Patent Publication Number: US-2009231522-A1

Title: Liquid crystal display panel and method for manufacturing the same

Description:
PRIORITY STATEMENT 
     This application claims priority to and benefit from Korean Patent Application No. 2008-022790, filed on Mar. 12, 2008 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a liquid crystal display panel and a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel. More particularly, example embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid crystal display panel for dispersion of an external stress and a uniform distribution of liquid crystal molecules, and a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, a liquid crystal display device has many advantages such as thinness, low electric power consumption, etc. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device may be used in a monitor, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, a large size television, etc. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel for displaying an image by using the light transmittance of liquid crystal molecules and a backlight assembly disposed under the liquid crystal display panel to provide the liquid crystal display panel with light. 
     The liquid crystal display panel includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate. A switching element and a pixel electrode are formed on the lower substrate, and a common electrode is formed on the upper substrate. The liquid crystal display panel includes a color filter layer for displaying a color image. The color filter layer may be formed on the lower substrate where the switching element is formed, or it may be formed on the upper substrate where the common electrode is formed. The latter structure is called a color filter on array (COA) structure. As compared to the former structure, the COA structure is advantageously capable of reducing errors in a coupling alignment. The errors may include a mismatch between color filters and a corresponding pixel region when the two substrates are combined with each other. 
     A liquid crystal display panel manufactured by a method of dropping liquid crystal molecules includes a plurality of spacers regularly arranged to maintain a uniform cell gap between the two substrates. When the number of spacers is too small, a stress applied to each spacer is so large that the spacer may be easily transformed or broken down. Conversely, when the number of spacers is too large, the liquid crystal molecules may not be regularly distributed. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a liquid crystal display panel employing a dual spacer has been developed. The liquid crystal display panel employing the dual spacer includes two kinds of spacers having respective combined heights different from each other, which are originated from a step difference between an area where a thin-film transistor is formed and an area where a thin-film transistor is not formed. 
     However, in the liquid crystal display panel having a COA structure, a flat color filter layer covers the thin-film transistor, and thus the step difference is not generated. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel having the COA structure may not employ the dual spacer utilizing the step difference that is generated in the region where the thin-film transistor is formed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Example embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid crystal display panel capable of employing a dual spacer as well as having a color filter on array (COA) structure. 
     Example embodiments of the present invention provide a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel. 
     In accordance with an aspect according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first base substrate, a thin-film transistor formed on the first base substrate and a color filter layer covering the thin-film transistor and having a recess portion. The second substrate includes a second base substrate, a first spacer formed on the second base substrate and a second spacer formed on the second base substrate. The first spacer makes contact with the first substrate. The second spacer is disposed at a position corresponding to the recess portion of the color filter layer to be separated from the first substrate. 
     In some example embodiments of the present invention, the first spacer may be disposed at a position corresponding to where the thin-film transistor is formed. The first spacer and the second spacer may have substantially the same length. 
     In some example embodiments of the present invention, the first substrate may further include a protrusion pattern formed under the recess portion of the color filter layer, and the second spacer may be disposed at a position corresponding to a portion where the recess portion and the protrusion pattern are formed. The first substrate may further include a gate line extending in a first direction, and the protrusion pattern may protrude from the gate line. A perimetric size of the protrusion pattern may be substantially the same as or larger than that of the recess portion. 
     In some example embodiments of the present invention, the first substrate may be divided into a plurality of pixel regions. The pixel regions may include a red pixel region where a red color filter layer is formed, a green pixel region where a green color filter layer is formed, and a blue pixel region where a blue color filter layer is formed. The protrusion pattern may be formed only in the blue pixel region, and the second spacer may be formed only in the blue pixel region. Alternatively, the protrusion pattern may be formed in every pixel region, and the second spacer may be formed only in the blue pixel region. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate may further include a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor through a contact hole perforated through the color filter layer. The recess portion may correspond to the contact hole, and the second spacer may be disposed over the contact hole. 
     In accordance with another aspect according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first base substrate, a thin-film transistor formed on the first base substrate and a color filter layer covering the thin-film transistor and having a recess portion. The second substrate includes a second base substrate, a shading layer formed at a portion of the second base substrate, a first spacer formed on a region where the shading layer is formed and a second spacer formed on a region where the shading layer is not formed. The first spacer makes contact with the first substrate. The second spacer is separated from the first substrate. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the shading layer may be formed at a position corresponding to where the thin-film transistor is formed. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the shading layer may have a perforated hole exposing a portion of the second base substrate, and the second spacer may be disposed in the perforated hole. 
