KR102549908B1 - Liquid crystal display deive - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid crystal display device is provided. The liquid crystal display device includes a substrate having an active area through which light passes, and a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the pixel electrode includes a first stem electrode extending in a first direction and perpendicular to the first direction. A second stem electrode extending along one second direction and intersecting the first stem electrode so as to be bisected by the first stem electrode, extending along the second direction and bisected by one end of the first stem electrode A third stem electrode connected to the first stem electrode and a plurality of branch electrodes extending from the first to third stem electrodes are included.

Description

Liquid crystal display {LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEIVE}

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device.

A liquid crystal display device consists of two substrates on which field generating electrodes such as pixel electrodes and common electrodes are formed, and a liquid crystal layer injected between the two substrates. An electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to the field generating electrodes. Through this, an image is displayed by determining the alignment of the liquid crystal included in the liquid crystal layer and controlling the polarization of incident light.

Among such liquid crystal display devices, a vertically aligned mode liquid crystal display device in which long axes of liquid crystals are vertically aligned with respect to upper and lower substrates in a state in which an electric field is not applied has been developed.

The vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display may have poor side visibility compared to front visibility. Specifically, the liquid crystal display may be viewed more brightly when viewed from the side than when viewed from the front, and visibility deteriorates as the brightness difference between the front and side surfaces increases.

Accordingly, a structure capable of improving visibility by minimizing a difference in brightness between the front and side surfaces of a vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display device is required.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device having improved visibility.

The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a substrate having an active area through which light passes, and a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the pixel electrode rotates in a first direction. A first stem electrode extending along, a second stem electrode extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and crossing the first stem electrode so as to be bisected by the first stem electrode, along the second direction It extends and includes a third stem electrode connected to the first stem electrode so as to be bisected by one end of the first stem electrode, and a plurality of branch electrodes extending from the first to third stem electrodes.

Also, the first stem electrode may be disposed to halve the active area along the first direction.

Also, the third stem electrode may be connected to one end of the first stem electrode that is spaced apart from the second stem electrode among both ends of the first stem electrode.

The pixel electrode may further include a first slit disposed on the same layer as the pixel electrode and extending along the second direction between the second stem electrode and the third stem electrode.

In addition, the first stem electrode, the second stem electrode, and the first slit may divide the active area into six areas.

Also, an area disposed between the second stem electrode and the first slit may be relatively wider than areas disposed outside the second stem electrode and outside the first slit.

In addition, the active region is disposed between the second stem electrode and the first slit, and disposed outside the first and second domain regions divided into two by the first stem electrode and the second stem electrode. and a third domain region and a fifth domain region bisected by the first stem electrode, and a fourth domain region and a sixth domain region disposed outside the first slit and bisected by the first stem electrode. can

In addition, an area occupied by the first domain area, an area occupied by the second domain area, an area occupied by the third domain area and the fourth domain area, and an area occupied by the fifth domain area and the sixth domain area Areas occupied may be equal to each other.

The liquid crystal may further include a liquid crystal disposed on the pixel electrode, wherein directions in which the liquid crystal is tilted in the third domain region and the fourth domain region are the same, and in the fifth domain region and the sixth domain region. Directions in which the liquid crystals are tilted may be the same as each other.

In addition, the first slit may be disposed to overlap an area where the branch electrode extending from the second stem electrode and the branch electrode extending from the third stem electrode are disposed to face each other.

In addition, a second slit disposed between each of the branch electrodes may be further included.

The device may further include a first data line disposed on the substrate and extending along the second direction, wherein the first data line may overlap the second stem electrode.

The apparatus may further include a second data line disposed on the substrate and extending along the second direction and spaced apart from the first data line, wherein the second data line may overlap the first slit.

A liquid crystal display according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a substrate defining an active area through which light passes, and a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the active area is arranged in a first row and second column. 1st domain area arranged in 2nd row and 2nd column, 3rd domain area arranged in 1st row and 1st column, 4th domain area arranged in 1st row and 3rd column, 5th domain area arranged in 2nd row and 1st column , and a sixth domain region arranged in two rows and three columns, wherein the pixel electrode comprises a boundary between the first domain region and the second domain region, a boundary between the third domain region and the fifth domain region, and the fourth domain region. A first stem electrode disposed along the boundary between the domain region and the sixth domain region, disposed along the boundary between the first domain region and the third domain region, and the boundary between the second domain region and the fifth domain region. A second stem electrode, a third stem electrode disposed along an outer boundary of the fourth domain region disposed away from the second stem electrode and an outer boundary of the sixth domain region, and extending from the first to third stem electrodes. It includes a plurality of branched electrodes.

The device may further include a first slit disposed along a boundary between the first domain region and the fourth domain region and along a boundary between the second domain region and the sixth domain region.

In addition, a plurality of second slits disposed between the plurality of branch electrodes may be further included.

In addition, a first data line disposed on the substrate and disposed to overlap the first stem electrode may be further included.

In addition, a second data line disposed on the substrate and disposed to overlap the first slit may be further included.

In addition, an area occupied by the first domain area, an area occupied by the second domain area, an area occupied by the third domain area and the fourth domain area, and an area occupied by the fifth domain area and the sixth domain area Areas occupied may be equal to each other.

