Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a pixel electrode; and a storage electrode line surrounding the pixel electrode. The storage electrode line includes: a first horizontal portion located at a lower portion of the pixel electrode and extending along a first direction; a second horizontal portion located at an upper portion of the pixel electrode and extending along the first direction; a first vertical portion extending from the first horizontal portion toward the second horizontal portion; and a second vertical portion extending from the second horizontal portion toward the first horizontal portion. The first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion are electrically connected to each other and receive the same voltage, the first vertical portion is not directly connected to the second horizontal portion and / or the second vertical portion is not directly connected to the first horizontal portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a repairing method thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a repairing method thereof for fixing or resolving a short circuit defect between wirings. Background Art

[0002] Liquid crystal displays are widely used display devices. They include a display panel on which electrodes are formed and a liquid crystal layer, and they display images by applying voltages to the electrodes and forming an electric field to rearrange liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer and controlling transmittance.

[0003] A plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of storage electrode lines may be formed on the display panel. A gate signal may be applied to the plurality of pixels through the gate lines, a data voltage may be applied to the plurality of pixels through the data lines, and a common voltage may be applied to the plurality of pixels through the storage electrode lines.

[0004] The wirings may be arranged to cross each other on the display panel, and a short circuit may occur between the wirings. When a short circuit occurs between different wirings, a defect may occur that causes the display device to not display 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] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed to a display device for fixing or resolving a short circuit defect generated between wirings crossing each other on a display panel and a repairing method thereof.

[0007] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed to a display device for fixing or resolving a short circuit defect between a data line and a storage electrode line and a repair method thereof.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, which includes a pixel electrode and a storage electrode line arranged to surround the pixel electrode, wherein the storage electrode line includes: a first horizontal portion, arranged at or near a lower portion of the pixel electrode and extending along a first direction; a second horizontal portion, arranged at or near an upper portion of the pixel electrode and extending along the first direction; a first vertical portion, extending from the first horizontal portion toward the second horizontal portion; and a second vertical portion, extending from the second horizontal portion toward the first horizontal portion, wherein the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion are electrically connected to each other and receive the same voltage, the first vertical portion is not directly connected to the second horizontal portion and / or the second vertical portion is not directly connected to the first horizontal portion.

[0009] When the pixel electrode is a pixel electrode of a blue pixel, the first vertical portion may be directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and the second vertical portion may not be directly connected to the first horizontal portion.

[0010] The display device may further include: a data line intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the first horizontal portion; and a cut-off point at which the first horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

[0011] The display device may further include: a data line intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the second horizontal portion; and a cut-off point at which the second horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point and the first vertical portion is cut off from the first horizontal portion.

[0012] When the pixel electrode is a pixel electrode of a red pixel or a green pixel, the first vertical portion may not be directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and the second vertical portion may not be directly connected to the first horizontal portion.

[0013] The display device may further include: a data line intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the first horizontal portion; and a cut-off point at which the first horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

[0014] The display device may further include: a data line intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the second horizontal portion; and a cut-off point at which the second horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

[0015] The display device may further include a transistor including a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, wherein the first horizontal portion includes an extension portion forming a storage capacitor by overlapping the drain electrode of the transistor.

[0016] The display device may further include a gate line extending in the first direction and electrically connected to the pixel electrode, wherein the storage electrode line is physically separated from the gate line and formed on the same layer as the gate line.

[0017] The first horizontal portion may be located between the gate line and the pixel electrode.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, which includes a first pixel electrode of a first color pixel, a second pixel electrode of a second color pixel, a third pixel electrode of a third color pixel, and a storage electrode line arranged to surround the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, wherein the storage electrode line may include: a first horizontal portion, arranged at or near the lower portion of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and extending along the first direction; a second horizontal portion, arranged at or near the upper portion of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and extending along the first direction; a plurality of first vertical portions, arranged at or near the respective right sides of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and extending from the first horizontal portion toward the second horizontal portion; and a plurality of second vertical portions, arranged at or near the respective left sides of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and extending from the second horizontal portion toward the first horizontal portion, wherein the plurality of second vertical portions are not directly connected to the first horizontal portion, and a first vertical portion arranged at or near the third pixel electrode from among the plurality of first vertical portions is directly connected to the second horizontal portion.

