Liquid crystal display device

Abstract

A liquid crystal display device is provided. The liquid crystal display device may include a gate line, a data line, a storage electrode group, a transistor, a pixel electrode, and a repair member. The gate line may transmit a gate signal. The data line may transmit a data signal. The transistor may include a gate electrode connected to the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, and a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode. The drain electrode and the storage electrode group may overlap each other and form a storage capacitor. The repair member may be formed of an electrically conductive material, may be electrically insulated from each of the drain electrode and the data line, and may overlap with the storage electrode group.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0098543 filed on August 23, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The technical field relates to a liquid crystal display device and a repair method for a liquid crystal display device. Background Art

[0003] The liquid crystal display device may include a field generating electrode and a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal display device may apply a voltage to the field generating electrode to rearrange the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer, thereby controlling the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer to display a desired image. The liquid crystal display device may include a thin film transistor, a gate line for transmitting a gate signal, a data line for transmitting a data signal, and a common voltage line for transmitting a common voltage signal to each pixel. The data line may cross the common voltage line. In an area where the common voltage line and the data line overlap each other, a short circuit may be formed, so that the common voltage signal and the data signal may be mixed undesirably.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the application. This Background section may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments may relate to a liquid crystal display device and a repair method. In the display device and / or the repair method, even if a storage electrode line is cut off to avoid an undesirable short circuit, a common voltage may be desirably applied to a pixel.

[0006] A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of pairs of data lines including a plurality of first data lines and a plurality of second data lines; and a plurality of storage electrode lines, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes: a first thin film transistor connected to the gate line and one of the first data line and the second data line; a pixel electrode connected to the first thin film transistor; and a repair pattern crossing the gate line. The storage electrode line includes a longitudinal portion parallel to the pair of data lines, and the repair pattern overlaps the storage electrode line or one of the longitudinal portions adjacent thereto.

[0007] The repair pattern may be parallel to a pair of data lines.

[0008] A gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the storage electrode line may be further included, and wherein a pair of data lines and the repair pattern may be disposed on the gate insulating layer.

[0009] The gate line and the storage electrode line may be disposed on the same layer, and the storage electrode line may further include a transverse portion extending parallel to the gate line.

[0010] One end of the repair pattern may overlap the transverse portion, and the other end of the repair pattern may overlap the adjacent storage electrode line.

[0011] One end of the repair pattern may be connected to the lateral portion through a contact hole of the gate insulating layer, and the other end of the repair pattern may be connected to an adjacent storage electrode line.

[0012] The repair pattern may pass through a pair of data lines, the storage electrode line may include a floating storage electrode crossing the pair of data lines, and the repair pattern may be parallel to the gate line and overlap an adjacent floating storage electrode.

[0013] A gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the storage electrode line may be further included, and the repair pattern and the pair of data lines may be disposed on the gate insulating layer.

[0014] The storage electrode line may be disposed on the same layer as the gate line, and the storage electrode line may further include a transverse portion extending parallel to the gate line.

[0015] The repair pattern may be connected to the floating storage electrode through the contact hole of the gate insulating layer.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment, a liquid crystal display includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of pairs of data lines including a plurality of first data lines and a plurality of second data lines; a plurality of reference voltage lines; and a plurality of storage electrode lines, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes: a first thin film transistor connected to the gate line and one of the first data line and the second data line; a pixel electrode connected to the first thin film transistor; and a repair pattern crossing the gate line, wherein a pair of data lines and a reference voltage line cross the gate line, wherein the storage electrode line includes a longitudinal portion parallel to the pair of data lines, and the repair pattern overlaps the storage electrode line or one of the longitudinal portions adjacent thereto.

[0017] The repair pattern may be arranged to be parallel to a pair of data lines.

[0018] The method may further include a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the storage electrode line, wherein the repair pattern may be disposed on the gate insulating layer.

[0019] The gate line and the storage electrode line may be disposed on the same layer, and the storage electrode line may further include a transverse portion extending parallel to the gate line.

[0020] One end of the repair pattern may overlap the transverse portion, and the other end of the repair pattern may overlap the adjacent storage electrode line.

[0021] One end of the repair pattern may be connected to the lateral portion through a contact hole of the gate insulating layer, and the other end of the repair pattern may be connected to an adjacent storage electrode line.

[0022] A third thin film transistor connected to the first thin film transistor and the pixel electrode may be further included.

[0023] A method for repairing a liquid crystal display, the liquid crystal display comprising: a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of pairs of data lines, including a plurality of first data lines and a plurality of second data lines; a plurality of storage electrode lines, including a longitudinal portion parallel to a pair of data lines; a first thin film transistor, connected to the gate line and one of the pair of data lines; a pixel electrode, connected to the first thin film transistor; and a repair pattern, crossing the gate line and overlapping the storage electrode line or the storage electrode adjacent thereto. The method for repairing a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment comprises the following steps: cutting off a region of the storage electrode line in a region where the storage electrode line overlaps with the first data line or the second data line; and irradiating a laser to a region where the repair pattern and the storage electrode line overlap to be short-circuited or a region where the repair pattern and one of the longitudinal portions adjacent thereto overlap to be short-circuited.

[0024] The liquid crystal display may further include: a reference voltage line parallel to the pair of data lines; and a third thin film transistor connected to the gate line and one of the pair of data lines and the reference voltage line.

[0025] The plurality of storage electrode lines may further include a floating storage electrode crossing a pair of data lines, and the repair pattern crosses the pair of data lines and overlaps an adjacent floating storage electrode, wherein the repair method may further include: cutting off an area of ​​the storage electrode line in an area where the storage electrode line overlaps the first data line or the second data line; and irradiating a laser to an area where the repair pattern and the adjacent floating storage electrode overlap to be short-circuited.

[0026] Embodiments may relate to a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device may include: a gate line, a first data line, a first storage electrode group, a first thin film transistor, a first pixel electrode, and a first repair member. The gate line may transmit a gate signal. The first data line may cross the gate line and may transmit a first data signal. The first thin film transistor may include a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, a first drain electrode, and a first semiconductor member. The first semiconductor member may overlap with each of the first gate electrode, the first source electrode, and the first drain electrode. The first gate electrode may be electrically connected to the gate line. The first source electrode may be electrically connected to the first data line. The first drain electrode and the first storage electrode group may overlap with each other and form a storage capacitor. The first pixel electrode may be electrically connected to the first drain electrode. The first repair member may be formed of an electrically conductive material, may be electrically insulated from each of the first drain electrode and the first data line, and may overlap with the first storage electrode group.

[0027] The first repair member may be parallel to the first data line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device.

[0028] The liquid crystal display device may further include a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the first storage electrode group. The gate insulating layer may electrically insulate each of the gate line and the first storage electrode group from each of the first data line and the first repairing member.

[0029] A face of the gate line may be coplanar with a face of the first storage electrode group. The first storage electrode group may include a first storage electrode portion extending parallel to the gate line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device.