The liquid crystal may further include a liquid crystal disposed on the pixel electrode, wherein directions in which the liquid crystal is tilted in the third domain region and the fourth domain region are the same, and in the fifth domain region and the sixth domain region. Directions in which the liquid crystals are tilted may be the same as each other.

Other embodiment specifics are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device having improved visibility may be provided.

Effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in the present specification.

1 is a layout diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ′ in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a direction in which liquid crystal is tilted in an active area of one pixel shown in FIG. 1 .
5 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.
6 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.
7 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.
8 is a layout diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.
9 is a layout diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.
10 is a layout diagram illustrating two consecutive pixel electrodes included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the detailed description of the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms, only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the holder of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, it includes all cases where another element or layer is directly on top of another element or another layer or other element intervenes therebetween. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, of course. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, it goes without saying that the first element mentioned below may also be the second element within the technical spirit of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a layout diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a pixel electrode of one pixel shown in FIG. , and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a direction in which liquid crystal is tilted in an active area of one pixel shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first display substrate 100 , a second display substrate 300 and a liquid crystal layer 200 . In addition, a pair of polarizers (not shown) attached to outer surfaces of the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300 may be further included.

A switching element, for example, a thin film transistor 167 for driving the liquid crystal LC included in the liquid crystal layer 200 is disposed on the first display substrate 100 . The second display substrate 300 is a substrate disposed to face the first display substrate 100 .

The liquid crystal layer 200 is interposed between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300 and may include a plurality of liquid crystals LC having dielectric anisotropy. When an electric field is applied between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300, the liquid crystal LC rotates in a specific direction between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300 to emit light. can be transmitted or blocked. Here, the term "rotation" may include not only actually rotating the liquid crystals LC, but also meaning that the arrangement of the liquid crystals LC is changed by the electric field.

The liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels 10 arranged in a matrix form. Each of the pixels 10 may be a basic unit capable of independently controlling gray levels and displaying a specific color. Each pixel 10 includes an active area AA, which is an area in which a gray level is adjusted by controlling the transmittance of light incident on the lower portion of the first display substrate 100 .

Hereinafter, the first display substrate 100 will be described.

The first display substrate 100 includes a first base substrate 110 . The first base substrate 110 may be a transparent insulating substrate. For example, the first base substrate 110 may be formed of a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or a transparent resin substrate.

In some embodiments, the first base substrate 110 may be curved along one direction. In some other embodiments, the first base substrate 110 may have flexibility. That is, the first base substrate 110 may be deformed by rolling, folding, or bending.

A gate line 122 , a gate electrode 124 , and a storage line 125 are disposed on the first base substrate 110 .

The gate line 122 transfers a gate voltage that controls the thin film transistor 167 . The gate line 122 may have a shape extending in the first direction DR1 .

Here, the first direction DR1 is a direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2 and corresponds to a direction extending parallel to one side of the first base substrate 110 on a plane on which the first base substrate 110 is disposed. And, as shown in FIG. 1, it may be defined as a direction indicated by an arbitrary straight line extending from left to right. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second direction DR2 may be defined as a direction indicated by an arbitrary straight line extending from the upper side to the lower side.

The gate voltage is provided from the outside and may have a varying voltage level. Whether the thin film transistor 167 is turned on/off may be controlled in response to the voltage level of the gate voltage.

The gate electrode 124 is formed to protrude from the gate line 122 and may be physically connected to the gate line 122 . The gate electrode 124 may be one component constituting the thin film transistor 167 to be described later.

A hold line 126 is disposed between each gate line 122 . The sustain line 126 generally extends along the first direction DR1 and may further include a section extending along the edge of the active area AA. The storage line 126 may be disposed adjacent to an edge of the pixel electrode 180 to be described later, and a predetermined capacitance may be formed between the pixel electrode 180 and the storage line 126 . Accordingly, a rapid drop in the voltage level applied to the pixel electrode 180 can be prevented. However, even without the sustain line 126, the sustain line 126 may be omitted if the level of drop in the voltage provided to the pixel electrode 180 does not adversely affect display quality or is acceptable.

The gate line 122, the gate electrode 124, and the storage line 126 may be made of the same material. For example, the gate line 122, the gate electrode 124, and the storage line 126 may be formed of an aluminum-based metal such as aluminum (Al) or an aluminum alloy, a silver-based metal such as silver (Ag) or a silver alloy, copper (Cu), or the like. Gold-based metals such as copper alloys, molybdenum-based metals such as molybdenum (Mo) or molybdenum alloys, chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), and titanium (Ti) may be included. The gate line 122, the gate electrode 124, and the storage line 126 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure including at least two conductive layers having different physical properties.

A gate insulating layer 130 is disposed on the gate line 122 , the gate electrode 124 , and the storage line 126 . The gate insulating layer 130 may be made of an insulating material, eg, silicon nitride or silicon oxide. The gate insulating layer 130 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including two insulating films having different physical properties.

A first semiconductor pattern 141 and a second semiconductor pattern 142 are disposed on the gate insulating layer 130 .