[0019] A first vertical portion disposed at or near the first pixel electrode and a first vertical portion disposed at or near the second pixel electrode from among the plurality of first vertical portions may not be directly connected to the second horizontal portion.

[0020] The display device may further include: a plurality of data lines intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which a data line from among the plurality of data lines and a storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the first horizontal portion at the short-circuit point; and a cut-off point at which the first horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

[0021] The display device may further include: a plurality of data lines intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode or between the second pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode, at which a data line from among the plurality of data lines and a storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the second horizontal portion at the short-circuit point; and a cut-off point at which the second horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

[0022] The display device may further include: a plurality of data lines intersecting the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point between the first pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode, at which a data line from among the plurality of data lines and a storage electrode line are short-circuited and the data line intersects the second horizontal portion at the short-circuit point; and a cut-off point at which the second horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point and the first vertical portion arranged at the third pixel electrode is cut off from the first horizontal portion.

[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for repairing a display device, the display device comprising a pixel electrode, a storage electrode line arranged to surround the pixel electrode, and a data line intersecting the storage electrode line, wherein the storage electrode line comprises: a first horizontal portion arranged at or near a lower portion of the pixel electrode and extending along a first direction; a second horizontal portion arranged at or near an upper portion of the pixel electrode and extending along the first direction; a first vertical portion extending from the first horizontal portion toward the second horizontal portion; and a second vertical portion extending from the second horizontal portion toward the first horizontal portion, and wherein the first vertical portion is not directly connected to the second horizontal portion and / or the second vertical portion is not directly connected to the first horizontal portion, the method comprising cutting off the first horizontal portion on both sides of the first short-circuit point when a first short-circuit point of the data line and the storage electrode line is generated at the intersection of the data line and the first horizontal portion.

[0024] The method may further include: when a second short-circuit point of the data line and the storage electrode line is generated where the data line crosses the second horizontal portion, cutting off the second horizontal portion at both sides of the second short-circuit point.

[0025] When the pixel electrode is a pixel electrode of a red pixel or a green pixel, the first vertical portion may not be directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and the second vertical portion may not be directly connected to the first horizontal portion.

[0026] When the pixel electrode is a pixel electrode of a blue pixel, the first vertical portion may be directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and the second vertical portion may not be directly connected to the first horizontal portion.

[0027] The method may further include cutting off the first vertical portion from the first horizontal portion.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, a short circuit defect between wirings generated in a process for manufacturing a display device can be fixed or resolved. Specifically, in the case of a defect in which a storage electrode line of a grid structure is short-circuited to a data line, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by a process of at least two cuts (i.e., performing at least two cut actions). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 A block diagram of a display device is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A top view of a pixel of a display device is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the relative Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III'.

[0032] Figure 4 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 2 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0033] Figure 5 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 2 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0034] Figure 6 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 2 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0035] Figure 7 A top view of a pixel of a display device is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 7 A top view of the display device shown in the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0038] The drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive, and like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0039] For better understanding and ease of description, the size and thickness of each structure shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. are exaggerated. For better understanding and ease of description, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated.

[0040] It will 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 (one or more) intervening elements may also be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements. The terms "on" or "above" refer to being positioned on or below an object part, and do not necessarily refer to being positioned on the upper side of an object part based on the direction of gravity.

[0041] Unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” and “comprises” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0042] The phrase "in plane" refers to viewing an object portion from the top, and the phrase "in section" refers to viewing an object portion from the side in a section cut vertically.

[0043] Expressions such as "at least one of..." when following a list of elements (elements) modify the entire list of elements, rather than modifying the individual elements in the list. In addition, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the inventive concept means "one or more embodiments of the inventive concept." In addition, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0044] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “bound to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, directly bound to, or directly adjacent to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly bound to,” or “immediately adjacent to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that those skilled in the art would recognize.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 1 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment is described.

[0047] Figure 1 A block diagram of a display device is shown.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The display device includes a signal controller 100, a gate driver 200, a data driver 300, and a display unit 600. The display device may be a liquid crystal display, and the liquid crystal display may further include a backlight unit (not shown) for outputting light toward the display unit 600.

