Display device

Provided is a display device including a display panel including a pixel including a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, and a capping layer. The first sub-pixel includes a first pixel transistor disposed on a first pixel circuit area, a first pixel electrode disposed on a first pixel electrode area, a first color filter disposed on the first pixel circuit area while covering the first pixel transistor, and a second color filter disposed on the first pixel electrode area and the first pixel circuit area. The capping layer covers the first color filter and the second color filter, and a first opening is defined in one area of the capping layer, which overlaps the second color filter on a plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0058718, filed on May 24, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure herein relates to a display device having improved reliability.

A liquid crystal display device includes two substrates, which face each other, with a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween. The liquid crystal display device applies a voltage to an electric-field generation electrode (e.g., a pixel electrode or a common electrode) to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer. Accordingly, an orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is determined, and an image is displayed by controlling polarization of incident light.

A gas may be generated from a portion of layers constituting the liquid crystal display device. When the generated gas is not fully discharged during a manufacturing process, the gas may be discharged after the device is manufactured, and, as a result, a defect, in which the liquid crystal layer is not filled into an active area due to the discharged gas, may be generated.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a display device having improved reliability.

An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device including: a display panel including: a pixel including a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel; and a capping layer. The first sub-pixel includes: a first pixel transistor disposed on a first pixel circuit area; a first pixel electrode disposed on a first pixel electrode area; a first color filter disposed on the first pixel circuit area while covering the first pixel transistor; and a second color filter disposed on the first pixel electrode area and the first pixel circuit area and being different from the first color filter. The capping layer covers the first color filter and the second color filter, and a first opening is defined in one area of the capping layer, which overlaps the second color filter on a plane.

In an embodiment, the second sub-pixel may include: a second pixel transistor disposed on a second pixel circuit area; a second pixel electrode disposed on a second pixel electrode area; and a third color filter disposed on the second pixel circuit area and the second pixel electrode area while covering the second pixel transistor.

In an embodiment, the first color filter may be the same as the third color filter.

In an embodiment, each of the first color filter and the third color filter may be a red color filter.

In an embodiment, the second color filter may be disposed around the first color filter on the first pixel circuit area, and non-overlap the first pixel transistor on the plane.

In an embodiment, each of the first pixel electrode area and the first pixel transistor may be provided in plurality, and the first pixel circuit area may be disposed between the first pixel electrode areas. The second color filter may include pixel color filters and at least one connecting color filter connecting the pixel color filters, and the pixel color filters may be disposed on the first pixel electrode areas, and the connecting color filter may be disposed on the first pixel circuit area.

In an embodiment, the first opening may overlap one of the pixel color filters.

In an embodiment, the first opening may be provided in plurality, and the first openings may overlap the pixel color filters.

In an embodiment, the first opening may overlap the connecting color filter.

In an embodiment, the connecting color filter may be provided in plurality, and the first pixel transistor may be disposed between the connecting color filters on the plane.

In an embodiment, the display panel may further include a cover pattern covering the first opening.

In an embodiment, the second color filter may be a green color filter.

In an embodiment, the pixel may further include a third sub-pixel. The third sub-pixel may include: a third pixel transistor disposed on a third pixel circuit area; a third pixel electrode disposed on a third pixel electrode area; and a fourth color filter disposed on the third pixel electrode area and the third pixel circuit area. The first color filter may be also disposed on the third pixel circuit area while covering the third pixel transistor. The capping layer may cover the first color filter and the fourth color filter, and a second opening may be defined in one area of the capping layer, which overlaps the fourth color filter on the plane.

In an embodiment, the fourth color filter may be a blue color filter.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device includes: a display panel including: a pixel including a red sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel; and a capping layer. Each of the red, blue, and green sub-pixels includes a pixel transistor disposed on a pixel circuit area and a pixel electrode disposed on a pixel electrode area, and the pixel transistor is covered by a red color filter, a blue color filter is disposed on a first peripheral portion of the pixel transistor on the pixel circuit area of the blue sub-pixel and the pixel electrode area of the blue sub-pixel, and a green color filter is disposed on a second peripheral portion of the pixel transistor on the pixel circuit area of the green sub-pixel and the pixel electrode area of the green sub-pixel, and openings are provided in the capping layer, and the openings overlap the red color filter, the green color filter, and the blue color filter, respectively.

