Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a substrate, a gate line, a data line, a thin film transistor, a passivation layer, a pixel electrode and a color filter, wherein the substrate has a display area and a peripheral area including pixels arranged in a matrix form; the gate line and the data line are located on the substrate and insulated from each other; the thin film transistor is connected to the gate line and the data line; the pixel electrode is connected to the thin film transistor through a contact hole of the passivation layer; and the color filter overlaps the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode. The passivation layer is located between the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode. The color filter includes an opening overlapping the contact hole. The center of the opening is located on a virtual center line of one pixel, and the center of the contact hole is located on one side of the virtual center line.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0102625, filed on August 30, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] A liquid crystal display (LCD) is one of the most widely used flat panel displays. The liquid crystal display includes two display panels formed with field generating electrodes such as pixel electrodes or common electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. In the liquid crystal layer, a voltage is applied to the field generating electrodes to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer. Then, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is determined by the electric field to control the polarization of incident light, thereby displaying an image.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it 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

[0006] Example embodiments have been made in an effort to provide a display device having a relatively simple manufacturing process and in which a dummy color filter is relatively easy to design, compared to related art devices.

[0007] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a gate line, a data line, a thin film transistor, a passivation layer, a pixel electrode and a color filter, wherein the substrate has a display area and a peripheral area including pixels arranged in a matrix form; the gate line and the data line are located on the substrate and insulated from each other; the thin film transistor is connected to the gate line and the data line; the pixel electrode is connected to the thin film transistor through a contact hole of the passivation layer; and the color filter overlaps the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode. The passivation layer is located between the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode. The color filter includes an opening overlapping with the contact hole. The center of the opening is located on a virtual center line of a pixel, and the center of the contact hole is located on one side of the virtual center line.

[0008] The virtual center line may extend in a direction in which the data line extends.

[0009] The opening of the color filter may have a symmetrical shape with respect to a virtual center line in a plan view.

[0010] The area of ​​the contact hole in a plan view may be smaller than the area of ​​the opening in a plan view.

[0011] The width of the opening may be greater than the width of the contact hole.

[0012] The center of the opening may be aligned with the center of the contact hole.

[0013] The display device may further include a storage electrode line located at the same layer as the gate line, and the storage electrode line may include a protrusion overlapping the contact hole in a plan view.

[0014] The storage electrode line may include a horizontal portion extending parallel to the gate line, and the protrusion may protrude from the horizontal portion.

[0015] The protrusion may overlap the opening.

[0016] The display device may further include a shielding electrode located at the same layer as the pixel electrode.

[0017] The shielding electrode may extend along a direction in which the gate line extends.

[0018] A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a gate line, a data line, a thin film transistor, an organic layer, a pixel electrode, and a color filter, wherein the substrate has a display area and a peripheral area including pixels arranged in a matrix form; the gate line and the data line are located on the substrate and insulated from each other; the thin film transistor is connected to the gate line and the data line; the pixel electrode is connected to the thin film transistor through a contact hole of the organic layer; and the color filter overlaps the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode. The organic layer is located between the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode. The color filter includes an opening overlapping the contact hole, and the center of the opening is not aligned with the center of the contact hole.

[0019] An organic layer may be located between the color filter and the pixel electrode.

[0020] The display device may further include a dummy color filter in the peripheral area.

[0021] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device manufactured through a simple process may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A top view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A top view of a pixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0025] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0026] Figure 5 A top view of a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 A top view of a passivation layer according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 A top view of a color filter according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 A top view of an organic layer according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0030] Fig. 9 A schematic top view of a peripheral area and a display area according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0031] Fig.10 A top view of a display device according to a comparative embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] In order to clearly describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals denote the same or similar constituent elements throughout the specification.

[0034] In addition, since the sizes and thicknesses of the constituent members shown in the drawings are arbitrarily given for better understanding and ease of description, the present disclosure is not limited to the sizes and thicknesses shown. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0035] It should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements. In addition, the term "above" or "on" means being positioned above or below an object portion, and does not necessarily mean being positioned on the upper side of an object portion based on the direction of gravity.

