throbber
SEL EXHIBIT NO. 2034
`
`INNOLUX CORP. v. PATENT OF SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY
`LABORATORY CO., LTD.
`
`IPR2013-00028
`
`

`
`||||l||||||||l||||||||||||||||||||l|||||||||||||||||||||||l||||l|||||||||||
`U800"/436480B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Kang et at.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`(54) LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE AND
`ME'I'H()D OF FABRl(.'A'I'lNG THE SAME
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Dong I-Io I-(ang, (_iumi-si (KR); Tae
`Yong Jung. Ciumi-si (KR);Jo11gIloIJI1
`Bae. Sztchcuh-si (KR)
`
`tlamlkawzi et at.
`1.-‘"2002
`20030008815 Al
`200250054261 AI '°
`5.’2002 Sekiguchi
`732004 He:
`200400125326 Al
`7.12004 Nam eta].
`30043013594! AI ‘’
`20050139553 AI *
`(152000 Kstng ct al.
`(02006 Ahrt cl 211.
`21106.-'U139S5fi AI "
`2007'-"02".-'9S43 AI “‘ 12200? Park cl :1].
`
`..
`
`34‘)! I 22
`
`.149-"||t)
`34914‘)
`.. 349515]
`349.-"40
`
`Assigncc: LG Display Co... I.td.. Seoul (KR)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term efthis
`patent is extended or ztdjtlsled under 35
`U.S.C‘. I54-(bi by 3??‘ days.
`
`l-'ORi'EI(iN PATF.NT 1'J(_JCl1l'\«’1l"-.N"1”S
`2002 —049054
`292002
`2003 4262 378
`9='2003
`561292
`I 152003
`W0 9935201 I
`I03 I99‘)
`
`.11’
`JP
`'|'W
`W0
`
`(21) App1.No.: 111314514
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 22., 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 200610139553 Al
`Jun. 29. 2006
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Dec. 23.2004
`(KR)
`10-2004-0110885
`Oct. 19. 2005
`(KR)
`I0-2005-0098755
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`(E13217 I/I345
`3491149: 3491139: 349f153
`(52) U.S. (fl.
`(58)
`Field ol'Classl['icatlon Search
`349K139.
`34‘)/141_l49.122.l53.187. 189. 190.193.
`349.140
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`U .S. PATIENT DOCUMFNTS
`
`6.392.’.-"35 B1
`6.404.480 B2
`6.4(tt’t.2tJ4 Bl
`6.473.147 I31
`
`"l‘a.ni
`5.-‘"2002
`652002 1-lirakala et al.
`I0.-?.tJ0."£ Yamagisiti ct al.
`1052002 N:I.kaha.ra et al.
`
`* cited by exzuniner
`
`Pr:'nmr_t' Exantiner
`Brian M 1-leztly
`(74) At‘1‘ome_t-‘. Agent. or Firm
`McKI:11na Long 8'. Aldridge
`1.1 P
`
`(57)
`
`Al3STRA(.'T
`
`This ittventioii relates to a liquid crystal display device that is
`adaptive for being made in small size as well as sliurtening
`process time. and :1 labricatittg method thereof. A liquid crys-
`tal display device according to an embodiment nftlte present
`itivention includes an upper substrate where a common elec-
`trude is formed‘. a lower substrate that faces the upper sub-
`strate: a pluralityofgate drive inte_p__ratedcircuits; that supplies
`:1 gate signal to at gate line that is located an the lower s1:b~
`strate: a plural ity ofdata drive integrated circuits that supplies
`:1 data signal to :1 data line that is located on the lower sub-
`strate: :1 C0t‘t’1ll‘lt.'Jl1 line that supplies a com.mon voltage to the
`t.‘Dl11[11D1'1 electrode through the gall: drive integrated circuit
`and the data drive integrated circuit when driving a liquid
`crystal : and a conductive sealant that electrically connects the
`common electrode to the common line in one of an area of
`between adjacent gate drive integrated circuits and between
`adjacent data drive iiitegrated circuits.