     In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel. According to the method, a first substrate including a color filter layer is formed. The color filter layer covers a thin-film transistor formed on a first base substrate, and has a recess portion. A second substrate including a first spacer and a second spacer is formed. The first spacer is formed on a second base substrate to make contact with the first substrate. The second spacer is disposed at a position corresponding to the recess portion of the color filter layer. Liquid crystal molecules are dropped on the first substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are combined so that the first spacer makes contact with the first substrate and the second substrate is disposed over the recess portion. 
     In some example embodiments of the present invention, the first substrate may be formed by the following process. A gate pattern is formed on the first base substrate. The gate pattern includes a gate line and a gate electrode extending from the gate line. A data line, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed. A photoresist is formed. The photoresist covers the gate electrode, the source electrode and the drain electrode. The photoresist is patterned to form a color filter layer having a recess portion. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the gate pattern may further include a protrusion pattern protruding from the gate line, and the protrusion pattern may be formed at a region corresponding to where the recess portion is formed. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the photoresist may be patterned by the following process. A mask is disposed over the photoresist. The mask may have a slit disposed at a position where the recess portion is to be formed. The photoresist is exposed to external light, and developed to form the color filter layer. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel. According to the method, a first substrate including a color filter layer is formed. The color filter layer covers a thin-film transistor formed on a first base substrate. A second substrate including a shading layer, a first spacer and a second spacer is formed. The shading layer is formed on a portion of a second base substrate. The first spacer is formed on the shading layer to make contact with the first substrate. The second spacer is disposed at a region where the shading layer is not formed. Liquid crystal molecules are dropped on the first substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are combined so that the first spacer makes contact with the first substrate and the second substrate is disposed over the recess portion. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the second substrate may be formed by patterning the shading layer to have a perforated hole exposing a portion of the second base substrate and forming the second spacer in the perforated hole. 
     According to some example embodiments of the present invention, although a liquid crystal display panel has a COA structure, a second spacer may be separated from a substrate by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel having the COA structure may employ the dual spacer. 
     Accordingly, a stress applied from an exterior may be uniformly dispersed, and liquid crystal molecules may be regularly distributed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged partial plan view of the portion “A” corresponding to a portion of a first substrate illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel taken along lines I-I′ in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel taken along lines II-II′ in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with still another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, 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 first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Example embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized example embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged partial plan view of the portion “A” corresponding to a portion of a first substrate illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel taken along lines I-I′ in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , a liquid crystal display panel  500  includes a first substrate  100 , a second substrate  200  and a liquid crystal layer  300  interposed between the first and second substrates  100  and  200 . 
     A gate pattern  120  is formed on a first base substrate  110  of the first substrate  100 . The gate pattern  120  includes a plurality of gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn extending in a first direction, and a gate electrode  121  extending from the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn. Herein, ‘n’ represents a natural number larger than one. The gate electrode  121  is a control electrode through which a control signal controlling a switching element is applied to the switching element. 
     A data pattern  150  is formed on the first base substrate  110 . The data pattern  150  includes a plurality of data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm extending in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a source electrode  151  extending from the data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm, and a drain electrode  153  separated from the source electrode  151 . Herein, ‘m’ represents a natural number larger than three. The source electrode  151  is an input electrode through which a data signal is applied to a switching element, and the drain electrode  153  is an output electrode through which a signal corresponding to the data signal is outputted. The gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  constitute a thin-film transistor (TFT) that is a kind of switching element. 
     The first substrate  100  is divided into a plurality of pixel regions. In an example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the TFT may be formed in each pixel region of the first substrate  100 . A storage line (not illustrated) and a storage capacitor (not illustrated) may be further formed in the pixel region. 
     The first substrate  100  further includes a gate insulation layer  130  formed on the first base substrate  110  to cover the gate pattern  120 . For example, the gate insulation layer  130  may comprise silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). 
     A semiconductor layer  140  is formed between the gate electrode  121  and the source/drain electrodes  151  and  153 . The semiconductor layer  140  may include an active layer  141  and an ohmic contact layer  143 . For example, the active layer  141  may comprise amorphous silicon, and the ohmic contact layer  143  may comprise amorphous silicon doped with n+ ions. Herein, a portion of the semiconductor layer  140  formed on the gate electrode  121  is generally referred to as a channel layer  140  for forming a channel of the TFT. 
     A passivation layer  160  may be formed on the source/drain electrodes  151  and  153  of the TFT. 
     In one example embodiment, the pixel regions include a first red pixel region R 1 , a second red pixel region R 2 , a third red pixel region R 3 , a first green pixel region G 1 , a second green pixel region G 2 , a third green pixel region G 3 , a first blue pixel region B 1 , a second blue pixel region B 2  and a third blue pixel region B 3 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the red, green and blue pixel regions are successively arranged in the first direction. For example, the first green pixel region G 1  is arranged next to the first red pixel region R 1 , and the first blue pixel region B 1  is arranged next to the first green pixel region G 1  along the first direction. However, the sequence order of the arrangement of the color pixel regions is not limited to the above-described order. In another example embodiment, the color pixel regions may be alternately arranged in both first and second directions. For example, the first red pixel region R 1 , the first green pixel region G 1  and the first blue pixel region B 1  may be successively arranged in the first direction, and the first red pixel region R 1 , the second green pixel region G 2  and the third blue pixel region B 3  may be successively arranged in the second direction. 