In an embodiment, at least one of the openings may overlap the first peripheral portion on a plane, and at least one of the openings may overlap the second peripheral portion on the plane.

In an embodiment, at least one of the openings may overlap a third peripheral portion of the pixel transistor on the pixel circuit area of the red sub-pixel.

In an embodiment, at least one of the openings may overlap two color filters, which are adjacent to each other, of the red color filter, the blue color filter, and the green color filter.

In an embodiment, the pixel electrode area of each of the red sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and the green sub-pixel may be provided in plurality, and the pixel circuit area may be disposed between pixel electrode areas. The blue color filter may include blue pixel color filters disposed on the pixel electrode areas of the blue sub-pixel and a blue connecting color filter disposed on the first peripheral portion. The green color filter may include green pixel color filters disposed on the pixel electrode areas of the green sub-pixel and a green connecting color filter disposed on the second peripheral portion. The blue pixel color filters may be connected by the blue connecting color filter, and the green pixel color filters may be connected by the green connecting color filter.

In an embodiment, the green connecting color filter may be provided in plurality, and the green pixel color filters may be connected by the plurality of green color filters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, it will also be understood that when one component (or region, layer, portion) is referred to as being ‘on’, ‘connected to’, or ‘coupled to’ another component, it can be directly connected/coupled on/to the one component, or an intervening third component may also be present.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Also, in the figures, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that although the terms such as ‘first’ and ‘second’ are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first element referred to as a first element in one embodiment can be referred to as a second element in another embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the contrary.

Also, spatially relative terms, such as “below”, “lower”, “above”, and “upper”, may be used herein for ease of description to describe an element and/or a feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. The terms may be a relative concept and described based on directions expressed in the drawings.

The meaning of ‘include’ or ‘comprise’ specifies a property, a fixed number, a step, an operation, an element, a component or a combination thereof, but does not exclude other properties, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view illustrating a display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG. 1, the display device DD may be used for a large-sized electronic device such as a television, a monitor, or an outdoor advertisement board as well as a small and medium sized electronic device such as a personal computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital terminal, a navigation unit for a vehicle, a game console, a portable electronic device, and a camera. Also, these are only exemplary embodiments, and other electronic devices may be adaptable as long as they are not deviated from the concept of the present disclosure.

The display device DD may include a display panel DP and a backlight unit BLU.

The display panel DP according to the embodiment may be a light receiving type display panel. The display panel DP may provide an image by transmitting or blocking provided light. Although the display panel DP may be a liquid crystal display panel, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The display panel DP may have a plate shape having a plane defined by a first direction DR1and a second direction DR2. For example, a display area DA of the display device DD may have a rectangular shape, and a non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be relatively designed.

The display panel DP may generate an image in response to inputted image data and provide the generated image to the front surface. For example, the display panel DP may provide the generated image in a third direction DR3.

Although the display device DD has a flat shape inFIG. 1, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the display device may be a curved display device. For example, the display device DD may be a curved display device that is overall bent in a concave or convex manner when a user sees the liquid crystal display device DD. Also, the display device DD may be a display device of which only a portion is bent.

The display panel DP may include a pixel PX. The pixel PX may include a plurality of sub-pixels SPX1, SPX2, and SPX3. The pixel PX may include a first sub-pixel SPX1, a second sub-pixel SPX2, and a third sub-pixel SPX3. For example, the first sub-pixel SPX1may be a green sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel SPX2may be a red sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel SPX3may be a blue sub-pixel. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel PX may include two sub-pixels or four or more sub-pixels.

Although the second sub-pixel SPX2, the first sub-pixel SPX1, and the third sub-pixel SPX3are sequentially arranged in the second direction DR2inFIG. 1, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the first to third sub-pixels SPX1, SPX2, and SPX3may be variously changed in arrangement order.

The backlight unit BLU may be disposed below the display panel DP. The backlight unit BLU provides light to the display panel DP. The display panel DP may display an image by controlling a transmission amount of light generated from the backlight unit BLU.