[0030] The liquid crystal display device may further include the following elements: a second pixel electrode, which is adjacent to the first pixel electrode, and no intermediate pixel electrode is provided between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; and a second storage electrode group, which overlaps the second pixel electrode. The first end of the first repairing member may overlap the first storage electrode portion. The second end of the first repairing member may overlap the second storage electrode group.

[0031] The first end of the first repair member may be connected to the first storage electrode portion (directly and / or electrically) through the first contact hole of the gate insulating layer. The second end of the first repair member may be connected to the second storage electrode group (directly and / or electrically) through the second contact hole of the gate insulating layer.

[0032] The first storage electrode group may include a floating storage electrode crossing the first data line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device. The first repair member may be parallel to the gate line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device and may overlap the floating storage electrode.

[0033] The liquid crystal display device may further include a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the first storage electrode group. The gate insulating layer may electrically insulate each of the gate line and the first storage electrode group from each of the first repairing member and the first data line.

[0034] A face of the first storage electrode group may be coplanar with a face of the gate line. The first storage electrode group may include a storage electrode portion extending parallel to the gate line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device.

[0035] The first repair member may be connected to the floating storage electrode through the contact hole of the gate insulating layer.

[0036] The liquid crystal display device may further include a reference voltage line overlapping the first pixel electrode and configured to transmit a reference voltage. The repair member may cross the gate line and may be parallel to a portion of the reference voltage line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device.

[0037] The liquid crystal display device may further include a second data line configured to transmit a second data signal and adjacent to the first data line, and no intermediate data line is disposed between the first data line and the second data line. The first repair member may be disposed between the first data line and the second data line.

[0038] The liquid crystal display device may further include a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the first storage electrode group. The gate insulating layer may electrically insulate each of the gate line and the first storage electrode group from each of the first data line, the reference voltage line, and the first repairing member.

[0039] A face of the gate line may be coplanar with a face of the first storage electrode group. The first storage electrode group may include a first storage electrode portion extending parallel to the gate line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device.

[0040] The liquid crystal display device may further include the following elements: a second pixel electrode, which is adjacent to the first pixel electrode, and no intermediate pixel electrode is provided between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; and a second storage electrode group, which overlaps the second pixel electrode. The first end of the first repairing member may overlap the first storage electrode portion. The second end of the first repairing member may overlap the second storage electrode group.

[0041] The first end of the first repair member may be connected to the first storage electrode portion (directly and / or electrically) through the first contact hole of the gate insulating layer. The second end of the first repair member may be connected to the second storage electrode group (directly and / or electrically) through the second contact hole of the gate insulating layer.

[0042] The liquid crystal display device may further include a second thin film transistor electrically connected to each of the reference voltage line, the first thin film transistor, and the first pixel electrode.

[0043] Embodiments may relate to a repair method of a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device may include: a gate line; a first data line; a first storage electrode group; a first thin film transistor overlapping the first storage electrode group and electrically connected to each of the gate line and the first data line; a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the first thin film transistor; and a first repair member overlapping the first storage electrode group. The repair method may include the following steps: cutting off a first portion of the first storage electrode group overlapping the first data line; and irradiating a first laser to at least one of a first portion of the first repair member and a second portion of the first storage electrode group to electrically connect the first portion of the first repair member to the second portion of the first storage electrode group.

[0044] The repair method may further include the step of irradiating a second laser to at least one of a second portion of the first repair member and a portion of the second storage electrode group to electrically connect the second portion of the first repair member to the portion of the second storage electrode group. The liquid crystal display device may further include a second storage electrode group and a second pixel electrode overlapping the second storage electrode group.

[0045] The first storage electrode group may include a floating storage electrode crossing the first data line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device. The second portion of the first storage electrode group may be a portion of the floating storage electrode.

[0046] According to the embodiment, by providing a repair pattern / member connecting storage electrode lines / groups of adjacent pixels, a common voltage can be sufficiently applied to the pixels even if the storage electrode lines / groups are cut off to avoid an undesirable short circuit.

[0047] In the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment, the overlap between the storage electrode line / group and the data line can be minimized. Advantageously, the charge ratio can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view showing a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 According to the embodiment Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0051] Figure 4 is a top plan view showing two pixels of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 5is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 6 It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 5 The area of ​​the structure shown.

[0054] Figure 7 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 8 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing one or more pixels of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment.

[0057] Fig.10 is a top plan view of one pixel of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments may be modified in various ways, all without departing from the intended scope.

[0059] The same reference numbers may identify the same or similar elements.

[0060] In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0061] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used here to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish an element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of one or more embodiments, the first element can be referred to as the second element. The description of the element as the "first" element may not require or imply the existence of the second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used here to distinguish different categories or groups of elements. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first class (or first group)", "second class (or second group)", etc.

[0062] When a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, the first element may be directly on the second element, or one or more intermediate elements may be present between the first element and the second element. When a first element is referred to as being "directly on" a second element, there are no intended intermediate elements (except for environmental elements such as air) between the first element and the second element. The words "on" or "above" may mean being on or below an object portion, and do not necessarily mean being on the upper side of an object portion based on the direction of gravity.

[0063] Unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” may imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0064] The term "liquid crystal display" may mean "liquid crystal display device"; the term "connection" may mean "electrical connection" and / or "direct connection"; the term "insulation" may mean "electrical insulation"; the term "conductive" may mean "electrical conductivity"; the term "pattern" may mean "component"; the term "electrode line" may mean "electrode group".

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 The liquid crystal display device includes a display panel 100 including a display area DA and a peripheral area PA disposed outside the display area DA. The liquid crystal display device may further include a backlight 900 that provides light to the display panel 100.

[0067] The display area DA, which is an area capable of displaying an image according to an input image, includes a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of gate lines 120, and a plurality of pairs of data lines 171a and 171b.

[0068] Each pixel PX is a basic unit for displaying an image, and may include a portion that emits / transmits light and a portion that blocks light. A plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix.

[0069] Each pixel PX may include at least one switching element electrically connected to one of the gate lines 120, one of the pairs of data lines 171a and 171b, and one pixel electrode. The switching element such as a thin film transistor may include a gate terminal, an input terminal, and an output terminal.

[0070] The switching element is turned on or off according to a gate signal of the gate line 120, thereby transmitting a data voltage from one of the data lines 171a and 171b to the pixel electrode. The pixel PX may display a corresponding image according to the data voltage applied to the pixel electrode.

[0071] In order to display various colors, each pixel PX can display one of the primary colors, and an image of a desired color can be recognized by spatial and temporal combination of the primary colors. For example, the primary colors may be three primary colors such as red, green, and blue, and may also include white.

[0072] The gate lines 120 may transmit gate signals such as a gate-on voltage and a gate-off voltage, etc. The plurality of gate lines 120 may extend substantially in the first direction DR1.