[0036] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0037] Furthermore, in the specification, the phrase “in a plan view” means when the object portion is viewed from above, and the phrase “in a cross-sectional view” means when a cross section obtained by vertically cutting the object portion from a side is viewed.

[0038] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment is described. Figure 1 shows a top view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 shows a top view of a pixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III', and Figure 4 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The display device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment includes a display area DA in which a plurality of pixels PX are arranged in a matrix along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, and a peripheral area PA arranged at an edge surrounding the display area DA.

[0040] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 One pixel PX among the plurality of pixels PX arranged in the display area DA is described. The display device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a lower display panel 100 and an upper display panel 200 facing each other and a liquid crystal layer 3 arranged between the lower display panel 100 and the upper display panel 200 .

[0041] First, the lower display panel 100 will be described.

[0042] A gate conductor including a gate line 121 and storage electrode lines 131a and 131b is disposed on a first substrate 110 made of transparent glass or plastic.

[0043] The gate line 121 includes a first gate electrode 124a, a second gate electrode 124b, a third gate electrode 124c, and a wide end portion (not shown) for connection to another layer or an external driving circuit.

[0044] The gate lines 121 and the storage electrode lines 131a and 131b may be made of an aluminum-based metal such as aluminum (Al) or an aluminum alloy, a silver-based metal such as silver (Ag) or a silver alloy, a copper-based metal such as copper (Cu) or a copper alloy, a molybdenum-based metal such as molybdenum (Mo) or a molybdenum alloy, chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), or titanium (Ti). The gate lines 121 and the storage electrode lines 131a and 131b may have a multi-layer structure including at least two conductive layers having different physical properties.

[0045] The gate line 121 crosses one pixel along the first direction D1. The first subpixel electrode 191a indicating high grayscale is arranged in the second direction D2 relative to the gate line 121, and the second subpixel electrode 191b indicating low grayscale is arranged in the opposite direction to the second direction D2 relative to the gate line 121, and vice versa.

[0046] The storage electrode lines 131 a and 131 b may be made of the same material as the gate lines 121 , and may be formed through a simultaneous process with the gate lines 121 .

[0047] The first storage electrode line 131a disposed at the upper side of the gate line 121 may overlap the edge of the first subpixel electrode 191a. The first storage electrode line 131a may include two vertical portions 134a and a horizontal portion 135a connecting the vertical portions 134a. In one embodiment, the horizontal portion 135a of the first storage electrode line 131a may extend beyond one pixel region to be connected to another layer or an external driving circuit.

[0048] The second storage electrode line 131b disposed at the lower side of the gate line 121 may overlap an edge of the second subpixel electrode 191b. The second storage electrode line 131b may include two vertical portions 134b and a horizontal portion 135b connecting the vertical portions 134b.

[0049] In addition, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first storage electrode line 131a may include a first protrusion 137a, and the second storage electrode line 131b may include a second protrusion 137b. Each of the first protrusion 137a and the second protrusion 137b may prevent or at least reduce a light leakage phenomenon.

[0050] Each of the first and second protrusions 137a and 137b may have a quadrangular shape protruding from the horizontal portions 135a and 135b in a plan view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the first and second protrusions 137a and 137b may have any form for blocking an area where a light leakage phenomenon may occur.

[0051] The first protrusion 137 a may overlap a contact hole 185 a of the passivation layer 180 , an opening 230 a of the color filter 230 , and a contact hole 240 a of the organic layer 240 , which will be described later.

[0052] The first protrusion 137a may overlap with the extension region of the first drain electrode 175a and the extension region of the first subpixel electrode 191a. The first protrusion 137a may overlap with the first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a.

[0053] The second protrusion 137 b may overlap with a contact hole 185 b of the passivation layer 180 , an opening 230 b of the color filter 230 , and a contact hole 240 b of the organic layer 240 , which will be described later.

