Backlight unit and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a backlight unit and a display device. The display device includes a backlight unit, which can provide a backlight unit provided with a light source unit. The light source unit includes a light source and a light reflector surrounding the light source, and includes at least one of a light reflection pattern, a light diffusion pattern, or a light source protective layer including a color conversion material. Since the exposed electrode layer on the substrate is covered by the light reflector, light efficiency can be improved by reducing reflection losses caused by the electrode layer. Furthermore, the manufacturing efficiency of the backlight unit can be improved through the various functions provided by the light source unit, and a backlight unit with a thin thickness can be provided.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0091869, filed on July 13, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to backlight units and display devices. Background Technology

[0004] The development of the information society has led to an increased demand for display devices used to display images, as well as for various types of display devices (e.g., liquid crystal displays, organic light-emitting displays, etc.).

[0005] A liquid crystal display device may include a display panel and a light source device, such as a backlight unit, that supplies light to the display panel. The backlight unit may include multiple light sources and various optical components.

[0006] Because liquid crystal display devices include a backlight unit, the overall thickness of the liquid crystal display device increases due to the backlight unit.

[0007] In the case of reducing the thickness of the backlight unit to reduce the thickness of the liquid crystal display device, the image quality of the backlight unit will be reduced due to insufficient optical clearance between the light source and the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a backlight unit and a display device including the backlight unit, the backlight unit being able to reduce losses that occur during the reflection of light emitted from a light source, reduce the overall thickness of the backlight unit, and improve image quality.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a backlight unit comprising: a substrate including a base layer, an electrode layer on at least a portion of the base layer, and a reflective layer on at least a portion of the electrode layer; and a plurality of light source units on the substrate, wherein the light source unit includes a light source, a light reflector surrounding the light source, and a light source protection layer on the light source and the light reflector.

[0010] The light source unit can be surrounded by a reflective layer, and can be independent of overlapping the reflective layer.

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a backlight unit comprising: a substrate; and a plurality of light source units on the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of light source units comprises: a light source; a light reflector surrounding the light source; a light source protective layer on the light source and the light reflector; and a light reflection pattern on the light source, wherein the light reflection pattern covers the light source and does not overlap with the light reflector.

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device including the aforementioned backlight unit and a display panel that supplies light from the backlight unit.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a backlight unit and a display device including the backlight unit can be provided, the backlight unit being able to reduce reflection loss caused by electrode layers exposed in areas where the reflective layer has been removed.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a backlight unit and a display device including the backlight unit can be provided, wherein the thickness of the backlight unit is reduced and the image quality of the backlight unit is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration included in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figures 2 to 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The plan view, cross-sectional view and bottom view of the light source unit shown;

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows the manufacturing process. Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of the method for the light source unit shown; and

[0020] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar components, even when these components are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein may be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions might make the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure particularly unclear. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “made of,” and “formed from” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, nouns without quantifiers are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this document, terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but only to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0023] When referring to a first element being "connected or coupled to" a second element, or "in contact with or overlapping" a second element, it should be understood that the first element can not only be "directly connected or coupled to" the second element or "directly in contact with or overlapping" a second element, but a third element can also be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected or coupled," "in contact with," or "overlapped" with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled," "in contact with," or "overlapped" with each other.

[0024] When using time-relative terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc., to describe the handling or operation of an element or configuration, or a process or step in an operation, handling, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe non-continuous or non-sequential handling or operation, unless the terms “directly” or “immediately after” are used together.

[0025] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., it should be assumed that the numerical values ​​or corresponding information (e.g., levels, ranges, etc.) of an element or feature include tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., processing factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.), even if no relevant description is specified. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0026] In the following, various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration included in a display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. All components of the display device 100 according to all embodiments of the present disclosure are operatively coupled and configured.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a gate driving circuit 120, a data driving circuit 130 and a controller 140 for driving the display panel 110.

[0029] The display panel 110 may include: an effective area AA with multiple sub-pixels SP; and an ineffective area located outside the effective area AA.

[0030] Multiple gate lines GL and multiple data lines DL can be arranged on the display panel 110. Multiple sub-pixels SP can be located in the area where the gate lines GL and data lines DL intersect.