[0073] One gate line 120 transmitting one gate signal may include a first sub-gate line 121 and a second sub-gate line 122 electrically connected to each other. Each of the first sub-gate line 121 and the second sub-gate line 122 may be substantially elongated along a first direction DR1, and in the display area DA, the first sub-gate line 121 and the second sub-gate line 122 may be parallel to each other. The first sub-gate line 121 and the second sub-gate line 122 may be arranged along a second direction DR2. The first sub-gate line 121 and the second sub-gate line 122 included in one gate line 120 may be respectively disposed in different pixel rows PXR, and may be electrically connected to a plurality of pixels PX included in the corresponding pixel row PXR. The first sub-gate line 121 and the second sub-gate line 122 included in one gate line 120 may be physically and electrically connected to each other near the right / left edge of the display area DA or at the peripheral area PA, thereby transmitting the same gate signal.

[0074] The data lines 171a and 171b may transmit at least a data voltage corresponding to an image signal input to the liquid crystal display device. A plurality of pairs of data lines 171a and 171b may be arranged along a first direction DR1, and each of the data lines 171a and 171b may be mainly elongated along a second direction DR2.

[0075] A pair of data lines 171a and 171b may be provided corresponding to each pixel column PXC. The first data line 171a and the second data line 171b may be alternately arranged along the first direction DR1. A pair of data lines 171a and 171b corresponding to one pixel column PXC may cross the inside of the pixel PX of the corresponding pixel column PXC, and may overlap the pixel electrode. Specifically, the data lines 171a and 171b may pass through the inside of the region of each pixel PX in the corresponding pixel column PXC through which light is transmitted. A pair of data lines 171a and 171b corresponding to one pixel column PXC may transmit data voltages different from each other.

[0076] A pair of data lines 171a and 171b corresponding to one pixel column PXC is electrically connected to a plurality of pixels PX included in the corresponding pixel column PXC. Specifically, in one pixel column PXC, two pixels PX electrically connected to the first sub-gate line 121 and the second sub-gate line 122, respectively, are electrically connected to different data lines 171a and 171b of the pair of data lines 171a and 171b. Therefore, in one pixel column PXC, different pixels PX connected to the first sub-gate line 121 can simultaneously receive data voltages corresponding to each of the data lines 171a and 171b through different data lines 171a and 171b. For example, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in each pixel column PXC, a plurality of pixels PX arranged along the second direction DR2 may be alternately electrically connected to a pair of corresponding data lines 171 a and 171 b .

[0077] In the display panel 100 , the number of data lines 171 a and 171 b may be approximately twice the total number of pixel columns PXC.

[0078] Most of the peripheral area PA may not transmit light. A plurality of signal lines that transmit driving control signals to the gate driver 400 and the data driver 500 may be disposed in the peripheral area PA.

[0079] The gate driver 400 is connected to the gate line 120 and may transmit a gate signal to the gate line 120 according to the control of the timing controller. The gate driver 400 is disposed on the left side with respect to the display area DA, however, one gate driver 400 may be further disposed at the right side. The gate driver 400 may be directly formed at the peripheral area PA of the display panel 100 by the same process as that of electrical elements such as thin film transistors of the display area DA.

[0080] The data driver 500 is connected to the data lines 171a and 171b. The data driver 500 may apply a data voltage as a grayscale voltage corresponding to an input image signal to the data lines 171a and 171b according to the control of the timing controller. The data driver 500 may be mounted on the peripheral area PA of the display panel 100 as one of a variety of driving chips, or may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit film or a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to the display panel 100.

[0081] The backlight 900 may be located at the rear surface of the display panel 100 to provide light to the display panel 100 , and may include a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a planar or linear manner and various optical films.

[0082] Figure 2 1 shows a top plan view of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment, Figure 3 According to the embodiment Figure 2A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0083] The liquid crystal display includes a first substrate 110 and a second substrate 210 and a liquid crystal layer 3 interposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210 .

[0084] A gate conductive layer including a gate line 121, a gate electrode 124, and a storage electrode line 131 is disposed on the first substrate 110. The gate conductive layer may include at least one of metals such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), alloys, and the like.

[0085] The gate line 121 may include a plurality of gate lines 121a and 121b and may be electrically connected to the gate electrode 124. The gate line 121 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may include two gate lines 121a and 121b. The two gate lines 121a and 121b extend in parallel in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to surround the gate electrode 124.

[0086] Storage electrode line 131 is separated from gate line 121 and gate electrode 124 and may transmit a predetermined voltage such as a common voltage. Storage electrode line 131 may be disposed on first substrate 110 and may be formed on the same layer and made of the same material as gate line 121.

[0087] The storage electrode line 131 may include a transverse portion 131a extending in the first direction DR1, a plurality of longitudinal portions 131b and 131d connected to the transverse portion 131a and extending in the second direction DR2, and an expansion portion 131c as a portion of the transverse portion 131a expanded.

[0088] The plurality of longitudinal portions 131 b and 131 d may include two longitudinal portions 131 b disposed on respective sides of the pixel electrode 191 , and one longitudinal portion 131 d extending upward from the expansion portion 131 c in the second direction DR2 .

[0089] The storage electrode line 131 may further include a floating storage electrode 131e which is divided at an upper side of one longitudinal portion 131d and disposed along the first direction DR1.

[0090] The storage electrode line 131 may be disposed at an upper side of the gate line 121, and may overlap an edge of the pixel electrode 191. This is described in detail after the pixel electrode 191 is described.

[0091] The gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the gate conductive layer. The gate insulating layer 140 may be made of, for example, silicon nitride (SiN x ) or silicon oxide (SiO x In an embodiment, an organic insulator material may be used for the gate insulating layer 140.

[0092] A semiconductor layer including a channel semiconductor 154 and a plurality of anti-step semiconductors 156 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 . The semiconductor layer may include amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon or an oxide semiconductor material. The channel semiconductor 154 may overlap the gate electrode 124 .

[0093] A data conductive layer including a data line 171 including a source electrode 173, a drain electrode 175, and repair patterns 170a and 170b is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 and the semiconductor layer. The data conductive layer may include at least one of metals such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), alloys, and the like.

[0094] The data line 171 includes a first data line 171a and a second data line 171b. The first data line 171a and the second data line 171b extend substantially in the second direction DR2 and cross the gate line 121. The first data line 171a includes a source electrode 173. The second data line 171b may include a source electrode 173.

[0095] The source electrode 173 overlaps the gate electrode 124 and may have a substantially U-shaped structure. The source electrode 173 may have one or more other shapes.

[0096] A plurality of step prevention semiconductors 156 are disposed between locations where the gate conductive layer and the data line 171 cross, and can prevent the data line 171 from being disconnected by a step generated by the gate conductive layer.

[0097] The drain electrode 175 is separated from the data line 171 and the source electrode 173. The drain electrode 175 may include a portion facing the source electrode 173 in a region overlapping the gate electrode 124 and an expansion portion 177. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the expansion portion 177 may be disposed above the gate line 121 and the gate electrode 124 . Most of the region between the drain electrode 175 and the source electrode 173 facing each other may overlap with the channel semiconductor 154 .

