined by crossing data lines and gate lines; A thin film transistor formed in the plurality of pixel regions; A planarization layer formed to cover the thin film transistor; A first electrode and a second electrode formed on the first substrate to drive the liquid crystal layer; A first alignment layer formed on the first electrode and the second electrode; A black matrix formed on a second substrate and defining the plurality of pixels as a light blocking area and an opening area; A gap spacer and a pressing spacer formed on either the first substrate or the second substrate; And a plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers on either the first substrate or the second substrate so as to correspond to the gap spacer and the pressing spacer.

In addition, other features and advantages of the present invention may be newly recognized through embodiments of the present invention.

The liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prevents the first alignment layer in the display area from contacting with the gap spacer and the pressing spacer to prevent the alignment direction of the first alignment layer from being misaligned, and prevents the first alignment layer from being scratched. can do.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, friction is increased while the pressing spacer is pressed by an external force and contacts the bump spacer, thereby reducing the flow of the gap spacer and the pressing spacer.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, by forming a bump spacer on the first substrate to correspond to the gap spacer and the pressing spacer formed on the second substrate, the alignment layer formed in the opening area even when the gap spacer and the pressing spacer flow by external force. It can prevent the occurrence of scratches.

The liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention prevents light leakage due to external force when touched, and prevents collapse of the gap spacer 310 by quickly contacting the pressed spacer 320 to the surface on which the bump spacer 170 is formed. can do. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the aperture ratio by preventing spots from occurring in the touched portion of the finger and improving a margin of a light-shielding area to reduce light leakage.

In addition to the features and effects of the present invention mentioned above, other features and effects of the present invention may be newly recognized through embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a problem in that an alignment layer is damaged due to a flow of a column spacer and an alignment is misaligned in a liquid crystal display device according to the related art.
2 is a diagram illustrating a light leakage defect due to scratching of an alignment layer.
3 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 and a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 shown in FIG. 3.
5 is a diagram illustrating that bump spacers are formed in a single layer structure of an inorganic layer or an organic layer.
6 is a diagram illustrating a bump spacer formed in a multilayer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers are stacked.
7 is a diagram illustrating a bump spacer formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers are stacked.
8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating a bump spacer formed in a multi-layer structure in which an inorganic layer and an organic layer are stacked.
10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference 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 will be implemented in various forms different from each other, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the scope of the invention to those who have it, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated matters. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When'include','have','consists of' and the like mentioned in the present specification are used, other parts may be added unless'only' is used. In the case of expressing the constituent elements in the singular, it includes the case of including the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

In interpreting the constituent elements, it is interpreted as including an error range even if there is no explicit description.

In describing the embodiments of the present invention, when it is described that a structure (electrode, line, wiring layer, contact) is formed "on top, on, under or under" another structure, such a base material is in contact with each other. It should be construed to include not only cases in which there is a case, but also cases in which a third structure is interposed between these structures.

In the case of a description of a temporal relationship, for example, when a temporal predecessor relationship is described as'after','following','after','before', etc.,'right' or'direct' It may also include cases that are not continuous unless this is used.

First, second, etc. are used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may be a second component within the technical idea of the present invention.

Each of the features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or entirely combined or combined with each other, technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and each of the embodiments can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in a related relationship. May be.

The present invention proposes a liquid crystal display device capable of preventing damage to an alignment layer due to flow of a column spacer. The present invention proposes a liquid crystal display device capable of preventing the alignment direction of an alignment layer from being changed due to the flow of column spacers. The present invention proposes a liquid crystal display device capable of increasing an aperture ratio.

3 is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 and a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, a backlight unit (not shown) and a driving circuit unit (not shown) supplying light to the liquid crystal panel are not shown. In FIG. 3, some of the plurality of pixels of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention are shown, and one of a plurality of gap spacers and a plurality of press spacers is shown.