The first semiconductor pattern 141 may overlap at least a portion of the gate electrode 124 . A channel electrically connecting a source electrode 165 and a drain electrode 166 to be described later may be formed in the first semiconductor pattern 141 .

Although not shown in the drawing, in some embodiments, an ohmic contact member may be additionally disposed on the first semiconductor pattern 141 . The ohmic contact member may be formed of n+ hydrogenated amorphous silicon doped with n-type impurities at a high concentration or may be formed of silicide. The ohmic contact members may form a pair and be disposed on the first semiconductor pattern 141 . The ohmic contact member may have ohmic contact characteristics between the source electrode 165 , the drain electrode 166 , and the first semiconductor pattern 141 . When the first semiconductor pattern 141 includes an oxide semiconductor, the ohmic contact member may be omitted.

The second semiconductor pattern 142 is formed to overlap the first data line 162 , the second data line 163 , the source electrode 165 and the drain electrode 166 to be described later. As the second semiconductor pattern 142, the first data line 162, the second data line 163, the source electrode 165, and the drain electrode 166 are manufactured using one mask process, they are overlapped. can be formed

The first semiconductor pattern 141 and the second semiconductor pattern 142 may be formed of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

A first data line 162, a second data line 163, a source electrode 165, and a drain electrode 166 are formed on the first semiconductor pattern 141, the second semiconductor pattern 142, and the gate insulating layer 130. this is placed

The first data line 162 and the second data line 163 may extend in the second direction DR2 and cross the gate line 122 . Also, the first data line 162 and the second data line 162 may be insulated from the gate line 122 and the gate electrode 124 by the gate insulating layer 130 .

The first data line 162 may provide a data voltage to the source electrode 165 . The second data line 163 may provide a data voltage to a source electrode of a pixel other than the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the source electrode 165, which will be described later, may be electrically connected to the first data line 162. Here, the data voltage is provided from the outside and may have a varying voltage level. A gray level of each pixel 10 may change in response to the voltage level of the data voltage.

In this embodiment, the first data line 162 and the second data line 163 extend in parallel along the second direction DR2 and are spaced apart from each other.

Meanwhile, although the first data line 162 and the second data line 163 are disposed to cross the active area AA, the first data line 162 is connected to the second stem electrode 182 to be described later. Transmittance reduction of the pixel 10 may be minimized by overlapping the second data line 163 with the first slit SL1 to be described later. A detailed description of this will be described later.

The source electrode 165 may be formed in a branched shape from the first data line 162 and the second data line 163 and may overlap at least a portion of the gate electrode 124 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the source electrode 165 is spaced apart from the drain electrode 166 at a predetermined interval, and the source electrode 165 may have a shape surrounding the drain electrode 166 in a 'U' shape. there is. However, it is not limited thereto, and the source electrode 165 and the drain electrode 166 may have a bar shape spaced apart in parallel at regular intervals. That is, the source electrode 165 and the drain electrode 166 may be designed in a free shape when a section facing each other at a predetermined interval is secured.

The first data line 162, the second data line 163, the source electrode 165, and the drain electrode 166 may be made of the same material. For example, the data line 162, the source electrode 165, and the drain electrode 166 may be formed of aluminum, copper, silver molybdenum, chromium, titanium, tantalum, or an alloy thereof. In addition, they may have a multi-layer structure composed of a lower layer (not shown) of a refractory metal or the like and a low resistance upper layer (not shown) formed thereon, but are not limited thereto.

The gate electrode 124 , the semiconductor layer 140 , the source electrode 165 , and the drain electrode 166 may configure the thin film transistor 167 as a switching element.

A passivation layer 171 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 130 , the first data line 162 , the second data line 163 , and the thin film transistor 167 . The passivation layer 171 may be made of an inorganic insulating material and may be disposed to cover the thin film transistor 167 . The passivation layer 171 may protect the thin film transistor 167 and prevent materials included in the color filter layer 172 and the planarization layer 173 to be described later from flowing into the semiconductor layer 140 . In some embodiments, passivation layer 171 may be omitted.

A color filter layer 172 is disposed on the passivation layer 171 . The color filter layer 172 may be a photosensitive organic composition containing pigments for implementing colors, and may include any one of red, green, and blue pigments. For example, the color filter layer 172 may include a plurality of color filters. For example, any one of the plurality of color filters may display any one of primary colors such as red, green, and blue three primary colors. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of color filters may display any one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and white colors.

A planarization layer 173 is disposed on the color filter layer 172 . The planarization layer 173 may be made of an insulating material, and may be, for example, an organic film made of an organic material. The planarization layer 173 may planarize a local level difference caused by components disposed between the planarization layer 173 and the first base substrate 110 . In other words, the top surface of the planarization layer 173 may be substantially planar. However, in some embodiments, an upper portion of the color filter layer 172 may be formed substantially flat, and the separate planarization layer 173 may be omitted. Also, in some embodiments, components to be described below may be stacked without planarizing an upper portion of the color filter layer 172 .

In the passivation layer 171, the color filter layer 172, and the planarization layer 173, a part of the thin film transistor 167, more specifically, a part of the drain electrode 166 is perpendicular to the upper surface of the first base substrate 110. A contact hole (CNT) exposing upward along one direction may be formed. The contact hole CNT may be formed to pass through the passivation layer 171 , the color filter layer 172 , and the planarization layer 174 .