[0031] The gate drive circuit 120 is controlled by the controller 140 and sequentially outputs the scan signal to multiple gate lines GL arranged on the display panel 110, thereby controlling the driving timing of multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0032] The gate drive circuit 120 may include one or more gate driver integrated circuits (GDICs), and depending on the driving method, it may be located only on one side of the display panel 110, or it may be located on both sides of the display panel 110.

[0033] Each gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 110 via a tape-on-brush (TAB) method or a chip-on-glass (COG) method. Each GDIC can also be implemented using an in-panel gate-in-patch (GIP) method and then directly disposed on the display panel 110. In some cases, the GDIC can be integrated and disposed on the display panel 110. Alternatively, each GDIC can be implemented using a chip-on-film (COF) method, where components are mounted on a film connected to the display panel 110.

[0034] The data driving circuit 130 receives image data from the controller 140 and converts the image data into an analog data voltage Vdata. Then, the data driving circuit 130 outputs the data voltage Vdata to each data line DL according to the timing of the scan signal applied through the gate line GL, so that each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP emits light with a brightness according to the image data.

[0035] The data drive circuit 130 may include one or more source driver integrated circuits (SDICs).

[0036] Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) may include a shift register, latch circuit, digital-to-analog converter, output buffer, etc.

[0037] Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 110 via a tape-on-board (TAB) method or a chip-on-glass (COG) method. Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be directly disposed on the display panel 110. In some cases, the source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be integrated and disposed on the display panel 110. Alternatively, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be implemented using a chip-on-film (COF) method. In this case, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be mounted on a film connected to the display panel 110 and can be electrically connected to the display panel 110 via wiring on the film.

[0038] The controller 140 supplies various control signals to the gate drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130, and controls the operation of the gate drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130.

[0039] The controller 140 can be mounted on a printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit, etc., and can be electrically connected to the gate drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130 through the printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit, etc.

[0040] The controller 140 can allow the gate drive circuit 120 to output a scan signal according to the timing implemented in each frame. The controller 140 can convert the data signal received from the outside to conform to the data signal format used in the data drive circuit 130, and then output the converted image data to the data drive circuit 130.

[0041] The controller 140 receives various timing signals, including vertical synchronization signal VSYNC, horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, input data enable signal DE, clock signal CLK, etc., as well as image data from an external source (e.g., a host system).

[0042] The controller 140 can generate various control signals using various timing signals received from the outside, and can output the control signals to the gate drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130.

[0043] For example, in order to control the gate drive circuit 120, the controller 140 can output various gate control signals GCS, including the gate start pulse GSP, the gate shift clock GSC, the gate output enable signal GOE, etc.

[0044] The gate start pulse (GSP) controls the start timing of operation of one or more gate driver integrated circuits (GDICs) constituting the gate drive circuit 120. The gate shift clock (GSC), which serves as a common input to one or more gate driver integrated circuits (GDICs), controls the shift timing of the scan signal. The gate output enable signal (GOE) specifies timing information for one or more gate driver integrated circuits (GDICs).

[0045] In addition, in order to control the data drive circuit 130, the controller 140 can output various data control signals DCS, including the source start pulse SSP, the source sampling clock SSC, and the source output enable signal SOE.

[0046] The source start pulse SSP controls the data sampling start timing of one or more source driver integrated circuits (SDICs) constituting the data drive circuit 130. The source sampling clock SSC is a clock signal used to control the timing of the sampled data in each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC). The source output enable signal SOE controls the output timing of the data drive circuit 130.

[0047] The display device 100 may also include a power management integrated circuit, which is used to supply various voltages or currents to the display panel 110, the gate driving circuit 120, the data driving circuit 130, etc., or to control the various voltages or currents to be supplied to the display panel 110, the gate driving circuit 120, the data driving circuit 130, etc.

[0048] Depending on the type of display device 100, liquid crystal or light-emitting elements may be disposed on sub-pixels SP included in the display panel 110.

[0049] When the display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device, the display device 100 may include a backlight unit that supplies light to the display panel 110.

[0050] The backlight unit may include elements that emit light, as well as various optical components that improve the efficiency of the light emitted from the elements.