3 and 4, the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate 100 (TFT array substrate), a second substrate 200 (color filter array substrate), and the first substrate ( 100) and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) formed between the second substrate 200.

The first substrate 100 is a TFT array substrate, and an aperture area through which light is transmitted to display an image and a shielding area through which light is not transmitted are formed on the first substrate 100.

A plurality of pixels are defined on the first substrate 100 by forming a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines to cross each other. In each pixel, a TFT 110 is formed as a switching element. The TFT 110 includes a gate electrode, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, and an active layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode becomes a channel of the TFT 110.

A planarization layer 120 is formed so as to cover the TFT 110. The planarization layer 120 is formed to a thickness of 2.0 to 3.0 μm by applying photo acrylic on the entire surface of the first substrate 100. The first substrate 100 is planarized with the planarization layer 120 to eliminate a step difference on the surface of the first substrate 100 due to the TFT 110.

A common electrode 130 for supplying a common voltage Vcom to a pixel is formed on the planarization layer 120. The common electrode 130 is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The common electrode 130 may be formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 100.

The protective layer 150 is formed to cover the common electrode 130. The protective layer 150 is formed of an inorganic layer of silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ) or silicon nitride (SiN _x ) material. In addition, the passivation layer 150 may be formed of an organic layer as an organic material as well as an inorganic material.

Although not shown in the drawing, a pixel electrode is formed on the protective film 150 in the opening region, and the pixel electrode is connected to the drain of the TFT 110.

A bump spacer 170 is formed on the passivation layer 150 in a region overlapping with the TFT 110. The bump spacer 170 is formed to a thickness of 1.0 ~ 2.0㎛. The bump spacer 170 may be formed in a circular planar structure or a bar-shaped planar structure.

Here, the plurality of bump spacers 170 formed in a bar shape are formed in the same direction as the gate line, and the plurality of bump spacers 170 are formed over the blue and red pixels.

A first alignment layer 160 is formed on the passivation layer 150 and the bump spacer 170. The first alignment layer 160 may be formed of polyimide (PI).

A step is formed on the surface of the first substrate 100 along the profile of the bump spacer 170. Column spacers are formed on the second substrate 200 to correspond to the bump spacers 170 on the first substrate 100.

5 is a diagram illustrating that bump spacers are formed in a single layer structure of an inorganic layer or an organic layer.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the bump spacer 170 may be formed of one inorganic layer using an inorganic material as a material.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the bump spacer 170 may be formed of one organic layer by using an organic material as a material.

6 is a diagram illustrating a bump spacer formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers are stacked.

Referring to FIG. 6, the bump spacer 170 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers 171a, 171b, and 171c are stacked. In this case, the material of the first inorganic layer 171a, the second inorganic layer 171b, and the third inorganic layer 171c may be the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the first inorganic layer 171a, the second inorganic layer 171b, and the third inorganic layer 171c may be different.

In addition, the first inorganic film 171a, the second inorganic film 171b, and the third inorganic film 171c may be formed to have the same thickness, and the first inorganic film 171a, the second inorganic film 171b, and The third inorganic layer 171c may be formed to have different thicknesses.

In this way, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers 171a, 171b, and 171c are stacked, the bump spacer 170 may be formed thick. In addition, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers 171a, 171b, 171c are stacked, the thickness of the bump spacer 170 can be precisely controlled.

7 is a diagram illustrating a bump spacer formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers are stacked.

Referring to FIG. 7, the bump spacer 170 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers 172a, 172b, and 172c are stacked. In this case, the materials of the first organic layer 172a, the second organic layer 172b, and the third organic layer 172c may be the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the first organic layer 172a, the second organic layer 172b, and the third organic layer 172c may be different.

In addition, the first organic layer 172a, the second organic layer 172b, and the third organic layer 172c may be formed to have the same thickness, and the first organic layer 172a, the second organic layer 172b, and The third organic layer 172c may be formed to have different thicknesses.

