KR20080035808A - Liquid display device and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An LCD and a method for manufacturing the same are provided to form metal for contact sensing protrusion unit by firstly forming a contact sensing protrusion unit before forming a column spacer and by applying and patterning conductors for contact sensing protrusion unit on the contact sensing protrusion unit, thereby easily performing a process of forming the conductor on the contact sensing protrusion unit. A pixel electrode(191) is formed on a first substrate(100). A common electrode(270) is formed on the first substrate, and formed in parallel to the pixel electrode. A sensing unit is formed on the first substrate, and includes an input electrode for sensing external input signals. A second substrate(200) faces the first substrate. A light blocking member(220) is formed on the second substrate. A contact sensing protrusion unit(240) is formed on the light blocking unit and protruded towards the input electrode. A metal(242) for contact sensing protrusion unit is formed so as to surround the contact sensing protrusion unit. A color filter(230) includes an opening area upper area surrounded by the light blocking member of the second substrate, and is formed on a part of the light blocking member. A passivation layer(250) is formed on the color filter. A spacer(320) is formed on the passivation layer, and supports the first and second substrates.

Description

Liquid crystal display and its manufacturing method {LIQUID DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF}

1 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a light sensing unit of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a touch sensing unit of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a user's finger, etc. in contact.

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method thereof.

The liquid crystal display injects a liquid crystal material between the upper panel and the lower panel and applies an electric field to the liquid crystal to change the orientation of the liquid crystal, thereby inducing a change in the polarization state of light passing therethrough, and The device displays an image by changing the amount of light.

In order to apply an electric field to the liquid crystal, two electrodes are required, one of which is a pixel electrode that is formed separately for each pixel, and the other is a common electrode that is commonly formed in all pixels and to which a reference potential is applied.

In the liquid crystal display device, a pixel electrode and a common electrode are formed on different substrates, so that a vertical electric field forming an electric field perpendicular to the substrate and both electrodes are formed on the same substrate to form an electric field in a parallel direction with respect to the substrate. There is a parallel field type liquid crystal display device. The latter is also referred to as an In Plane Switching (IPS) mode liquid crystal display, and the IPS mode is known to be advantageous for implementing a wide viewing angle.

A touch screen panel refers to a device that touches a finger or a pen on the screen to write and draw a character or a picture, or executes an icon to perform a desired command on a machine such as a computer. The liquid crystal display with a touch screen panel may find out whether the user's finger or a touch pen touches the screen and the contact position information.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display and a manufacturing method capable of forming a column spacer and a contact sensing protrusion in a desired shape and thickness.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to facilitate lamination of the metal for the touch sensing protrusion on the touch sensing protrusion.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate, a pixel electrode formed on the first substrate, and a first electrode formed on the first substrate and parallel to the pixel electrode. A detection unit including a common electrode, an input electrode formed on the first substrate to sense an external input signal, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a light blocking member formed on the second substrate, and the light shielding A contact sensing protrusion formed on the member and protruding toward the input electrode, a metal for contact sensing protrusion formed to surround the touch sensing protrusion, and an upper portion of an opening area surrounded by the light blocking member of the second substrate. A color filter formed on a portion of the light blocking member, a protective film formed on the color filter, and formed on the protective film Were comprises a spacer for supporting the first substrate and the second substrate.

The metal for the touch sensing protrusion may be ITO or IZO.

The spacer may be a column spacer.

The touch sensing protrusion may be formed of an organic layer.

A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display including a touch sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forming a light blocking member on a substrate, forming a touch sensing protrusion on the light blocking member, and including the touch sensing protrusion. Stacking a conductor on the entire surface of the substrate, forming a color filter on a portion of the light blocking member including an upper portion of the opening area of the substrate surrounded by the light blocking member, and forming a transparent protective film on the color filter, the resultant product Ashing, and forming a spacer on the transparent protective film.

The conductor may be formed of ITO or IZO.

The spacer may be formed as a column spacer.

The contact detecting protrusion may be formed by applying an organic layer and using a photo process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention.

In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. Like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the specification. When a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is said to be "on" another part, this includes not only the other part being "right over" but also another part in the middle. On the contrary, when a part is "just above" another part, there is no other part in the middle.