FIG. 2is an enlarged plan view illustrating the first sub-pixel SPX1according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.FIG. 3Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3A, the display panel DP may include a first substrate100, a second substrate200, and a liquid crystal layer300.

The first substrate100may include a plurality of pixel electrode areas and a plurality of pixel circuit areas.FIG. 2illustrates first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1band a first pixel circuit area PCA1, on which the first sub-pixel SPX1is disposed

The first pixel circuit area PCA1may be disposed between the two first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1b. For convenience of description, from among the first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1b, the first pixel electrode area PEA1adisposed above the first pixel circuit area PCA1on a plane is referred to as a first high pixel electrode area PEA1a. The first pixel electrode area PEA1bdisposed below the first pixel circuit area PCA1on the plane is referred to as a first low pixel electrode area PEA1b.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first sub-pixel SPX1may include a first pixel transistor TR1, a second pixel transistor TR2, first pixel electrodes PE1aand PE1b, a first color filter CF1, and a second color filter CF2. The embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited to the structure of the first sub-pixel SPX1inFIG. 2. For example, in another embodiment of the inventive concept, the first sub-pixel SPX1may include one pixel transistor, one pixel electrode, a first color filter CF1, and a second color filter CF2.

The first pixel transistor TR1and the second pixel transistor TR2may be disposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1. The first pixel electrode PE1amay be disposed on the first high pixel electrode area PEA1a, and the first pixel electrode PE1bmay be disposed on the first low pixel electrode area PEA1b. The first pixel electrode PE1adisposed on the first high pixel electrode area PEA1ais referred to as a first high pixel electrode PE1a, and the first pixel electrode PE1bdisposed on the first low pixel electrode area PEA1bis referred to as a first low pixel electrode PE1b.

The first pixel transistor TR1may include a first control electrode GE1, a first input electrode SE1, a first output electrode DE1, and a first semiconductor pattern AP1. The second pixel transistor TR2may include a second control electrode GE2, a second input electrode SE2, a second output electrode DE2, and a second semiconductor pattern (not shown).

The first pixel transistor TR1may be electrically connected to the first high pixel electrode PE1a, a gate line GL, and a first data line DL1. The second pixel transistor TR2may be electrically connected to the first low pixel electrode PE1b, the gate line GL, and a second data line DL2.

The first control electrode GE1is connected to the gate line GL, the first input electrode SE1is connected to the first date line DL1, and the first output electrode DE1is connected to the first high pixel electrode PE1a. The second control electrode GE2is connected to the gate line GL, the second input electrode SE2is connected to the second date line DL2, and the second output electrode DE2is connected to the first low pixel electrode PE1b.

In the embodiment, the first pixel transistor TR1and the second pixel transistor TR2may be connected to the same gate line GL and connected to different data lines DL1and DL2. Accordingly, the first sub-pixel SPX1may be driven by one gate line GL and two data lines DL1and DL2. However, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the first sub-pixel SPX1may be driven by two gate lines and one data line, two gate lines and two data lines, or one gate line and one date line.

Openings CF_OP1, in which the color filters are not disposed, may be defined to connect the first pixel electrodes PE1aand PE1bof the first sub-pixel SPX1to the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2. The openings CF_OP1may correspond to an area in which the first and second color filters CF1and CF2are not provided. InFIG. 2, the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2are shown as being spaced apart from the openings CF_OP1. However, each of the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2is provided extending to a region adjacent to the openings CF_OP1, and may define the openings CF_OP1.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a first base substrate S1, the first pixel transistor TR1, first and second insulation layers L1and L2, the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, a capping layer CL, and the first high pixel electrode PE1aof the first substrate100.

The first base substrate S1may contain an insulating material. The first base substrate S1may be optically transparent. Light generated from the backlight unit BLU (refer toFIG. 1) disposed below the first base substrate S1may transmit through the first base substrate S1and be easily arrived to the liquid crystal layer300. For example, the first base substrate S1may include a glass substrate or a plastic substrate.