`
`24 Claims, 24 Drawing Sheets
`
`192
`
`194198
`190
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 1 01°24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`FlG.1
`RELATED ART
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 2 of 24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`F|G.2
`RELATED ART
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 3 of 24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`F|G.3
`
`192
`
`194196
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 4 01°24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`F|G.4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 5 01°24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`196192194
`\1/
`190
`
`

`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 7 01°24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`..l.C0
`
`I
`
`30024.,
`
`Sheet 8 of 24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`
`
`<mE<zo_mm_2mz<E<mE<20_._.Om.Em_m
`
`
`
`
`
`Ill..1.1.1.1 ‘ ‘
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 9 01°24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`1-
`C3
`I-
`
`‘Y’
`C3
`1-
`
`E.
`
`<L
`
`L]
`0:
`<1
`
`2 9c
`
`o
`(2
`
`Eo
`
`n2‘
`
`I
`:2:
`+-
`
`
`
`REFLECTIONAREA
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`A-.2cl0.014|8EhS
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`
`
`<m_m<zo_mm_s_mz<E<mm<zo_Bm_dm_m
`
`
`
`
`
` I..Mv...¢n¢w¢u¢u¢.aw44
`
`.kW§\\\s\,..|.W«.o
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`A-.2f0.11t0EhS
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`
`
`<m_m_<zo_mm_s_mz<E<m_m<zo:om_._“_m__.._
`
`
`
`
`
`WMWOMOMONOMWOW
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct, 14, 2003
`
`4|.6EhS
`
`42r10.21
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`6%zo_ww_s_mz<Efigzo:om_._”mm_
`
`2:3.8,
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`4|.6EhS
`
`42cl031
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`flfiowononoufioww-.
`
`.h...,\§\‘\Fu¢u¢uP§_\\l§
`
`‘Kn%.
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`4|.6EhS
`
`42cl041
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`
`
`4L.w\\§Lu\\J...w...%§:mM\\h:1.
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`Sheet 15 of 24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`iilllllllliillllllii
`
`IIlIIIIIII IIIIII
`
`ii||lIl||“iI||||Iii
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`<01
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`
`III|!%IIIIII||II|III
`
`mamjjjjTjTjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
`
`
`Uaaifilrriu4u....flnu.
`
`
`in""HI-IFr1'<I1....L..‘\.'\.”HHH”“HI”“IH.H“IH””n‘I‘.I‘.‘.\u\..|.hl“u...n..u.vI.._‘.‘I.
`Ii.‘“lI_1..I'A_FI..
`
`_fl_H_“_I._.l.,g
`
`mamEm
`
`IIIIIIIIIIHUIIIIII
`I‘£‘&jé‘.III'.Z
`"-""“"§§§§§§§§H§:::=§H—
`1!?‘-V.U—C\lj.§
`‘$3.1.
`fiii
`
`‘WI’!
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`A-.2cl0.614|8P.hS
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`...a.
`
`...
`
`_mm>«Km5%<02
`
`c.a¢
`
`.....
`
`
`
`.u.....u..
`
`......
`
`I..
`
`.....X.r..
`
`..
`
`;
`
`:wm
`
`

`
`SEm
`
`U|u-‘ll
`._._..aE.,LJI]Wmw.§
`omm....EHlufl.
`
`7.}_>.
`
`6n\\\\|....—al.lf:J...!M.E:mmmmmmmmmmmmam.>.\\
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 18 of 24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`TE,
`
`
`
`mvmmmmmmmomm
`
`\._|I:I/rill
`
`mam
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`14|8P.hS
`
`A-.2cl00.,
`
`-2
`US 7 436
`
`,480 B2
`
`Sm
`
`mam
`
`\I\I.\I_.l/./
`
`_.mN
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`Sheet 20 of 24
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`1-
`O
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`124|6P.hS
`
`A-.2cl0.
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`
`
`\.\.\ll—//I\|\.\.1—l/
`
`momm_.mN
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`A-.2cl0224|8P.hS
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`<3m«Sm
`
`ommEmBmommwmmmmm
`
`mama_mm
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14,2008
`
`42cl0.324|8P.hS
`
`US 7,436,480 B2
`
`SN
`
`..\\I.l1._.l....l:.!..
`
`46mm3%<03.
`
`.\...\4..fl
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 14, 2008
`
`4|6P.hS
`
`A-.2cl0.44;.