[0051] Because various optical components are placed on the light-emitting element, the thickness of the backlight unit may increase.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure can provide a method for maintaining and improving the image quality displayed by the backlight unit while reducing the thickness of the backlight unit.

[0053] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can provide a method for improving the light efficiency of a backlight unit by minimizing the loss of light emitted from the element during the process of light reflection.

[0054] Figures 2 to 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The plan view, cross-sectional view and bottom view of the light source unit are shown.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 The backlight unit may include: multiple light source units 210 including a light source 211; and various optical components.

[0056] Multiple light source units 210 can be disposed on the substrate 200.

[0057] For example, substrate 200 can be a printed circuit board. Substrate 200 can be a flexible printed circuit. In some cases, substrate 200 can be a substrate made of glass. Substrate 200 is not limited to this and can be various types of substrates on which the light source unit 210 can be mounted.

[0058] The substrate 200 may include a base layer 201, an electrode layer 202, and a reflective layer 203.

[0059] Electrode layer 202 may be disposed on base layer 201. Electrode layer 202 may be disposed on at least a portion of base layer 201.

[0060] The electrode layer 202 can be electrically connected to the light source 211 and can perform wiring functions.

[0061] A reflective layer 203 may be disposed on a portion of the electrode layer 202. A portion of the reflective layer 203 disposed on the electrode layer 202 may be removed to expose the electrode layer 202. The exposed portion of the electrode layer 202 may be used for electrical connection of the light source 211.

[0062] The light source unit 210 may include a light source 211, a light reflector 212, and a light source protective layer 213.

[0063] The light source 211 may include a light-emitting portion 211a for emitting light and an electrode portion 211b for supplying electrical signals. The electrode portion 211b may be electrically connected to the electrode layer 202 of the substrate 200.

[0064] For example, the light source 211 can be a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source 211 can be a small LED with a size of hundreds of μm, or it can be a micro LED with a size of tens of μm.

[0065] The light reflector 212 can be configured to surround the light source 211.

[0066] At least a portion of the light reflector 212 may be located in the area where the reflective layer 203 is not disposed. At least a portion of the light reflector 212 may be located in the area other than the area overlapping with the light reflective layer 203.

[0067] The light reflector 212 can be made of a material having a reflectivity greater than or equal to a certain level (e.g., 90%). For example, the light reflector 212 can be made of EMC (epoxy molding compound), white silicone, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0068] The reflectivity of the light reflector 212 can be greater than that of the electrode layer 202.

[0069] The reflective layer 203 can be removed to make an electrical connection between the light source 211 and the electrode layer 202, and a portion of the electrode layer 202 can be exposed. The electrode layer 202 can be made of metal, and therefore the electrode layer 202 can have a lower reflectivity compared to the reflective layer 203. Light loss reaching the electrode layer 202 may occur.

[0070] Since the light reflector 212 is located in the area where the reflective layer 203 has been removed and the electrode layer 202 is exposed, the light loss rate reflected by the light reflector 212 can be reduced. As the light loss rate decreases, the overall light efficiency of the backlight unit can be improved.

[0071] The light reflector 212 may have an inclined inner surface.

[0072] The inner surface of the light reflector 212 can be designed to have various angles for effectively reflecting light emitted from the light source 211.

[0073] There may be space between the light reflector 212 and the light source 211.

[0074] The light reflector 212 and the light source 211 can be positioned separately from each other by a certain space in order to effectively reflect and guide the light emitted from the light source 211.

[0075] Since the light reflector 212 is disposed in the area where the reflective layer 203 is not disposed, the light reflector 212 can be located between the reflective layer 203 and the light source 211. The space or distance between the light source 211 and the light reflector 212 can be smaller than the space or distance between the light source 211 and the reflective layer 203.

[0076] In some cases, a portion of the reflective layer 203 may be disposed on a portion of the area between the light reflector 212 and the electrode layer 202.

[0077] Depending on the structure or processing method by which the electrode portion 211b of the light source 211 connects to the electrode layer 202 of the substrate 200, there may be some space between the light source unit 210 and the electrode layer 202. A reflective layer 203 can be disposed between the light source unit 210 and the electrode layer 202, and can compensate for the height difference. In this case, the area where only the electrode layer 202 is disposed, without the reflective layer 203, can exist in a portion below the light reflector 212. Since the light reflector 212 covers the portion of the exposed electrode layer 202, light reflection loss caused by the exposed electrode layer 202 can be reduced.