[0049] The signal controller 100 receives an input image signal ImS and a synchronization signal provided by an external device. The input image signal ImS includes brightness information of a plurality of pixels. The brightness may include a predetermined number (eg, 1024 (=2 10 )、256(=2 8 ) or 64(=2 6 The synchronization signal may include a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync and a vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0050] The signal controller 100 generates a first driving control signal CONT1, a second driving control signal CONT2, and an image data signal DAT according to an input image signal ImS and a synchronization signal.

[0051] The signal controller 100 can distinguish the input image signal ImS for each frame according to the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and can distinguish the input image signal ImS for each gate line according to the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync to generate the image data signal DAT. The signal controller 100 transmits the first driving control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 200. The signal controller 100 transmits the image data signal DAT to the data driver 300 together with the second driving control signal CONT2.

[0052] The display unit 600 is a display area (or display region) including a plurality of pixels PX. The display unit 600 includes a plurality of gate lines 121 and a plurality of data lines 171 connected to the plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of gate lines 121 may extend substantially in a row direction to be substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of data lines 171 may extend substantially in a column direction to be substantially parallel to each other. The row direction may be a first direction (referring to a first direction) in a plan view. Figure 2 DR1) or horizontal direction, the column direction can be the second direction in the plan view (referring to Figure 2 The second direction intersects the first direction, and the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. The display unit 600 may further include a plurality of storage electrode lines (referring to DR2) extending in the row direction. Figure 2 131). Figure 2 The storage electrode lines are described in a later part of this specification.

[0053] Each pixel PX can emit light of one color in the primary colors. The primary colors may exemplarily include red, green, and blue, and a desired color may be displayed by the spatial sum and / or temporal sum of the three primary colors. A color may be displayed by a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel, and a combination of a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel may be referred to as a pixel.

[0054] The gate driver 200 is connected to the plurality of gate lines 121. The gate driver 200 may generate a plurality of gate signals according to the first drive control signal CONT1, and may sequentially apply the gate signals having a gate-on voltage to the plurality of gate lines 121. The gate driver 200 may be formed in the peripheral region by the same process as electronic components such as transistors in the display region. The peripheral region may be a remaining region for surrounding the display region in which a plurality of pixels PX are formed on the substrate. According to an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 200 may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit film or a printed circuit board electrically connected to the substrate.

[0055] The data driver 300 is connected to the plurality of data lines 171. The data driver 300 samples and holds the image data signal DAT according to the second driving control signal CONT2, and applies the data voltage to the plurality of data lines 171. The data driver 300 is synchronized when the plurality of gate signals become gate-on voltages, respectively, and the data driver 300 may apply the data voltage caused by the image data signal DAT to the plurality of data lines 171. The data driver 300 may be mounted in the peripheral area of ​​the substrate in the form of a plurality of driving chips, or the data driver 300 may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit film or a printed circuit board electrically connected to the substrate.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Describe the structure of the display device.

[0057] Figure 2 A top view of a pixel of a display device is shown. Figure 3 shows the relative Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III'.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device includes a first substrate 110 , a second substrate 210 , and a liquid crystal layer 3 arranged between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210 .

[0059] 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 a metal 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), or an alloy thereof.

[0060] The gate lines 121 may include first and second gate lines 121a and 121b. The first and second gate lines 121a and 121b extend parallel to the first direction DR1, and the gate electrode 124 may be connected between the first and second gate lines 121a and 121b.

[0061] The storage electrode line 131 is physically separated from the gate line 121 and the gate electrode 124, and the storage electrode line 131 may transmit a constant voltage such as a common voltage. The storage electrode line 131 is arranged on the first substrate 110, and the storage electrode line 131 may be formed on the same layer with the same material as the gate line 121. The storage electrode line 131 may extend in parallel with the gate line 121 along the first direction DR1.