[0098] like Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the expansion portion 177 may overlap the expansion portion 131c of the storage electrode line 131. The expansion portion 177 overlaps the expansion portion 131c of the storage electrode line 131 via the gate insulating layer 140, thereby forming a storage capacitor (Cst). Even when the data voltage is not applied to the drain electrode 175 and the pixel electrode 191 from the data lines 171a and 171b, the storage capacitor (Cst) may have a function of maintaining the voltage applied to the drain electrode 175 and the pixel electrode 191 connected thereto.

[0099] The gate electrode 124 , the source electrode 173 , and the drain electrode 175 together with the channel semiconductor 154 form a thin film transistor as a switching element, and a channel of the thin film transistor is formed in the channel semiconductor 154 between the source electrode 173 and the drain electrode 175 .

[0100] The repair patterns 170a and 170b are disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 and are formed on the same layer as the data line 171, the source electrode 173, or the drain electrode 175 and are insulated from them. The repair patterns 170a and 170b are disposed in parallel to be separated from a pair of data lines 171a and 171b and may extend in the second direction DR2. The repair patterns 170a and 170b may be disposed outside the first data line 171a and the second data line 171b and may be disposed between the first data line 171a and the second data line 171b adjacent to each other.

[0101] The repair patterns 170a and 170b may be made of an electrically conductive material, for example, a metal such as one or more of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), and an alloy.

[0102] The repair patterns 170 a and 170 b may overlap the transverse portion 131 a of the storage electrode line 131 , the gate line 121 , and / or one longitudinal portion 131 b of the storage electrode line 131 .

[0103] Reference Figure 2 , one end of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b may overlap a position where the transverse portion 131a and the longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 intersect. The repair patterns 170a and 170b extend from the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 and may cross the gate line 121. The other end of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b may overlap the longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 adjacent to the pixel.

[0104] The passivation layer 180 is disposed on the data conductive layer and the exposed semiconductor layer. The passivation layer 180 may include an inorganic insulating layer material such as silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiOx )wait.

[0105] The passivation layer 180 may include a contact hole 185. The contact hole 185 is disposed on the expansion portion 177 of the drain electrode 175, thereby connecting the drain electrode 175 and the pixel electrode 191.

[0106] The color filter 230 may be disposed on the passivation layer 180 and may uniquely display one of the primary colors.

[0107] A pixel electrode layer including a pixel electrode 191 and a shielding electrode 199 may be disposed on the passivation layer 180. The pixel electrode layer may include a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), etc., or may include at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), alloys, etc.

[0108] Reference Figure 2 , the overall shape of the pixel electrode 191 is approximately a quadrilateral, and may include a pattern in which the pixel electrode 191 is partially removed. According to the pattern of the pixel electrode 191, the pixel electrode 191 may include a transverse trunk portion 192, a longitudinal trunk portion 193, a plurality of minute branch portions 194, a connection portion 195, and an expansion portion 196.

[0109] The transverse stem portion 192 extends in the first direction DR1, and the longitudinal stem portion 193 is connected to the transverse stem portion 192 in a cross shape and extends approximately in the second direction DR2.

[0110] The pixel electrode 191 may be divided into four sub-regions R1 , R2 , R3 , and R4 by a transverse stem portion 192 and a longitudinal stem portion 193 .

[0111] A plurality of minute branch portions 194 are disposed in the four sub-regions R1, R2, R3, and R4, and extend obliquely from the transverse trunk portion 192 and the longitudinal trunk portion 193 in a diagonal direction from the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The minute branch portions 194 of the two sub-regions R1 and R2 and R3 and R4 facing each other via the longitudinal trunk portion 193 extend in directions different from each other.

[0112] Electrodes between adjacent minute branch portions 194 are removed, which are hereinafter referred to as minute gaps.

[0113] The acute angle formed between the minute branch portion 194 and the transverse trunk portion 192 or the longitudinal trunk portion 193 may be about 40 to 45. In an embodiment, the angle may be appropriately configured in consideration of display characteristics such as visibility of a liquid crystal display.

[0114] The connection portion 195 may be connected to the minute branch portion 194 of the subregion R3. The expansion portion 196 may be connected to the minute branch portion 194 of the subregion R3 through the connection portion 195, and may overlap the expansion portion 177 of the drain electrode 175.

[0115] The expansion portion 196 of the pixel electrode 191 is electrically connected to the drain electrode 175 through the contact hole 185, thereby receiving a data voltage.

[0116] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ends of the left and right edges of the pixel electrode 191 may overlap the longitudinal portion 131 b of the storage electrode line 131 , or alternatively, may not overlap the longitudinal portion 131 b .

[0117] The shielding electrode 199 is separated from the pixel electrode 191, may extend substantially in the first direction DR1, and may be disposed in a region overlapping a portion of the plurality of gate lines 121a and 121b. The shielding electrode 199 may overlap the gate line 121, and may be disposed in the second direction DR2 to overlap a portion of the second data line 171b.

[0118] The shielding electrode 199 receives the same voltage as the common electrode 270. No electric field is generated between the shielding electrode 199 and the common electrode 270, and the liquid crystal molecules are not rearranged. The liquid crystal between the shielding electrode 199 and the common electrode 270 displays a black state. As described above, when the liquid crystal molecules display black, the liquid crystal molecules themselves can serve as a light blocking member.

[0119] The second substrate 210 faces the first substrate 110 .

[0120] The light blocking member 220 may be disposed under the second substrate 210. The light blocking member 220 may prevent light leakage between adjacent pixel electrodes 191. Specifically, the light blocking member 220 may be mainly disposed at a region between adjacent pixel electrodes 191. The light blocking member 220 may include an opening (not shown) that transmits light.

[0121] An overcoat layer (not shown) is disposed under the light blocking member 220 and covers the liquid crystal layer 3. The overcoat layer (not shown) may be made of an organic insulating material. The overcoat layer (not shown) prevents the light blocking member 220 from being exposed and provides a flat surface.

[0122] The common electrode 270 is disposed under the second substrate 210 and the light blocking member 220. The common electrode 270 may be continuously formed in most of the area corresponding to the display area DA. The common electrode 270 may also include a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), etc., or a metal including aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), and alloys thereof, etc., like the pixel electrode layer. The common electrode 270 may not be patterned to include a slit, etc., or may include a slit or cutout if necessary.

[0123] The color filter 230 disposed on the first substrate 110 may be optionally disposed between the second substrate 210 and the common electrode 270 .

[0124] The liquid crystal layer 3 is disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210 .

[0125] The liquid crystal layer 3 may include liquid crystal molecules 31 having negative dielectric anisotropy. When no electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 3, the liquid crystal molecules 31 may be oriented such that their long axes are oriented at a predetermined angle or perpendicular to the surfaces of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210. The liquid crystal molecules 31 may be pre-tilted along a fringe field or a step between an edge of a patterned portion (e.g., minute branch portions 194) of the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270.