[0078] The light source protection layer 213 can be disposed on the light source 211 and the light reflector 212.

[0079] For example, the light source protective layer 213 may be made of a silicone-based resin, but is not limited to this.

[0080] The outer edge of the light source protective layer 213 can overlap with the outer edge of the light reflector 212.

[0081] The light source protective layer 213 can cover the top surface of the light source 211 and the light reflector 212, and can form a light source unit 210.

[0082] The top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can be convex, as in case A. The convex shape of the top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can improve the diffusion efficiency of light emitted from the light source 211.

[0083] The top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can be flat, as in case B. In some cases, if an additional configuration is provided on the top surface of the light source protection layer 213, the top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can have a flat shape.

[0084] A reflector 220 may be disposed on the substrate 200. The reflector 220 may be disposed on at least a portion of the area other than the area on the substrate 200 where the light source unit 210 is disposed.

[0085] The reflector 220 may include multiple holes. Each of the multiple holes may correspond to an area where the light source unit 210 is disposed. The light source unit 210 may be disposed inside the holes of the reflector 220.

[0086] The light source unit 210 can be disposed on the substrate 200, and the reflector 220 can be disposed on the substrate 200. For example, the reflector 220 can be attached to the substrate 200 by tape 300.

[0087] The inner surface of the aperture of reflector 220 can be separated from the outer surface of light reflector 212. A portion of the reflective layer 203 can be located in the area between the inner surface of the aperture of reflector 220 and the outer surface of light reflector 212.

[0088] Because there is a space between the inner surface of the aperture of the reflector 220 and the outer surface of the light reflector 212, the reflector 220 including the aperture can be easily disposed on the substrate 200 on which the light source unit 210 is disposed. Since the reflective layer 203 is located in the area between the inner surface of the aperture of the reflector 220 and the outer surface of the light reflector 212, the electrode layer 202 is not exposed, and the loss rate can be prevented from increasing during the reflection or guidance of light.

[0089] A light guiding portion 230 can be provided on the light source unit 210 and the reflector 220.

[0090] The light guiding section 230 can ensure that the light emitted from the light source 211 can be fully guided within the space.

[0091] For example, the light guiding portion 230 can be made of a silicone-based resin. The light guiding portion 230 can be made of the same material as the light source protective layer 213.

[0092] The refractive index of the light guiding portion 230 can be the same as that of the light source protective layer 213.

[0093] Alternatively, the refractive index of the material constituting the light guiding portion 230 may be less than the refractive index of the material constituting the light source protective layer 213. When the refractive index of the material constituting the light source protective layer 213 is greater than or equal to the refractive index of the material constituting the light guiding portion 230, the diffusion efficiency of the light emitted from the light source 211 can be improved.

[0094] A protective film 240 may be provided on the light guiding portion 230. The protective film 240 may be a light-transmitting film, for example, it may be made of PET. In some cases, the protective film 240 may not be provided on the light guiding portion 230.

[0095] A light control film 250 can be set on the protective film 240.

[0096] The light control film 250 may include a base film 251 and a plurality of light control patterns 252, wherein the plurality of light control patterns 252 are disposed on at least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the base film 251.

[0097] The base film 251 can be a light-transmitting film, for example, it can be made of PET.

[0098] Each of the multiple light control patterns 252 can be positioned to correspond to the light source unit 210.

[0099] Since the light control pattern 252 is positioned to correspond to the light source unit 210, the light control pattern 252 can be located in the region where the intensity of the light emitted from the light source 211 is strongest.

[0100] The light control pattern 252 can be made of a material with high reflectivity, for example, it can be made of TiO2.

[0101] Most of the light reaching the light control pattern 252 can be reflected. At least some of the light reaching the light control pattern 252 can be transmitted through the light control pattern 252.

[0102] Light reaching the light control pattern 252 can be reflected, guided by the light guiding portion 230, and reflected by the reflector 220. Light can be supplied uniformly in areas where the amount of light is small due to the absence of a light source 211.