[0062] The storage electrode line 131 includes: a first horizontal portion 131a disposed at or near a lower portion of the pixel electrode 191 in a plan view and extending in a first direction DR1; a second horizontal portion 131b disposed at or near an upper portion of the pixel electrode 191 in a plan view and extending in the first direction DR1; an extension portion 131c, which is an extension of a portion of the first horizontal portion 131a; a first vertical portion 131d extending from the extension portion 131c toward the second horizontal portion 131b; and a second vertical portion 131e extending from the second horizontal portion 131b toward the first horizontal portion 131a. The first horizontal portion 131a may be disposed between the gate line 121 and the pixel electrode 191 in a plan view. The extension portion 131c is a portion of the first horizontal portion 131a extending toward the second horizontal portion 131b, and the extension portion 131c may be included in the first horizontal portion 131a. The first vertical portion 131d may be arranged at or near the right side of the pixel electrode 191 in plan view, and the second vertical portion 131e may be arranged at or near the left side of the pixel electrode 191 in plan view. That is, the storage electrode line 131 may be arranged to surround four sides of the pixel electrode 191 in plan view.

[0063] Regarding the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, the first vertical portion 131d extends along the second direction DR2 to be arranged at or near the second horizontal portion 131b, and the first vertical portion 131d is not directly connected to the second horizontal portion 131b. Regarding the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, the second vertical portion 131e extends along the second direction DR2 to be arranged at or near the extension portion 131c or the first horizontal portion 131a, and the second vertical portion 131e is not directly connected to the first horizontal portion 131a.

[0064] Regarding the third pixel PX3, the first vertical portion 131d extends along the second direction DR2 to be directly connected to the second horizontal portion 131b, and the second vertical portion 131e extends along the second direction DR2 to be arranged at or near the first horizontal portion 131a, but the second vertical portion 131e is not directly connected to the first horizontal portion 131a.

[0065] A constant voltage such as a common voltage may be applied to at least one of the first horizontal portion 131a and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 from the outside of the display area. The first vertical portion 131d of the third pixel PX3 electrically connects the first horizontal portion 131a to the second horizontal portion 131b. When the common voltage is applied to one of the first horizontal portion 131a and the second horizontal portion 131b, the common voltage may be applied to the first horizontal portion 131a and the second horizontal portion 131b through the first vertical portion 131d of the third pixel PX3. In other words, the first vertical portion 131d of the third pixel PX3 together with the first horizontal portion 131a and the second horizontal portion 131b may configure the storage electrode line 131 in a grid form.

[0066] The first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 may emit light having different colors. For example, the first pixel PX1 may be a red pixel for emitting red light, the second pixel PX2 may be a green pixel for emitting green light, and the third pixel PX3 may be a blue pixel for emitting blue light. In the display area, the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 may be sequentially and repeatedly arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0067] The gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the gate conductive layer. The gate insulating layer 140 may include, for example, silicon nitride (SiN x ) or silicon oxide (SiO x ) of inorganic insulating materials.

[0068] A semiconductor layer including a channel semiconductor 154 and a step prevention semiconductor 156 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 . The semiconductor layer may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or an oxide semiconductor. The channel semiconductor 154 may overlap the gate electrode 124 .

[0069] A data conductive layer including a data line 171, a source electrode 173, and a drain electrode 175 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 and the semiconductor layer. The data conductive layer may include a metal 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), or an alloy thereof.

[0070] The data line 171 extends in the second direction DR2 to cross the gate line 121, and the data line 171 may include a source electrode 173. The data line 171 may extend in the second direction DR2 between the first vertical portion 131d and the second vertical portion 131e of the storage electrode line 131 (in the data line 171) to cross the first horizontal portion 131a and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131. The source electrode 173 may be formed to have a shape extending from the data line 171. For example, the source electrode 173 may be formed to have a shape extending from the data line 171 in the first direction DR1 and extending substantially in a U-shape toward the gate electrode 124. However, the source electrode 173 may be formed to have various shapes and is not limited thereto.

[0071] The step preventing semiconductor 156 may be disposed on a portion where the gate conductive layer crosses the data line 171. The step preventing semiconductor 156 may prevent the data line 171 from being disconnected due to a step generated by the gate conductive layer.