The first control electrode GE1may be disposed on the first base substrate S1. The first insulation layer L1may be disposed on the first control electrode GE1and the second control electrode GE2. The first insulation layer L1may cover the first and second control electrodes GE1and GE2. The first semiconductor pattern AP1may be disposed on the first insulation layer L1. The first semiconductor pattern AP1may be spaced apart from the first control electrode GE1on a cross-section.

The first semiconductor pattern AP1may contain a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor material may include one of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, an oxide semiconductor, and a compound semiconductor.

The first input electrode SE1and the first output electrode DE1may be disposed on the first semiconductor pattern AP1. Although not shown inFIG. 3A, the second pixel transistor TR2may have the same lamination structure as the first pixel transistor TR1.

The second insulation layer L2may be disposed on the first input electrode SE1and the first output electrode DE1. The second insulation layer L2may cover the first input electrode SE1and the first output electrode DE1.

The first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2may be disposed on the second insulation layer L2. The first color filter CF1may be a red color filter, and the second color filter CF2may be a green color filter.

The first color filter CF1may be disposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1. For example, the first color filter CF1may be disposed on the first pixel transistor TR1and the second pixel transistor TR2. The second color filter CF2may be disposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1, the first high pixel electrode area PEA1a, and the first low pixel electrode area PEA1b.

The second color filter CF2may include pixel color filters PCF2and a connecting color filter CCF2. One of the pixel color filters PCF2may be disposed on the first high pixel electrode area PEA1a, e.g., may be disposed below the first high pixel electrode PE1a. The other of the pixel color filters PCF2may be disposed on the first low pixel electrode area PEA1b, e.g., may be disposed below the first low pixel electrode PE1b. The pixel color filters PCF2, which are green color filters, may provide green light through the first sub-pixel SPX1.

The connecting color filter CCF2may connect the pixel color filters PCF2to each other. The connecting color filter CCF2may be disposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1. The connecting color filter CCF2may be disposed on a peripheral portion of the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2.

When light in a blue wavelength region is incident into each of the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2, a leakage current may be generated in each of the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2due to the light in the blue wavelength region, and a threshold voltage may be shifted. Image quality of the display device DD (refer toFIG. 1) may be reduced by the phenomena of the generation of the leakage current in the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2and the shift of the threshold voltage.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first color filter CF1may be a red color filter. Accordingly, the first color filter CF1may allow light in a red wavelength region to transmit therethrough and block light in a different wavelength region. For example, the first color filer CF1may block light in the blue wavelength region. Accordingly, the first color filter CF1may block light in the blue wavelength region of light incident from the outside of the display device DD (refer toFIG. 1) and light in the blue wavelength region of light re-incident by being reflected due to a difference in refractive index for each layer. Accordingly, the phenomena of the generation of the leakage current in each of the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2due to the light in the blue wavelength region and the shift of the threshold voltage may be prevented, and, as a result, the image quality of the display device DD (refer toFIG. 1) may be prevented.

The capping layer CL may be disposed on the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2. The capping layer CL may contain an inorganic material. For example, the capping layer CL may contain a silicon nitride or a silicon oxide.

A first opening OP1is defined in the capping layer CL. The first opening OP1may expose a component disposed below the capping layer CL. The first opening OP1may overlap the second color filter CF2on a plane. For example, the first opening OP1may be disposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1and overlap the connecting color filter CCF2.

A gas may be generated from the second color filter CF2during a process of manufacturing the display panel DP. When the gas generated from the second color filter CF2is not fully discharged before the liquid crystal layer300is filled with liquid crystal molecules, as the gas generated from the second color filter CF2may be discharged after the liquid crystal layer300is filled, a defect, in which the liquid crystal layer300is not completely filled in the first high pixel electrode area PEA1aor the first low pixel electrode area PEA1b, may be generated.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the second color filter CF2includes the connecting color filter CCF2, and the first opening OP1is defined in one area of the capping layer CL, which overlaps the second color filter CF2. Accordingly, the gas generated from the second color filter CF2may be discharged through the first opening OP1. As a result, the defect, in which the liquid crystal layer300is not completely filled in the first high pixel electrode area PEA1aor the first low pixel electrode area PEA1b, may be prevented from being generated. Accordingly, the display device DD (refer toFIG. 1) may have improved product reliability.

The first high pixel electrode PE1aor the first low pixel electrode PE1bmay be disposed on the capping layer CL. The first high pixel electrode PE1amay be electrically connected to the first output electrode DE1of the first pixel transistor TR1, and the first low pixel electrode PE1bmay be electrically connected to the second output electrode DE2of the second pixel transistor TR2.

Although the first high pixel electrode PE1aand the first low pixel electrode PE1bhave the same size inFIG. 2, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the first high pixel electrode PE1ahas a size less than the first low pixel electrode PE1b.

Each of the first high pixel electrode PE1aand the first low pixel electrode PE1bmay include a vertical electrode VP, a horizontal electrode HP, first branch electrodes B1, second branch electrodes B2, third branch electrodes B3, and fourth branch electrodes B4. The vertical electrode VP, the horizontal electrode HP, the first branch electrodes B1, the second branch electrodes B2, the third branch electrodes B3, and the fourth branch electrodes B4may be connected to each other to form one pixel electrode.

The vertical electrode VP extends in the first direction DR1, and the horizontal electrode HP extends in the second direction DR2. Each of the first branch electrodes B1, the second branch electrodes B2, the third branch electrodes B3, and the fourth branch electrodes B4may extend from the vertical electrode VP or the horizontal electrode HP. Each of the first branch electrodes B1extends in a fourth direction DR4, each of the second branch electrodes B2extends in a fifth direction DR5, each of the third branch electrodes B3extends in a sixth direction DR6, and each of the fourth branch electrodes B4extends in a seventh direction DR7.

Each of the second sub-pixel SPX2(refer toFIG. 1) and the third sub-pixel SPX3(refer toFIG. 1) may have a structure similar to that of the first sub-pixel SPX1. For example, each of the second sub-pixel SPX2and the third sub-pixel SPX3may have the substantially same structure as that of the first sub-pixel SPX1except for the first and second color filters CF1and CF2. Accordingly, description regarding a detailed structure of each of the second sub-pixel SPX2and the third sub-pixel SPX3will be omitted, and a color filter of each of the second sub-pixel SPX2and the third sub-pixel SPX3will be described inFIG. 4.

The second substrate200may include a second base substrate S2and a common electrode CE. The second base substrate S2may be an optically transparent insulation substrate.

The liquid crystal layer300is disposed between the first substrate100and the second substrate200. The liquid crystal layer300may include liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules may include a material having an orientation that is controlled by an electric field formed by the common electrode CE and the first pixel electrode PE1aand PE1b.

FIG. 3Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ ofFIG. 2in accordance with another embodiment. In describingFIG. 3B, the same component as that described inFIG. 3Awill be designated by the same reference symbol, and the overlapped component will not be described.

Referring toFIG. 3B, a display panel DPa further includes a cover pattern CP covering the first opening OP1. The cover pattern CP may prevent the second color filter CF2from contacting the liquid crystal layer300.

The cover pattern CP may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the cover pattern CP may contain the same material as a first high pixel electrode PE1a. The cover pattern CP may be formed simultaneously when the first high pixel electrode PE1ais formed.

FIG. 4is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, illustrated are the first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1band the first pixel circuit area PCA1of the first sub-pixel SPX1, second pixel electrode areas PEA2aand PEA2band a second pixel circuit area PCA2of the second sub-pixel SPX2, and third pixel electrode areas PEA3aand PEA3band a third pixel circuit area PCA3of the third sub-pixel SPX3.

The first sub-pixel SPX1may be a green sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel SPX2may be a red sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel SPX3may be a blue sub-pixel.

Although not shown, a second pixel electrode may be disposed on the second pixel electrode areas PEA2aand PEA2b, and pixel transistors connected to the second pixel electrode may be disposed on the second pixel circuit area PCA2. A third pixel electrode may be disposed on the third pixel electrode areas PEA3aand PEA3b, and pixel transistors connected to the third pixel electrode may be disposed on the third pixel circuit area PCA3. An arrangement relationship between the second and third pixel electrodes and the pixel transistors may be understood through the drawings inFIGS. 2 and 3A.

The second sub-pixel SPX2may include the first color filter CF1. The first color filter CF1may be a red color filter. The first color filter CF1may be disposed on all of the second pixel electrode areas PEA2aand PEA2band the second pixel circuit area PCA2. The first color filter CF1disposed on the second pixel circuit area PCA2may cover the pixel transistors of the second sub-pixel SPX2. The first color filter CF1disposed on the second pixel electrode areas PEA2aand PEA2bmay be disposed below the second pixel electrode.

Two openings CF_OP2may be defined in the first color filter CF1of the second sub-pixel SPX2. The two openings CF_OP2are provided for connecting the second pixel electrodes to the pixel transistors.

A second opening OP2may be defined in the capping layer CL disposed above the first color filter CF1of the second sub-pixel SPX2. The second opening OP2may be defined between the two openings CF_OP2on a plane. A gas generated from the first color filter CF1of the second sub-pixel SPX2may be discharged through the second opening OP2.

The first sub-pixel SPX1may be disposed adjacent to the second sub-pixel SPX2. The first sub-pixel SPX1may include the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2. The second color filter CF2may be a green color filter.

For example, the first color filter CF1may be disposed on the first pixel transistor TR1(refer toFIG. 2) and the second pixel transistor TR2(refer toFIG. 2). The first color filter CF1of the first sub-pixel SPX1may be connected to the first color filter CF1of the second sub-pixel SPX2. Accordingly, a phenomenon, in which the first color filter CF1of the first sub-pixel SPX1is dropped out from the first substrate100(refer toFIG. 3A) during a process, may be prevented.

The second color filter CF2may be disposed on the first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1band the first pixel circuit area PCA1. The second color filter CF2may include pixel color filters PCF2disposed on the first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1band connecting color filter CCF2disposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1. The connecting color filter CCF2may connect the pixel color filters PCF2, which are spaced apart from each other, to each other. The connecting color filter CCF2may be disposed on the peripheral portion of the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2.

Openings CF_OP1, in which the color filters are not disposed, may be defined to connect the first pixel electrodes PE1aand PE1b(refer toFIG. 2) of the first sub-pixel SPX1to the first and second pixel transistors TR1and TR2. The openings CF_OP1may correspond to an area in which the first and second color filters CF1and CF2are not provided.

The third sub-pixel SPX3may be disposed adjacent to the first sub-pixel SPX1. The third sub-pixel SPX3may include the first color filter CF1and the third color filter CF3. The first color filter CF1may be a red color filter, and the third color filter CF3may be a blue color filter.

The first color filter CF1may cover the pixel transistors of the third sub-pixel SPX3. The third color filter CF3may be disposed on the third pixel electrode areas PEA3aand PEA3band the third pixel circuit area PCA3.

The third color filter CF3may include pixel color filters PCA3disposed on the third pixel electrode areas PEA3aand PEA3band connecting color filter CCF3disposed on the third pixel circuit area PCA3. The connecting color filter CCF3may connect the pixel color filters PCF3, which are spaced apart from each other, to each other. The connecting color filter CCF3may be disposed on a peripheral portion of the pixel transistors of the third sub-pixel SPX3. The first color filter CF1of the third sub-pixel SPX3may be connected to the first color filter CF1of the sub-pixel adjacent thereto.

Openings CF_OP3, in which the color filters are not disposed, may be defined for connecting the pixel electrodes of the third sub-pixel SPX3to the pixel transistors. The openings CF_OP3may correspond to an area in which the first and third color filters CF1and CF3are not provided.

A third opening OP3may be defined in the capping layer CL disposed above the third color filter CF3of the third sub-pixel SPX3. The third opening OP3may overlap the third color filter CF3on the plane. For example, the third opening OP3may be disposed on the third pixel circuit area PCA3and overlap the connecting color filter CCF3.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel transistors of each of the first to third sub-pixels SPX1, SPX2, and SPX3are covered by the first color filter CF1. Accordingly, the light in the blue wavelength region, which heads toward the pixel transistors, may be blocked by the first color filter CF1. Accordingly, a phenomenon, in which a leakage current is generated in the pixel transistors by the light in the blue wavelength region, and a threshold voltage shift, may be prevented, and, as a result, degradation in the image quality of the display device DD may be prevented.

Also, the connecting color filters CCF2, CCF3for connecting the pixel color filters PGF2, PCF3disposed on the pixel electrode areas PEA1a, PEA1band PEA3a, PEA3bare provided on the pixel circuit areas PCA1, PCA3of each of the first and third sub-pixels SPX1and SPX3, and the first and third openings OP1and OP3are provided in the capping layer CL covering the connecting color filters CCF2, CCF3, respectively. A gas, which is generated from the color filters CF2, CF3disposed on the pixel electrode areas PEA1a, PEA1band PEA3a, PEA3bof the first and third sub-pixels SPX1and SPX3, may be discharged through the first and third openings OP1and OP3, respectively. Thus, a detect, in which the liquid crystal layer300is not fully filled in an area corresponding to the pixel electrode areas PEA1a, PEA1band PEA3a, PEA3bof the first and third sub-pixels SPX1and SPX3, may be prevented, and, as a result, product reliability of the display device DD may be enhanced.

FIG. 5is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. In describingFIG. 5, the same component as that described inFIG. 4will be designated by the same reference symbol, and description regarding this will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, the first sub-pixel SPX1includes a first color filter CF1and a second color filter CF2a.

The second color filter CF2amay include pixel color filters PGF2disposed on first pixel electrode areas PEA1aand PEA1band connecting color filters CCF2aand CCF2bdisposed on the first pixel circuit area PCA1. The connecting color filters CCF2aand CCF2bmay be spaced apart from each other. The first color filter CF1covering a pixel transistor may be disposed between the connecting color filters CCF2aand CCF2b. That is, the second pixel transistor TR2(refer toFIG. 2) may be disposed between the connecting color filters CCF2aand CCF2bon a plane.

The capping layer CL covers the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2a. First openings OP1and OP1amay be defined in an area overlapping the connecting color filters CCF2aand CCF2bof the capping layer CL. The first opening OP1may be disposed above the connecting color filter CCF2a, and the first opening OP1bmay be disposed above the connecting color filter CCF2b.

The connecting color filter may be provided in plurality on a specific sub-pixel. For example, a gas generation amount of each of the color filters may be measured, and then, on the basis of the measurement, the number of the connecting color filters may be determined.

For example, a gas generation amount of each of the second color filter CF2aand the third color filter CF3is analyzed. The gas generation amount of the second color filter CF2amay be greater than that of the third color filter CF3. Accordingly, in order to further easily discharge a gas of the second color filter CF2a, which has more gas generation amount, the connecting color filter CCF2bmay be further added, and the first opening OP1amay be added thereabove.

FIG. 6is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. In describingFIG. 6, the same component as that described inFIG. 4will be designated by the same reference symbol, and description regarding this will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 6, the second sub-pixel SPX2may emit red light to provide a red image.

The second sub-pixel SPX2may include only a first color filter CF1. The first color filter CF1of the second sub-pixel SPX2may be disposed on all of the second pixel electrode areas PEA2aand PEA2band the second pixel circuit area PCA2.

A second opening OP2aoverlapping the first color filter CF1may be defined in the capping layer CL covering the first color filter CF1. Since only the first color filter CF1is disposed on the second pixel circuit area PCA2, the degree of freedom in design on a position or a shape of the second opening OP2amay increase. For example, the second opening OP2(refer toFIG. 4) may be defined in the same position as the first opening OP1(refer toFIG. 4) as illustrated inFIG. 4, and disposed below the opening CF_OP2as illustrated inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. In describingFIG. 7, the same component as that described inFIG. 4will be designated by the same reference symbol, and description regarding this will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 7, a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2b, a third opening OP3, first boundary openings OPBa, and second boundary openings OPBb may be defined in a capping layer CL.

The first opening OP1may be defined in an area overlapping a connecting color filer CCF2of the first sub-pixel SPX1, the second opening OP2bmay be defined in a second pixel circuit area PCA2of the second sub-pixel SPX2, and the third opening OP3may be defined in an area overlapping a connecting color filter CCF3of the third sub-pixel SPX3.

The first boundary openings OPBa and the second boundary openings OPBb may be defined in a boundary portion between two color filters.