[0103] The light control film 250 can be disposed on the protective film 240 by an adhesive layer 260, which is disposed on the area where the light control pattern 252 is not positioned. An air layer may exist between the base film 251 and the protective film 240, in which the adhesive layer 260 and the light control pattern 252 are not positioned.

[0104] A diffuser plate 270, a color conversion sheet 280, and an optical sheet 290 can be disposed on the light control film 250.

[0105] Since the exposed area of ​​the electrode layer 202 of the substrate 200 is minimized by the light reflector 212 included in the light source unit 210, the degree of light loss during its reflection and light guidance can be reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, since the amount of light supplied to the area between the light source units 210 is increased by the light control pattern 252 provided on the light source unit 210, the uniformity of light in the area according to the backlight unit can be improved.

[0107] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may provide a backlight unit having a structure in which the light source unit 210 includes a configuration for extending the light emitted from the light source 211.

[0108] Reference Figure 3 Multiple light source units 210 can be provided on the substrate 200.

[0109] The reflector 220 can be disposed on at least a portion of the area where the light source unit 210 is not disposed. A light guiding portion 230 can be disposed on the light source unit 210 and the reflector 220.

[0110] Each of the multiple light source units 210 may include a light source 211, a light reflector 212 surrounding the light source 211, and a light source protective layer 213 disposed on the light source 211 and the light reflector 212.

[0111] Each of the multiple light source units 210 may include a light reflection pattern 214 located above the light source 211.

[0112] The light reflection pattern 214 can be disposed on the area including the region overlapping with the light source 211. The light reflection pattern 214 can be located between the top surface of the light source 211 and the top surface of the light source protective layer 213. The light reflection pattern 214 can be configured not to overlap with the light reflector 212.

[0113] The top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can be a raised shape, such as in case A, or it can be a flat shape, such as in case B.

[0114] The light-reflecting pattern 214 can be opaque. Alternatively, the light-reflecting pattern 214 can have very low transmittance.

[0115] The light-reflecting pattern 214 can have a reflectivity greater than or equal to a certain level (e.g., 90%). For example, the light-reflecting pattern 214 can be made by mixing silicone and TiO2. The ratio of silicone to TiO2 can vary depending on the reflectivity of the light-reflecting pattern 214.

[0116] Since the light reflection pattern 214 is located on the light source 211, the light emitted from the light source 211 can be reflected by the light reflection pattern 214.

[0117] Depending on the structure of the backlight unit, the vertical distance between the light reflection pattern 214 and the light source 211 can be different.

[0118] The light reflected by the light reflection pattern 214 can be reflected by the light reflector 212 and transferred to the upper region of the light source unit 210.

[0119] Furthermore, some of the light emitted from the light source 211 can be reflected by the reflector 220 and output on the light guiding section 230. Some of the light can be completely reflected on the top surface of the light guiding section 230, and can be guided inside the light guiding section 230 and reflected by the reflector 220 to be output on the light guiding section 230.

[0120] Since the light reflection pattern 214 is located inside the light source unit 210, the light control film 250 does not need to be set on the light guiding part 230.

[0121] A diffuser plate 270, a color conversion sheet 280, and an optical sheet 290 can be provided on the light guiding section 230.

[0122] Since the light control film 250 is not provided, the thickness of the backlight unit can be reduced.

[0123] Since the light reflection pattern 214 is located inside the light source unit 210, alignment between the light source 211 and the light reflection pattern 214 can be easily performed.

[0124] Therefore, the thickness of the backlight unit can be reduced, making the manufacturing process easier and improving the uniformity of light based on the area of ​​the backlight unit.

[0125] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, since the light source unit 210 includes a structure that expands the light output to the outside of the light source unit 210, the light efficiency of the light source unit 210 can be further improved.

[0126] Reference Figure 4 Multiple light source units 210 and reflectors 220 can be provided on the substrate 200.

[0127] Each of the multiple light source units 210 may include a light source 211, a light reflector 212, a light source protective layer 213, a light reflection pattern 214, and a light diffusion pattern 215.

[0128] A light diffusion pattern 215 can be set on the top surface of the light source protection layer 213.

[0129] The light diffusion pattern 215 can be a light-transmitting layer. The light diffusion pattern 215 can include a light-diffusing material. For example, the light diffusion pattern 215 can be made by adding light-diffusing functional powders, such as TiO2, Al2O3, or silicon dioxide, to silica gel.