[0072] The drain electrode 175 is physically separated from the data line 171 and the source electrode 173. The drain electrode 175 may include a portion facing the source electrode 173 and an extension 177 in a region overlapping the storage electrode line 131. The region between the source electrode 173 and the drain electrode 175 facing each other may overlap the channel semiconductor 154. The extension 177 extends to overlap the storage electrode line 131, and the extension 177 may overlap the extension 131c of the storage electrode line 131. The extension 177 may overlap the extension 131c of the storage electrode line 131 with the gate insulating layer 140 interposed therebetween to form a storage capacitor (Cst). The storage capacitor (Cst) may maintain a voltage applied to the drain electrode 175 and the pixel electrode 191 connected to the drain electrode 175 when the data voltage is not applied from the data line 171 to the drain electrode 175 and the pixel electrode 191 connected to the drain electrode 175.

[0073] The gate electrode 124, the source electrode 173, and the drain electrode 175 may configure a thin film transistor as a switching element together with the channel semiconductor 154. A channel of the thin film transistor is formed on the channel semiconductor 154 between the source electrode 173 and the drain electrode 175.

[0074] The passivation layer 180 is disposed on the data conductive layer and the exposed semiconductor layer. The passivation layer 180 may include a material such as silicon nitride (SiN x ) or silicon oxide (SiO x ) of inorganic insulating materials.

[0075] The color filter layer 230 may be disposed on the passivation layer 180. The color filter layer 230 may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. The color filter layer 230 may uniquely display one of the primary colors.

[0076] The passivation layer 180 and the color filter layer 230 may include a contact hole 185 formed to expose the extension 177 of the drain electrode 175 .

[0077] A pixel electrode layer including a pixel electrode 191 and a shielding electrode 199 may be disposed on the color filter layer 230. The pixel electrode layer may include a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or a metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), or an alloy thereof. The pixel electrode 191 may be physically and electrically connected to the drain electrode 175 through the contact hole 185 to receive a data voltage from the drain electrode 175.

[0078] The pixel electrode 191 may correspond to a pixel region in which one pixel displays an image, and the overall shape of the pixel electrode 191 may be a quadrilateral. The pixel electrode 191 may include a pattern from which a portion is removed. According to the pattern, the pixel electrode 191 may include a horizontal trunk 192, a vertical trunk 193, a plurality of thin branches 194, a connecting portion 195, and an extending portion 196.

[0079] The horizontal stem 192 may extend in the first direction DR1, the vertical stem 193 may extend in the second direction DR2, and the horizontal stem 192 and the vertical stem 193 may form a cross shape. The pixel electrode 191 is divided into four sub-regions by the horizontal stem 192 and the vertical stem 193, and a plurality of fine branches 194 connected to the horizontal stem 192 or the vertical stem 193 may be arranged in each sub-region.

[0080] The thin branches 194 may form an angle of about 40 to 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal stem 192 or the gate line 121. The thin branches 194 of two adjacent sub-regions may be orthogonal to each other. Electrodes are removed between adjacent thin branches 194, which will be referred to as thin slits.

[0081] The connection portion 195 may be connected to the thin branch 194 of one of the four sub-regions of the pixel electrode 191. The extension portion 196 of the pixel electrode 191 is a portion extending from the connection portion 195 to overlap the extension portion 177 of the drain electrode 175. The extension portion 196 of the pixel electrode 191 may be physically and electrically connected to the drain electrode 175 through the contact hole 185.

[0082] As reference Figure 2 As illustrated, the ends of the right and left edges of the pixel electrode 191 may not overlap the first and second vertical portions 131d and 131e of the storage electrode line 131. Unlike this, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ends of the right and left edges of the pixel electrode 191 may overlap at least one of the first and second vertical portions 131d and 131e of the storage electrode line 131.

[0083] The shielding electrode 199 may be separated from the pixel electrode 191 and may extend substantially in the first direction DR1. The shielding electrode 199 may overlap the gate line 121. The shielding electrode 199 may receive 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 between the shielding electrode 199 and the common electrode 270 may express (or display) black. As described, when the liquid crystal molecules 31 express black, the liquid crystal molecules 31 may serve as a light blocking portion.

[0084] The light blocking portion 220 may be disposed under the second substrate 210. The light blocking portion 220 may prevent (or protect from) leakage of light between adjacent pixel electrodes 191. Specifically, the light blocking portion 220 may be disposed in a region between adjacent pixel electrodes 191.