`
`US 7,436
`
`,4s0 B2
`
`
`
`9__a_aE00ac:m_o_9_o_z
`
`
`
`
`
`mmm_o:om_m_mmm_o:um_m_:o_..m>:om..m>_SwoBzmzmomm__wmao_o__2
`
`
`
`
`
`_o_o__oo|Un_
`
`

`
`US 7,436,430 B2
`
`1
`LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE AND
`METHOD OF FABRI(.'A'l'ING TIIE SANIE
`
`This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Appli-
`cation Nos. P2004-110885. filed on Dec. 23. 2004. and
`l’20t]5-98'r'55. filed on Oct. 19. 2005. which are hereby incor-
`porated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth
`herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display
`device and a fabricating method thereof. and more particu-
`larly to a smaller liquid crystal display device with a shorter
`process time. and a fabricating method thereof.
`2. Discussion of the Related Art
`A liquid crystal display device controls the light transmit-
`tance of liquid crystal by use of an electric field. thereby
`displaying a picture. The liquid crystal display device. as
`shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. includes a thin film transistor array
`substrate 70 and a color filter array substrate 80 which are
`opposite to each other with a liquid crystal 50 in between.
`The th.in film transistor array substrate ‘Flt includes: a gate
`line 2 and a data line 4 that cross each other on a lower
`substrate 1: a thin film transistor 30 formed where the gate
`line 2 crosses tl1e data line 4: a pixel electrode 22 connected to
`the thin film transistor 30; and a lower a.lign.n1ent lilm spread
`thereover for aligning liquid crystal.
`The color filter array substrate 80 includes: a black matrix _
`18 fonned on an upper substrate 11 to prevent light leakage‘.
`a color filter l2 realizing color: a common electrode 14 that
`forms a vertical electric field with the pixel electrode 22; and
`an upper alignment film spread thcreover For aligning liquid
`crystal.
`A silver dot It] is formed outside a sealant 16. as shown in
`FIG. 2. in order to apply a corrunon voltage to the common
`electrode 14 of the color filter array substrate 89. The silver
`dot II] is placed between the thin film transistor substrate 70
`and the color filter substrate 80 95 a paste. and then the two
`substrates TU. 80 are bonded together by use of the sealant.
`The silver dot ll) spreads out to the adjacent area because of
`pressure applied to the substrates 1. 11 upon bonding them
`together. in order for the silver dot It! to spread out to the
`adjacent area and not to be damaged by a scribing process. a
`relatively broad silver dot area is required inside a scribing
`line. Further, for a small liquid crystal display device. alter
`lornting a plurality of small panel areas on a mother substrate.
`a silver dot process is performed in all the panel areas. thus
`there is a problem in that the process is more complicated and
`requires more process time than a large liquid crystal display
`device.
`
`SUMMARY OF TIIE lNV'ENTlON
`
`Accordingly. the present invention is directed to liquid
`crystal display device and method offabricating the same that
`substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to
`limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
`An advantage of the present invention is to provide a liquid
`crystal display device that is small i11 size as well as decreas-
`ing the process time. and a Fabricating method lhereoli
`Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
`set forth in the description which follows. and in part will be
`apparent from the description. or may be learned by practice
`of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the
`invention will be realized and attained by the structure par-
`
`2
`ticularly pointed out in the written description and claims
`hereof as well as ll1c appended drawings.
`In order to achieve these and other objects oftlte invention.
`a liquid crystal display device according to an aspect of the
`present invention includes an upper substrate where a com-
`mon electrode is formed; a lower substrate that faces the
`upper substrate: a plurality of gate drive integrated circuits
`that supplies a gate signal to a gate line that is located on the
`lower substrate: a plurality of data drive integrated circuits
`that supplies a data signal to a data line that is located on the
`lower substrate: a conunon line that supplies a common volt-
`age to the common electrode through the gate drive integrated
`circuit and the data drive integrated circuit when driving a
`liquid crystal; and a conductive sealant that electrically con-
`nects the common electrode to the common line in one of an
`area of between adjacent gate drive integrated circuits and
`between adjacent data drive integrated circuits.