[0126] The alignment layer 11 covering the pixel electrode 191 and the color filter 230 may be disposed on the first substrate 110, and the alignment layer 21 may be disposed under the common electrode 270 on the second substrate 210. The two alignment layers 11 and 21 may be vertical alignment layers. A plurality of polymer protrusions formed by treating a reactive monomer (RM) with light such as ultraviolet light may be located at the surface of the alignment layers 11 and 21 adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 3, and these polymer protrusions may be used to maintain the pre-tilt of the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0127] When the pixel electrode 191 to which the data voltage is applied generates an electric field together with the common electrode 270, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer 3 disposed between the two electrodes 191 and 270 is determined. According to the direction of the liquid crystal molecules 31 thus determined, the brightness of light passing through the liquid crystal layer 3 is controlled.

[0128] The data voltage is applied only to the pixel electrode 191, however if a short circuit is generated in a region where the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 cross and overlap each other, the common voltage signal and the data signal are mixed so that a correct data signal is not applied.

[0129] In this case, at a position where the first data line 171a overlaps the storage electrode line 131, a correct data signal can be applied to the pixel electrode 191 by cutting off the storage electrode line 131. If the defect occurs after the display panel 100 is completed, the defect is repaired through a repair process, and the pixel PX structure after the repair process is described below.

[0130] Figure 4 is a top plan view showing two pixels of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment.

[0131] The two pixels include a first pixel PX1 and a second pixel PX2 adjacent to each other in a column direction, and the arrangement structure of the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 is the same as that of Figure 2 The same is true of the top plan view of one pixel shown in .

[0132] Reference Figure 4 , at a position X (also referred to as "short-circuit portion X") where the first data line 171a and the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 overlap each other and form an undesirable short circuit, two portions C of the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 disposed at opposite sides of the first data line 171a may be cut off. If the two portions C of the short-circuit portion X on the transverse portion 131a are cut off, the first data line 171a may apply a correct data signal.

[0133] However, if part of the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 is cut off, the common voltage is not applied to the region including the expansion portion 131c (connected to the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131) and the longitudinal portions 131b and 131d (connected to the expansion portion 131c).

[0134] If part of the storage electrode line 131 is cut off, in order to solve the problem that the common voltage is not properly applied, repair patterns 170a and 170b (disposed to pass through the storage electrode line 131 of the first pixel PX1 and the storage electrode line 131 of the second pixel PX2) may be used.

[0135] In the repair process, laser is irradiated to one end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the corresponding transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 in the first pixel PX1, and laser is irradiated to the other end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the corresponding longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 in the second pixel PX2. One end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the corresponding transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 are connected through a contact hole (corresponding to the end S) formed in the gate insulating layer 140, and the other end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the corresponding longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 are connected through a contact hole (corresponding to the end S) formed in the gate insulating layer 140.

[0136] The repair patterns 170a and 170b processed by the laser can electrically connect the storage electrode line 131 of the first pixel PX1 to the storage electrode line 131 of the second pixel PX2. As a result, the common voltage applied to the transverse portion 131a of one side of the storage electrode line 131 in the first pixel PX1 is applied to the longitudinal portion 131b (indicated by a thick solid line) of the second pixel PX2 through the repair pattern 170a connected to the transverse portion 131a. The common voltage applied through the longitudinal portion 131b of the second pixel PX2 is applied to the second pixel PX2 region (indicated by a dotted line) through the extension portion 131c and the longitudinal portions 131b and 131d extending from the transverse portion 131a. The common voltage can also be applied to the transverse portion 131a, the longitudinal portions 131b and 131d, and the extension portion 131c (indicated by a dotted line) of the storage electrode line 131 of the first pixel PX1 through the repair pattern 170b connected to the longitudinal portion 131b of the second pixel PX2.

[0137] Therefore, even if a portion of the storage electrode line 131 of a pixel having an undesired short circuit is cut off, the common voltage can be sufficiently applied to the storage electrode line 131 of an adjacent pixel through the repair patterns 170a and 170b.

[0138] Advantageously, in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment, a data signal can be correctly applied to each pixel, and a common voltage can be applied without being disconnected.

[0139] Figure 5 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment, Figure 6 It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 5 The area of ​​the structure shown. Figure 7 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment.

[0140] The gate line 121 may include a plurality of gate lines 121a and 121b and may include a gate electrode 124. The gate line 121 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may include two gate lines 121a and 121b. The two gate lines 121a and 121b extend in parallel in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to surround the gate electrode 124.

[0141] The storage electrode line 131 is separated from the gate line 121 and the gate electrode 124 and may transmit a predetermined voltage such as a common voltage.

[0142] The storage electrode line 131 may be insulated from the gate line 121 , and may overlap an edge of the pixel electrode 191 .

[0143] The storage electrode line 131 may include a transverse portion 131a extending in the first direction DR1, a plurality of longitudinal portions 131b and 131d connected to the transverse portion 131a and extending in the second direction DR2, and an expansion portion 131c as a portion of the transverse portion 131a expanded.

[0144] The plurality of longitudinal portions 131 b and 131 d may include two longitudinal portions 131 b disposed on respective sides of the pixel electrode 191 , and one longitudinal portion 131 d extending upward from the expansion portion 131 c in the second direction DR2 .

[0145] The storage electrode line 131 may further include a longitudinal floating storage electrode 131e separated (and insulated) from one longitudinal portion 131d in the second direction DR2. The storage electrode line 131 may further include a transverse floating storage electrode 131f extending in the first direction DR1 and crossing the data lines 171a and 171b.

[0146] The longitudinal floating storage electrode 131e may overlap the longitudinal stem portion 193 of the pixel electrode 191, and the transverse floating storage electrode 131f may overlap the transverse stem portion 192 of the pixel electrode 191. The transverse floating storage electrode 131f may be separated from (and insulated from) the longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131.

[0147] The gate insulating layer 140 (eg Figure 3 ) may be disposed on the gate conductive layer including the gate line 121, the gate electrode 124, and the storage electrode line 131. A semiconductor layer including a channel semiconductor 154 and a plurality of anti-step semiconductors 156 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 140.

[0148] A data conductive layer including the data line 171, the source electrode 173, the drain electrode 175, and the repair patterns 170c and 170d may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 and the semiconductor layer.

[0149] The data line 171 includes a first data line 171a and a second data line 171b. The first data line 171a and the second data line 171b extend substantially in the second direction DR2 and cross the gate line 121. The first data line 171a includes a source electrode 173. The second data line 171b may include a source electrode 173.

[0150] The source electrode 173 overlaps the gate electrode 124 and may have a substantially U-shaped structure.

[0151] The drain electrode 175 is separated from the data line 171 and the source electrode 173. The drain electrode 175 may include a portion facing the source electrode 173 in a region overlapping the gate electrode 124, and an expansion portion 177.

[0152] The gate electrode 124 , the source electrode 173 , and the drain electrode 175 together with the channel semiconductor 154 form a thin film transistor as a switching element, and a channel of the thin film transistor is formed in the channel semiconductor 154 between the source electrode 173 and the drain electrode 175 .

[0153] The repair patterns 170c and 170d are disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 and are formed on the same layer (and of the same material) as the data lines 171a and 171b, the source electrode 173, or the drain electrode 175. The repair patterns 170c and 170d each extend in the first direction DR1 and overlap and intersect the corresponding longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131. In a plan view of the liquid crystal display device, the repair patterns 170c and 170d may be aligned with the transverse floating storage electrode 131f.