[0130] The light diffusion pattern 215 can prevent damage to the light reflection pattern 214. The light diffusion pattern 215 can be located in the upper part of the light source unit 210 and can improve the diffusion efficiency of the light emitted from the light source 211.

[0131] The light diffusion pattern 215 can be disposed on the top surface of the light source protection layer 213 and can be positioned separately from the light reflection pattern 214. In this case, a portion of the light source protection layer 213 can be located between the light reflection pattern 214 and the light diffusion pattern 215.

[0132] In some cases, the light diffusion pattern 215 can be configured to contact the light reflection pattern 214.

[0133] Because of the light diffusion pattern 215, the top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can be flat. In some cases, the top surface of the light source protection layer 213 can be raised, and the light diffusion pattern 215 can be provided along the raised top surface of the light source protection layer 213.

[0134] The light reflector 212 may have a sloping inner surface, such as in case A.

[0135] Since the light diffusion efficiency is improved by the light diffusion pattern 215 in the upper part of the light source unit 210, the light reflector 212 can have a flat top surface similar to the reflector 220, for example, case B. The structure of the light reflector 212 according to case B can be applied to the above-mentioned light source unit 210. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The example mentioned.

[0136] The light guiding portion 230 can be disposed on the light source unit 210 and the reflector 220, but the light guiding portion 230 may not be disposed on the light source unit 210 and the reflector 220, for example... Figure 4 The example shown.

[0137] In this case, a diffuser plate support 400 can be provided on the reflector 220.

[0138] The diffuser plate 270 can be supported by the diffuser plate support 400. Color conversion sheet 280 and optical sheet 290, etc., can be disposed on the diffuser plate 270.

[0139] Since the diffuser support 400 supports the diffuser 270, an air layer can exist between the light source unit 210 and the diffuser 270. Due to the difference between the refractive index of the light source protective layer 213 and the refractive index of the air layer, the diffusion performance of light emitted to the outside of the light source unit 210 can be improved.

[0140] The light diffusion performance can be improved by the light diffusion pattern 215 located in the upper part of the light source unit 210 and the air layer located on the light diffusion pattern 215, and the light efficiency of the backlight unit can be improved.

[0141] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The plan view, cross-sectional view and bottom view of the light source unit 210 are shown in the figure.

[0142] For ease of description, the plan view of the light source unit 210 shows a structure omitting the light source protective layer 213 and the light diffusion pattern 215. For ease of description, the bottom view of the light source unit 210 shows a structure omitting the substrate 200.

[0143] The light source unit 210 can be disposed on a substrate 200 including a base layer 201, an electrode layer 202 and a reflective layer 203.

[0144] The light source unit 210 can be disposed on the area where the electrode layer 202 is exposed due to the removal of the reflective layer 203. The light reflector 212 included in the light source unit 210 can overlap with the exposed portion of the electrode layer 202.

[0145] For example, in the example shown in the plan view of the light source unit 210, the exposed portion of the electrode layer 202 can be minimized. This prevents an increase in the light loss rate emitted from the light source 211 due to the electrode layer 202.

[0146] The light reflector 212 can be positioned separately from the light source 211.

[0147] Because of the space between the light reflector 212 and the light source 211, the exposed portion of the electrode layer 202 can be located between the light reflector 212 and the light source 211.

[0148] For example, in the example shown in the bottom view of the light source unit 210, since the electrode portion 211b of the light source 211 and the light reflector 212 are separate from each other, the electrical connection between the electrode portion 211b and the electrode layer 202 can be easily performed.

[0149] The arrangement of the light source 211 on the substrate 200 can be easily implemented, and a structure that minimizes the reflection loss caused by the electrode layer 202 can be provided.

[0150] Furthermore, the light reflection pattern 214 and light diffusion pattern 215 located in the upper part of the light source unit 210 can reduce the thickness of the backlight unit, simplify the structure, and improve the light uniformity and light efficiency of the backlight unit.

[0151] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows the manufacturing process. Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of the method of the light source unit 210 shown.

[0152] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, the process of manufacturing the light source unit 210 can be performed as a first process ( Figure 6 Example) and second process ( Figure 7 (Example).