`A liquid crystal display device according to another aspect
`of the present invention includes a common electrode on an
`upper substrate". a supply pattern that overlaps a signal line
`that is on a lower substrate that
`is opposite to the upper
`substrate with an insulating film ofat least one layer tlierebe-
`tween to supply a common voltage to the common electrode:
`and a sealant including of a conductive spacer that bonds the
`upper substrate to the lower substrate and electrically con-
`nects the common electrode to the supply pattern.
`A fabricating method of a liquid crystal display device
`according to still another aspect of the present invention
`includes providing an upper substrate where a common elec-
`Lrode is formed; providing a lower substrate to which a gate
`signal is supplied front a gate drive integrated circuit and a
`data signal is supplied lnorn a data drive integrated circuit;
`bonding the upper substrate and the lower substrate by use of
`a conductive sealant. and wlicrein the step of providing the
`lower substrate includes forming a common line to supply a
`common voltage to the common electrode through die gate
`drive integrated circuit and the data drive integrated circuit
`when driving a liquid crystal: and electrically connecting the
`common electrode to the common line in one area between
`the adjacent gate drive integrated circuits and between the
`adjacent data drive integrated circuits by use of the conduc-
`tive sealant.
`A fabricating method of a liquid crystal display device
`according to still another aspect of the present
`invention
`includes providing an upper substrate where a conunon elec-
`trode is formed: providing. a lower substrate where a common
`pattern is formed overlapping a signal line with an insulating
`film of at least one layer therebetween to supply a common
`voltage to the common electrode: and bonding together the
`upper substrate and the lower substrate using of a sealant
`includingofa conductive spacer that electrically connects the
`common electrode to the co1n.rnon pattern.
`It
`is to he understood that both the foregoing general
`description atld I.he following detailed description are exet
`-
`plary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
`explanation of the invention as claimed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRlPTl0N OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings. which are included to pro-
`vide a furt.her understanding of the invention and are incor-
`porated in and constitute a part of this specification. illustrate
`embodirnents oftlte invention and together with the descrip-
`tion serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 is a plan view representing a liquid crystal display
`device ofthe related an:
`
`

`
`US 7,436,430 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 2 is a plan View representing a silver dot for supplying
`:1 common voltage to a cotumon clcctrodc shown in FIG. 1:
`FIG. 3 is a plan view representing a liquid crystal display
`device according to a first etrtbodirnent of the present inven-
`tion:
`l-‘l(_i. 4 is an enlarged plan view of an area A shown in FIG.
`
`3'.
`
`FIG. 5 is a sectional diagram representing the liquid crystal
`display device taken along the line II-ll’ ol'FIG. 4:
`FIG. 6 is a plan view rcprcsctttiug a liquid crystal display
`device according, to a second etnboditnent of tlte present
`invention:
`FIG. 7 is a sectional diagram representing the liquid crystal
`display device taken along the lines III-1lI'. 1V-JV‘ ol‘l<‘iU. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a sectional diagram representing a transfiectivc
`liquid crystal display device having a retlection electrode
`which is formed at the same time as a second supply pattern:
`and
`
`FIGS. 9A to 9F are sectional diagrams representing a fab-
`ricating method ofa thin liltn Lrattsistorarray substrate shown
`in FIGS. 7 and 8.
`FIG. ll) is a diagram representing a liquid crystal display
`device according to a tltird embodintent of the present inven-
`non:
`
`FIGS. 11A and 11B are enlarged diagrams of an area B in
`FIG. 10:
`FIGS. 12A and 12B are enlarged diagrams ofan area C in
`FIG. 10:
`FIGS. 13A to 131') are diagrams representing a fabricating
`method of a liquid crystal display device according to the '
`third embodiment of the present invention:
`FIG. 14 is a diagrarn representing a fabricating step of a
`conductive ball included in a conductive sealant shown in
`FIGS. 1113 and 1213.
`
`'
`
`_
`
`DI-"'.TAII..F:D DESCRIPTION OF THE
`lLLUSTRATF.l) EMBODIMENT
`
`Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments
`of tlte present invention. examples ofwhich are illustrated in
`the accompanying drawings.
`With reference to FIGS. 3 to 14, embodiments of the
`present invention will be explained as follows.