[0054] The second protrusion 137b may overlap with an extension region of the second drain electrode 175b and an extension region of the second subpixel electrode 191b. The second protrusion 137b may overlap with the second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b.

[0055] Although the present specification describes and illustrates the shapes of the storage electrode lines 131a and 131b as described above, they are not limited to such shapes and may have any shapes for performing the same or similar functions.

[0056] The gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the gate conductor. The gate insulating layer 140 may be made of an inorganic insulating layer material such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide, but may be made of an organic insulating material without being limited thereto.

[0057] The first semiconductor layer 154 a , the second semiconductor layer 154 b , and the third semiconductor layer 154 c are disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 .

[0058] A data conductor including a data line 171, 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 divided reference voltage line 178 is arranged on the gate insulating layer 140, the first semiconductor layer 154a, the second semiconductor layer 154b and the third semiconductor layer 154c.

[0059] The data line 171 extends in the second direction D2 along an edge of one pixel region, and includes a first source electrode 173 a and a second source electrode 173 b .

[0060] In a plan view, the first drain electrode 175a overlaps the first source electrode 173a in the first direction D1 and may have an I-shape overlapping the first source electrode 173a. The first drain electrode 175a includes a wide extension region connected to the first subpixel electrode 191a.

[0061] In a plan view, the second drain electrode 175b overlaps the second source electrode 173b in the first direction D1 and may have an I-shape overlapping the second source electrode 173b. The second drain electrode 175b includes a wide extension region connected to the second subpixel electrode 191b.

[0062] The third source electrode 173c may be disposed adjacent to the second drain electrode 175b. The third source electrode 173c may be a region extending from the second drain electrode 175b.

[0063] The divided reference voltage line 178 includes a third drain electrode 175c. The third drain electrode 175c may constitute a thin film transistor together with the third source electrode 173c.

[0064] The divided reference voltage line 178 includes a plurality of vertical portions 172 a , 172 b , and 172 c and horizontal portions 174 a and 174 b connecting the vertical portions 172 a , 172 b , and 172 c .

[0065] The first vertical portion 172a included in the divided reference voltage line 178 may overlap the first vertical stem 193a of the first subpixel electrode 191a. The second vertical portion 172b included in the divided reference voltage line 178 may overlap the second vertical stem 193b of the second subpixel electrode 191b. The third vertical portion 172c included in the divided reference voltage line 178 may also cross the region disposed between the region where the first subpixel electrode 191a is disposed and the region where the second subpixel electrode 191b is disposed.

[0066] The divided reference voltage line 178 may include a first horizontal portion 174 a connecting the first vertical portion 172 a and the third vertical portion 172 c and a second horizontal portion 174 b connecting the second vertical portion 172 b and the third vertical portion 172 c .

[0067] The first horizontal portion 174a may overlap with the first subpixel electrode 191a, and the second horizontal portion 174b may overlap with the second subpixel electrode 191b. However, the first horizontal portion 174a and the second horizontal portion 174b may be arranged in a region that does not overlap with the first subpixel electrode 191a and the second subpixel electrode 191b, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular shape.

[0068] The divided reference voltage line 178 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the pixel electrode 191 , and the shape of the divided reference voltage line 178 may be changed by changing the shape of the pixel electrode 191 .

[0069] A portion of the divided reference voltage line 178 disposed in a region overlapping the third semiconductor layer 154 c may serve as a third drain electrode 175 c .

[0070] The first gate electrode 124a, the first source electrode 173a, and the first drain electrode 175a together with the first semiconductor layer 154a constitute a first thin film transistor (TFT), and the channel of the first thin film transistor 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 together with the second semiconductor layer 154b constitute a second thin film transistor, and the channel thereof 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 together with the third semiconductor layer 154c constitute a third thin film transistor, and the channel thereof is formed in the third semiconductor layer 154c arranged between the third source electrode 173c and the third drain electrode 175c.

[0071] A passivation layer 180 is disposed in the data conductors and the exposed semiconductor layers 154a, 154b, and 154c.