[0153] Reference Figure 6 The light source 211 can be placed on the film 600 used to manufacture the light source unit (step 1).

[0154] The first material 610 can be placed on the light source 211 (step 2).

[0155] The first material 610 may be a material used to form part of the light source protective layer 213 included in the light source unit 210. For example, the first material 610 may be made of a silicone-based resin.

[0156] The second material 620 can be placed on the first material (step 3).

[0157] The second material 620 can be a material used to form the light reflection pattern 214 included in the light source unit 210. For example, the second material 620 can be made by mixing silicone and TiO2.

[0158] After setting the second material 620, cutting can be performed for each light source 211 (step 4).

[0159] A first portion 210a of a light source unit 210 can be manufactured. The first portion 210a of the light source unit 210 includes a light source 211, a first portion 213a of a light source protective layer 213 surrounding the light source 211, and a light reflection pattern 214 disposed on the first portion 213a of the light source protective layer 213.

[0160] For example, the first part 210a of the light source unit 210 can be hexahedral in shape, but is not limited to this.

[0161] Since the cutting is performed while the second material 620 is placed on the first material 610, the light reflection pattern 214 can overlap with the first portion 213a of the light source protection layer 213.

[0162] After manufacturing the first part 210a of the light source unit 210, subsequent processes can be performed.

[0163] Reference Figure 7 The third material 630 can be placed on the film 600 used to manufacture the light source unit (step 1).

[0164] The third material 630 may be a material used to construct the light reflector 212 included in the light source unit 210. The third material 630 may be a material with a reflectivity greater than or equal to a certain level, such as EMC, white silicone, etc.

[0165] The first portion 210a of the pre-manufactured light source unit 210 can be disposed on the area of ​​the film 600 used to manufacture the light source unit where the third material 630 is not disposed (step 2).

[0166] Since the first part 210a of the light source unit 210 is disposed on the area where the third material 630 is not disposed, the light reflection pattern 214 can be located on the area where it does not overlap with the light reflector 212 made of the third material 630.

[0167] After the first part 210a of the light source unit 210 is set, the fourth material 640 and the fifth material 650 can then be set (step 3).

[0168] The fourth material 640 may be a material used to form the remaining portion of the light source protective layer 213 included in the light source unit 210.

[0169] The fourth material 640 may be the same material as the first material 610 constituting the first portion 213a of the light source protective layer 213. Alternatively, the fourth material 640 may be a material with a refractive index lower than that of the first material 610.

[0170] In addition, in some cases, the fourth material 640 may be a mixture that also includes materials different from the first material 610.

[0171] The fourth material 640 can be configured to cover the first portion 210a of the light source unit 210. Alternatively, in some cases, the fourth material 640 can be configured only on the area where the first portion 210a of the light source unit 210 is not located. In this case, the top surface of the fourth material 640 can be located on the same plane as the top surface of the light reflection pattern 214.

[0172] The fifth material 650 may be a material used to form the light diffusion pattern 215 included in the light source unit 210. For example, the fifth material 650 may be a material such as TiO2, Al2O3, or silicon dioxide added to silicone.

[0173] After setting the fourth material 640 and the fifth material 650, cutting can be performed (step 4).

[0174] A light source unit 210 can be manufactured, which includes a light source 211, a light reflector 212, a first part 213a and a second part 213b of a light source protective layer 213, a light reflection pattern 214 and a light diffusion pattern 215.

[0175] Since the cutting is performed while the fifth material 650 is disposed on the third material 630 and the fourth material 640, the outer edge of the light diffusion pattern 215 can overlap with the outer edge of the light reflector 212. The outer edge of the light diffusion pattern 215 can also overlap with the outer edge of the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213.

[0176] A backlight unit can be manufactured by arranging a light source unit 210 and a reflector 220 and various optical components on a substrate 200.

[0177] By setting the light reflector 212 on the periphery of the light source 211 and setting the light reflection pattern 214 and the light diffusion pattern 215 on the light source 211, the light efficiency of the light source unit 210 can be improved and the ease of processing can be improved.

[0178] Furthermore, since the first part 213a and the second part 213b of the light source protective layer 213 are set by a separate process, the light source unit 210 can be constructed differently by making the materials of the first part 213a and the second part 213b different.