[0154] Reference Figure 6 , the repair patterns 170c and 170d may each protrude out of the corresponding longitudinal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 without overlapping the data line 171a or 171b.

[0155] One end of each of the repair patterns 170c and 170d may overlap one end of the transverse floating storage electrode 131f. In an embodiment, the other end of each of the repair patterns 170c and 170d may overlap one end of the transverse floating storage electrode 131f of an adjacent pixel.

[0156] Refer again Figure 5 , in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment, if an undesirable short circuit is formed in a region where the data line 171 overlaps the storage electrode line 131, the common voltage signal and the data signal are mixed so that a correct signal is not applied.

[0157] In the embodiments, reference Figure 7, at the position X where the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 overlap each other, a portion C of the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 may be cut off. If two portions C of the short-circuited portion X of the transverse portion 131a are cut off, the first data line 171a may apply a correct data signal to the pixel electrode 191.

[0158] However, if part of the transverse portion 131a is cut off, the common voltage is not applied to a region including the expansion portion 131c (connected to the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131), the longitudinal portions 131b and 131d (connected to the expansion portion 131c), and the like.

[0159] If a portion of the storage electrode line 131 is cut off, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem of insufficient supply of the common voltage, the repair patterns 170c and 170d overlapping the transverse floating storage electrode 131f may be used.

[0160] Refer again Figure 7 In the repair process, laser is irradiated to each of one end S of the repair pattern 170c and one end S of the transverse floating storage electrode 131f, and laser is irradiated to each of the other end S of the transverse floating storage electrode 131f and one end S of the repair pattern 170d. Laser may be irradiated to each of one end S of the transverse floating storage electrode 131f and the other end S of the repair pattern 170c in adjacent pixels.

[0161] The laser-processed repair patterns 170c and 170d may be connected to the transverse floating storage electrode 131f. As a result, the two longitudinal portions 131b of the storage electrode line 131 may be connected through the repair pattern 170c, the transverse floating storage electrode 131f, and the repair pattern 170d. Even if part of the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 is cut off in order to avoid mixing of the data signal and the common voltage signal, the transverse portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 for applying a common voltage to each pixel may remain connected to apply the common voltage to the entire area of ​​the pixel.

[0162] Figure 8 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment, Fig. 9 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment. Fig.10 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment.

[0163] Reference Figure 8 , the liquid crystal display includes signal lines such as a gate line 121, a data line 171, and a reference voltage line 178 for transmitting a reference voltage, and includes one or more pixels connected to the signal lines.

[0164] Each pixel includes a first subpixel PXa including a first thin film transistor Qa and a first liquid crystal capacitor Clca, and a second subpixel PXb including a second thin film transistor Qb, a third thin film transistor Qc and a second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb.

[0165] The first thin film transistor Qa and the second thin film transistor Qb are both connected to the gate line 121 and the data line 171 , and the third thin film transistor Qc is connected to the output terminal of the second thin film transistor Qb and the reference voltage line 178 .

[0166] The output terminal of the first thin film transistor Qa is connected to the first liquid crystal capacitor Clca, the output terminal of the second thin film transistor Qb is connected to the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb and the input terminal of the third thin film transistor Qc. The control terminal of the third thin film transistor Qc is connected to the gate line 121, the input terminal of the third thin film transistor Qc is connected to the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb, and the output terminal of the third thin film transistor Qc is connected to the reference voltage line 178.

[0167] If the gate-on voltage (Von) is applied to the gate line 121, the first thin film transistor Qa, the second thin film transistor Qb and the third thin film transistor Qc connected thereto are turned on. Therefore, the data voltage applied to the data line 171 is applied to the first liquid crystal capacitor Clca and the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb through the turned-on first thin film transistor Qa and the second thin film transistor Qb, so that the first liquid crystal capacitor Clca and the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb are charged with the difference between the data voltage (Vd) and the common voltage (Vcom). In this case, the same data voltage (Vd) is transmitted to the first liquid crystal capacitor Clca and the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb through the first thin film transistor Qa and the second thin film transistor Qb, however, the charging voltage of the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb is divided by the third thin film transistor Qc. Therefore, since the charging voltage of the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb becomes smaller than the charging voltage of the first liquid crystal capacitor Clca, the brightness of the two sub-pixels PXa and PXb can be distinguished. Therefore, by appropriately controlling the voltage charged in the first liquid crystal capacitor Clca and the voltage charged in the second liquid crystal capacitor Clcb, an image viewed from the side may be closest to an image viewed from the front, thereby improving side visibility.

[0168] Reference Fig. 9 , the liquid crystal display may include an upper substrate and a lower substrate facing each other, and may include a liquid crystal layer interposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate.

[0169] A gate conductive layer including the gate lines 121 and the first and second storage electrode lines 131 and 132 may be disposed on the lower substrate.

[0170] The gate line 121 may include a plurality of gate lines.

[0171] The gate line 121 includes a first gate electrode 124 a , a second gate electrode 124 b , a third gate electrode 124 c , and a wide end portion (not shown) connected to other layers or an external driving circuit.

[0172] The gate lines 121 and the first and second storage electrode lines 131 and 132 may be made of one or more aluminum metals such as aluminum (Al) or an aluminum alloy, one or more silver metals such as silver (Ag) or a silver alloy, copper metals such as copper (Cu) or a copper alloy, one or more molybdenum metals such as molybdenum (Mo) or a molybdenum alloy, chromium (Cr), thallium (Ta) and / or titanium (Ti).

[0173] The gate line 121 crosses one pixel along the first direction DR1. The first subpixel electrode 191a displaying high grayscale may be disposed at an upper side relative to the gate line 121 in the second direction DR2 and the second subpixel electrode 191b displaying low grayscale may be disposed at a lower side relative to the gate line 121 in the second direction DR2, or vice versa.

[0174] The first storage electrode line 131 is disposed above the gate line 121 and may overlap an edge of the first sub-pixel electrode 191a. The first storage electrode line 131 includes two longitudinal portions 131b and may include a transverse portion 131a connecting the two longitudinal portions 131b. In an embodiment, the transverse portion 131a of the first storage electrode line 131 may extend over one pixel region to be connected to other layers or an external driving circuit.

[0175] Second storage electrode line 132 under gate line 121 may overlap an edge of second subpixel electrode 191b. Second storage electrode line 132 includes two longitudinal portions 132b and may include a transverse portion 132a connecting the two longitudinal portions 132b (similar to transverse portion 131a of first storage electrode line 131).

[0176] The first storage electrode line 131 may include a first expansion portion 131c, and the second storage electrode line 132 may include a second expansion portion 132c. Each of the first expansion portion 131c and the second expansion portion 132c may have a quadrilateral shape in a plan view and may protrude from the transverse portions 131a and 132a. The first expansion portion 131c and the second expansion portion 132c may have one or more other shapes.

[0177] The first expansion portion 131c may overlap a region where the first drain electrode 175a extends and a region where the first subpixel electrode 191a is elongated. The first expansion portion 131c may overlap the first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a.