[0072] The passivation layer 180 may be made of an inorganic insulating film material such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide. When the color filter 230 is disposed in the passivation layer 180, the passivation layer 180 may prevent the pigment of the color filter 230 from flowing into the exposed semiconductor layers 154a, 154b, and 154c.

[0073] The passivation layer 180 may include a first contact hole 185a and a second contact hole 185b. The first contact hole 185a may overlap the first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a. The second contact hole 185b may overlap the second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b.

[0074] The color filter 230 is arranged on the passivation layer 180 and can uniquely display one of the primary colors, and the primary colors can be, for example, three primary colors such as red, green and blue, or yellow, cyan and magenta, etc. Although not shown, a color filter that displays a mixed color of the primary colors or white in addition to the primary colors may also be included.

[0075] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 5 to 8 The openings included in the color filter 230 are described in detail.

[0076] The organic layer 240 is disposed on the color filter 230. The organic layer 240 may planarize a surface on which a pixel electrode 191 described later is disposed.

[0077] The organic layer 240 includes a third contact hole 240a and a fourth contact hole 240b. The third contact hole 240a may be aligned with the first contact hole 185a included in the passivation layer 180. The fourth contact hole 240b may be aligned with the second contact hole 185b included in the passivation layer 180.

[0078] The first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a may be connected through the first contact hole 185a and the third contact hole 240a. The second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b may be connected through the second contact hole 185b and the fourth contact hole 240b.

[0079] The pixel electrode 191 is disposed on the color filter 230. The pixel electrode 191 includes a first subpixel electrode 191a and a second subpixel electrode 191b which are spaced apart from each other and adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 with the gate line 121 therebetween.

[0080] The pixel electrode 191 may be made of a transparent material such as ITO and 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 thereof.

[0081] Shielding electrodes 197a and 197b made of the same material as the pixel electrode 191 are disposed on the same layer as the pixel electrode 191 on the color filter 230. The pixel electrode 191 and the shielding electrodes 197a and 197b may be simultaneously formed in the same process.

[0082] The first subpixel electrode 191a has a first horizontal stem 192a extending in a first direction D1, a first vertical stem 193a orthogonal to the first horizontal stem 192a and extending in a second direction D2, and a plurality of first minute branches 194a extending in a diagonal direction from the first horizontal stem 192a and the first vertical stem 193a. The minute slits from which the electrodes are removed may be arranged between adjacent first minute branches 194a.

[0083] The acute angle formed by the first minute branch 194a with respect to the first horizontal stem 192a or the first vertical stem 193a may be in the range of about 40° to about 45°, but is not limited thereto, and may be appropriately adjusted based on display characteristics considering visibility such as a liquid crystal display.

[0084] The first subpixel electrode 191 a includes a wide region extending from a portion of the first minute branch 194 a and may be connected to the first drain electrode 175 a through the wide region.

[0085] The second subpixel electrode 191b has a second horizontal stem 192b extending in the first direction D1, a second vertical stem 193b orthogonal to the second horizontal stem 192b and extending in the second direction D2, and a plurality of second minute branches 194b extending in a diagonal direction from the second horizontal stem 192b and the second vertical stem 193b. The minute slits from which the electrodes are removed may be arranged between adjacent second minute branches 194b.

[0086] The acute angle formed by the second minute branch 194b with respect to the second horizontal stem 192b or the second vertical stem 193b may be in the range of about 40° to about 45°, but is not limited thereto, and may be appropriately adjusted based on display characteristics considering visibility such as a liquid crystal display.

[0087] The second subpixel electrode 191 b includes a wide region extending from a portion of the second minute branch 194 b and may be connected to the second drain electrode 175 b through the wide region.

[0088] The shielding electrodes 197a and 197b may be disposed between the first subpixel electrode 191a and the second subpixel electrode 191b and may have a shape extending in the first direction D1. Their shapes and positions are not limited thereto.