In this way, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers 172a, 172b, 172c are stacked, the bump spacer 170 may be formed thick. In addition, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers 172a, 172b, 172c are stacked, the thickness of the bump spacer 170 can be precisely controlled.

8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating a bump spacer formed in a multi-layer structure in which an inorganic layer and an organic layer are stacked.

First, referring to FIG. 8, the bump spacer 170 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers 173 and 175 and one organic layer 174 are stacked. The organic layer 174 may be formed between the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175 to be formed in a multi-layer structure.

The first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175 may be formed of the same material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175 may be different.

In addition, the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175 may be formed to have the same thickness, or the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175 may be formed to have different thicknesses. . In addition, the organic layer 174 may be formed thicker than the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175.

In this way, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which the organic layer 174 is formed between the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175, the bump spacer 170 may be formed thick. have. In addition, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which the organic layer 174 is formed between the first inorganic layer 173 and the second inorganic layer 175, the thickness of the bump spacer 170 can be precisely controlled. I can.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the bump spacer 170 may be formed in a multilayer structure in which a plurality of organic layers 176 and 178 and one inorganic layer 177 are stacked. The inorganic layer 177 may be formed between the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178 in a multilayer structure.

The first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178 may be formed of the same material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178 may be different.

In addition, the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178 may be formed to have the same thickness, or the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178 may be formed to have different thicknesses. . Also, the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178 may be formed thicker than the inorganic layer 177.

In this way, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which the inorganic layer 177 is formed between the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178, the bump spacer 170 can be formed thick. have. In addition, when the bump spacer 170 is formed in a multi-layer structure in which the inorganic layer 177 is formed between the first organic layer 176 and the second organic layer 178, the thickness of the bump spacer 170 can be precisely controlled. I can.

Again, the configuration of the second substrate 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

The second substrate 200 includes a plurality of black matrices 210, a plurality of red (R), green (G), blue (B) color filters 220, an overcoat layer 230, a plurality of column spacers 310, 320) and a second alignment layer 240. The black matrix 210 is formed to correspond to the light-blocking area, and the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filters 220 are formed to correspond to the opening area.

The black matrix 210 may be formed to overlap the TFT 110 formed on the first substrate 100 (TFT array substrate) so as to minimize the reduction in the opening area of the pixel.

The color filter 220 is formed by selectively applying and removing color pigments of red, green, and blue using a mask to display a color image.

An overcoat layer 230 is formed to cover the black matrix 210 and the color filter 220. A plurality of column spacers 310 and 320 are formed on the overcoat layer 230 in a region corresponding to the black matrix 210.

The plurality of column spacers 310 and 320 is a gap spacer 310 maintaining a cell gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 and between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. It includes a pressing spacer 320 to form a pressing gap. In FIG. 4, one of the plurality of gap spacers 310 and the plurality of press spacers 320 is shown.

Here, the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 are disposed to correspond to a light-blocking region between the blue pixel and the red pixel.

A second alignment layer 240 is formed to cover the plurality of column spacers 310 and 320. The second alignment layer 240 may be formed of polyimide (PI).

The plurality of column spacers 310 and 320 may be formed in a circular planar structure or a bar-shaped planar structure. The upper end of the gap spacer 310 in contact with the overcoat layer 230 may be formed to have a width of 16 μm, and the lower end of the gap spacer 310 may be formed to have a width of 12 μm.

The upper and lower ends of the pressing spacer 320 may be formed to have the same width as the gap spacer 310. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the upper and lower ends of the pressing spacers 320 may have a wider width than the gap spacers 310. As another example, the upper and lower ends of the pressing spacer 320 may be formed to have a narrower width than the gap spacer 310. The gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 may be simultaneously formed by a single mask process using a half tone mask.

The gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 are formed to overlap the bump spacer 170 of the first substrate 100 and the black matrix 210 of the second substrate 200. A surface of the first substrate 100 protrudes along the profile of the bump spacer 170 formed on the first substrate 100. In addition, a gap spacer 310 is formed in a region corresponding to the bump spacer 170 to maintain a cell gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. At this time, the cell gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 is formed to be 3.0 ~ 3.3㎛.