[0178] The second expansion portion 132c may overlap a region where the second drain electrode 175b extends and a region where the second subpixel electrode 191b is elongated. The second expansion portion 132c may overlap the second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b.

[0179] According to an embodiment, the storage electrode lines 131 and 132 may have a specific shape required to perform a desired function.

[0180] A gate insulating layer may be disposed on the gate conductive layer. A first semiconductor layer 154a, a second semiconductor layer 154b, and a third semiconductor layer 154c are disposed on the gate insulating layer.

[0181] A data conductive layer including data lines 171a and 171b, a first source electrode 173a, a second source electrode 173b, a third source electrode 173c, a first drain electrode 175a, a second drain electrode 175b, a third drain electrode 175c, and a reference voltage line 178 may be disposed on the first semiconductor layer 154a, the second semiconductor layer 154b, and the third semiconductor layer 154c. The source electrode 173 includes a first source electrode 173a, a second source electrode 173b, and a third source electrode 173c, and the drain electrode 175 includes a first drain electrode 175a, a second drain electrode 175b, and a third drain electrode 175c.

[0182] The data conductive layer may further include repair patterns 170a and 170b.

[0183] The data lines 171 a and 171 b extend along edges of the pixel regions in the second direction DR2 and include a first source electrode 173 a and a second source electrode 173 b .

[0184] The first drain electrode 175a is separated from the first source electrode 173a in a first direction DR1 in a plan view and may include a substantially I-shaped structure. The first drain electrode 175a includes a first expansion portion 177a connected to the first subpixel electrode 191a.

[0185] The second drain electrode 175b is separated from the second source electrode 173b in the first direction DR1 in a plan view and may include a substantially I-shaped structure. The second drain electrode 175b includes a second expansion portion 177b connected to the second subpixel electrode 191b.

[0186] The third source electrode 173c may be adjacent to the second drain electrode 175b. The reference voltage line 178 includes the third source electrode 173c and the third drain electrode 175c forming the third thin film transistor Qc.

[0187] The first longitudinal portion 172a included in the reference voltage line 178 may overlap the longitudinal trunk portion 193a of the first subpixel electrode 191a. The second longitudinal portion 172b may overlap the longitudinal trunk portion 193b of the second subpixel electrode 191b. The third longitudinal portion 172c included in the reference voltage line 178 may pass through an area disposed between an area where the first subpixel electrode 191a is disposed and an area where the second subpixel electrode 191b is disposed.

[0188] The reference voltage line 178 may include a first transverse portion 174 a connecting the first longitudinal portion 172 a and the third longitudinal portion 172 c , and a second transverse portion 174 b connecting the second longitudinal portion 172 b and the third longitudinal portion 172 c .

[0189] The first transverse portion 174a may overlap the first subpixel electrode 191a, and the second transverse portion 174b may overlap the second subpixel electrode 191b. However, not limited to this shape, the first and second transverse portions 174a and 174b may not overlap the first and second subpixel electrodes 191a and 191b.

[0190] The reference voltage line 178 may have a certain shape according to the shape of the pixel electrode 191 , and the shape of the reference voltage line 178 may be configured according to the shape of the pixel electrode 191 .

[0191] The first gate electrode 124a, the first source electrode 173a, and the first drain electrode 175a form a first thin film transistor Qa together with the first semiconductor layer 154a, and the channel of the first thin film transistor Qa is formed in the first semiconductor layer 154a between the first source electrode 173a and the first drain electrode 175a. The second gate electrode 124b, the second source electrode 173b, and the second drain electrode 175b form a second thin film transistor Qb together with the second semiconductor layer 154b, and the channel of the second thin film transistor Qb is formed in the second semiconductor layer 154b between the second source electrode 173b and the second drain electrode 175b. The third gate electrode 124c, the third source electrode 173c, and the third drain electrode 175c form a third thin film transistor Qc together with the third semiconductor layer 154c, and the channel of the third thin film transistor Qc is formed in the third semiconductor layer 154c between the third source electrode 173c and the third drain electrode 175c.

[0192] The repair patterns 170a and 170b are disposed on the gate insulating layer and are disposed on the same layer (and formed of the same material) as the data lines 171a and 171b, the source electrode 173, or the drain electrode 175. The repair patterns 170a and 170b are disposed in parallel, separated from (and insulated from) the data lines 171a and 171b, and may extend in the second direction DR2. The repair patterns 170a and 170b may each be disposed outside a pair of data lines 171a and 171b overlapping the same pixel electrode 191, and may each be disposed between two adjacent data lines 171a and 171b respectively overlapping two adjacent pixel electrodes 191.

[0193] The repair patterns 170a and 170b may be made of a conductive material, for example, one or more metals such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), and / or an alloy.

[0194] The repair patterns 170 a and 170 b may overlap the transverse portions 131 a of the first storage electrode lines 131 , the gate lines 121 , and the corresponding longitudinal portions 131 b of the first storage electrode lines 131 .

[0195] One end of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b may overlap a position where a transverse portion 131a and a corresponding longitudinal portion 131b of a first storage electrode line 131 meet. The repair patterns 170a and 170b extend in the second direction DR2 and may cross the gate line 121. The other end of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b may overlap a corresponding longitudinal portion 132b of a second storage electrode line 132. The storage electrode lines 131 and 132 may be disposed at opposite sides of the gate line 121 in a plan view.

[0196] The first drain electrode 175a, the first contact hole 185a, and the first subpixel electrode 191a overlap each other, and the first drain electrode 175a may be connected to the first subpixel electrode 191a through the first contact hole 185a.

[0197] The second drain electrode 175 b , the second contact hole 185 b , and the second subpixel electrode 191 b overlap, and the second drain electrode 175 b may be connected to the second subpixel electrode 191 b through the second contact hole 185 b .

[0198] The pixel electrode 191 includes a first subpixel electrode 191 a and a second subpixel electrode 191 b that are separated from each other via the gate line 121 and are adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2 .

[0199] The pixel electrode 191 may be made of a transparent material such as ITO or IZO. The pixel electrode 191 may be made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO, or a reflective metal such as aluminum, silver, chromium, or an alloy.

[0200] The first subpixel electrode 191a includes: a first transverse trunk portion 192a extending in the first direction DR1; a first longitudinal trunk portion 193a crossing the first transverse trunk portion 192a and extending in the second direction DR2; and a plurality of first minute branch portions 194a extending from the first transverse trunk portion 192a and the first longitudinal trunk portion 193a in a diagonal direction. The electrode between adjacent first minute branch portions 194a is removed, and it is referred to as a minute gap below.

[0201] The acute angle formed between the first minute branch portion 194a and the first transverse trunk portion 192a or the first longitudinal trunk portion 193a may be about 40 to 45. The size of the angle may be appropriately configured in consideration of display characteristics of the liquid crystal display such as visibility.

[0202] The first subpixel electrode 191 a includes a wide area where a portion of the first minute branch portion 194 a is elongated, and may be connected to the first expansion portion 177 a of the first drain electrode 175 a through the wide area.