`FIG. 3 is a plan view representing a liquid crystal display
`device according to a lirst cntbodintcnt of the prcsettt inven-
`tion.
`
`The liqttid crystal display device shown in FIG. 3 includes:
`a thin film transistor substrate 170 where a thin film transistor
`array is formed; a color llltcr substrate 180 where a color filter
`array is formed: and a sealant 186 for bonding the thin film
`transistor substrate 1'70 and 111C color liltcr substrate 181}
`together.
`The thin lilm transistor array substrate 170 has a thin film
`transistor array formed on a lower substrate, wherein the thin , ;
`film transistor array includes a gate line and a data line cross-
`ing each other to define a pixel area; a thin film transistor
`formed at a crossing part thereof: a pixel electrode connected
`to the thin film transistor; a lower alignment film spread
`tltercover for aligning liquid crystal.
`The color filler array substrate 180 has the color filter array
`fornted on an upper substrate 111. as shown in FIG. 5.
`wherein the color liltcr array includes a black matrix for
`preventing light leakage; a color filter for realizing color; a
`common electrode 182 to generate a vertical electric field
`with the pixel electrode: an upper alignment
`film spread
`thcrcover for aligning liquid crystal.
`
`4
`A connecting part 190 connected to the conmton electrode
`182 Lltrouglt the sealant 186 is fonnotl on the lower substrate
`101 in order to apply a cotnrnon voltage to the common
`electrode 182. The connecting part" 190. as shown in FIGS. 4
`and 5. includes a first supply pattern 192 formed in an area
`which overlaps the sealant 186 along the sealant 186; a sec-
`ond supply pattern l96 oomtected to the first supply pattern
`192 thmtlgh a supply Contact hole [94 which penetrates an
`insulating film l5tl of at least one layer: and ii conductive
`spacer 184 for connecting the second supply pattern 196 and
`the contmon electrode 182.
`The first supply pattern 192 is formed of the same metal
`and on the same level as a gate link 102 which is connected to
`the gate line. thus the first supply pattern 192 is formed to be
`separated from the gate link 102 by a designated gap. The first
`supply pattern 192 is formed to extend from a supply pad 188
`which is connected to a power supply (not shown).
`The second supply pattern 196 is formed ofthe same mate-
`rial on the same level as Lhe pixel electrode (not shown). The
`second supply pattern 196 is fonncd in a line in the saute
`manner as the first supply pattent 192 that is formed in a line.
`or formed in a dot shape so as to partially overlap the first
`supply pattern 192.
`The supply contact ltole 194. in case of a transmissive
`liquid crystal display device, penetrates the insulating film
`150 including a gate insulating film and a passivation film to
`expose the lirst supply patient 192.111 the case of a Lt'aItsllec-
`live liquid crystal display dL'vicc_. the supply contact hole 194
`penetrates the insulating film 150 including at least one ofthe
`gate insulating film. the passivation filnt. and an organic film
`to expose the first supply pattent 192.
`Ti'1(': conductive spacer 184 is formed of at least one of a
`conductive glass fiber and a conductive ball. Herein. the con-
`ductive ball is formed by coating a conductive tnatcrial such
`as silverAg. gold Au on the outer side of a ball space: so as to
`be conductive. The conductive ball can fix the gap between
`the substrates even at a designated pressure differently from a
`conductive ball that is included in an anisotropic conductive
`film ACF.
`The conductive spacer 184 is mixed with the sealant 186 to
`be spread over the substrate or the sealant 186 is spread over
`the substrate where the conductive spacer 184 is formed.
`In this way. the liqttid crystal display device according to
`the first embodiment of the present invention connects the
`cnmnton electrode lhrrncd on the upper substrate to the con-
`necting part fonned on the lower substrate by use of the
`sealant including the conductive spacer. In this case. a sepa-
`rate silver dotting process is not required and the manufac-
`turing process is simplified.
`On the other hand. the liquid crystal display device accord-
`ing to the first embodiment ol'thc present invention has the
`lirst supply pattern 192 lorrncd having a designated gap with
`the gate link 192 along the outer area ofthe substrate 101 . The
`lirst supply pattern 192 causes a liquid crystal margin area.
`i.e.. an area into which liquid crystal is injected but which is
`not included an active picture area. to increase. thtts there is
`difliculty in that the substrate 101 is small size.