A pixel electrode 180 is disposed on the planarization layer 174 . The pixel electrode 180 is physically connected to the drain electrode 166 through the contact hole CNT, and may receive the data voltage from the drain electrode 166 .

The pixel electrode 180 may be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), or Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO).

The pixel electrode 180 may generally be disposed within the active area AA, but may include an area extending to overlap the contact hole CNT for connection with the drain electrode 166 .

An area where the pixel electrode 180 is disposed may be divided into a plurality of areas. In particular, the active area AA may be divided into six areas according to the shape of the pixel electrode 180 . These six areas may be arranged in a matrix form over 2 rows and 3 columns, respectively. Here, the area disposed at the position corresponding to the first row and second column is the first domain area DM1, and the area disposed at the position corresponding to the second row and second column is the second domain area DM2, and the position corresponding to the first row and first column The area to be disposed is the third domain area (DM3), the area disposed at the position corresponding to the first row and third column is the fourth domain area (DM4), and the area disposed at the position corresponding to the second row and first column is the fifth domain area (DM5). ) and a region disposed at a position corresponding to second row and third column may be defined as a sixth domain region DM6.

Here, each of the first domain area DM1 and the second domain area DM2 is a third domain area DM3, a fourth domain area DM4, a fifth domain area DM5, and a sixth domain area, respectively. Compared to (DM6), it may have a larger area. More specifically, the first domain region DM1 and the second domain region DM2 may have an area twice that of each of the third to sixth domain regions DM3 to DM6. Accordingly, in the active area AA, the area occupied by the first domain area DM1, the area occupied by the second domain area DM2, and the third domain area DM3 and the fourth domain area DM4 are The area occupied by the fifth domain area DM5 and the sixth domain area DM6 may be the same as each other.

Here, since the detailed structure of the pixel electrode 180 to be described later is differently disposed in each of the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6, the liquid crystal in each of the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6. The direction in which (LC) is inclined may be partially different.

More specifically, the liquid crystals LC disposed in the first domain region DM1 are located at the lower left corner in the views of FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 (hereinafter, referred to as "in a planar view"). It can be controlled to tilt toward. Also, when viewed from a plan view, the liquid crystals LC disposed in the second domain area DM2 may be controlled to incline toward an upper left side. Also, from a plan view, the liquid crystals LC disposed in the third domain area DM3 and the fourth domain area DM4 may be controlled to incline toward the lower right side. Also, from a plan view, the liquid crystals LC disposed in the fifth domain area DM5 and the sixth domain area DM6 may be controlled to incline toward the upper right side.

Accordingly, in the plan view, the area where the liquid crystal LC controlled to incline toward the lower left side in the active area AA (ie, the area occupied by the first domain area DM1) is disposed toward the upper left side in the active area AA. The area where the liquid crystal LC controlled to be tilted (ie, the area occupied by the second domain region DM2) is disposed, and the area where the liquid crystal CL controlled to be inclined toward the lower right side is disposed (ie, the area occupied by the second domain region DM2). DM3) and the area occupied by the fourth domain area DM4) and the area where the liquid crystal CL controlled to tilt toward the lower right side is disposed (ie, the fifth domain area DM5 and the sixth domain area DM6) occupied area) may be all the same.

As a result, although the liquid crystals LC disposed in the active area AA are controlled to tilt in various directions, the distribution of the liquid crystals LC controlled to tilt in each direction is the same. can be equally improved.

Meanwhile, the structure of the pixel electrode 180 for controlling the liquid crystal LC in the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6 will be described.

The pixel electrode 180 includes a first stem electrode 181, a second stem electrode 182, a third stem electrode 183, a branch electrode 184, an edge electrode 185, and an extension electrode 186. .

Each component constituting the pixel electrode 180 may be disposed within the active area AA, but as described above, the extension electrode 186 may be exceptionally disposed outside the active area AA.

The first stem electrode 181 may extend along the first direction DR1 and may extend to cross the active area AA. The first stem electrode 181 may extend to halve the active area AA along the first direction DR1. That is, the first stem electrode 181 divides the active area AA into an area where the first domain area DM1, the third domain area DM3, and the fourth domain area DM4 are disposed, and the second domain area ( DM2), the fifth domain area DM, and the sixth domain area DM6 are disposed. In other words, the first stem electrode 181 is the boundary between the third domain region DM3 and the fifth domain region DM5, the boundary between the first domain region DM1 and the second domain region DM2, and the fourth domain region. It may be disposed along the boundary line between the area DM4 and the sixth domain area DM6.

The second stem electrode 182 may extend along the second direction DR2 and may extend to cross the active area AA. The second stem electrode 182 divides the active area AA into an area where the third domain area DM3 and the fifth domain area DM5 are disposed, and the first domain area DM1 and the second domain area DM2. , can be divided into areas where the fourth domain area DM4 and the sixth domain area DM6 are disposed. In other words, the second stem electrode 182 is disposed along the boundary between the first domain region DM1 and the third domain region DM3 and the boundary between the second domain region DM2 and the fifth domain region DM4. It can be. That is, the second stem electrode 182 extends along the second direction DR2 and may cross the first stem electrode 181 so as to be bisected by the first stem electrode 181 .