     The first substrate  100  further includes a color filter layer  170  that covers the TFT including the gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , only a blue color filter layer  170  formed in the second blue pixel region B 2  is illustrated since  FIG. 3  shows a cross-section of the second blue pixel region B 2 . 
     Although not illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , it will be understood that not only the blue color filter layer  170 , but also a red color filter layer (not illustrated) and a green color filter layer (not illustrated) are formed at the red pixel regions R 1 , R 2  and R 3  and at the green pixel regions G 1 , G 2  and G 3 , respectively. Just like the blue color filter layer  170  is formed to cover the TFT at the blue pixel regions B 1 , B 2  and B 3 , the red color filter layer and the green color filter layer may also be formed to cover the TFT at the red pixel regions R 1 , R 2  and R 3  and at the green pixel regions G 1 , G 2  and G 3 , respectively. 
     In an example embodiment, a capping layer (not illustrated) may be formed on the color filter layer  170 . The capping layer prevents ion impurities generated in the color filter layer  170  from penetrating into the liquid crystal layer  300 . 
     A pixel electrode  180  may be formed on the color filter layer  170 . Examples of a transparent conductive material that may be used for the pixel electrode  180  include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZO), etc. The pixel electrode  180  is electrically connected to the drain electrode  153  of the TFT through a contact hole  190  that is perforated through the color filter layer  170 . 
     The second substrate  200  includes a common electrode  220  formed on a second base substrate  210 . Examples of a transparent conductive material that may be used for the common electrode  220  include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZO), etc. 
     The liquid crystal layer  300  includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules interposed between the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200 . An electric field generated between the pixel electrode  180  and the common electrode  220  changes an arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules to display an image. 
     The second substrate  200  further includes a first spacer  260  and a second spacer  270  that are formed on the second base substrate  210 . When the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  regularly maintain a distance between the first and second substrates  100  and  200 . 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first and second spacers  260  and  270  are fixed at the second substrate  200  so that the first and second spacers  260  and  270  are disposed at a desired position. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described structure, and the first spacer  260  or the second spacer  270  may not be fixed at the second substrate  200 . 
     A length or a shape of the first and second spacers  260  and  270  is not limited. However, in order to simplify a process, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may have substantially the same length. Further, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may have substantially the same shape. For example, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may have a shape of a column or a cylinder. 
     When the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the first spacer  260  makes contact with the first substrate  100 . In an example embodiment, the first spacer  260  is correspondingly disposed at a position where the TFT is formed, and makes contact with the first substrate  100 . However, the location of the first spacer  260  is not limited to the position where the TFT is formed. That is, the first spacer  260  may be disposed anywhere except in an area where optical efficiency is reduced. For example, the first spacer  260  may be disposed on the data line GLm, or it may be disposed on the storage line (not illustrated). 
     As described above, when the number of spacers is too small, a stress applied to each spacer is so large that the spacer may be easily transformed or broken down. Conversely, when the number of spacers is too large, the liquid crystal molecules may not be regularly distributed. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the liquid crystal display panel  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention employs the second spacer  270  for dispersing a stress. Further, to distribute the liquid crystal molecules, the second spacer  270  may be spatially separated from the first substrate  100  by a predetermined distance when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled. 
     In an example embodiment of the present invention, the color filter layer  170  may have a recess portion  175  recessed by a predetermined depth. The second spacer  270  is disposed at a portion corresponding to the recess portion  175  of the color filter layer  170 . Accordingly, when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the second spacer  270  is disposed over the recess portion  175 , so that the second spacer  270  is separated from the first substrate  100  by the recessed depth of the recess portion  175 . 
     The separation distance between the second spacer  270  and the first substrate  100 , i.e., the recessed depth of the recess portion  175 , may be adjusted in a process of forming the recess portion  175  as needed. For example, the recessed depth of the recess portion  175  may be relatively shallow. Alternatively, the color filter layer  170  may be perforated to form the recess portion  175 . 