[0089] Shielding electrodes 197a and 197b receive a common electrode 270 (see Figure 3 ) The same voltage is applied. No electric field is generated between the shielding electrodes 197a and 197b and the common electrode 270, and the liquid crystal molecules 31 (see Figure 3 ) are not arranged. The liquid crystal molecules 31 between the shielding electrodes 197a and 197b and the common electrode 270 are in a black state. Thus, when the liquid crystal molecules 31 are in a black state, the liquid crystal molecules 31 themselves may function as a light blocking member.

[0090] The first alignment layer 11 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 191 .

[0091] Next, the upper display panel 200 will be described.

[0092] The second substrate 210 made of transparent glass or plastic overlaps the first substrate 110. The light blocking member 220 is arranged between the second substrate 210 and the liquid crystal layer 3. The light blocking member 220 is also called a black matrix, and serves to prevent or at least mitigate light leakage.

[0093] Although the present specification has described a configuration in which the light blocking member 220 is disposed in the upper display panel 200 , it is not limited thereto, and it may be disposed in the lower display panel 100 .

[0094] The overcoat layer 250 is disposed between the light blocking member 220 and the liquid crystal layer 3. The overcoat layer 250 may be made of an organic insulating material. The overcoat layer 250 prevents the light blocking member 220 from being exposed and provides a flat surface. According to one or more embodiments, the overcoat layer 250 may be omitted.

[0095] The common electrode 270 is disposed between the overcoat layer 250 and the liquid crystal layer 3. The common electrode 270 may include the same material as the pixel electrode 191. The common electrode 270 is formed in a planar shape and receives a common voltage.

[0096] The second alignment layer 21 may be disposed between the common electrode 270 and the liquid crystal layer 3 .

[0097] The liquid crystal layer 3 is disposed between the lower display panel 100 and the upper display panel 200. The liquid crystal layer 3 has negative dielectric anisotropy, and in the absence of an electric field, the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer 3 may be perpendicular to the surfaces of the two display panels 100 and 200. Alternatively, in the absence of an electric field, the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer 3 may be arranged parallel to the surfaces of the two display panels 100 and 200.

[0098] The first and second subpixel electrodes 191a and 191b applied with data voltages generate an electric field together with the common electrode 270 of the upper display panel 200 to determine the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3. The brightness of light passing through the liquid crystal layer 3 is controlled according to the determined orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 31.

[0099] In the following we will refer to Figures 5 to 8 A positional relationship between the openings 230a and 230b of the color filter 230 and the contact holes 185a and 185b of the passivation layer 180 or a positional relationship between the openings 230a and 230b of the color filter 230 and the contact holes 240a and 240b of the organic layer 240 is described. Figure 5 shows a top view of a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 6 shows a top view of a passivation layer included in a pixel, Figure 7 shows a top view of a color filter included in one pixel, and Figure 8 A top view of an organic layer included in one pixel is shown.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, a virtual center line VL extending along the second direction D2 and intersecting the center of a pixel may overlap with the first vertical stem 193a of the first subpixel electrode 191a, the second vertical stem 193b of the second subpixel electrode 191b, and the first vertical portion 172a and the second vertical portion 172b of the divided reference voltage line 178.

[0101] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the passivation layer 180 includes a first contact hole 185 a overlapping the first drain electrode 175 a and the first subpixel electrode 191 a and a second contact hole 185 b overlapping the second drain electrode 175 b and the second subpixel electrode 191 b .

[0102] The first drain electrode 175 a and the first subpixel electrode 191 a may be connected through a first contact hole 185 a , and the second drain electrode 175 b and the second subpixel electrode 191 b may be connected through a second contact hole 185 b .

[0103] The first contact hole 185a may overlap the first protrusion 137a of the first storage electrode line 131a, and the second contact hole 185b may overlap the second protrusion 137b of the second storage electrode line 131b.

[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first contact hole 185a and the second contact hole 185b may be offset to one side of the virtual center line VL. Although the present disclosure shows an exemplary embodiment in which the first contact hole 185a and the second contact hole 185b included in one pixel are arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL, the first contact hole 185a and the second contact hole 185b included in another pixel may be arranged at the right side of the virtual center line VL without being limited thereto.