`FIG. 6 is 2!. plan view rtrprcsctttittg a liquid crystal display
`device according to a second embodiment of the present
`invention, and FIG. 7 is a sectional diagram representing the
`liquid crystal display device along the lines Ill-III‘. IV-IV‘ of
`FIG. 6.
`The liquid crystal display device shown in FIGS. 6 and 7
`includes the same components as the liquid crystal display
`device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 except that the connecting part
`191} is formed to overlap the gate link 102. Accordingly. the
`detailed description for the same components will be omitted.
`
`

`
`US 7,436,430 B2
`
`5
`The conrrcctirtg part 191} includes a first supply pattent 192;
`a second supply pattent 196 connected to the first supply
`pattern 192 through a supply contact hole 194 that penetrates
`an insulating film 150 of at least orte layer; and a conductive
`spacer 184 for connecting the second supply pattern 196 to .
`the common electrode 182.
`The first supply pattern 192 is fonned at one side of the
`substrate 101 to be adjacent to an inclined area of tlte last gate
`linlt 102 which is located at the outermost area ofthe substrate
`10 l. The first supply pattern 192 is formed to extend front the
`supply pad 188 which is connected to a power supply [not
`shown).
`The second supply pattern 196 is lbntted to overlap a
`sealant I86 along the sealant 186 to be connected to the first
`supply panem 192 through the supply contact hole 194. Fur-
`ther. the second supply pattern 196 is formed to overlap tlte
`gate link 102 witlt the insulating lihn ofat least orte layer.
`Herein, the supply Contact hole 194 is lbrttted in an area which
`overlaps the sealant 186.
`The second supply pattern 196. in case of a transfiective
`liquid crystal display device which is operated in reflection
`mode and transmission mode. is fbmted of the same material
`on the same level as a reflection electrode 130 shown in FIG.
`8. [n this case, the second supply pattern 196 is t'on:ned to
`overlap the lirst supply pattern 192 with a gate insulating film
`112. a first passivation film 118, and an organic lllt‘t.'t 128. The
`supply contact hole 120 portetrntes the gate insulating film
`112. the passivation lilm I18. and the organic lihrr 128 to
`expose the first supply pattern 110. On the other hand. the
`transfieetive liqttid crystal display device displays picture in .
`the reflection mode. "re. the external light like a natural ligltt
`is reflected in it rcflcction area when: the reflection electrode
`is formed, if an external light is sutlicient. and the transflec-
`tive liquid crystal display device displays pictttrc in the trans-
`rnjssion mode. i.e.. light incident from a backlight unit is used
`in a transntissiott area where the reflection electrode is nor
`formed. if the extental light is not sutficient.
`The second supply pattern 196. in case of a transmissive
`liquid crystal display device where a picture is displayed by
`use oflight incident from the backlight unit. is formed oftlte
`same material on the santc level as the pixel electrode 122
`shown in FIG. 8. Further. the second supply pattern 196 is
`formed to overlap the first supply pattern 192 with the gate
`insulating filrn 112 and the prrssivation film 118. The supply
`contact hole 194 penetrates the gate insulating film 112 artd
`the passivation film 118 to expose the first supply pattern 192.
`The conductive spacer 184 is lbnned ofa conductive glass
`fiber or a conductive ball. The conductive spacer 184 is mixed
`with the sealant 184 to be spread over the substrate. or the
`sealant 186 is spread over the substrate where the conductive
`spacer 184 is l‘ormt-td.
`ln t.ltis way. the liqttid crystal display device according to
`the second embodiment of the present invention has the cort-
`rtecting part lbrnted to overlap the sealant area and the gate
`link. In this case. the conunon electrode and the connecting .
`part is connected by use of the cortdttctive spacer included in
`the sealant. thus no separate silver dotting process is required
`and the process is simplified.
`I-‘ur-ther. the supply pattern
`included in the connecting part is l'on:ncd to overlap the gate
`link. thus the liquid crystal margin area cart be decreased by
`the width olthc supply pattern. thereby enabling to make the
`liquid crystal display device to be small in size.