     Although a shape of a cross section of the recess portion  175  taken in parallel with an upper surface of the first base substrate  110  is a square, the shape of the cross section of the recess portion  175  is not limited to a square. For example, the cross section of the recess portion  175  may have various shapes such as a pentagon, a hexagon, a circle, an ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the cross section of the recess portion  175  may be substantially the same as a cross section of the second spacer  270 . 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the recess portion  175  is formed over the gate line GLn, and the second spacer  270  is disposed over the gate line GLn. However, the position of the second spacer  270  is not limited to the above-described position. For example, the second spacer  270  may be disposed over the data line DLm, or it may be disposed over the storage line (not illustrated). Accordingly, a recess portion similar to the recess portion  175  may be formed over the data line DLm or the storage line corresponding to the position where the second spacer  270  is disposed. 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  are disposed adjacent to each other in the same pixel region such as the first blue pixel region B 1 , the second blue pixel region B 2 , etc. Alternatively, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may be disposed apart in different pixel regions. For example, the second spacer  270  may be disposed in the second green pixel region G 2 , while the first spacer  260  may be disposed in the second blue pixel region B 2 . In another example embodiment, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  are disposed in all pixel regions. As mentioned above, when the number of spacers is too large, the liquid crystal molecules may not be regularly distributed. Thus, the number and the position of the spacers  260  and  270  may be properly adjusted according to the field of applications. 
     When the recess portion  175  is formed at the color filter layer  170  to separate the second spacer  270  from the first substrate  100  by a predetermined distance, the thickness of the color filter layer  170  becomes thinner at the region where the recess portion  175  is formed. Thus, although not inevitable, light may leak through the region where the recess portion  175  is formed. The leakage of light may deteriorate the quality of the liquid crystal display panel. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion pattern  125  is formed under the recess portion  175  of the color filter layer  170  to prevent the leakage of light. 
     As described in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , when the recess portion  175  and the second spacer  270  are disposed over the gate line GLn, the protrusion pattern  125  protrudes in the second direction from the gate line GLn at a position corresponding to the position of the recess portion  175 . In an example embodiment, the protrusion pattern  125  may be formed together in a process for forming the gate pattern  120 , which includes the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn and the gate electrode  121 . That is, the gate pattern  120  may further include the protrusion pattern  125  comprising the same material as the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn and the gate electrode  121 . 
     In another example embodiment (not illustrated), when the recess portion  175  and the second spacer  270  are disposed over the data line DLm, an alternative protrusion pattern may protrude in the first direction from the data line DLm at a position corresponding to the position of the recess portion  175 . 
     A perimetric size of the protrusion pattern  125  may be properly adjusted according to a size of the recess portion  175  or an amount of the light leakage. In order to effectively prevent the leakage of light, according to an embodiment, the perimetric size of the protrusion pattern  125  may be the same as or larger than that of the recess portion  175 . 
     Although a shape of a cross section of the protrusion pattern  125  taken in parallel with an upper surface of the first base substrate  110  is a square according to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shape of the cross section of the protrusion pattern  125  is not limited to a square. For example, the cross section of the protrusion pattern  125  may have various shapes such as a pentagon, a hexagon, a circle, an ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the cross section of the protrusion pattern  125  may be substantially the same as the cross section of the recess portion  175  and/or the second spacer  270 . The protrusion pattern  125  may block light passing through the liquid crystal display panel and thus may reduce optical efficiency. Therefore, the size of the protrusion pattern  125  may be no larger than the size capable of preventing light from being leaked through the recess portion  175 . The size or shape of the protrusion pattern  125  may be properly optimized to prevent the leakage of light and minimize the reduction of optical efficiency. 
     As described above, the number of spacers  260  and  270  disposed in the liquid crystal display panel  500  may be properly adjusted as needed. When the second spacer  270  needs to be formed in every pixel region, the recess portion  175  may be also formed in every pixel region. Accordingly, the protrusion pattern  125  may be also formed in every pixel region. 
     When a required number of the second spacer  270  is smaller than the number of all the pixel regions, the second spacer  270  and the corresponding protrusion pattern  125  may be disposed at a position capable of minimizing the reduction of optical efficiency. For example, when the required number of the second spacer  270  is one third of the number of the entire pixel regions, the second spacer  270  and the protrusion pattern  125  may be disposed only in every blue pixel region, because transmittance of the blue pixel region is the lowest. Since the transmittance of the blue pixel region is lower than that of the red pixel region and the green pixel region, the reduction rate of optical efficiency caused by the protrusion pattern  125  may be lowest in the blue pixel region. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. That is, the second spacer  270  and the protrusion pattern  125  may be formed not only in the blue pixel regions B 1 , B 2  and B 3 , but also in the red pixel regions R 1 , R 2  and R 3  or in the green pixel regions G 1 , G 2  and G 3 , as needed. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3  according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4 , a gate pattern  120  is formed on a first base substrate  110  of a first substrate  100 . The gate pattern  120  includes a plurality of gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn and a gate electrode  121  extending from the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn. In an example embodiment, the gate pattern  120  may further include a protrusion pattern  125  protruding from the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn, corresponding to a region where a recess portion  175  is to be formed. Further, a data pattern  150  is formed on the base substrate  110 . The data pattern  150  includes a plurality of data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm, a source electrode  151  extending from the data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm, and a drain electrode  153  separated from the source electrode  151 . The gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  constitute a TFT that is a kind of switching element. 