[0105] In one embodiment, when the data line 171 connected to the pixel electrode 191 arranged at one pixel is arranged at the left side of the pixel electrode 191, the thin film transistor connected to the pixel electrode 191 may be arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL (see Figure 5 ). Accordingly, the first contact hole 185a and the second contact hole 185b connecting the pixel electrode 191 and the thin film transistor to each other may be arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL.

[0106] In contrast, when the data line 171 connected to the pixel electrode 191 disposed at one pixel is disposed at the right side of the pixel electrode 191 , the thin film transistor connected to the pixel electrode 191 may be disposed at the right side of the virtual center line VL.

[0107] Accordingly, the first contact hole 185 a and the second contact hole 185 b connecting the pixel electrode 191 and the thin film transistor to each other may be disposed at the right side of the virtual center line VL.

[0108] like Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the color filter 230 overlapping one pixel includes a first opening 230a overlapping a region where the first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a are connected. The color filter 230 includes a second opening 230b overlapping a region where the second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b are connected.

[0109] The centers of the first opening 230a and the second opening 230b of the color filter 230 may be arranged on the virtual center line VL. In other words, the first opening 230a and the second opening 230b of the color filter 230 may be arranged on the center line of one pixel (e.g., the first opening 230a and the second opening 230b of the color filter 230 may each be centered around the virtual center line VL).

[0110] Each of the first opening 230 a and the second opening 230 b may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the virtual center line VL in a plan view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first opening 230 a and the second opening 230 b may have any suitable shape.

[0111] The first opening 230a may overlap the first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a. The second opening 230b may overlap the second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b.

[0112] A third contact hole 240a of the organic layer 240 and a first contact hole 185a of the passivation layer 180, which will be described later, may be disposed within the first opening 230a. The first subpixel electrode 191a and the first drain electrode 175a may be connected through the contact hole disposed inside the first opening 230a.

[0113] In addition, a fourth contact hole 240b of the organic layer 240 and a second contact hole 185b of the passivation layer 180, which will be described later, may be disposed within the second opening 230b. The second subpixel electrode 191b and the second drain electrode 175b may be connected through the contact hole disposed inside the second opening 230b.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, Figure 8 The organic layer 240 shown in FIG. 2 may have the same shape as the passivation layer 180 described above.

[0115] The organic layer 240 includes a third contact hole 240a overlapping one pixel and arranged at a region where the first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a overlap each other. In addition, the organic layer 240 includes a fourth contact hole 240b arranged in a region where the second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b overlap.

[0116] The centers of the third and fourth contact holes 240a and 240b of the organic layer 240 may be disposed at one side of the virtual center line VL. Although the present disclosure shows an exemplary embodiment in which the third and fourth contact holes 240a and 240b included in one pixel are disposed at the left side of the virtual center line VL, the first and second contact holes 185a and 185b included in another pixel may be disposed at the right side of the virtual center line VL without being limited thereto.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown in , when the data line 171 connected to the pixel electrode 191 arranged at one pixel is arranged at the left side of the pixel electrode 191, the thin film transistor connected to the pixel electrode 191 may be arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL. The third contact hole 240a and the fourth contact hole 240b connecting the pixel electrode 191 and the thin film transistor to each other may be arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL.

[0118] On the contrary, when the data line 171 connected to the pixel electrode 191 arranged at one pixel is arranged at the right side of the pixel electrode 191, the thin film transistor connected to the pixel electrode 191 may be arranged at the right side of the virtual center line VL. The third contact hole 240a and the fourth contact hole 240b connecting the pixel electrode 191 and the thin film transistor to each other may be arranged at the right side of the virtual center line VL.

[0119] The third contact hole 240a may be aligned with the edge of the first contact hole 185a of the passivation layer 180. The third contact hole 240a may overlap with the first contact hole 185a and form substantially one contact hole. The first drain electrode 175a and the first subpixel electrode 191a may be connected through the first contact hole 185a and the third contact hole 240a.