A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one pixel of the liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a light sensing unit of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a touch sensing unit of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 3, a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a liquid crystal panel assembly 300, an image scanning unit 400, an image data driver 500, and a liquid crystal panel assembly 300 connected thereto. A sensing signal processor 800, a gray voltage generator 550 connected to the image data driver 500, a contact determiner 700 connected to the sensing signal processor 800, and a signal controller 600 for controlling them. .

The liquid crystal panel assembly 300 applies a plurality of display signal lines G ₁ -G _n , D ₁ -D _m and a plurality of pixels PX and a common voltage Vcom connected thereto and arranged in a substantially matrix form. A common wiring (C ₁ -C _n ), and a plurality of sensing signal lines (SY ₁ -SY _N , SX ₁ -SX _M ), and a plurality of sensing units (SU) connected to the plurality of sensing signals (SY ₁ -SY _N , SX ₁ -SX _M ) and arranged in a substantially matrix form. do. On the contrary, in the structure shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 includes the lower and upper panel 100 and 200 facing each other, the liquid crystal layer 3 interposed therebetween, and the lower and upper panel 100. And a spacer (not shown) that forms a gap therebetween and is compressively deformed to some extent.

The signal lines G ₁ -G _n and D ₁ -D _m are a plurality of image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n transmitting the image scanning signals and image data lines D ₁ -D _m transmitting the image data signals. The common wiring C ₁ -C _n to which the common voltage is applied extends in parallel with the plurality of image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n . Detection signal _{(SY 1 -SY N, SX 1} -SX M) data is detected a plurality of horizontal sensing data lines for transmitting a signal (SY ₁ -SY _N) and a plurality of vertical sensing data line (SX ₁ -SX _M) to Include.

The image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n and the horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N extend substantially in the row direction and are substantially parallel to each other, and the image data lines D ₁ -D _m and the vertical sensing data lines ( SX ₁ -SX _M ) extend in approximately the column direction and are substantially parallel to each other.

Each pixel includes a switching element Q connected to a signal line G ₁ -G _n , D ₁ -D _m , and a liquid crystal capacitor C _LC connected thereto.

The switching element Q is a three-terminal element of a thin film transistor or the like provided in the lower panel 100, and a control terminal thereof is connected to an image scanning line G ₁ -G _n , and an input terminal is an image data line D. ₁ -D _m ) and the output terminal is connected to the liquid crystal capacitor (C _LC ).

In the liquid crystal capacitor C _LC , the pixel electrode 191 of the lower panel 100 and the common electrode 270 connected to the common lines C ₁ -Cn become two terminals, and the liquid crystal layer between the two electrodes 191 and 270 is provided. (3) functions as a dielectric. The pixel electrode 191 is connected to the switching element Q, and the common electrode 270 receives a common voltage Vcom applied to the common lines C ₁ -Cn.

On the other hand, in order to implement color display, each pixel uniquely displays one of the primary colors (spatial division) or each pixel alternately displays the primary colors over time (time division) so that the spatial colors of these primary colors can be displayed. In this way, the desired color can be recognized in time. Examples of the primary colors include three primary colors such as red, green, and blue. 2 illustrates a color filter 230 indicating one of the primary colors in one pixel area of the upper panel 200 as an example of spatial division. At least one polarizer (not shown) for polarizing light is attached to an outer surface of the liquid crystal panel assembly 300.

The sensing unit includes a touch sensing unit. The sensing unit may be included in the pixel or may be disposed in a separate area between the pixels or outside the pixel.

The sensing unit SU may have a structure shown in FIG. 4.

The sensing unit SU shown in FIG. 4 is a touch sensing unit including a switch SWT connected to a horizontal or vertical sensing data line (hereinafter, referred to as a sensing data line) indicated by a reference numeral SL.

The switch SWT has two terminals, the metal of the sensing protrusion of the upper panel 200 and the sensing data line SL of the lower panel 100, which are physically and electrically connected by a user's contact.