Here, the width of the upper end of the gap spacer 310 is smaller than the width of the bump spacer 170. That is, the bump spacer 170 is formed to have a wider width than the gap spacer 310.

The pressing spacer 320 may be formed to have a height lower than that of the gap spacer 310. A surface of the first substrate 100 protrudes along the profile of the bump spacer 170 formed on the first substrate 100. In addition, a pressing spacer 320 is formed in a region corresponding to the bump spacer 170 to form a pressing gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. In this case, the width of the upper end of the pressing spacer 320 is formed smaller than the width of the bump spacer 170. That is, the bump spacer 170 is formed to have a wider width than the pressing spacer 320.

Here, the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 may be disposed to correspond to the light blocking region between the blue pixel and the red pixel. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 may be disposed to correspond to a light blocking region between the red pixel and the green pixel.

A pressing gap of 5,000 to 6,000 Å is formed between the pressing spacer 320 and the bump spacer 170, and when an external force is applied to the second substrate 200, the second substrate 200 is pressed by the pressing gap, thereby forming a liquid crystal panel. It prevents it from being broken.

A step is formed by the bump spacer 170, so that the distance between the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 and the first alignment layer 160 in the display area is increased. Even if the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 are moved by an external force, the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 do not contact the first alignment layer 160 in the display area.

By preventing contact between the first alignment layer 160 and the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 in the display area, the alignment direction of the first alignment layer 160 is misaligned or the first alignment layer 160 is scratched. Can be prevented.

In addition, as the pressing spacer 320 is pressed by an external force and contacts the bump spacer 170, friction increases, thereby reducing the flow of the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention including the above-described configuration, bump spacers on the first substrate 100 so as to correspond to the gap spacers 310 and the pressing spacers 320 formed on the second substrate 200 (170) was formed. Through this, even when the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 flow due to an external force, it is possible to prevent scratches from occurring on the alignment layer formed in the opening region.

In addition, misalignment of the first alignment layer 160 and the second alignment layer 240 is prevented in the opening region, and the first alignment layer 160 of the first substrate 100 is scratched by the flow of the gap spacer 310. By preventing this from occurring, light leakage defects can be prevented.

In particular, it is possible to prevent light leakage due to external force when touched, and prevent the gap spacer 310 from collapsing due to the pressing spacer 320 quickly contacting the surface on which the bump spacer 170 is formed. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the aperture ratio by preventing spots from occurring in the touched portion of the finger and improving a margin of a light-shielding area to reduce light leakage.

10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 10, a backlight unit (not shown) and a driving circuit unit (not shown) supplying light to the liquid crystal panel are not shown. In FIG. 10, some of a plurality of pixels of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention are shown, and one of a plurality of gap spacers and a plurality of press spacers is shown.

Referring to FIG. 10, a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate 100 (TFT array substrate), a second substrate 200 (color filter array substrate), and the first substrate 100. It includes a liquid crystal layer (not shown) formed between the second substrate 200.

The first substrate 100 is a TFT array substrate, and an aperture area through which light is transmitted to display an image and a shielding area through which light is not transmitted are formed on the first substrate 100.

A plurality of pixels are defined by forming a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines to cross each other on the first substrate 100, and a TFT 110 is formed as a switching element of each pixel. The TFT 110 includes a gate electrode, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, and an active layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode becomes a channel of the TFT 110.

A planarization layer 120 is formed so as to cover the TFT 110. The planarization layer 120 is formed to a thickness of 2.0 to 3.0 μm by applying photo acrylic on the entire surface of the first substrate 100. The first substrate 100 is planarized with the planarization layer 120 to eliminate a step difference on the surface of the first substrate 100 due to the TFT 110.