The third stem electrode 183 may extend along the second direction DR2 and along one side of the active area AA. Unlike the first stem electrode 181 and the second stem electrode 182 , the third stem electrode 183 may be disposed not to cross the active area AA. However, the third stem electrode 183 may extend along an outer side disposed relatively far from the second stem electrode 182 among two outer edges extending along the second direction of the active area AA. That is, the third stem electrode 183 may be disposed along the right border of the fourth domain region DM4 and the sixth domain region DM6 when viewed from a plan view. That is, the third stem electrode 183 may extend along the second direction DR2 and be connected to an end of the first stem electrode 181 so as to be bisected by the first stem electrode 181 . In particular, among both ends of the first stem electrode 181, one end of the first stem electrode 181 spaced apart from the second stem electrode 182 may be connected.

The plurality of branch electrodes 184 are inclined in the first and second directions DR1 and D2 from the first stem electrode 181, the second stem electrode 182, and the third stem electrode 183, respectively. directions, that is, may extend in oblique directions that are not parallel to the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 . However, the branch electrodes 184 may extend in different directions in each of the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6. In addition, the branch electrodes 184 may be formed to have a width smaller than that of each of the first to third stem electrodes 181 , 182 , and 183 .

Specifically, the branch electrodes 184 disposed in the first domain region DM1 extend from the first stem electrode 181 and the second stem electrode 182 in a direction toward the upper right corner when viewed from a plan view. can

The branch electrodes 184 disposed in the second domain region DM2 may extend from the first stem electrode 181 and the second stem electrode 182 in a direction toward the lower right side when viewed from a plan view.

The branch electrodes 184 disposed in the third domain region DM3 may extend from the first stem electrode 181 and the second stem electrode 182 in a direction toward an upper left side when viewed from a plan view.

The branch electrodes 184 disposed in the fourth domain region DM4 may extend from the first stem electrode 181 and the third stem electrode 183 in a direction toward the lower right side when viewed from a plan view.

The branch electrodes 184 disposed in the fifth domain region DM5 may extend from the first stem electrode 181 and the second stem electrode 182 in a direction toward the lower left side when viewed from a plan view.

The branch electrodes 184 disposed in the sixth domain region DM6 may extend from the first stem electrode 181 and the third stem electrode 183 in a direction toward the lower left side when viewed from a plan view.

Here, directions in which the branch electrodes 184 disposed in the third domain area DM3 and the fourth domain area DM4 extend may be the same, and the fifth domain area DM5 and the sixth domain area DM6 may extend in the same direction. ) may be the same as each other.

Meanwhile, a first slit SL1 or a second slit SL2 , which is an opening in which a transparent conductive material is not disposed, is disposed between the first to third stem electrodes 181 , 182 , and 183 and the branch electrode 184 . A pattern is formed on the pixel electrode 180 by the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2, and the liquid crystal (LC) disposed to overlap the pixel electrode 180 according to the shape and pattern of the pixel electrode 180. ) can be controlled.

Here, the first slit SL1 is formed such that the ends of the branch electrodes 184 disposed in the first domain area DM1 and the ends of the branch electrodes 184 disposed in the fourth domain area DM3 face each other. An opening, and an end of the branch electrode 184 disposed in the second domain region DM2 and an end of the branch electrode 184 disposed in the sixth domain region DM6 may be an opening formed to face each other. Accordingly, the first slit SL1 may be disposed between the second stem electrode 182 and the third stem electrode 183 . Furthermore, the first slit SL1 may overlap an area where the branch electrodes 184 extending from the second stem electrode 182 and the branch electrodes 184 extending from the third stem electrode 183 are disposed to face each other. .

According to this, the area disposed between the second stem electrode 182 and the first slit SL1 (that is, the first domain area DM1 and the second domain area DM2) is the portion of the second stem electrode 182. Areas disposed outside (ie, the third domain area DM3 and fifth domain area DM5) and areas disposed outside the first slit SL1 (ie, the fourth domain area DM4 and the sixth domain area DM4). It may have a relatively larger area than the domain area DM6).

The second slit SL2 may be an opening excluding the first slit SL1 among openings formed between the first to third stem electrodes 181 , 182 , and 183 and the branch electrode 184 .

Due to the above-described arrangement of the first to third stem electrodes 181, 182, and 183, the branch electrodes 184, the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2, the direction in which the liquid crystal LC is tilted is changed. can be controlled

More specifically, the liquid crystal LC is controlled to tilt in the direction in which the first to third stem electrodes 181, 182, and 183 and the branch electrodes 184 are disposed, and the first slit SL1 and the second slit ( SL2) is controlled to diverge. However, each of the branch electrodes 184 is arranged parallel to each other as well as being plural, and is formed to have a smaller width than the first to third stem electrodes 181, 182, and 183, and the liquid crystal (LC) The branch electrode 184 may be inclined parallel to the extending direction, and the same may be true for the second slit SL2 .