[0085] The common electrode 270 may be arranged below the light blocking portion 220. The common electrode 270 may be continuously formed in a majority of the region corresponding to the display area (DA). In a manner similar to the pixel electrode layer, the common electrode 270 may include a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO, or a metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), or an alloy thereof. According to an exemplary embodiment, the common electrode 270 may be patterned to include a slit or a cutout.

[0086] It has been described that the color filter layer 230 is disposed on the first substrate 110 , and according to exemplary embodiments, the color filter layer 230 may be disposed not on the first substrate 110 but between the second substrate 210 and the common electrode 270 .

[0087] 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 so that their long axes may be tilted to be perpendicular to the sides of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210, or may be tilted at a set or predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction. The liquid crystal molecules 31 may be pre-tilted by an edge field or step between an edge of a patterned portion (e.g., a thin branch 194) of the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270.

[0088] The first alignment layer 11 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 191 and the color filter layer 230, and the second alignment layer 21 may be disposed on the common electrode 270. The first alignment layer 11 and the second alignment layer 21 may be vertical alignment layers. The liquid crystal layer 3 is disposed between the first alignment layer 11 and the second alignment layer 21. A plurality of polymer protrusions formed when a reactive monomer (RM) reacts with light such as ultraviolet rays may be disposed on the side surfaces of the first alignment layer 11 and the second alignment layer 21 disposed at or near the liquid crystal layer 3. The polymer protrusions may play a role in maintaining the pre-tilt of the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0089] 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 arranged between the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 270 is determined by the electric field, and the brightness of light passing through the liquid crystal layer 3 can be controlled by the determined direction of the liquid crystal molecules 31.

[0090] The data voltage must be applied to the pixel electrode 191. However, a defect in which the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 are short-circuited may be generated in a region where the data line 171 crosses and overlaps the storage electrode line 131. In this case, the common voltage and the data voltage are short-circuited, so a precise (or accurate) data voltage is not applied to the pixel electrode 191. When a defect is found after the display device is manufactured, the defect can be fixed or resolved through a repair process, and a good display device can be manufactured.

[0091] Now refer to Figures 4 to 6 A method for repairing a short defect of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 will be described.

[0092] Figure 4 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 2 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0093] Reference Figure 4, a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 may be generated at the point X1 where the data line 171 crosses the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 between the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. When a short circuit defect is generated, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by cutting off the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 on the corresponding sides (hereinafter referred to as "both sides") of the short circuit point X1. That is, by cutting off the second horizontal portion 131b on both sides of the short circuit point X1, the common voltage is not transmitted to the short circuit point X1, and the data voltage can be applied to the data line 171. As described, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by performing a cutting process twice (i.e., performing a cutting action twice) for one short circuit. Through the repair process, two cutting points C1 are arranged on the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131.

[0094] When a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 is generated at a point X2 where the data line 171 crosses the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 between the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by cutting off the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 on both sides of the short circuit point X2 in a similar manner. Through the repair process, two cut-off points C2 are arranged on the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131.

[0095] Figure 5 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 2 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0096] Reference Figure 5 , a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 may be generated at a point X3 where the data line 171 crosses the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 between the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2. When a short circuit defect is found, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by cutting off the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 on both sides of the short circuit point X3. That is, by cutting off the first horizontal portion 131a on both sides of the short circuit point X3, the common voltage is not transmitted to the short circuit point X3, and the data voltage can be applied to the data line 171. As described, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by performing a cutting process twice for one short circuit. Through the repair process, two cutting points C3 are arranged on the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131.

[0097] When a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 is generated at a point X4 where the data line 171 crosses the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 between the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by cutting off the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 on both sides of the short circuit point X4 in a similar manner. Through the repair process, two cut-off points C4 are arranged on the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131.

[0098] Figure 6 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 2 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0099] Reference Figure 6 , a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 may be generated between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 at a point X5 where the data line 171 crosses the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131. When a short circuit defect is found, the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 is cut off at both sides of the short circuit point X5, and the first vertical portion 131d arranged at or near the right side of the pixel electrode 191 of the third pixel PX3 is cut off from the extension portion 131c, thereby solving the short circuit defect.

[0100] The first vertical portion 131d disposed at or near the right side of the pixel electrode 191 of the third pixel PX3 is directly connected to the extension portion 131c and the second horizontal portion 131b, and thus a process for cutting off the first vertical portion 131d from the extension portion 131c is required.

[0101] When the second horizontal portion 131b is cut between the first vertical portion 131d disposed at or near the right side of the pixel electrode 191 of the third pixel PX3 and the data line 171, it is not necessary to cut the first vertical portion 131d disposed at or near the right side of the pixel electrode 191 of the third pixel PX3 from the extension portion 131c. However, a cutoff space equal to or greater than about 6 μm is required to cut off the storage electrode line 131, but the gap between the first vertical portion 131d and the data line 171 is less than 6 μm, so the second horizontal portion 131b should be cut off at both sides of the short-circuit point X5 while the first vertical portion 131d is connected to the second horizontal portion 131b.

[0102] The third pixel PX3 is a blue pixel, and the blue pixel requires a storage capacitor having a smaller capacitance than the red pixel or the green pixel, so a cutoff space for cutting off the extension portion 131c and the first vertical portion 131d may be obtained on the third pixel PX3.

[0103] When the second horizontal portion 131b is cut off at both sides of the short-circuit point X5 and the first vertical portion 131d is cut off from the extension portion 131c, the common voltage is not transmitted to the short-circuit point X5, and the data voltage can be applied to the data line 171. As described, the short-circuit defect at the point X5 where the data line 171 crosses the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 can be fixed or solved by performing a three-time cutting process (i.e., performing three-time cutting actions). That is, through the repair process, two cutting points C5 are arranged on the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131, and one cutting point C5 is arranged between the extension portion 131c and the first vertical portion 131d.

[0104] When a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 is generated between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3 at a point X6 where the data line 171 crosses the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by cutting off the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 on both sides of the short circuit point X6. Through the repair process, two cut-off points C6 are arranged on the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131.

[0105] As described above, the storage electrode line 131 is formed in a grid structure so that a common voltage applied to the storage electrode line 131 can be uniformly applied to a plurality of pixels PX, and a short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by performing at least two cutting processes for a defect where the storage electrode line 131 and the data line 171 are short-circuited.

[0106] Now refer to Figure 7 To describe a pixel of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made to Figure 8 To describe the repair Figure 7 The method of the display device will be mainly described. Figures 2 to 6 The differences compared to the exemplary embodiment.

[0107] Figure 7 A top view of a pixel of a display device is shown.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 , with respect to the first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3, the first vertical portion 131d extends from the extension portion 131c toward the second horizontal portion 131b and is directly connected to the second horizontal portion 131b. With respect to the first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3, the second vertical portion 131e extends from the second horizontal portion 131b toward the extension portion 131c or the first horizontal portion 131a and is directly connected to the first horizontal portion 131a.

[0109] That is, regarding the first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3, the first vertical portion 131d and the second vertical portion 131e electrically connect the first horizontal portion 131a to the second horizontal portion 131b. In other words, the first horizontal portion 131a, the second horizontal portion 131b, the first vertical portion 131d, and the second vertical portion 131e of the first to third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3 may configure a grid-type storage electrode line 131.

[0110] In addition to the differences mentioned, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The features of the described exemplary embodiments may be applied with reference to Figure 7 The exemplary embodiments described herein are therefore not provided for reference. Figures 1 to 3 Description of the repetitive nature of the exemplary embodiments described.

[0111] Figure 8 Shown is a diagram for describing the repair Figure 7 A top view of the display device shown in the method.

[0112] Reference Figure 8 , when the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 are short-circuited at the point X1' where the data line 171 and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 intersect between the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 is cut off at both sides of the short-circuit point X1', the first vertical portion 131d arranged at or near the data line 171 is cut off from the extension portion 131c, and the second vertical portion 131e arranged at or near the data line 171 is cut off from the extension portion 131c to solve the short-circuit defect. Through the repair process, two cut-off points C1' at the first horizontal portion 131a and two cut-off points C1' at the second horizontal portion 131b are formed or generated respectively. That is, four cut-off points C1' are formed or generated due to one short circuit.