A common electrode 130 for supplying a common voltage Vcom to a pixel is formed on the planarization layer 120. The common electrode 130 is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The common electrode 130 may be formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 100.

The protective layer 150 is formed to cover the common electrode 130. The protective layer 150 is formed of an inorganic layer of silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ) or silicon nitride (SiN _x ) material. In addition, the passivation layer 150 may be formed of an organic layer as an organic material as well as an inorganic material.

Although not shown in the drawing, a pixel electrode is formed on the protective film 150 in the opening region, and the pixel electrode is connected to the drain of the TFT 110.

A plurality of column spacers 310 and 320 are formed on the passivation layer 150 in a region overlapping the TFT 110. The plurality of column spacers 310 and 320 is a gap spacer 310 maintaining a cell gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 and between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. Includes a pressing spacer 320 to form a pressing gap in the

Here, the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 are disposed to correspond to a light-blocking region between the blue pixel and the red pixel.

A first alignment layer 160 is formed to cover the plurality of column spacers 310 and 320. The first alignment layer 160 may be formed of polyimide (PI).

The plurality of column spacers 310 and 320 may be formed in a circular planar structure or a bar-shaped planar structure. The lower end of the gap spacer 310 in contact with the passivation layer 150 may be formed to have a width of 16 μm, and the upper end of the gap spacer 310 may be formed to have a width of 12 μm.

The upper and lower ends of the pressing spacer 320 may be formed to have the same width as the gap spacer 310. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the upper and lower ends of the pressing spacer 320 may be formed to have a wider width than the gap spacer 310. The gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 may be simultaneously formed by a single mask process using a half tone mask.

The gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 are formed to overlap the bump spacer 2570 and the black matrix 210 of the second substrate 200.

The second substrate 200 includes a plurality of black matrices 210, a plurality of red (R), green (G), blue (B) color filters 220, an overcoat layer 230, and a plurality of bump spacers 250 And a second alignment layer 240. The black matrix 210 and the bump spacer 250 are formed to correspond to the light-blocking area, and the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filters 220 are formed to correspond to the opening area.

An overcoat layer 230 is formed to cover the black matrix 210 and the color filter 220. A plurality of bump spacers 250 are formed on the overcoat layer 230 in a region corresponding to the black matrix 210.

The black matrix 210 and the bump spacer 250 overlap with the TFT 110 and the column spacers 310 and 320 formed on the first substrate 100 (TFT array substrate) so as to minimize the reduction in the opening area of the pixel. Can be formed.

The bump spacer 250 is formed to a thickness of 1.0 ~ 2.0㎛. The bump spacers 250 may be formed in a circular planar structure or a bar-shaped planar structure.

A second alignment layer 240 is formed to cover the plurality of bump spacers 250 and the overcoat layer 230. The second alignment layer 240 may be formed of polyimide (PI).

A gap spacer 310 and a pressing spacer 320 are formed on the first substrate 100 to overlap the bump spacer 250 and the black matrix 210 of the second substrate 200.

The surface of the second substrate 200 protrudes along the profile of the bump spacer 250 formed on the second substrate 200 to form a step. A gap spacer 310 is formed in a region corresponding to the bump spacer 250 to maintain a cell gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. At this time, the cell gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 is formed to be 3.0 ~ 3.3㎛.

Here, the width of the lower end of the gap spacer 310 is smaller than the width of the bump spacer 250. That is, the bump spacer 250 is formed to have a wider width than the gap spacer 310.

The pressing spacer 320 may be formed to have a height lower than that of the gap spacer 310. The surface of the second substrate 200 protrudes along the profile of the bump spacer 250 formed on the second substrate 200 to form a step. A pressing spacer 320 is formed in a region corresponding to the bump spacer 250 to form a pressing gap between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. In this case, the width of the lower end of the pressing spacer 320 is smaller than the width of the bump spacer 250. That is, the bump spacer 250 is formed to have a wider width than the pressing spacer 320.

A pressing gap of 5,000 to 6,000 Å is formed between the pressing spacer 320 and the bump spacer 250. When an external force is applied to the second substrate 200, the second substrate 200 is pressed by the pressing gap to prevent damage to the liquid crystal panel.

The bump spacer 250 increases the distance between the second alignment layer 240 in the display area and the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320. Even if the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 are moved by an external force, the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 do not contact the second alignment layer 240 in the display area.

By preventing contact between the gap spacer 310 and the pressed spacer 320 and the second alignment layer 240 in the display area, the alignment direction of the second alignment layer 240 is misaligned or scratches are generated on the second alignment layer 240. Can be prevented.

In addition, as the pressing spacer 320 is pressed by an external force and contacts the bump spacer 170, friction increases, thereby reducing the flow of the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320.

As an example, the bump spacer 250 may be formed of one inorganic layer using an inorganic material as a material. As another example, the bump spacer 250 may be formed of one organic layer using an organic material as a material.

The bump spacer 250 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers are stacked. In this case, the material of the plurality of inorganic layers may be the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the plurality of inorganic layers may be different. A plurality of inorganic layers may be formed to have the same thickness or different thicknesses.

The bump spacer 250 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers are stacked. In this case, the materials of the plurality of organic layers may be the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the plurality of organic layers may be different. A plurality of organic layers may be formed to have the same thickness or different thicknesses.

As another example, the bump spacer 250 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers and one organic layer are stacked. It may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which an organic layer is formed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer. The first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer may be formed of the same material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer may be different.

The first inorganic film and the second inorganic film may be formed to have the same thickness, or the first inorganic film and the second inorganic film may be formed to have different thicknesses. In addition, the organic layer may be formed thicker than the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer.

Meanwhile, the bump spacer 250 may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of organic layers and one inorganic layer are stacked. It may be formed in a multi-layer structure in which an inorganic layer is formed between the first organic layer and the second organic layer. The first organic layer and the second organic layer may be formed of the same material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and materials of the first organic layer and the second organic layer may be different.

The first organic layer and the second organic layer may be formed to have the same thickness, or the first organic layer and the second organic layer may be formed to have different thicknesses. Also, the first organic layer and the second organic layer may be formed thicker than the inorganic layer.

In this way, when the bump spacer 250 is formed in a multi-layer structure, the bump spacer 250 may be formed thick. In addition, when the bump spacer 250 is formed in a multi-layer structure, the thickness of the bump spacer 250 can be precisely controlled.

The liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention including the above-described configuration includes a gap spacer 310 and a pressing spacer on the first substrate 100 so as to correspond to the bump spacers 250 formed on the second substrate 200. (320) was formed. Through this, even when the gap spacer 310 and the pressing spacer 320 flow due to an external force, it is possible to prevent scratches from occurring on the alignment layer formed in the opening region.

In addition, misalignment of the first alignment layer 160 and the second alignment layer 240 in the opening area is prevented. Through this, it is possible to prevent light leakage defects by preventing scratches from occurring on the second alignment layer 240 of the second substrate 200 due to the flow of the gap spacer 310.

In particular, it is possible to prevent light leakage due to external force when touched, and prevent the gap spacer 310 from collapsing by contacting the pressing spacer 320 quickly with the surface on which the bump spacer 250 is formed. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the aperture ratio by preventing spots from occurring in the touched portion of the finger and improving a margin of a light-shielding area to reduce light leakage.

In the description of the present invention with reference to the drawings, a liquid crystal display device in an IPS (In Plane Switching) mode or FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode in which a pixel electrode and a common electrode are formed on a TFT array substrate has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the column spacer structure of the present invention described above is applied in TN (Twisted Nematic) mode or VA (Vertical Alignment) mode in which the pixel electrode is formed on the TFT array substrate and the common electrode is formed on the color filter array substrate. can do.

The gap spacer and the pressing spacer of the liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are formed on the first substrate, and the plurality of bump spacers are formed on the upper second substrate.

The gap spacer and the pressing spacer of the liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are formed on the second substrate, and the plurality of bump spacers are formed on the first substrate.

The plurality of pixels of the liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are arranged on a substrate in the order of blue, red, and green pixels.

The gap spacer and the pressing spacer of the liquid crystal display according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are disposed to correspond to the light blocking area between the blue pixel and the red pixel, or to correspond to the light blocking area between the red pixel and the green pixel. Has been.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed across blue pixels and red pixels in the same direction as the gate line.

The first electrode is formed on the planarization layer of the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the first electrode is a common electrode.

The liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a protective layer formed on the first electrode.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed on the upper surface of the protective layer.

The liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of red, green, and blue color filters formed on the second substrate to correspond to the opening area of the pixel.

The liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an overcoat layer formed to cover the black matrix and the color filter.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed in a single layer structure of an organic layer or an inorganic layer.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed in a multi-layer structure of a plurality of organic layers or a plurality of inorganic layers.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed in a multi-layer structure in which an organic layer and an inorganic layer are stacked.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cell gap is formed by the gap spacer and the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pressing gap is formed by the pressing spacer and the bump spacer.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a width of the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers is wider than that of the gap spacer and the pressing spacer.

In the liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed to a thickness of 1.0 to 2.0 μm.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to understand that the above-described present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not limiting.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

100: first substrate 110: TFT
120: planarization layer 130: common electrode
150: protective layer 160: first alignment layer
170: bump spacer 200: second substrate
210: black matrix 220: color filter
230: overcoat layer 240: second alignment layer
310: gap spacer 320: pressing spacer

Claims (18)

A first substrate including a plurality of pixel regions defined by crossing data lines and gate lines;
A thin film transistor formed in the plurality of pixel regions;
A planarization layer formed to cover the thin film transistor;
A first electrode and a second electrode formed on the planarization layer to drive the liquid crystal layer;
A first alignment layer formed on the first electrode and the second electrode;
A protective layer formed on the first electrode;
A black matrix formed on a second substrate and defining the plurality of pixels as a light blocking area and an opening area;
A gap spacer and a pressing spacer formed on either the first substrate or the second substrate; And
A liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers on either the first substrate or the second substrate to correspond to the gap spacer and the pressing spacer. The method of claim 1,
The gap spacer and the pressing spacer are formed on the first substrate,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the plurality of bump spacers are formed on the upper second substrate. The method of claim 1,
The gap spacer and the pressing spacer are formed on the second substrate,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the plurality of bump spacers are formed on the first substrate. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of pixels are arranged on the substrate in the order of blue, red, and green pixels. The method of claim 4,
The gap spacer and the pressing spacer are disposed to correspond to the light blocking area between the blue pixel and the red pixel, or to correspond to the light blocking area between the red pixel and the green pixel. The method of claim 4,
The plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed across blue and red pixels in the same direction as the gate line. The method of claim 1,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the first electrode is formed on the planarization layer, and the first electrode is a common electrode. delete The method of claim 1,
The plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed on an upper surface of the passivation layer. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of red, green, and blue color filters formed on the second substrate to correspond to the opening area of the pixel. The method of claim 10,
The liquid crystal display device further comprising an overcoat layer formed to cover the black matrix and the color filter. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed in a single layer structure of an organic layer or an inorganic layer. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed in a multi-layer structure of a plurality of organic layers or a plurality of inorganic layers. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed in a multi-layer structure in which an organic layer and an inorganic layer are stacked. The method of claim 1,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a cell gap is formed by the gap spacer and the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers. The method of claim 1,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a pressing gap is formed by the pressing spacer and the bump spacer. The method of claim 1,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a width of the bar-shaped bump spacers is wider than that of the gap spacer and the pressing spacer. The method of claim 1,
The liquid crystal display device, characterized in that the plurality of bar-shaped bump spacers are formed to a thickness of 1.0 ~ 2.0㎛.

Images