Since the first slit SL1 is disposed along the boundary between the first domain region DM1 and the fourth domain region DM4 and the boundary between the second domain region DM2 and the sixth domain region DM6, the liquid crystal (LC) can be controlled to diverge from these boundaries.

Accordingly, in the first domain region DM1, the first and second stem electrodes 181 and 182 are disposed on the left and bottom sides, and the branch electrode 184 extends in a direction toward the upper right side of the liquid crystal ( LC) can be controlled to tilt toward the lower left.

In the second domain region DM2, the first and second stem electrodes 181 and 182 are disposed on the left and upper sides, and the branch electrode 184 extends toward the lower right side, so that the liquid crystals LC It can be controlled to tilt toward the upper left.

In the third domain region DM3, the first and second stem electrodes 181 and 182 are disposed on the right and lower sides, and the branch electrode 184 extends toward the upper left side, so that the liquid crystals LC It can be controlled to tilt toward the lower right side.

In the fourth domain region DM4, the first and third stem electrodes 181 and 183 are disposed on the right and lower sides, and the branch electrode 184 extends toward the upper left side, so that the liquid crystals LC It can be controlled to tilt toward the top right.

In the fifth domain region DM5, the first and second stem electrodes 181 and 182 are disposed on the right and upper sides, and the branch electrode 184 extends toward the lower left side, so that the liquid crystals LC It can be controlled to tilt toward the top right.

In the sixth domain region DM6, the first and third stem electrodes 181 and 183 are disposed on the right and upper sides, and the branch electrode 184 extends toward the lower left side, so that the liquid crystals LC It can be controlled to tilt toward the top right.

The edge electrode 185 may extend along the outer periphery of the active area AA where the third stem electrode 183 is not disposed, and may extend from the first to third stem electrodes 181, 182, and 183. . In addition, the edge electrodes 185 may be spaced apart from each other so as not to be connected to the branch electrodes 184 .

The edge electrode 185 may control the liquid crystal LC to be regularly tilted at the end of the branch electrode 184 . That is, the edge electrode 185 can minimize texture that may occur at the end of the branch electrode 184 .

The extension electrode 186 extends outside the active area AA and is disposed to overlap the contact hole CNT. The extension electrode 186 may be physically connected to the drain electrode 166 through the contact hole CNT and receive the data voltage. The data voltage provided to the extension electrode 186 is transmitted through the extension electrode 186 to the first to third stem electrodes 181, 182, and 183 constituting the pixel electrode 180, the branch electrode 184, and the edge electrode ( 185) can be passed on.

Meanwhile, in addition to the effect of improving visibility by controlling the liquid crystal (LC) in the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6 by the pixel electrode 180, as described above, the first data line 162 and the second An effect of improving transmittance according to the arrangement of the data line 163 can be obtained.

More specifically, the first data line 162 and the second data line 163 extend along the second direction DR2 and are formed of an opaque metal material to block transmission of light. Similarly, the second stem electrode 181 and the first slit SL1 extend along the second direction DR2 and are disposed along a boundary where the liquid crystals LC collide with each other, thereby blocking transmission of light. . Accordingly, by disposing the first data line 162 and the second data line 163 so as to overlap the second stem electrode 181 and the first slit SL1, an area where light transmission is blocked may be minimized. Accordingly, transmittance of the liquid crystal display may be improved.

Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the structure of the pixel electrode 180 may be changed in addition to the pixel electrode 180 according to the present embodiment. For example, the positions of the second stem electrode 182 and the first slit SL1 are changed, and accordingly, the tilting direction of the liquid crystal LC may be changed. However, even in this case, the number of liquid crystals LC controlled to tilt in the same direction in each of the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6 may be maintained the same.

Meanwhile, a first alignment layer (not shown) may be additionally disposed on the pixel electrode 180 . The first alignment layer may control an initial alignment angle of liquid crystals LC injected into the liquid crystal layer 200 .

Hereinafter, the second display substrate 300 will be described.

The second display substrate 300 includes a second base substrate 310 , a light blocking member 320 , an overcoat layer 330 and a common electrode 340 .

The second base substrate 310 is disposed to face the first base substrate 110 . The second base substrate 310 may have durability capable of withstanding impact from the outside. The second base substrate 310 may be a transparent insulating substrate. For example, the second base substrate 310 may be formed of a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or a transparent resin substrate. The second base substrate 310 may be a flat plate shape, but may also be curved in a specific direction.

A light blocking member 320 is disposed on one surface of the second base substrate 310 facing the first display substrate 100 . The light blocking member 320 may be disposed to overlap the gate line 122, the first data line 162, the second data line 163, the thin film transistor 167, and the contact hole CNT, and transmits light. can block

An overcoat layer 330 is disposed on one surface of the light blocking member 320 facing the first display substrate 100 . The overcoat layer 330 may alleviate a level difference caused by the light blocking member 320 . In some embodiments, overcoat layer 330 may be omitted.

A common electrode 340 is disposed on one surface of the overcoat layer 330 facing the first display substrate 100 .

The common electrode 340 may be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), or Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO).

The common electrode 340 may be formed as a whole plate over the entire surface of the second base substrate 310 . A common voltage supplied from the outside may be applied to the common electrode 340 to form an electric field in the liquid crystal layer 200 together with the pixel electrode 180 .