[0120] The fourth contact hole 240b may be aligned with the edge of the second contact hole 185b of the passivation layer 180. The fourth contact hole 240b may overlap with the second contact hole 185b and form substantially one contact hole. The second drain electrode 175b and the second subpixel electrode 191b may be connected through the second contact hole 185b and the fourth contact hole 240b.

[0121] Hereinafter, one opening included in the color filter 230 and one contact hole included in the passivation layer 180 will be described. The contact hole included in the passivation layer 180 may be replaced with a contact hole included in the organic layer 240.

[0122] In a plan view, the area of ​​the openings 230a and 230b included in the color filter 230 may be larger than the area occupied by the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a, and 240b. The length of the openings 230a and 230b in the horizontal direction (first direction D1) may be larger than the length of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a, and 240b in the horizontal direction. In addition, the length of the openings 230a and 230b in the vertical direction (second direction D2) may be larger than the length of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a, and 240b in the vertical direction. In other words, the width of the openings 230a and 230b in the first direction D1 may be greater than the width of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a and 240b in the first direction D1, and the width of the openings 230a and 230b in the second direction D2 may be greater than the width of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a and 240b in the second direction D2.

[0123] The centers of the openings 230a and 230b are arranged on the virtual center line VL, and the centers of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a, and 240b are not arranged on the virtual center line VL. The centers of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a, and 240b may have a shape offset to one side from the virtual center line VL. In a plan view, the centers of the openings 230a and 230b and the centers of the contact holes 185a, 185b, 240a, and 240b may not be aligned with each other and may be separated from each other.

[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment, the contact holes of the organic layer 240 and the passivation layer 180 may be arranged at one side of the virtual center line VL, and the color filter 230 may include the openings 230a and 230b having the center arranged on the virtual center line VL, thereby simplifying the mask pattern required to manufacture the color filter 230. In addition, the manufacturing process of the color filter 230 arranged in the peripheral area PA may be simplified because the direction of the opening included in the color filter 230 does not need to be aligned with the direction in which the contact holes are arranged.

[0125] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 This point is described in more detail. Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of a peripheral area and a display area according to an exemplary embodiment, and Fig.10 A schematic top view of a plurality of pixels arranged in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0126] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display device 10 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA, in which the display area DA is arranged in a matrix form. Figure 2 or Figure 5 A pixel shown in .

[0127] have Figure 2 or Figure 5 Pixels of the shape shown in FIG. 2 may be arranged in the display area DA, and the dummy color filter 230D may be arranged in the peripheral area PA together with some signal lines (not shown) extending from the display area DA.

[0128] Some of the plurality of pixels arranged in the display area DA may include contact holes each having a center arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL for each pixel, and other pixels may include contact holes arranged at the right side of the virtual center line VL.

[0129] For example, Figure 2 or Figure 5 As shown in , in three pixels arranged near the boundary between the display area DA and the peripheral area PA, the data line 171 connected to the pixel electrode 191 may be arranged at the left side of the pixel electrode 191, and the contact hole may be arranged at the left side of the virtual center line VL. In addition, in three pixels arranged in the first direction D1, the data line 171 connected to the pixel electrode 191 may be arranged at the right side of the pixel electrode 191, and the center of the contact hole may be arranged at the right side of the virtual center line VL.

[0130] The center of the color filter 230 arranged in the display area DA and the opening of the dummy color filter 230D arranged in the peripheral area PA may be arranged on the virtual center line VL. The openings of the color filter 230 and the dummy color filter 230D may have symmetrical shapes with respect to the virtual center line VL in a plan view.

[0131] In one embodiment, reference Fig.10 The pixels shown at the top of the display area DA may be repeated with respect to three pixels along the first direction D1. The pixels may also be repeated with respect to three pixels along the second direction D2. In this case, one pixel indicates Figure 2 or Figure 5 A pixel shown in .