`On the other hartd, a thin film transistor array substrate of‘
`the trattsfiective liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 8
`includes a gate line and a data litte which define a pixel area:
`a thin filnt transistor connected to the gate line and the data
`line: a pixel electrode 122 formed in the pixel area to be
`
`'
`
`.
`
`_
`
`.'
`
`6
`connected to the thin film transistor: anda rcllcction electrode
`130 forrttcd in a reflection area of the pixel area.
`The thin filrn transistor selectively supplies a data signal
`front the data line to the pixel electrode 122 in response to a
`gate signal front the gate line. For this. the thin film transistor
`includes a gate electrode 106 connected to the gate line; a
`source electrode 108 connected to the data line: a drain elec-
`trode llll corutcctcd to tile pixel electrode 122: all] active layer
`114 which overlaps the gate electrode 106 with a gate insu-
`lating film 1 12 tltcrebetweert and forms a channel between the
`source electrode 108 and the drain electrode 110: and an
`ohmic contact
`layer 116 for providing an olunic-contact
`between the source electrode 108. and the drain electrode 110
`and active layer 114.
`The pixel electrode 122 is formed in the pixel area that is
`defined by the crossing of the data line 104 and the gate litre
`102. and tile pixel electrode 122 is connected to Llte drain
`electrode lift. The pixel electrode 122 generates a potential
`difference with the common electrode (not shown) by the data
`signal applied by the thin film transistor. The potential difler-
`ence causes the liquid crystals to rotate. thus the ligltt trans-
`mittance is determined by the degree of rotation of the liquid
`crystal in each ofthe reflection area and the transmission area.
`The reflection electrode 130 reflects the external light pass-
`ing through the color filter substrate (not shown) to the color
`filter substrate. The reflection electrode 130 has an embossed
`shape along the organic lilm [28 that is formed to have an
`embossed surface. thereby increasing the relleet ion ellicicncy
`by dispersing the light. The area where the reflection elec-
`trode 130 is formed is a reflection area in each pixel area, artd
`an area where the reflection electrode 13!] is not formed is a
`traitsmission area in each pixel area.
`A transmission hole 132 is formed that penetrates the
`organic lilnt 128 in the transntissiort area so that [lie path
`length of the light which passes through the liquid crystal
`layer in the rcfloction area and the tra ns mission area are equal.
`As a result. the refiected light incident on the reflection area is
`reflected at the reflection electrode 130 through the liquid
`crystal layer and emitted to the outside through the liquid
`crystal layer. The transmitted light of the backlight unit (not
`shown) being incident on the transmission area is transmitted
`through the liquid crystal layer to be emitted to the outside.
`Accordingly. the length of’ the ligltt path is the same irt the
`rcllcction area and tile transmission area. thus the tratrsmis-
`sion eflieicrtcy of the reflection mode of the liqttid crystal
`display device become the saute as that of the transmission
`mode ofthc liquid crystal display device.
`FIGS. 9A to 91*‘ are sectional diagrams representing a fab-
`ricating ntethod of a transfiective thin film transistor array
`substrate according to the present invention.
`Referring to FIG. 9A, a first conductive pattern group is
`formed including the gate link 102. the gate electrode 106.
`and the first supply pattern 192 on the lower substrate ltit.
`A gate metal layer is lbnncd on the lower substrate 101 by
`a deposition method such as sputtering. The gate metal layer
`is patterned by a photolitltograplty process and an etching
`process to fonn the first panern group including the gate link
`102. the gate electrode 106 and the first supply pattern 192.
`The gate metal layer is a single or n:rtIltiple layer structure of
`metal such as Al, Mo. Cr. Co. Al alloy. Mo alloy. Cr alley or
`Cu alloy.
`Referring to FIG. 9B. the gate insulating film I 12 is formed
`on the lower substrate 19] where the first conductive pattent
`group is formed. Next, a semiconductor pattern including the
`active layer and the ohmic contact layer. and a second con-
`ductive pattern group including the data line 104. the source
`electrode 108 and the drain electrode l 10 are fonncd tltercott.
`
`

`
`US 7,436,430 B2
`
`7
`The gate insulating. film 112. an amorphous silicon layer.