The first boundary openings OPBa may overlap a boundary portion between two color filters disposed on high pixel electrode areas, and the second boundary openings OPBb may overlap a boundary portion between two color filters disposed on low pixel electrode areas.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a gas generated from the color filters disposed adjacent to each other may be discharged through one first boundary opening OPBa and/or one second boundary opening OPBb.

For example, a gas generated from the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2may be discharged through the first boundary opening OPBa overlapping the area between the first high pixel electrode area PEA1aand the second high pixel electrode area PEA2a. Also, a gas generated from the second color filter CF2and the third color filter CF3may be discharged through the first boundary opening OPBa overlapping the area between the first high pixel electrode area PEA1aand the third high pixel electrode area PEA3a.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when compared withFIG. 4, the first boundary openings OPBa and the second boundary openings OPBb are further provided. Accordingly, the gas generated from the first to third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3may be smoothly discharged.

As the first boundary openings OPBa and the second boundary openings OPBb are additionally provided, the degree of freedom in design for sizes of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2b, and the third opening OP3may increase. For example, the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2b, and the third opening OP3may decrease in size, or the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2b, and the third opening OP3may be omitted.

FIG. 8is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG. 8, a first opening OP1a, a second opening OP2b, a third opening OP3, first boundary openings OPBa, and second boundary openings OPBb may be defined in the capping layer CL.

When compared withFIG. 5, first boundary openings OPBa and second boundary openings OPBb are further provided. Accordingly, a gas generated from first to third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3may be further smoothly discharged. Accordingly, the first opening OP1amay be provided to only an area overlapping at least one of two connecting color filters CCF2aand CCF2b.FIG. 8illustrates an example in which the first opening OP1ais provided to an area overlapping the connecting color filter CCF2bof the first sub-pixel SPX1. However, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the first opening OP1amay be provided to an area overlapping the connecting color filter CCF2a.

FIG. 9is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG. 9, a second opening OP2band boundary openings OPB1may be defined in the capping layer CL.

The boundary openings OPB1may overlap a boundary portion between two color filters disposed on high pixel electrode areas. However, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the boundary openings OPB1may overlap a boundary portion between two color filters disposed on low pixel electrode areas.

When compared withFIG. 7, inFIG. 9, the boundary openings OPB1overlaps only one boundary of high pixel electrode areas and low pixel electrode areas. Also, each of the boundary openings OPB1may be greater in length than each of the first boundary openings OPBa inFIG. 7.

In an embodiment ofFIG. 9, openings overlapping the connecting color filters CCF2and CCF3may be omitted. When a gas is generated from the color filters disposed on the lower pixel electrode areas, e.g., the first low pixel electrode area PEA1band the third low pixel electrode area PEA3b, the gas may move through the connecting color filters CCF2and CCF3and be discharged to the boundary openings OPB1.

Also, in another embodiment of the inventive concept, the second opening OP2balso may be omitted. Also, in another embodiment of the inventive concept, openings overlapping the connecting color filters CCF2and CCF3may be defined in the capping layer CL.

FIG. 10is a plan view illustrating a color filter and a capping layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

When compared withFIG. 9, a first opening OP1ais further provided in the capping layer CL inFIG. 10. Each of the color filters may be different in gas generation amount. Accordingly, in consideration of this, an opening may be additionally defined in the color filter that has more gas generation amount.

According to the embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel transistors of each of the red, blue, and green sub-pixels are covered by the red color filter. The blue light may be blocked from being incident into the pixel transistors by the red color filter. Accordingly, the deterioration of the characteristics of the pixel transistors caused by the blue light may be prevented. Also, the blue or green color filter may be disposed on the peripheral portion of the pixel transistors of the blue or green sub-pixel, and the opening may be defined in the capping layer covering the blue or green color filter. Thus, the gas generated from the blue or green color filter may be discharged through the opening. Resultantly, the defect in which the liquid crystal layer is not filled in the area corresponding to the blue and green sub-pixels may be prevented.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept have been described, it is understood that the inventive concept should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept as hereinafter claimed. Hence, the real protective scope of the inventive concept shall be determined by the technical scope of the accompanying claims.