     A gate insulation layer  130  covering the gate pattern  120  may be further formed on the first substrate  100 . A semiconductor layer  140  may be formed between the gate electrode  121  and the source/drain electrodes  151  and  153 . A passivation layer  160  may be formed on the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  of the TFT. 
     A photoresist  172  is deposited on the first substrate  100  to cover the TFT. The photoresist  172  may include a dye or a pigment. For example, a red dye or a red pigment may be used to form a red color filter layer, and a green dye or a green pigment may be used to form a green color filter layer. Likewise, a blue dye or a blue pigment may be used to form a blue color filter layer. 
     In an example embodiment, the photoresist  172  includes a photosensitive material. For example, the photoresist  172  may include a negative type photoresist, and thus an exposed portion of the photoresist  172  remains and a shaded portion of the photoresist  172  may be removed by a developing agent. 
     A mask  400  is disposed over the first substrate  100  on which the photoresist  172  is deposited. The mask  400  may include a transparent portion  410  for forming a color filter layer, a slit pattern  430  corresponding to a position where a recess portion  175  (illustrated by a perforated line) is to be formed, and a shading portion  450  corresponding to a position where a contact hole  190  (illustrated by a perforated line) is to be formed. 
     The photoresist  172  is exposed to light irradiated from an exterior over the mask  400 . The transparent portion  410  transmits the light, and the shading portion  450  blocks the light. The slit pattern  430  partially transmits the light. The size of the slit pattern  430  or an interval between silts may be adjusted to control the amount of the transmitted light. 
     Since the photoresist  172  is a negative type, a color filter layer is formed at a portion exposed to the light, and a shaded portion is removed by a developing agent. Accordingly, the contact hole  190  is formed at the portion corresponding to the shading portion  450  of the mask  400 , and the recess portion  175  is formed at the portion corresponding to the slit pattern  430 . The extent of the light passing through the slit pattern  430  may be controlled to adjust a recessed depth of the recess portion  175 . The recessed depth of the recess portion  175  may be determined in the process of forming the recess portion  175  as needed. 
     In an example embodiment, an interval between slits may be narrow in a center portion of the slit pattern  430  and broad in a peripheral portion thereof. Accordingly, relatively less light may pass through the center portion of the slit pattern  430 , and relatively more light may pass through the peripheral portion of the slit pattern  430 . Therefore, the photoresist  172  corresponding to the center portion of the slit pattern  430  is relatively more removed, and the photoresist  172  corresponding to the peripheral portion of the slit pattern  430  is relatively less removed. That is, the recess portion  175  may have an inclined wall. 
     In another example embodiment, a shading layer may substitute for the slit pattern  430  to form a recess portion perforating the color filter layer. Alternatively, a halftone mask having a translucent layer may substitute for the mask  400  having the slit pattern  430 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention further includes forming a second substrate  200  that includes a first spacer  260  and a second spacer  270 . The first spacer  260  is formed on a second base substrate  210  to make contact with the first substrate  100 . The second spacer  270  is disposed at a position corresponding to the recess portion  175 . 
     In an example embodiment, an organic photosensitive material (not illustrated) may be deposited on the second base substrate  210 , and the organic photosensitive material may be patterned to form the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270 . 
     Liquid crystal molecules are disposed on the first substrate  100 . For example, the disposition of the liquid crystal molecules may be performed by an apparatus for dropping a liquid crystal molecule. 
     The first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled so that the first spacer  260  makes contact with the first substrate  100  and the second spacer  270  is disposed over the recess portion  175 . 
     When the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the second spacer  270  is disposed over the recess portion  175 , and thus the second spacer  270  is separated from the first substrate  100  by a recessed depth of the recess portion  175 . As described above, the recessed depth of the recess portion  175  may be adjusted by controlling the amount of light incident on the photoresist  172 . 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     The liquid crystal display panel  600  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 5  may have substantially the same structure as the liquid crystal display panel  500  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , except for the sequence order of the arrangement of the red, green and blue color pixel regions, dispositions of spacers and the position of a protrusion pattern. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements, and any further descriptions concerning the same or similar elements as those described in  FIGS. 1 to 3  will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , a liquid crystal display panel  600  includes a first substrate  100 , a second substrate  200  and a liquid crystal layer  300  interposed between the first and second substrates  100  and  200 . 