`an amorphotts silicon layer doped with inlpuritics. and a
`sourcefdrain metal iayerare sequentially formed on the lower
`substrate 101 where the first conductive pattern group is
`formed. by a deposition method such as PECVD and sputter-
`ing. The gate insulating fihn 112 may be fornned of an inor-
`ganic insulatingmnterial such as silicon oxide Siox or silicon
`nitride SiNx. and the sourcefdrain metal layer may be formed
`in a single or double layer structure ofnictal such as Al. Mo.
`Cr. Cu, Al alloy, Mo alloy. Cr alloy or Cu alloy.
`A photo-resist pattern is formed where a channel area on
`the sourcefdtrctin metal layer has a lowerheight than the photo-
`resist pattern over the sourcefdrain area. The sourcer’drain
`metal layer is patterned by a wet etching process using the
`photo—resist pattern, thereby forming the second conductive
`pattern group including the data line 104. the source electrode
`103, and the drain electrode lll) that is integrated with the
`source electrode 108.
`
`5
`
`'
`
`Then, the amorpltous silicon layer doped with impurities
`and the amorphous silicon layer are simultaneously patterned
`by a dry etching process using the same photo-resist pattern.
`thereby forming the ohmic contact layer 116 and the active
`layer 1 14.
`Allcr the photo-resist pattern having a lower height in the
`cliannel area is removed by an ashing process, the ohmic
`contact layer 116 and the sourcefrlrain pattern of the channel
`area are etched by a dry etching process. Accordingly. the
`active layer ll4 ofthe cltaunel pan is exposed and the source _
`electrode 108 and the drain electrode are separated from each
`other.
`
`Subsequently. the photo-resist pattern remaining on the
`second conductive pattern group is removed by a stripping
`process.
`
`Referring to Fl(i. 9C. a first passivation film 118 is formed
`on the substrate 101 where the stxond conductive pattern
`group is formed. and an organic film 128 is tonned thereon.
`wherein the organic filtn 128 has a hole [34 and a transmis-
`sion hole 132 and has an embossed surface.
`
`The lirst passivation film 118 and the organic film 128 are
`sequentially tornted on the gate insulating filn:t 112 where the
`second conductive pattern group is liirrncd. Tl1e first passiva-
`tion film 1 18 may be formed of an inorganic insulating mate-
`rial such as the gate insulating, filtn 112. and the organic film
`123 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as
`acrylic resin.
`Then. the organic film 128 is patterned by a photolithog-
`raphy process, thereby tormirtg the hole 134 and the trails-
`mission hole 132. At this moment. a mask for forming the
`organic film 128 has a structure where a shielding area and a
`diffraction exposure area are repeated in the remaining area
`except the transmissiort area corresponding to the transmis-
`sion hole. Accordingly. the organic film 128 is patterned in a _
`structure where a shielding area (projectiotisl and a diffrac-
`tion exposure area (gnooves] having a step shape are repeated.
`Subsequently. the organic film 128 where the projections and
`the grooves are repeated is fired. thereby smoothing the step
`edges zuid forming the embossed shape on the surface of the
`organic film 128. Especially, the organic film 128 is formed so
`that an area where the pixel area is in Contact with the sealant
`has the embossed shape.
`On the other hand. the open hole 134 and the transmission
`hole 132 may be formed to penetrate the gate insulating tihn
`112. the first passivation film 118. and the organic film 128 in
`the same manner as the supply contact hole 194.
`
`_-
`
`8
`Referring to FIG. 9]). a third conductive pattern group is
`lonned including refeetion electrode 130 and the sccottd sup-
`ply pattern l9tS on the organic film 128 with the embossed
`shape.
`A reflection metal layer takes on embossed shape and is
`deposited on the organic film 128. The reflection metal layer
`may be formed ofa metal having high refiexibility. such as Al
`orAlNd. Sttbseqttcntly, the retlection metal layer is pattcnied
`by a photolithowphy process and on etching process.
`thereby forming the third conductive pattern group: including
`the reflection electrode 130 and the second supply patteni
`I96.
`
`Referring to FIG. 913. a second passivation film 136 having
`the contact hole 120 is formed on the organic film 128 where
`the third conductive pattern group is formed. It is also pos-
`sible that the second passivation Iilnl 136 is omitted.
`The second passivation tihn is formed on the

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket