Display device

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a display device is provided with: a substrate; a semiconductor disposed above the substrate; a first scan line; a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line; a connection electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor; an inorganic insulating layer covering the connection electrode; a first protrusion located directly above the first scan line and disposed on the inorganic insulating layer; a second protrusion located directly above the second scan line and disposed on the inorganic insulating layer; a first color filter disposed on the inorganic insulating layer between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; an organic insulating layer covering the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the first color filter; a pixel electrode disposed above the organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the connection electrode; and a common electrode opposite the pixel electrode, the first protrusion having a width smaller than a width of the first scan line, and the second protrusion having a width smaller than a width of the second scan line.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-160414, filed on October 4, 2022, and incorporates all the contents of that Japanese application. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices. Background Technology

[0004] As an example of a display device capable of color display, a liquid crystal display device with an array substrate having switching elements, pixel electrodes, and color filters in a COA (Color Filter on Array) manner is proposed.

[0005] Color filters are, for example, formed from negative-type photosensitive resins. With the increasing demand for wider color reproduction ranges, there is a tendency for color filters to become darker or thicker. In such cases, when patterning the color filter, the exposed light may have difficulty reaching the bottom of the color filter, and the bottom of the color filter may not dry sufficiently, potentially resulting in a color filter that does not form the desired shape.

[0006] In particular, liquid crystal display devices used in VR (Virtual Reality) devices require high resolution of over 1300ppi, resulting in extremely small pixel sizes. Therefore, due to the extremely small openings in the masks used to form the color filter patterns, the exposure is limited, which poses a risk of insufficient curing of the photosensitive resin.

[0007] Therefore, it is required to form the fine color filter into the desired shape. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the objectives of the implementation is to provide a display device with a color filter having a desired shape.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the display device includes:

[0010] A substrate; a semiconductor disposed above the substrate; a first scan line; a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line; a connecting electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor; an inorganic insulating layer covering the connecting electrode; a first protrusion located directly above the first scan line and disposed on the inorganic insulating layer; a second protrusion located directly above the second scan line and disposed on the inorganic insulating layer; a first color filter disposed between the first and second protrusions on the inorganic insulating layer; an organic insulating layer covering the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the first color filter; a pixel electrode disposed above the organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the connecting electrode; and a common electrode opposite to the pixel electrode, wherein the width of the first protrusion is smaller than the width of the first scan line, and the width of the second protrusion is smaller than the width of the second scan line.

[0011] According to the embodiments, a display device can be provided that has a color filter having a desired shape. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the display device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a top view of display panel 2.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel 2 along the first direction X of pixel PX is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of some of the elements of the first substrate SUB1.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a top-down view of the structure of sub-pixels SPR, SPB, and SPG.

[0017] Figure 6 It is along display panel 2 Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of line AB shown.

[0018] Figure 7 It is along the first substrate SUB1 Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of line CD shown.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of some of the elements of the first substrate SUB1.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view of some of the elements of the first substrate SUB1.

[0021] Figure 10 It is along display panel 2 Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the EF line shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] While referring to the appendix Figure 1 One implementation method will be described below.

[0023] The disclosed content is merely an example in principle, and appropriate modifications that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art to ensure the inventive spirit are naturally included within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, regarding the drawings, to make the description clearer, there are instances where the width, thickness, shape, etc., of various parts are schematically shown compared to the actual form; however, this is merely an example in principle and does not limit the interpretation of the invention. Additionally, in this specification and the various drawings, there are instances where structural elements that perform the same or similar functions to the aforementioned structural elements in relation to the already presented figures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repetitive detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0024] In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is disclosed as an example of a display device. However, the technical concepts disclosed in this embodiment can be applied to display devices that include various other display elements such as organic light-emitting diodes, Micro LEDs, or Mini LEDs. Furthermore, the technical concepts disclosed in this embodiment can also be applied to array substrates and electronic devices that have sensor elements such as electrostatic capacitive sensors or optical sensors.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the display device 1 of this embodiment.

[0026] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, for ease of understanding, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the first direction, the direction along the Y-axis as the second direction, and the direction along the Z-axis as the third direction. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond to directions parallel to the main surface of the substrate constituting the display device 1. The third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the display device 1. The view of various elements parallel to the third direction Z is called a top view.

[0027] The display device 1 includes a display panel 2 and a lighting device 3. Figure 1 In this example, the lighting device 3 is a side-mounted type, comprising a light guide LG opposite to the display panel 2, and multiple light-emitting elements LS opposite to the side of the light guide LG. However, the lighting device 3 is not limited to... Figure 1 Examples can also include other structures such as the bottom type.

[0028] exist Figure 1In the example, both the display panel 2 and the light guide LG are formed into a rectangular shape having a short side along the first direction X and a long side along the second direction Y. However, the display panel 2 and the light guide LG are not limited to a rectangular shape and can also be other shapes.

[0029] The display panel 2 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel, comprising a first substrate SUB1 (array substrate), a second substrate SUB2 (opposing substrate) opposite to the first substrate SUB1, and a liquid crystal layer LC disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The display panel 2 has, for example, a rectangular display area DA.

[0030] Furthermore, the display device 1 includes an optical sheet group 4, a first polarizer 5, and a second polarizer 6. The optical sheet group 4 is disposed between the light guide LG and the display panel 2. For example, the optical sheet group 4 includes a diffusion sheet DF that diffuses light emitted from the light guide LG, and a first prism sheet PR1 and a second prism sheet PR2 on which multiple prisms are formed.

[0031] The first polarizer 5 is disposed between the optical element group 4 and the first substrate SUB1. The second polarizer 6 is disposed above the second substrate SUB2. The polarization axes of the first polarizer 5 and the second polarizer 6 are, for example, in a mutually orthogonal Nicholl relationship.

[0032] Display device 1 can be used in various devices such as in-vehicle equipment, smartphones, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals, personal computers, television display devices, game consoles, head-mounted displays, etc.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a top view of display panel 2.

[0034] Display panel 2 has a display area DA configured to display an image, and a peripheral area SA surrounding the display area DA. Figure 2 In the example, the first substrate SUB1 has a mounting area MA that protrudes in the second direction Y compared to the second substrate SUB2. The mounting area MA is part of the peripheral area SA.

[0035] The display area DA has a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix along the first direction X and the second direction Y. Each pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels. In this embodiment, as an example, a pixel PX includes a red sub-pixel SPR, a green sub-pixel SPG, and a blue sub-pixel SPB. However, a pixel PX may also include sub-pixels of other colors such as white.

[0036] The display panel 2 includes multiple scan lines G, multiple signal lines S, scan drivers GD1 and GD2, and a selection circuit ST. The multiple scan lines G extend along a first direction X and are arranged along a second direction Y. The multiple signal lines S extend along the second direction Y and are arranged along the first direction X. Each scan line G is connected to at least one of scan drivers GD1 and GD2. Each signal line S is connected to the selection circuit ST.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In this example, the controller CT is mounted in the mounting area MA. Additionally, the mounting area MA has a terminal section T. The flexible printed circuit board F is connected to the terminal section T. Furthermore, the controller CT can also be mounted on the flexible printed circuit board F. The controller CT can be composed of an IC chip and various circuit components.

[0038] The controller CT controls the scan drivers GD1 and GD2, and also controls the selection circuit ST. Scan drivers GD1 and GD2 sequentially supply scan signals to each scan line G. The selection circuit ST sequentially supplies video signals to each signal line S.

[0039] Sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB each include a pixel electrode PE, a switching element SW (thin-film transistor), and a common electrode CE to which a common voltage is applied. The switching element SW is electrically connected to the pixel electrode PE, the scan line G, and the signal line S. The common electrode CE is formed within multiple sub-pixel areas. If a potential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, an electric field corresponding to that potential difference is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0040] In this embodiment, the scan line G, signal line S, scan drivers GD1 and GD2, selection circuit ST, switching element SW, pixel electrode PE and common electrode CE are all formed on the first substrate SUB1.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel 2 along the first direction X of pixel PX is shown.

[0042] In addition to the signal line S, scan line G, pixel electrode PE, and common electrode CE mentioned above, the first substrate SUB1 also includes a substrate 10, insulating layers 11 to 19, alignment film AL1, and color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB.

[0043] The substrate 10 is, for example, a transparent insulating substrate such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate.

[0044] Insulating layers 11 to 15 are sequentially stacked on substrate 10. Signal line S is disposed on insulating layer 15 at the boundary of adjacent sub-pixels along the first direction X. Insulating layer 16 covers signal line S and insulating layer 15. Insulating layer 17 covers insulating layer 16.

[0045] A red color filter (CFR) is disposed on top of insulating layer 17 in sub-pixel SPR. A green color filter (CFG) is disposed on top of insulating layer 17 in sub-pixel SPG. A blue color filter (CFB) is disposed on top of insulating layer 17 in sub-pixel SPB. In the illustrated cross-section, the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are separated from each other directly above signal line S. If illumination light from illumination device 3 is transmitted through color filter CFR, red display light is generated. If illumination light is transmitted through color filter CFG, green display light is generated. If illumination light is transmitted through color filter CFB, blue display light is generated.

[0046] Insulating layer 18 covers color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB, and also covers insulating layer 17 directly above signal line S. Insulating layer 18 is formed to be thicker than the other insulating layers 11 to 17 and 19, and serves as a planarization layer to flatten the unevenness caused by color filters CFR, CFG, CFB, etc.

[0047] Pixel electrodes PE are disposed on insulating layer 18 in each of the sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB. Insulating layer 19 covers pixel electrodes PE and insulating layer 18. Common electrode CE is disposed on insulating layer 19. In each of the sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB, pixel electrodes PE and common electrode CE are opposite each other across insulating layer 19. Alignment film AL1 covers common electrode CE.

[0048] Although Figure 3 It is not visible in the cross-section, but the common electrode CE has slits in each of the sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB. An electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer LC is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE through these slits.

[0049] Insulating layers 11-17 and 19 are inorganic insulating layers, while insulating layer 18 is an organic insulating layer. Specifically, insulating layers 11 and 12 are formed from inorganic insulating materials such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide. Insulating layers 13 and 14 are formed from silicon oxide. Insulating layers 15-17 are formed from inorganic insulating materials such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide. Insulating layer 18 is formed from organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin. Insulating layer 19 is formed from silicon nitride.

[0050] The alignment film AL1 is, for example, a horizontally aligned film formed of polyamide and having an alignment constraint force along the XY plane. Color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are, for example, formed of a negative-type photosensitive resin.

[0051] The pixel electrode (PE) and common electrode (CE) are formed of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Signal lines S and... Figure 1The scan line G shown is formed from metallic materials such as titanium, aluminum, molybdenum, and tungsten. The signal line S and the scan line G can be formed as a single layer or as a stack of different types of metal layers.

[0052] The structure of the first substrate SUB1 is not limited to Figure 3 For example, the pixel electrode PE can also be positioned above the common electrode CE (on the liquid crystal layer LC side).

[0053] This COA method is suitable for display devices that require high resolution exceeding 1400ppi.

[0054] The second substrate SUB2 is opposite to the first substrate SUB1 in the third direction Z. The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0055] The second substrate SUB2 includes a substrate 20 and an alignment film AL2. Preferably, the second substrate SUB2 does not have a light-shielding layer such as a black matrix. Therefore, even if misalignment occurs when the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are bonded together, the display quality of the display device 1 can be well ensured.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of some of the elements of the first substrate SUB1.

[0057] The figure shows an example of the shape of the scan line G, the signal line S, and the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the example, the scan line G extends in a straight line along the first direction X, and the signal line S extends in a straight line along the second direction Y. The width of the scan line G along the second direction Y is greater than the width of the signal line S along the first direction X. Furthermore, the scan line G and the signal line S do not necessarily need to be straight lines; they may also contain bends.

[0059] Multiple scan lines G and multiple signal lines S intersect each other. The area enclosed by two adjacent scan lines G and two adjacent signal lines S corresponds to the opening AP of a sub-pixel. Sub-pixels SPR, SPG, and SPB each have an opening AP.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In the example, subpixels SPR, SPG, and SPB are arranged in sequence in the first direction X, and in the second direction Y. In this configuration, columns of subpixels SPR arranged along an inclined direction intersecting the first and second directions Y, columns of subpixels SPG arranged along an inclined direction, and columns of subpixels SPB arranged along an inclined direction are alternately formed in the display area DA.

[0061] A color filter (CFR) is disposed on a column of sub-pixels (SPRs) arranged in an oblique direction. That is, the color filter CFRs disposed on adjacent sub-pixels (SPRs) in the oblique direction are integrally formed. In each sub-pixel (SPR), the color filter CFR overlaps with the opening (AP).

[0062] A color filter (CFG) is positioned on a column of subpixels (SPGs) arranged in an oblique direction. In each subpixel (SPG), the color filter (CFG) overlaps with the opening (AP).

[0063] A color filter CFB is disposed on a column of subpixels SPB arranged in an oblique direction. In each subpixel SPB, the color filter CFB overlaps with the opening AP.

[0064] These color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are separated from each other in the areas overlapping with scan line G and signal line S. Although this will be explained later, in each of the sub-pixels SPR, SPB, and SPG, the contact hole CH3 used to connect the pixel electrode and the connecting electrode overlaps with scan line G but not with color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB.

[0065] Furthermore, the shapes of the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are not limited to the examples shown in the figure. For example, the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB can each be configured relative to each opening AP and formed as islands, or they can be formed as strips extending along the second direction Y.

[0066] Each protrusion PT is located directly above the scan line G and extends linearly along the first direction X. Furthermore, each protrusion PT is formed to intersect multiple signal lines S. The multiple protrusions PT are arranged along the second direction Y. Two adjacent protrusions PT are positioned directly above each scan line G along the second direction Y. The contact hole CH3 is located between two protrusions PT. Such protrusions PT overlap with the edges of color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB along the first direction X. For example, if focusing on a single protrusion PT, it overlaps with the edge of the color filter CFR in sub-pixel SPR, with the edge of the color filter CFG in sub-pixel SPG, and with the edge of the color filter CFB in sub-pixel SPB. Furthermore, in each opening AP, one of the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB is positioned between two adjacent protrusions PT along the second direction Y.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a top-down view of the structure of sub-pixels SPR, SPB, and SPG.

[0068] In addition, Figure 5In the diagram, the connecting electrode CN is shown with a single dotted line, and the pixel electrode PE is shown with a double dotted line. The color filter and common electrode are omitted.

[0069] The scan lines G1 and G2 shown in the figure are included in Figure 4 The multiple scan lines G shown.

[0070] Scan line G1 and upper scan line GA1 are electrically connected to each other. Upper scan line GA1 overlaps with scan line G1 and extends in a straight line along the first direction X. The width of upper scan line GA1 along the second direction Y is smaller than the width of scan line G1 along the second direction Y.

[0071] Scan line G2 and upper scan line GA2 are electrically connected to each other. Upper scan line GA2 overlaps with scan line G2 and extends in a straight line along the first direction X. The width of upper scan line GA2 along the second direction Y is smaller than the width of scan line G2 along the second direction Y.

[0072] The protrusions PT0 to PT3 shown in the diagram are included in Figure 4 The multiple protrusions PT shown.

[0073] Protrusions PT0 and PT1 overlap with scan line G1 but not with upper scan line GA1. Upper scan line GA1 is located between protrusions PT0 and PT1. The width WP of protrusions PT0 and PT1 along the second direction Y is smaller than the width WG of scan line G1 along the second direction Y, and smaller than the width WGA of upper scan line GA1 along the second direction Y.

[0074] Protrusions PT2 and PT3 overlap with scan line G2 but not with upper scan line GA2. Upper scan line GA2 is located between protrusions PT2 and PT3. The width WP of protrusions PT2 and PT3 along the second direction Y is smaller than the width WG of scan line G2 along the second direction Y, and smaller than the width WGA of upper scan line GA2 along the second direction Y.

[0075] For example, if we are interested in the sub-pixel SPG, the connecting electrode CN is positioned between adjacent signal lines S, overlapping with scan line G1 and upper scan line GA1, not intersecting with protrusion PT0, intersecting with protrusion PT1, and extending along the opening AP.

[0076] Semiconductor SC intersects with signal line S, and also with scan line G1 and upper scan line GA1, as well as protrusions PT0 and PT1, extending at opening AP. Semiconductor SC is electrically connected to signal line S in contact hole CH1. Additionally, semiconductor SC is electrically connected to connecting electrode CN in contact hole CH2. Contact hole CH2 is located at opening AP, and... Figure 4 The color filters CFG shown are overlapped.

[0077] The pixel electrode PE is positioned between adjacent signal lines S, overlapping with scan line G1 and upper scan line GA1, not intersecting with protrusion PT0, but intersecting with protrusion PT1, and extending at the opening AP. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the connecting electrode CN within the contact hole CH3. The contact hole CH3 overlaps with scan line G1 and upper scan line GA1 between protrusions PT0 and PT1.

[0078] The protrusion PT0 intersects with multiple signal lines S and multiple semiconductors SC between contact holes CH1 and CH3. The protrusion PT1 intersects with multiple signal lines S, multiple semiconductors SC, multiple connecting electrodes CN, and multiple pixel electrodes PE between contact holes CH2 and CH3.

[0079] Here, we focus on the sub-pixel SPG, but the same applies to other sub-pixel SPRs and SPBs, which are constructed in the same way as the sub-pixel SPG.

[0080] Figure 6 It is along display panel 2 Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of line AB shown. Figure 6 In the middle, the following was omitted. Figure 5 The diagram shows the semiconductor SC and the connecting electrode CN.

[0081] Multiple protrusions PT, including protrusions PT0 to PT4, are disposed on the insulating layer 17, which is an inorganic insulating layer, and are covered by the insulating layer 18, which is an organic insulating layer.

[0082] For example, a green color filter CFG overlaps with the opening AP between scan lines G1 and G2, is disposed on the insulating layer 17 between protrusions PT1 and PT2, contacts protrusions PT1 and PT2, and is covered by the insulating layer 18.

[0083] The red color filter CFR is separated from the color filter CFG, disposed on the insulating layer 17 between the protrusions PT3 and PT, in contact with the protrusions PT3 and PT, and covered by the insulating layer 18.

[0084] The blue color filter CFB is separated from the color filters CFR and CFG, and is disposed on the insulating layer 17 between the protrusions PT and PT0, in contact with the protrusions PT and PT0, and is covered by the insulating layer 18.

[0085] In addition, the insulating layer 18 is in contact with the insulating layer 17 between the protrusions PT0 and PT1, and between the protrusions PT2 and PT3.

[0086] The protrusions PT have a uniform thickness T1 along the third direction Z. For example, the thickness T1 of each protrusion PT1 and PT2 is smaller than the thickness T2 of the color filter CFG along the third direction Z (T1 < T2). The same applies to the other protrusions PT; they are smaller than the thickness of any of the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. In one example, the thickness T2 of the color filter is approximately 3 μm, and the thickness T1 of the protrusion PT is less than 2 μm.

[0087] The protrusions PT have equal widths W1 along the second direction Y. For example, the width W1 of each protrusion PT1 and PT2 is smaller than the thickness T1 (W1 < T1). That is, each protrusion PT is formed as a wall extending along the third direction Z. In one example, the width W1 of the protrusion PT is about 1 μm.

[0088] Such protruding photosensitive materials (PTs) are preferably formed from negatively typed photosensitive resins with excellent processability (e.g., acrylic photosensitive resins). Alternatively, protruding PTs can also be formed from positively typed photosensitive resins (e.g., phenolic varnish (novolak) photosensitive resins). Furthermore, regarding protruding PTs, from the viewpoint of reliably exposing to deep areas, transparency is desirable, but they can also be colored, such as black.

[0089] Figure 7 It is along the first substrate SUB1 Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of line CD is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The diagram of the alignment film is omitted in the text.

[0090] The semiconductor SC of the switching element SW is disposed on the insulating layer 13 and covered by the insulating layer 14. The semiconductor SC is transparent and is an oxide semiconductor containing, for example, indium or gallium. The semiconductor SC has low-resistance regions SCA and SCB and a high-resistance region SCC. The high-resistance region SCC is located between the low-resistance regions SCA and SCB. The semiconductor SC is located between the insulating layer 13, which is a silicon oxide layer, and the insulating layer 14, which is also a silicon oxide layer.

[0091] The lower gate electrode GEB is disposed on the insulating layer 12 and covered by the insulating layer 13. The lower gate electrode GEB is contained within... Figure 5 The scan line G2 is shown. The lower gate electrode GEB is opposite to the semiconductor SC through the insulating layer 13. In other words, the lower gate electrode GEB corresponds to the region in scan line G2 that overlaps with the semiconductor SC.

[0092] The gate electrode GEA is disposed on the insulating layer 14 and covered by the insulating layer 15. The gate electrode GEA is contained within... Figure 5The upper scan line GA2 is shown. The gate electrode GEA is separated from the high-resistivity region SCC of the semiconductor SC by the insulating layer 14. In other words, the gate electrode GEA corresponds to the region in the upper scan line GA2 that overlaps with the semiconductor SC.

[0093] The source electrode SE is disposed on the insulating layer 15 and covered by the insulating layer 16. The source electrode SE is contained within... Figure 5 The signal line S is shown. The source electrode SE contacts the low-resistance region SCA of the semiconductor SC in the contact hole CH1 that penetrates the insulating layer 14 and the insulating layer 15.

[0094] The connecting electrode CN is disposed on top of insulating layer 16 and covered by insulating layer 17. That is, the connecting electrode CN is located on a different layer than the source electrode SE and the signal line S. The connecting electrode CN is a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO. The connecting electrode CN contacts the low-resistance region SCB of the semiconductor SC in a contact hole CH2 that penetrates insulating layers 14, 15, and 16. The contact hole CH2 overlaps with the color filter CFG.

[0095] The pixel electrode PE is disposed on the insulating layer 18 and covered by the insulating layer 19. The pixel electrode PE contacts the connecting electrode CN in the contact hole CH3 that penetrates the insulating layers 17 and 18. The contact hole CH3 overlaps with the gate electrode GEA and is located between the protrusions PT2 and PT3. It is also located between the adjacent color filters CFG and CFR, and does not overlap with any of the color filters.

[0096] A metal layer ML is disposed on top of the insulating layer 19 within the contact hole CH3. The common electrode CE covers the metal layer ML and is disposed on top of the insulating layer 19. Figure 3 The alignment film AL1 shown is used for covering. That is, the metal layer ML and the common electrode CE are electrically connected and at the same potential. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the metal layer ML is located between the insulating layer 19 and the common electrode CE, but the common electrode CE could also be located between the insulating layer 19 and the metal layer ML. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the filler material FL is filled in the depression created by the contact hole CH3. The filler material FL is formed of an organic insulating material, disposed on the common electrode CE, and covered by the alignment film AL1.

[0097] In display devices requiring high resolution in the display area DA, pixel sizes are small, and the spacing between adjacent signal lines S is also extremely small. Therefore, the connection electrode CN, used to electrically connect the switching element SW and the pixel electrode PE, is formed on a different layer than the signal line S, and is a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material. This avoids unwanted contact between the signal line S and the connection electrode CN. Furthermore, since the semiconductor SC connected to the connection electrode CN in the opening AP is transparent, the reduction in transmittance in the opening AP is suppressed.

[0098] According to this embodiment, deformation of the color filter caused by insufficient exposure or other reasons is suppressed.

[0099] For example, compared to red color filters (CFR) and blue color filters (CFB), green color filters (CFG) have lower transmittance of the ultraviolet light (e.g., 365 nm) wavelength used in exposure. Therefore, ultraviolet light has difficulty reaching the bottom of the CFG, potentially leading to underexposure at the bottom. If the CFG is developed and baked under such underexposure, pores may sometimes form at the bottom or extend into the area where contact holes (CH3) should be formed.

[0100] Therefore, as in this embodiment, by forming protrusions PT before forming the color filter, the developer is prevented from seeping into the bottom of the color filter, and undesirable expansion of the color filter is also suppressed. This allows for the suppression of color filter deformation.

[0101] Furthermore, since the deformation of the color filter is suppressed, the color filter can be reliably covered by the insulating layer 18. Therefore, leakage of impurities from the color filter is suppressed.

[0102] In addition, since the color filter is suppressed from expanding toward the contact hole CH3, the pixel electrode PE is not interrupted in the contact hole CH3, and the switching element SW and the pixel electrode PE can be reliably electrically connected.

[0103] Furthermore, even if the color filter contains a higher concentration of colorant or becomes thicker due to the requirement for an expanded color reproduction range, the color filter can still be processed with high precision, thereby enabling the formation of a color filter with the desired shape.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of a color filter CFR, CFG, or CFB being disposed between a pair of protrusions is described. However, it is sufficient to provide a protrusion PT between a color filter that is prone to underexposure (e.g., a green color filter) and the contact hole CH3.

[0105] Next, we will explain other structural examples.

[0106] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of some of the elements of the first substrate SUB1.

[0107] Figure 8 The example shown is similar to Figure 4 Compared to the examples shown, the protrusions PT differ in the way they are interrupted at the locations where they overlap with signal lines S. In the illustrated example, a protrusion PT is located between adjacent signal lines, extending linearly along the first direction X, and has an end E1 that overlaps with one signal line and an end E2 that overlaps with the other signal line S.

[0108] In this structural example, similarly to the structural example described above, it is possible to suppress the color filter from expanding toward the contact hole CH3 along the second direction Y.

[0109] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view of some of the elements of the first substrate SUB1.

[0110] Figure 9 The example shown is similar to Figure 8 Compared to the example shown, the additional protrusion PTY located directly above the signal line S differs. The protrusion PTY extends linearly along the second direction Y, intersects multiple scan lines G, and connects with the protrusion PT extending along the first direction X. The protrusion PTY is formed of the same material as the protrusion PT.

[0111] Figure 10 It is along display panel 2 Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the EF line shown.

[0112] The protrusion PTY overlaps with the signal line S, is disposed on the insulating layer 17 which is an inorganic insulating layer, and is covered by the insulating layer 18 which is an organic insulating layer.

[0113] Color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are each disposed on the insulating layer 17 between adjacent protrusions PTY, in contact with the protrusions PTY, and covered by the insulating layer 18.

[0114] In this structural example, similarly to the above-described structural example, the protrusion PT can suppress the expansion of the color filter toward the contact hole CH3 along the second direction Y. Furthermore, the protrusion PTY can also suppress the expansion of the color filter along the first direction X.

[0115] In this embodiment, for example, scan line G1 corresponds to the first scan line, scan line G2 corresponds to the second scan line, protrusion PT1 corresponds to the first protrusion, protrusion PT2 corresponds to the second protrusion, protrusion PT3 corresponds to the third protrusion, protrusion PTY corresponds to the fourth protrusion, color filter CFG corresponds to the first color filter, and color filter CFR or CFB corresponds to the second color filter.

[0116] All display devices implemented by those skilled in the art after appropriate design modifications based on the display devices described as embodiments of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention, as long as they contain the spirit of the present invention.

[0117] Within the scope of this invention, it is understood that various modifications would be conceived by those skilled in the art, and these modifications also fall within the scope of this invention. For example, embodiments obtained by adding, deleting, or changing structural elements appropriately by those skilled in the art, or embodiments obtained by adding, omitting, or changing processes or conditions, are also included within the scope of this invention, as long as they possess the essence of this invention.

[0118] Furthermore, any other effects resulting from the methods described in the above embodiments, effects that are clearly defined according to the description in this specification, or effects that can be reasonably conceived by those skilled in the art, shall of course be interpreted as effects resulting from the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, have: substrate; Semiconductor, which is disposed above the substrate; First scan line; The first upper scan line overlaps with the first scan line, has a smaller width than the first scan line, and is electrically connected to the first scan line; The second scan line is adjacent to the first scan line; The second upper scan line overlaps with the second scan line, has a smaller width than the second scan line, and is electrically connected to the second scan line; A connecting electrode, which is electrically connected to the semiconductor; An inorganic insulating layer covers the connecting electrodes; The first protrusion is located directly above the first scan line, does not overlap with the first upper scan line, and is disposed on the inorganic insulating layer; The second protrusion is located directly above the second scan line, does not overlap with the second upper scan line, and is disposed on the inorganic insulating layer; A first color filter is disposed on the inorganic insulating layer between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; An organic insulating layer covering the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the first color filter; A pixel electrode is disposed above the organic insulating layer and is electrically connected to the connection electrode; and The common electrode is opposite to the pixel electrode. The width of the first protrusion is smaller than the width of the first scan line. The width of the second protrusion is smaller than the width of the second scan line.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first color filter is a green filter.

3. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The third protrusion is located directly above the second scan line, does not overlap with the second upper scan line, is disposed on the inorganic insulating layer, and is separated from the second protrusion; and A second color filter, which contacts the third protrusion, is disposed on the inorganic insulating layer and separate from the first color filter. The organic insulating layer covers the third protrusion and the second color filter, and is in contact with the inorganic insulating layer between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The pixel electrode contacts the connection electrode in a contact hole that penetrates the organic insulating layer and the inorganic insulating layer directly above the second upper scan line between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The second color filter is either a red filter or a blue filter.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is smaller than the thickness of the first color filter above the inorganic insulating layer.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The width of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is smaller than the thickness of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are formed of negative photosensitive resin.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has multiple signal lines that intersect with the first scan line and the second scan line. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are each formed in a manner that intersects with the plurality of signal lines.

10. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has multiple signal lines that intersect with the first scan line and the second scan line. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are each interrupted at a position where they overlap with the plurality of signal lines.

11. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: Signal lines that intersect the first scan line and the second scan line; and The fourth protrusion is located directly above the signal line, disposed on the inorganic insulating layer, and connected to the first and second protrusions.

12. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The semiconductor is a transparent oxide semiconductor.

13. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting electrode is a transparent electrode.

14. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, have: The first substrate includes the semiconductor, the first scan line, the second scan line, the connecting electrode, the first color filter, the pixel electrode, and the common electrode. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate; and A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

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