     A gate pattern  120  is formed on the first substrate  100 . The gate pattern  120  includes a plurality of gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn extending in a first direction, and a gate electrode  121  extending from the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn. Herein, ‘n’ represents a natural number larger than one. Further, a data pattern  150  is formed on the first substrate  100 . The data pattern  150  includes a plurality of data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a source electrode  151  extending from the data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm, and a drain electrode  153  separated from the source electrode  151 . Herein, ‘m’ represents a natural number larger than three. The gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  constitute a TFT that is a kind of switching element. 
     The liquid crystal display panel  600  is divided into a plurality of pixel regions. In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the TFT may be formed in each pixel region. The pixel regions include a first red pixel region R 1 , a second red pixel region R 2 , a third red pixel region R 3 , a first green pixel region G 1 , a second green pixel region G 2 , a third green pixel region G 3 , a first blue pixel region B 1 , a second blue pixel region B 2  and a third blue pixel region B 3 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the red, green and blue pixel regions are alternately arranged in both the first direction and the second direction. That is, color pixel regions having the same color are not arranged adjacent to each other. For example, when the second red pixel region R 2 , the second green pixel region G 2  and the second blue pixel region B 2  are sequentially arranged in the first direction, the first red pixel region R 1  is arranged above the second blue pixel region B 2 , and the third green pixel region G 3  is arranged below the second blue pixel region B 2 . That is, the first red pixel region R 1 , the second blue pixel region B 2  and the third green pixel region G 3  are sequentially arranged in the second direction in the liquid crystal display panel  600  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 5  unlike the liquid crystal display panel  500  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     The first substrate  100  further includes a color filter layer  170  that covers the TFT including the gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153 . The color filter layer  170  has been already described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , and thus further descriptions will be omitted. 
     The liquid crystal display panel  600  further includes a first spacer  260  and a second spacer  270 . The first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  maintain a distance between the first and second substrates  100  and  200 , regularly. When the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the first spacer  260  makes contact with the first substrate  100 . 
     In an example embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 5 , the first spacer  260  is disposed correspondingly at positions where the TFT is formed in the first, second and third red color pixel regions R 1 , R 2  and R 3 , and makes contact with the first substrate  100 . 
     The second spacer  270  is disposed over the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn formed in the first, second and third blue color pixel regions B 1 , B 2  and B 3 . That is, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  are disposed in different color pixel regions, respectively. Accordingly, a distance between the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  is relatively long, and the arrangement of the spacers  260  and  270  may be dispersed. When the arrangement of the spacers  260  and  270  is dispersed, a stress applied from an exterior may be regularly dispersed. 
     Similar to the example embodiment described with respect to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the color filter layer  170  of the liquid crystal display panel  600  may have a recess portion  175  recessed by a predetermined depth, and the second spacer  270  may be disposed at a portion corresponding to the recess portion  175  of the color filter layer  170 . Accordingly, when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the second spacer  270  is disposed over the recess portion  175 , so that the second spacer  270  is separated from the first substrate  100  by the recessed depth of the recess portion  175 . 
     When the recess portion  175  is formed at the color filter layer  170  to separate the second spacer  270  from the first substrate  100  by a predetermined distance, although not inevitable, light may leak through the region where the recess portion  175  is formed. The leakage of light may deteriorate the quality of the liquid crystal display panel. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion pattern  125  is formed to prevent the leakage of light. 
     When the second spacer  270  is disposed over the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn, a protrusion pattern  125  protruding in the second direction from the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn at a position corresponding to the position of the recess portion  175  is formed. In this example embodiment, the protrusion pattern  125  may be formed together in a process for forming the gate pattern  120 , which includes the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn and the gate electrode  121 . 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 5 , the recess portion  175  and the protrusion pattern  125  are formed in every pixel region, while the second spacers  270  are disposed only in the first, second and third blue pixel regions. When the color filter layer  170  is patterned by using one common mask, the patterns of the color filter layer  170  are all the same in every pixel region as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Therefore, the recess portion  175  and the protrusion pattern  125  are formed in every pixel region. Alternatively, when two masks different from each other are used instead of the common mask, the recess portion  175  and the protrusion pattern  125  may be formed only in the blue pixel regions B 1 , B 2  and B 3  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     A method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  600  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 5  may be substantially the same as the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  500  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 4 , except for the sequence order of the arrangement of the red, green and blue color pixel regions, dispositions of spacers and the disposition of a protrusion pattern. Therefore, any further descriptions will be omitted. 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view illustrating a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel taken along lines II-II′ in  FIG. 6 . 
     The liquid crystal display panel  700  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 , and  7  may have substantially the same structure as the liquid crystal display panel  500  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , except for dispositions of spacers and an absence of a protrusion pattern and a recess portion. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements, and any further descriptions concerning the same or similar elements as those described in  FIGS. 1 to 3  will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a liquid crystal display panel  700  includes a first substrate  100 , a second substrate  200  and a liquid crystal layer  300  interposed between the first and second substrates  100  and  200 . 