The touch sensing unit SU is disposed between two adjacent pixels PX. The density of the horizontal and vertical sensing data line _{(SY 1 -SY N, SX 1} -SX M) of a pair of sensing unit (SU) which is connected, respectively, disposed adjacent to the region in which they cross in, for example, It may be about one quarter of the dot density. Here, one dot includes, for example, three pixels PX arranged side by side and displaying three primary colors such as red, green, and blue, displaying one color, and a basic unit representing the resolution of the liquid crystal display device. do. However, one dot may consist of four or more pixels PX, and in this case, each pixel PX may display one of three primary colors and white.

An example in which the density of the pair of sensing units SU is 1/4 of the dot density is one in which the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the pair of sensing units SU are 1/2 of the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the liquid crystal display device, respectively. Can be. In this case, there may be a pixel row and a pixel column without the sensing unit SU.

By matching the detection unit SU density and the dot density to such an extent, the liquid crystal display device may be applied to high precision applications such as character recognition. Of course, the resolution of the sensing unit SU may be higher or lower as necessary.

5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a pixel electrode 191 and a common electrode 270 are formed on an insulating substrate 110 made of transparent glass, plastic, or the like in the lower panel 100. The common voltage Vcom is applied to the common electrode 270. In addition, a sensing data line or the like is formed on the insulating substrate 110.

In the upper panel 200 facing the lower panel 100, a light blocking member 220 is formed on an insulating substrate 210 made of transparent glass, plastic, or the like. The light blocking member 220 is also called a black matrix and prevents light leakage between pixels.

A plurality of touch sensing protrusions 240 made of an organic material is formed on the light blocking member 220.

The touch sensing protrusion 240 is disposed corresponding to the position where the input terminal 196 of the sensing data line SL is formed. The touch sensing protrusion 240 is surrounded by the metal for the touch sensing protrusion 242. Here, the metal for contact detecting protrusion 242 is preferably made of a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), and may be formed into a desired shape by applying a pattern to the conductor. .

A plurality of color filters 230 are also formed on the substrate 210 and the light blocking member 220, and are arranged to almost fit into the opening region surrounded by the light blocking member 220. The color filter 230 may extend in the vertical direction along the pixel to form a stripe. Each color filter 230 may display one of primary colors such as three primary colors of red, green, and blue.

A transparent protective film 250 is formed on a portion of the color filter 230, the light blocking member 220, the exposed substrate 210, and the touch sensing protrusion 240. The transparent protective film 250 may protect the color filter 230 and prevent the color filter 230 from being exposed.

The column spacer 320 is formed on the transparent passivation layer 250. The column spacer 320 is uniformly distributed on the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 and forms a gap between the lower panel 100 and the upper panel 200.

The contact detecting protrusion 240 and the column spacer 320 may be formed in a desired shape and height by applying and patterning a photosensitive insulating material made of an organic film or the like. That is, an organic film or the like is applied and the mask is aligned thereon, and then developed after irradiating light to the organic film through the mask. At this time, the amount of light irradiated to the organic film varies according to the thickness of the mask or the distance between the mask and the organic film, and the thickness of the organic film to be developed varies depending on the amount of light to be irradiated.

At this time, before forming the column spacer, the touch sensing protrusion is first formed, and then the contact sensing protrusion conductor is applied onto the touch sensing protrusion and then patterned to form the metal for the touch sensing protrusion. Therefore, the process of forming a conductor for a touch sensing protrusion on the touch sensing protrusion is easy.

In addition, the contact detecting protrusion and the column spacer may be formed in another process to have a desired shape and height.

An alignment layer (not shown) is applied on the inner surfaces of the display panels 100 and 200, and one or more polarizers (not shown) are disposed on the outer surfaces of the display panels 100 and 200. Not included).

The liquid crystal display may further include a sealant (not shown) that couples the lower panel 100 and the upper panel 200. The encapsulant is positioned at an edge of the upper panel 200.

The liquid crystal layer 3 is disposed between the lower display panel 100 and the upper display panel 200, and the two display panels 100 and 200 are supported by the plurality of column spacers 320, so that the touch sensing protrusion 240 is provided. The contact sensing protrusion metal 242 surrounding the and the input terminal 196 of the sensing data line SL are maintained at a constant interval.

The two display panels 100 and 200 may be supported by beads spacers (not shown).

The touch sensing protrusion metal 242 surrounding the touch sensing protrusion 240 and the input terminal 196 of the sensing data line SL form a switch SWT of the touch sensing unit.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a user's finger or the like being in contact.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper panel 200 is pressed by the pressure according to the contact, and the metal for detecting the protrusion 242 surrounding the touch sensing protrusion 240 of the contact point is detected by the lower panel 100. It is electrically and physically connected to the input terminal 196 of the data line SL.

A method for forming a liquid crystal display device having such a structure is as follows.

The process of forming the upper panel 100 is as follows.

A light blocking member 220 is formed on an insulating substrate 210 made of transparent glass, plastic, or the like.

Thereafter, a plurality of touch sensing protrusions 240 made of an organic material are formed on the light blocking member 220.

Thereafter, the metal for the touch sensing protrusion 242 is stacked on the entire surface of the insulating substrate 210 including the touch sensing protrusion 240. Here, the metal 242 for contact sensing is preferably made of a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

Subsequently, the plurality of color filters 230 are formed on the substrate 210 and the light blocking member 220 to substantially fit in the opening area surrounded by the light blocking member 220. The color filter 230 may extend in the vertical direction along the pixel to form a stripe. Each color filter 230 may display one of primary colors such as three primary colors of red, green, and blue.

Thereafter, a transparent protective film 250 is formed on a part of the color filter 230, the light blocking member 220, the exposed substrate 210, and the contact sensing protrusion 240.

Thereafter, the organic film remaining on the contact sensing protrusion 240 is removed by UV ashing or plasma ashing.

Thereafter, the column spacer 320 is formed on the transparent passivation layer 250.

Thus, since the contact sensing protrusion is first formed before the column spacer is formed, the process of forming the metal for the touch sensing protrusion on the touch sensing protrusion is easy.

In addition, since the protrusion for detecting the contact and the column spacer are formed in different processes, each can be formed in a desired shape and height.

The lower panel 200 is formed. The lower panel 200 may be formed before the upper panel 100.

Thereafter, a liquid crystal is injected and sealed between the upper panel 200 and the lower panel 200 to form a liquid crystal display.

Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal display is described as a display device, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the same may be applied to a display device such as a plasma display device and an organic light emitting display. Can be.

According to the present invention, since the spacer is formed at a different stage from the contact sensing protrusion, the spacer and the contact sensing protrusion can be formed in a desired shape and thickness. In addition, it is easy to stack the metal for the touch sensing protrusion on the touch sensing protrusion.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements of those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention defined in the following claims are also provided. It belongs to the scope of rights.

Claims (8)

First substrate, A pixel electrode formed on the first substrate, A common electrode formed on the first substrate and formed in parallel with the pixel electrode; A sensing unit formed on the first substrate and including an input electrode sensing an external input signal; A second substrate facing the first substrate, A light blocking member formed on the second substrate, A contact sensing protrusion formed on the light blocking member and protruding toward the input electrode; A metal for a touch sensing protrusion formed to surround the touch sensing protrusion, A color filter formed on a portion of the light blocking member, including an upper portion of an opening area surrounded by the light blocking member of the second substrate; A protective film formed on the color filter, and A spacer formed on the passivation layer and supporting the first substrate and the second substrate Liquid crystal display comprising a. In claim 1, The touch sensing protrusion metal is ITO or IZO. In claim 1, And the spacer is a column spacer. In claim 1, The touch sensing protrusion is formed of an organic layer. Forming a light blocking member on the substrate, Forming a contact sensing protrusion on the light blocking member; Stacking a conductor on an entire surface of the substrate including the contact sensing protrusion; Forming a color filter on a portion of the light blocking member, including an upper portion of the opening area of the substrate surrounded by the light blocking member; Forming a transparent protective film on the color filter, Ashing the resultant, and Forming a spacer on the transparent protective film Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display comprising a. In claim 5, And the conductor is formed of ITO or IZO. In claim 5, And forming the spacers as column spacers. In claim 5, The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device wherein the touch sensing protrusion is formed by applying an organic layer and using a photo process.

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