[0203] The second subpixel electrode 191b includes: a second transverse trunk portion 192b extending in the first direction DR1; a second longitudinal trunk portion 193b intersecting the second transverse trunk portion 192b and extending in the second direction DR2; and a plurality of second minute branch portions 194b extending from the second transverse trunk portion 192b and the second longitudinal trunk portion 193b in a diagonal direction. The electrodes between adjacent second minute branch portions 194b are removed to form minute gaps.

[0204] The acute angle formed between the second minute branch portion 194b and the second transverse trunk portion 192b or the second longitudinal trunk portion 193b may be about 40 to 45. The size of the angle may be appropriately configured in consideration of display characteristics of the liquid crystal display such as visibility.

[0205] The second subpixel electrode 191 b includes a wide area where a portion of the second minute branch portion 194 b is elongated, and may be connected to the second expansion portion 177 b of the second drain electrode 175 b through the wide area.

[0206] The shielding electrodes 199a and 199b are separated from the first and second subpixel electrodes 191a and 191b and disposed to extend substantially in the first direction DR1. The shielding electrodes 199a and 199b may be formed on the same layer as the pixel electrode 191 and may be made of the same material as the pixel electrode 191.

[0207] The shielding electrodes 199a and 199b receive the same voltage as the common electrode (not shown). No electric field is generated between the shielding electrodes 199a and 199b and the common electrode, and the liquid crystal molecules are not rearranged. The liquid crystal between the shielding electrodes 199a and 199b and the common electrode displays a black state. In this way, when the liquid crystal molecules display black, the liquid crystal molecules themselves can be used as light blocking members.

[0208] An upper substrate including an alignment layer, a common electrode, a light blocking member, etc. may be disposed on the pixel electrode 191 .

[0209] A liquid crystal layer may be disposed between a lower substrate and an upper substrate including the pixel electrode 191. The liquid crystal layer may include liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy.

[0210] When the pixel electrode 191 applied with the data voltage generates an electric field together with the common electrode of the upper substrate, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer disposed between the two electrodes can be determined. According to the direction of the liquid crystal molecules thus determined, the brightness of light passing through the liquid crystal layer can be controlled.

[0211] The data voltage is applied only to the pixel electrode 191, however if a short circuit is generated in an overlapping region where the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 cross, the common voltage signal and the data signal are mixed so that a correct data signal is not applied.

[0212] In an embodiment, at a location where the data line 171a or 171b and the first storage electrode line 131 overlap each other, a correct data signal may be applied to the pixel electrode 191 by cutting off the first storage electrode line 131. Undesirable effects of the cutting may be repaired by a repair process.

[0213] Fig.10 is a top plan view showing one pixel of a liquid crystal display after a repair process according to an embodiment.

[0214] Reference Fig.10 , at a position X where an undesired short circuit is formed due to the overlap of the first data line 171a with the transverse portion 131a of the first storage electrode line 131, a portion C of the transverse portion 131a of the first storage electrode line 131 overlapping the first data line 171a may be cut off. If the short circuit portion X is cut off from the transverse portion 131a, the first data line 171a may apply a correct data signal.

[0215] However, if part of the first storage electrode line 131 is cut off, the common voltage is not applied to a region including the expansion portion 131c (connected to the transverse portion 131a of the first storage electrode line 131), the longitudinal portions 131b and 131d (connected to the expansion portion 131c), etc.

[0216] If part of the first storage electrode line 131 is cut off, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem of insufficient common voltage supply, repair patterns 170a and 170b (set through the first storage electrode line 131 of the first sub-pixel electrode 191a and the second storage electrode line 132 of the second sub-pixel electrode 191b) can be used.

[0217] In the repair process, laser is irradiated to one end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the transverse portion 131a of the first storage electrode line 131 in the first sub-pixel electrode 191a, and laser is irradiated to the other end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the corresponding longitudinal portion 132b of the second storage electrode line 132 in the second sub-pixel electrode 191b. One end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the transverse portion 131a of the first storage electrode line 131 are formed by the gate insulating layer 140 (such as Figure 3 The other end S of each of the repair patterns 170a and 170b and the longitudinal portion 132b of the second storage electrode line 132 are connected through a contact hole (corresponding to the end S) generated in the gate insulating layer 140.

[0218] Therefore, even if portions of the first and second storage electrode lines 131 and 132 of a pixel are cut off to remedy an undesired short circuit, the common voltage may be sufficiently applied to the storage electrode line of another pixel through the repair patterns 170a and 170b.

[0219] Since the upper transverse portion of the second storage electrode line 132 does not need to be maintained, the area where the data lines 171a and 171b overlap the first and second storage electrode lines 131 and 132 can be reduced.

[0220] Generally, in a pixel region, a data load is generated in an overlapping region of the data lines 171a and 171b and the first and second storage electrode lines 131 and 132. The data load may cause a processing speed to be undesirably slow.

[0221] In the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment, the repair patterns 170a and 170b are implemented without implementing the additional structure of the first storage electrode line 131 and the second storage electrode line 132. As a result, the area where the first storage electrode line 131 and the second storage electrode line 132 overlap with the data lines 171a and 171b can be minimized, so that the data load can be minimized. Advantageously, the charge ratio of the display device can be optimized.

[0222] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described, the actual embodiments are not limited to the described embodiments. The actual embodiments cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device include: A gate line configured to transmit a gate signal; a first data line crossing the gate line and configured to transmit a first data signal; A first storage electrode group including a first extension portion; a first thin film transistor comprising a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, a first drain electrode, and a first semiconductor member, wherein the first semiconductor member overlaps each of the first gate electrode, the first source electrode, and the first drain electrode, wherein the first gate electrode is electrically connected to the gate line, wherein the first source electrode is electrically connected to the first data line, and wherein the first drain electrode has an extended portion, the extended portion of the first drain electrode and the first extended portion of the first storage electrode group overlap each other and form a storage capacitor; a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the first drain electrode and comprising a protrusion, wherein the protrusion directly contacts the extended portion of the first drain electrode and overlaps the first extended portion of the first storage electrode group; a first repair member formed of an electrically conductive material and electrically insulated from each of the first drain electrode and the first data line; a second pixel electrode, which is adjacent to the first pixel electrode, and no intermediate pixel electrode is disposed between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; and a second storage electrode group, overlapping the second pixel electrode, wherein the first end of the first repairing member overlaps the first storage electrode group, wherein the second end of the first repairing member overlaps the second storage electrode group, wherein the first storage electrode group includes a floating storage electrode, the floating storage electrode intersecting the first data line in a plan view of the liquid crystal display device, and Wherein, the first repair member is parallel to the gate line in the plan view of the liquid crystal display device and overlaps with the floating storage electrode.

2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line and the first storage electrode group, in, The first storage electrode group includes a storage electrode portion, the storage electrode portion extending parallel to the gate line in the plan view of the liquid crystal display device, Wherein, the first repairing member is connected to the floating storage electrode through a contact hole of the gate insulating layer.

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