Here, the common voltage may be provided from the outside, and a voltage level of the common voltage may be maintained constant while the liquid crystal display is operating. Accordingly, in a space between the pixel electrode 180 and the common electrode 340 disposed to overlap each other, a difference in voltage level between the data voltage provided to the pixel electrode 180 and the common electrode 340 and the common voltage An electric field may be formed, and the liquid crystal LC may be rotated or tilted by the electric field.

Meanwhile, a second alignment layer (not shown) may be disposed on one surface of the common electrode 340 facing the first display substrate 100 . Like the first alignment layer, the second alignment layer may control an initial alignment angle of liquid crystals LC injected into the liquid crystal layer 200 .

Hereinafter, the liquid crystal layer 200 will be described.

The liquid crystal layer 200 includes a plurality of liquid crystals LC having dielectric anisotropy and refractive index anisotropy. The liquid crystals LC may be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300 in a state where no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer 200 . When an electric field is formed between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300, the liquid crystal LC rotates or tilts in a specific direction between the first display substrate 100 and the second display substrate 300. This can change the polarization of light.

5 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, descriptions of components and reference numerals overlapping those described in FIGS. 1 to 4 in each drawing will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the pixel electrode 180 includes a first stem electrode 181, a second stem electrode 182, a third stem electrode 183, a branch electrode 184, an edge electrode 185, and an extension electrode. 186 and an auxiliary electrode 187. That is, compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4 , the pixel electrode 180 further includes an auxiliary electrode 187 .

The auxiliary electrode 187 may extend along the second direction DR2 and may be disposed to overlap the first slit SL1. The auxiliary electrode 187 may control the liquid crystal LC to be regularly tilted to minimize the size of a texture generated as the liquid crystal LC diverges from the first slit SL1 . Accordingly, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display device may be improved.

6 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the pixel electrode 180 includes a first stem electrode 181, a second stem electrode 182, a third stem electrode 183, a branch electrode 184, and an extension electrode 186. . That is, compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4 , the pixel electrode 180 has a difference in that the edge electrode ( 185 in FIG. 3 ) is not included.

7 is a layout diagram illustrating a pixel electrode of one pixel included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the pixel electrode 180 includes a first stem electrode 181, a second stem electrode 182, a third stem electrode 183, a branch electrode 184, an extension electrode 186, and an auxiliary electrode. (187). That is, compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4 , the pixel electrode 180 further includes an auxiliary electrode 187 but does not include an edge electrode ( 185 in FIG. 3 ).

8 is a layout diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a pixel 10 includes a first data line 162 but does not include a second data line ( 163 in FIG. 1 ) according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 . The pixel 10 may include only one conductive line providing the data voltage.

9 is a layout diagram of one pixel of a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a pixel 10 includes a first data line 162 but does not include a second data line ( 163 in FIG. 1 ) according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 . At the same time, the first data line 162 may be disposed outside the active area AA so as not to overlap the pixel electrode 180 .

10 is a layout diagram illustrating two consecutive pixel electrodes included in a liquid crystal display according to another exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 10 , the liquid crystal display includes two arbitrary pixels, that is, a first pixel 10_1 and a second pixel 10_2 continuously disposed along the first direction DR1 . The first pixel 10_1 includes the first pixel electrode 180_1, and the second pixel 10_2 includes the second pixel electrode 180_2. Other configurations of the first pixel 10_1 and the second pixel 10_2 may be the same as those of each pixel ( 10 in FIG. 1 ) shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , a first pixel 10_1 includes a first active area AA_1, and a second pixel 10_2 includes a second active area AA_2.

The first active area AA_1 includes a first domain area DM1_1, a third domain area DM3_1, and a fourth domain area DM4_1. The second active area AA_2 includes a second domain area DM2_2, a fifth domain area DM5_2, and a sixth domain area DM6_2. Each of the first to sixth domain regions DM1_1, DM2_2, DM3_1, DM4_1, DM5_2, and DM6_2 has a liquid crystal (LC) direction in the same direction as the first to sixth domain regions DM1 to DM6 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. ) can be controlled to tilt.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the direction in which the liquid crystal LC is controlled may be uniform through the two consecutive first and second pixels 10_1 and 10_2, thereby improving visibility. there is. In the first pixel 10_1 and the second pixel 10_2 , the first stem electrode ( 181 in FIG. 3 ) is compared with the pixel electrode ( 180 in FIG. 1 ) according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 . Since the corresponding configuration is omitted, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display may be further improved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. you will be able to understand Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting.