     A gate pattern  120  is formed on the first substrate  100 . The gate pattern  120  includes a plurality of gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn extending in a first direction, and a gate electrode  121  extending from the gate lines GLn- 1  and GLn. Herein, ‘n’ represents a natural number larger than one. Further, a data pattern  150  is formed on the first substrate  100 . The data pattern  150  includes a plurality of data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a source electrode  151  extending from the data lines DLm- 3 , DLm- 2 , DLm- 1  and DLm, and a drain electrode  153  separated from the source electrode  151 . Herein, ‘m’ represents a natural number larger than three. The gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  constitute a TFT that is a kind of switching element. 
     The first substrate  100  is divided into a plurality of pixel regions. The TFT may be formed in each pixel region of the first substrate  100 . The first substrate  100  may further include a gate insulation layer  130  formed on a first base substrate  110  to cover the gate pattern  120 . A channel layer  140  may be formed between the gate electrode  121  and the source/drain electrodes  151  and  153 . A passivation layer  160  may be formed on the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  of the TFT. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the green pixel regions G 1 , G 2  and G 3  are arranged next to the red pixel regions R 1 , R 2  and R 3 , respectively, and the blue pixel regions B 1 , B 2  and B 3  are arranged next to the green pixel regions G 1 , G 2  and G 3 , respectively. 
     The first substrate  100  further includes a color filter layer  170  that covers the TFT including the gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , only a blue color filter layer  170  formed in the second blue pixel region B 2  is illustrated since  FIG. 7  shows a cross section of the second blue pixel region B 2 . 
     A pixel electrode  180  may be formed on the color filter layer  170 . The pixel electrode  180  is electrically connected to the drain electrode  153  of the TFT through a contact hole  190  perforated through the color filter layer  170 . 
     The second substrate  200  includes a first spacer  260  and a second spacer  270 , both of which are formed on a second base substrate  210 . 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the first spacer  260  is correspondingly disposed at a position where the TFT is formed and makes contact with the first substrate  100 . However, the location of the first spacer  260  is not limited to the position to where the TFT is formed. 
     As described above, in order to regularly distribute liquid crystal molecules, the second spacer  270  is spatially separated from the first substrate  100  by a predetermined distance when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled. 
     In an example embodiment, the second spacer  270  is correspondingly disposed at a position where the contact hole  190  is formed. That is, when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the second spacer  270  is disposed over the contact hole  190  so that it is separated from the first substrate  100  by the recessed depth of the contact hole  190 . In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 7 , unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , an additional recessed portion is not formed at the color filter layer  170 , and the contact hole  190  substitutes for the recessed portion. That is, the contact hole  190  may function similarly to the recessed portion  175  of  FIG. 3 . However, the position of the second spacer  270  is limited to the upper position of the contact hole  190 , and the recessed depth may be not adjusted as needed. 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  are disposed in the same pixel region, i.e., the first and second blue pixel regions B 1  and B 2 , and are disposed adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may be disposed in the different pixel regions. For example, when first spacer  260  is disposed in the second blue pixel region B 2 , the second spacer  270  may be disposed over a contact hole  190  in the second green pixel region G 2 . In another example embodiment, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may be disposed in every pixel region. As mentioned above, when the number of spacers is too large, the liquid crystal molecules may not be regularly distributed. Thus, the number and the position of the spacers  260  and  270  may be properly adjusted according to the field of applications. 
     A method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  700  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7  may be substantially the same as the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  500  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 4 , except that the second spacer  270  is disposed over the contact hole  190  and a protrusion pattern and a recess portion are not formed. Therefore, any further descriptions will be omitted. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     The liquid crystal display panel  800  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 8  may have substantially the same structure as the liquid crystal display panel  500  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , except that a protrusion pattern and a recess portion are not formed and a first spacer is disposed on a region where a shading layer is formed. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements, and any further descriptions concerning the same or similar elements as those described in  FIGS. 1 to 3  will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a liquid crystal display panel  800  includes a first substrate  100 , a second substrate  200  and a liquid crystal layer  300  interposed between the first and second substrates  100  and  200 . 
     A gate pattern  120  and a data pattern  150  are formed on a first base substrate  110  of the first substrate  100 . The gate pattern  120  includes a gate line GLn and a gate electrode  121 . The data pattern  150  includes a source electrode  151  and a drain electrode  153 . Th e gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  constitute a TFT that is a kind of switching element. 
     The first substrate  100  may further include a gate insulation layer  130  formed on a first base substrate  110  to cover the gate pattern  120 . A channel layer  140  may be formed between the gate electrode  121  and the source/drain electrodes  151  and  153 . A passivation layer  160  may be formed on the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153  of the TFT. 