[0113] When a short defect of the data line 171 and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 occurs between the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3 or between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3, the short defect may be fixed or resolved by cutting off four portions in a similar manner.

[0114] When a short circuit of the data line 171 and the storage electrode line 131 occurs between the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3 at a point X2' where the data line 171 crosses the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131, the short circuit defect can be fixed or resolved by cutting off the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 at both sides of the short circuit point X2'. Through the repair process, two cut-off points C2' are arranged on the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131.

[0115] When a short circuit of the data line 171 and the first horizontal portion 131a of the storage electrode line 131 occurs between the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 or between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3, the short circuit defect may be fixed or resolved by cutting off both portions in a similar manner.

[0116] In reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiment described above, when the data line 171 and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 are short-circuited, four portions must be cut off. Figures 2 to 6 In the described exemplary embodiment, when the data line 171 and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 are short-circuited between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3, three portions need to be cut off, and in other cases, two portions are cut off, thereby fixing or solving the short-circuit defect. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The exemplary embodiments described are compared with those of Figures 2 to 6 The described exemplary embodiments may reduce the number of cutoffs for a short defect and may reduce the time for performing a repair process.

[0117] In addition, Figure 7 and Figure 8 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the data line 171 and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 are short-circuited, the first vertical portion 131d and the second vertical portion 131e should be cut off from the extension portion 131c for each pixel. To this end, the size of the extension portion 131c of the storage electrode line 131 may be limited so as to obtain a cutoff space equal to or greater than 6 μm for all pixels. Figures 2 to 6 In an exemplary embodiment, when the data line 171 and the second horizontal portion 131b of the storage electrode line 131 are short-circuited between the first pixel PX1 and the third pixel PX3, the first vertical portion 131d is cut off from the extension portion 131c on the third pixel PX3, and thus there is no need to obtain or form a cutting space for a repair process on the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2, and the size of the extension portion 131c of the storage electrode line 131 is not limited.

[0118] While the invention has been described in conjunction 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 is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device include: Pixel electrode; as well as a storage electrode line arranged to surround the pixel electrode, Wherein, the storage electrode line comprises: A first horizontal portion, arranged at a lower portion of the pixel electrode and extending along a first direction; a second horizontal portion, arranged at an upper portion of the pixel electrode and extending along the first direction; an extension portion, extending from the first horizontal portion toward the second horizontal portion and serving as a part of the first horizontal portion; a first vertical portion extending from the extending portion toward the second horizontal portion; and a second vertical portion extending from the second horizontal portion toward the extending portion, wherein the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion are electrically connected to each other and receive the same voltage, and The first vertical portion is not directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and / or the second vertical portion is not directly connected to the extending portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in: When the pixel electrode is a pixel electrode of a blue pixel, the first vertical portion is directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and the second vertical portion is not directly connected to the extending portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: include: a data line crossing the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and at which the data line crosses the first horizontal portion; as well as A cut-off point at which the first horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display device further comprises: include: a data line crossing the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and at which the data line crosses the second horizontal portion; as well as A cut-off point at which the second horizontal portion is cut off at both sides of the short-circuit point and the first vertical portion is cut off from the extension portion.

5. The display device according to claim 1, in: When the pixel electrode is a pixel electrode of a red pixel or a green pixel, the first vertical portion is not directly connected to the second horizontal portion, and the second vertical portion is not directly connected to the extension portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising: include: a data line crossing the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and at which the data line crosses the first horizontal portion; as well as A cut-off point at which the first horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the display device further comprises: include: a data line crossing the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion; a short-circuit point at which the data line and the storage electrode line are short-circuited and at which the data line crosses the second horizontal portion; as well as A cut-off point at which the second horizontal portion is cut off on both sides of the short-circuit point.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a transistor including a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, The extension portion forms a storage capacitor by overlapping with the drain electrode of the transistor.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a gate line extending along the first direction and electrically connected to the pixel electrode, The storage electrode lines are physically separated from the gate lines and are formed on the same layer as the gate lines.

10. The display device according to claim 9, in, The first horizontal portion is located between the gate line and the pixel electrode.

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