10: pixel
AA: active area
DM1: first domain area
DM2: second domain area
DM3: 3rd domain area
DM4: 4th domain area
DM5: Fifth domain area
DM6: 6th domain area
180: pixel electrode
181: first stem electrode
182: second stem electrode
183 third stem electrode
184 branch electrode
185: edge electrode
186: extended electrode

Claims (20)

a substrate on which an active region through which light passes is defined;
a gate line positioned on the substrate and extending along a first direction;
a first data line disposed on the substrate and extending along a second direction crossing the first direction;
a thin film transistor electrically connected to the gate line and the first data line;
a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the thin film transistor; and
A first slit positioned on the same layer as the pixel electrode;
The pixel electrode is
A first stem electrode extending along the first direction;
a second stem electrode extending along the second direction and crossing the first stem electrode so as to be bisected by the first stem electrode;
a third stem electrode extending along the second direction and connected to the first stem electrode so as to be bisected by one end of the first stem electrode;
A plurality of branch electrodes extending from the first to third stem electrodes,
The first slit is located between the second stem electrode and the third stem electrode and extends in the second direction;
The first stem electrode, the second stem electrode, and the first slit divide the active region into six domain regions;
The area of the first region located between the second stem electrode and the first slit in the domain region is the area of the second region located on the opposite side of the first region with the second stem electrode interposed therebetween. wider than the area
An area of the first region is larger than an area of a third region positioned between the first slit and the third stem electrode among the domain regions;
No slits extending in the second direction are disposed between the first slit and the second stem electrode and between the first slit and the third stem electrode. According to claim 1,
The first stem electrode is disposed to halve the active area along the first direction. According to claim 2,
The third stem electrode is connected to one end of the first stem electrode spaced apart from the second stem electrode among both ends of the first stem electrode. delete delete delete According to claim 1,
the active area
a first domain region and a second domain region disposed between the second stem electrode and the first slit and divided into two by the first stem electrode;
a third domain region and a fifth domain region disposed outside the second stem electrode and bisected by the first stem electrode;
A liquid crystal display comprising a fourth domain region and a sixth domain region disposed outside the first slit and bisected by the first stem electrode. According to claim 7,
A first area occupied by the first domain area, a first area occupied by the second domain area, a third area occupied by the third domain area and the fourth domain area, the fifth domain area and the first area occupied by the fourth domain area, A liquid crystal display device in which the fourth area occupied by the 6 domain regions is equal to each other. According to claim 7,
Further comprising a liquid crystal disposed on the pixel electrode,
directions in which the liquid crystal is tilted in the third domain region and the fourth domain region are the same;
The liquid crystal display device of claim 1 , wherein directions in which the liquid crystal is tilted in the fifth domain region and the sixth domain region are the same as each other. According to claim 1,
The first slit is arranged to overlap a region where the branch electrodes extending from the second stem electrode and the branch electrodes extending from the third stem electrode are disposed to face each other. According to claim 1,
The liquid crystal display device further comprises a second slit disposed between each of the branch electrodes. According to claim 1,
The first data line overlaps the second stem electrode. According to claim 12,
and further comprising a second data line disposed on the substrate, extending along the second direction, and spaced apart from the first data line, wherein the second data line overlaps the first slit. a substrate on which an active region through which light passes is defined; and
a gate line located on the substrate and extending along a first direction;
a first data line disposed on the substrate and extending along a second direction crossing the first direction;
a thin film transistor electrically connected to the gate line and the first data line;
a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the thin film transistor; and
a first slit located on the same layer as the pixel electrode; including,
The active area includes a first domain area arranged in 1 row and 2 columns, a second domain area arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, a third domain area arranged in 1 row and 1 column, a fourth domain area arranged in 1 row and 3 columns, and a second domain area arranged in 1 row and 3 columns. A fifth domain region arranged in column 1 and a sixth domain region arranged in row 2 and column 3;
The pixel electrode is
a first stem electrode disposed along the boundary between the first domain region and the second domain region, the boundary between the third domain region and the fifth domain region, and the boundary between the fourth domain region and the sixth domain region;
a second stem electrode disposed along a boundary between the first domain region and the third domain region and along a boundary between the second domain region and the fifth domain region;
a third stem electrode disposed along an outer boundary of the fourth domain region and an outer boundary of the sixth domain region, disposed away from the second stem electrode; and
A plurality of branch electrodes extending from the first to third stem electrodes,
The first slit is disposed along a boundary between the first domain region and the fourth domain region and a boundary between the second domain region and the sixth domain region and extends along the second direction;
The sum of the area of the first domain region and the area of the second domain is greater than the sum of the area of the third domain region and the area of the fifth domain;
The sum of the area of the first domain region and the area of the second domain is greater than the sum of the area of the fourth domain region and the area of the sixth domain;
No slits extending in the second direction are disposed between the first slit and the second stem electrode and between the first slit and the third stem electrode. delete According to claim 14,
The liquid crystal display device further comprises a plurality of second slits disposed between the plurality of branch electrodes. According to claim 14,
The first data line overlaps the second stem electrode. According to claim 17,
The liquid crystal display device further comprises a second data line disposed on the substrate and disposed to overlap the first slit. According to claim 14,
A first area occupied by the first domain area, a second area occupied by the second domain area, a third area occupied by the third domain area and the fourth domain area, and a third area occupied by the fifth domain area and the th A liquid crystal display device in which the fourth area occupied by the 6 domain regions is equal to each other. According to claim 14,
Further comprising a liquid crystal disposed on the pixel electrode,
directions in which the liquid crystal is tilted in the third domain region and the fourth domain region are the same;
The liquid crystal display device of claim 1 , wherein directions in which the liquid crystal is tilted in the fifth domain region and the sixth domain region are the same as each other.

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