     The first substrate  100  further includes a color filter layer  170  that covers the TFT including the gate electrode  121 , the source electrode  151  and the drain electrode  153 . A pixel electrode  180  may be formed on the color filter layer  170 . The pixel electrode  180  is electrically connected to the drain electrode  153  of the TFT through a contact hole  190  perforated through the color filter layer  170 . 
     The second substrate  200  includes a common electrode  220  formed on a second base substrate  210 , a shading layer  230  formed on a portion of the base substrate  210 , a first spacer  260  and a second spacer  270 . 
     In the example embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 8 , the first spacer  260  is disposed on the region where the shading layer  230  is formed. Further, the first spacer  260  makes contact with the first substrate  100  when the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled. The second spacer  270  is disposed at a region where the shading layer  230  is not formed, and is spatially separated from the first substrate  100  by a predetermined distance when the first and second substrates  100  and  200  are combined or coupled. 
     The second spacer  270  is disposed anywhere except in an area where the shading layer  230  is formed. For example, when the shading layer  230  is not formed at a portion of the second substrate  200  facing the gate line GLn, the second spacer  270  may be disposed over the gate line GLn when the first and second substrates  100  and  200  are combined or coupled. When the shading layer  230  is not formed at a portion of the second substrate  200  facing a data line (not illustrated), the second spacer  270  may be disposed over the data line when the first and second substrates  100  and  200  are combined or coupled. 
     In an example embodiment, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may have substantially the same length. Further, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may have substantially the same shape. For example, the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may have a shape of a column or a cylinder. When the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  have substantially the same length, a separation distance between the first spacer  260  and the second spacer  270  may be substantially the same as the thickness of the shading layer  230 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 8 , a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  800  will be described according to an embodiment. A TFT is formed on the first substrate  100 , and a color filter layer  70  is formed to cover the TFT. The method of forming the first substrate  100  may be substantially the same as the method of forming the first substrate  100  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , except that a protrusion pattern (element  125  of  FIG. 3 ) is not formed at the color filter layer  170 . Therefore, any further descriptions will be omitted. 
     To form the shading layer  230  on the second substrate  200 , a metal such as chromium or an organic material is coated on the second base substrate  210 , and the metal or the organic material is patterned to form the shading layer  230 . The shading layer  230  is formed on a portion of the second base substrate  210 . A common electrode  220  is formed on the second base substrate  210  to cover the shading layer  230 . Alternatively, the common electrode  220  may be previously formed on the second base substrate  210 , and the shading layer  230  may be formed on the common electrode  220 . 
     A first spacer  260  is formed on a region of the second base substrate  210  where the shading layer  230  is formed, and a second spacer  270  is formed on a region where the shading layer  230  is not formed. Accordingly, the second substrate  200  is completed. 
     Liquid crystal molecules are disposed on the first substrate  100 . For example, the disposition of the liquid crystal molecules may be performed by an apparatus for dropping liquid crystal molecules. After the liquid crystal molecules are dropped on the first substrate  100 , the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled. When the first substrate  100  and the second substrate  200  are combined or coupled, the first spacer  260  makes contact with the first substrate  100  and the second spacer  270  is separated from the first substrate  100 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with still another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     The liquid crystal display panel  900  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 9  may have substantially the same structure as the liquid crystal display panel  800  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , except that a second substrate  200  of the liquid crystal display panel  900  includes a shading layer  230  having a perforated hole  235  that exposes a portion of a second base substrate  210 . Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements described in  FIG. 8 , and any further descriptions concerning the same or similar elements as those will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the second substrate  200  of the liquid crystal display panel  900  includes a shading layer  230  having a perforated hole  235  that exposes a portion of a second base substrate  210 . 
     For example, when it is necessary for the shading layer  230  to be formed around a region where the second spacer  270  is disposed, a portion of the shading layer  230  may be removed to form the perforated hole  235 , in order to generate a step difference. The second spacer  270  is disposed in the perforated hole  235 . In a process for patterning the shading layer  230 , a mask having a pattern corresponding to the portion of the perforated hole  235  is used to form the shading layer  230  having the perforated hole  235 . 
     A method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel  900  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 9  may be substantially the same as the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel described with reference to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4  and  8 , except that the shading layer  230  is patterned to have the perforated hole  235  and the second spacer  270  is disposed in the perforated hole  235 . Therefore, any further descriptions will be omitted. 
     According to some example embodiments of the present invention, a first spacer  260  making contact with a first substrate  100  and a second spacer  270  separated from the first substrate  100  are formed on a second substrate  200 . Therefore, a stress applied from an exterior may be uniformly dispersed, and liquid crystal molecules may be regularly distributed. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present disclosure and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present disclosure and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.