[0132] Reference Fig.10 , as an example, one pixel arranged at the first row and the first column of the display area DA may be connected to a thin film transistor connected to the data line 171 arranged at the left side of one pixel electrode. Similarly, each of the pixel electrodes arranged in the second row and the first column and the third row and the first column may be connected to a thin film transistor connected to the data line 171 arranged at the right side of the pixel electrode. The state in which the pixel electrode is connected to the thin film transistor is shown as a straight line protruding from the data line 171.

[0133] In one embodiment, a mask for forming a color filter may be arranged in the peripheral area PA to form a dummy color filter arranged in the peripheral area PA. In this case, when the opening of the color filter is arranged at one side of the virtual center line, the orientation between the contact hole and the opening of the color filter should be considered.

[0134] As an example, a mask pattern corresponding to 9 columns (such as Fig.10 The plurality of pixels shown at the bottom of the display area DA are arranged in the peripheral area PA so that the opening of the color filter arranged in the display area DA and the contact hole exposing a portion of the drain electrode can be arranged at the same position (on the left or right side of the virtual center line). In this case, since the dummy color filters reach 9 columns, there is a problem that the width occupied by the peripheral area PA increases.

[0135] However, according to an exemplary embodiment, the center of the opening of the color filter is arranged on a virtual center line of one pixel across the display area DA and the peripheral area PA. Fig. 9 As shown in , a relatively large number of dummy color filters 230D need not be formed, and an opening overlapping a region where a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode overlap each other (a region where a contact hole is formed) can be provided while forming a relatively small number of dummy color filters 230D.

[0136] While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0137] Description of Reference Numerals

[0138] 110: First substrate

[0139] 121: Gate line

[0140] 171: Data line

[0141] 180: Passivation layer

[0142] 185a, 185b, 240a, 240b: contact holes

[0143] 191: Pixel electrode

[0144] 230: Color Filter

[0145] 230a, 230b: Open

[0146] VL: Virtual Center Line

Claims

1. Display device, include: A substrate, the substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area, the display area comprising pixels arranged in a matrix form; A gate line and a data line, wherein the gate line and the data line are located on the substrate and are insulated from each other; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; Passivation layer; a pixel electrode, wherein the pixel electrode is connected to the thin film transistor through a contact hole of the passivation layer, and the passivation layer is located between the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode; as well as a color filter, the color filter overlapping the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode, wherein the color filter comprises an opening overlapping with the contact hole, wherein the center of the opening is located on a virtual center line of one of the pixels, and the center of the contact hole is located on one side of the virtual center line, The virtual center line extends along the extending direction of the data line and passes through the contact hole.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in, The area of ​​the contact hole in a plan view is smaller than the area of ​​the opening in a plan view.

3. The display device according to claim 1, in, The width of the opening is greater than the width of the contact hole.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a storage electrode line, the storage electrode line being arranged at the same layer as the gate line, Wherein, the storage electrode line includes a protrusion overlapping the contact hole in a plan view.

5. The display device according to claim 4, in, The storage electrode line includes a horizontal portion extending parallel to the gate line, and the protrusion protrudes from the horizontal portion.

6. The display device according to claim 4, in, The protrusion overlaps the opening.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: A shielding electrode is located at the same layer as the pixel electrode, wherein the shielding electrode extends along a direction in which the gate line extends.

8. Display device, include: A substrate, the substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area, the display area comprising pixels; A gate line and a data line, wherein the gate line and the data line are located on the substrate and are insulated from each other; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; Organic layer; a pixel electrode, wherein the pixel electrode is connected to the thin film transistor through a contact hole of the organic layer, and the organic layer is located between the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode; as well as a color filter, the color filter overlapping the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode, wherein the color filter comprises an opening overlapping with the contact hole, The center of the opening is located on a virtual center line of one of the pixels, The center of the contact hole is located on one side of the virtual center line, and The virtual center line extends along a direction in which the data line extends and passes through the contact hole.

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