[0179] For example, as mentioned above, by differentiating the refractive index of the first portion 213a and the second portion 213b of the light source protective layer 213, the diffusion performance of light emitted from the light source 211 can be improved.

[0180] Alternatively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a light source unit 210 supplying white light can be realized by providing a color conversion material in at least one of the first portion 213a or the second portion 213b of the light source protective layer 213.

[0181] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Reference Figure 8 The light source unit 210 and the reflector 220 can be disposed on the substrate 200. The diffuser plate support 400 can be disposed on the reflector 220. Alternatively, the light guiding portion 230 can be disposed on the light source unit 210 and the reflector 220, as in the example mentioned above.

[0183] The light source unit 210 may include a light source 211, a light reflector 212, and a light source protective layer 213. The light source unit 210 may include a light reflection pattern 214 and a light diffusion pattern 215 located on the light source 211.

[0184] The light source protection layer 213 may include a first portion 213a, which surrounds the light source 211 and is located in the area overlapping with the light reflection pattern 214. The light source protection layer 213 may include a second portion 213b, which surrounds the first portion 213a and the light reflection pattern 214 and is located in the area overlapping with the light diffusion pattern 215.

[0185] At least one of the first portion 213a or the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 may include a color conversion material.

[0186] For example, in case A, the first portion 213a of the light source protection layer 213 may include a color conversion material.

[0187] Alternatively, such as in case B, the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 may include a color conversion material. In some cases, both the first portion 213a and the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 may include a color conversion material.

[0188] Since the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 includes a color conversion material, some of the color conversion material can be located between the light reflection pattern 214 and the light diffusion pattern 215. In some cases, if the light reflection pattern 214 and the light diffusion pattern 215 are in contact, the color conversion material can be located in the peripheral area of ​​the first portion 213a of the light source protection layer 213.

[0189] Since the color conversion material is included in the first portion 213a or the second portion 213b of the light source protective layer 213, the wavelength of at least some of the light emitted from the light source 211 can be converted, and the light can be output to the outside of the light source unit 210. White light can be supplied by the light source unit 210.

[0190] If the second part 213b of the light source protection layer 213 includes a color conversion material, then light diffusion can be provided by the color conversion material.

[0191] In this case, such as case C, the light diffusion pattern 215 may not be provided on the second part 213b of the light source protection layer 213. Figure 7 In the example of the second process shown, the process of setting the fifth material 650 for constituting the light diffusion pattern 215 can be omitted.

[0192] Furthermore, the top surface of the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 can be a flat shape, such as in cases A, B, and C. However, in some cases, the top surface of the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 can be a raised shape, such as in case D.

[0193] Since a portion of the light source protection layer 213 of the light source unit 210 includes a color conversion material, the color conversion sheet 280 may not be required in the backlight unit.

[0194] By incorporating a light source unit 210 with color conversion material, processing can be made easier, the thickness of the backlight unit can be further reduced, and a backlight unit with improved light efficiency can be provided.

[0195] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above will be briefly described below.

[0196] An embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate 200, which includes a base layer 201, an electrode layer 202 disposed on at least a portion of the base layer 201, and a reflective layer 203 disposed on a portion of the electrode layer 202; and a plurality of light source units 210, each light source unit 210 being disposed on the substrate 200 and including a light source 211, a light reflector 212 surrounding the light source 211, and a light source protection layer 213 disposed on the light source 211 and the light reflector 212.

[0197] At least a portion of the light reflector 212 included in each of the plurality of light source units 210 may be located in a region other than the region overlapping with the reflective layer 203.

[0198] The space or distance between the light source 211 and the reflective layer 203 can be greater than the space or distance between the light source 211 and the light reflector 212. The light reflector 212 can be located between the area where the reflective layer 203 is set and the area where the light source 211 is set.

[0199] Alternatively, a portion of the reflective layer 203 may be located on a portion of the area between the light reflector 212 and the electrode layer 202.

[0200] Each of the plurality of light source units 210 may further include a light reflection pattern 214 located on the light source 211, disposed in a region including the region overlapping with the light source 211, and disposed in a region other than the region overlapping with the light reflector 212.

[0201] The light reflection pattern 214 can be located between the top surface of the light source 211 and the top surface of the light source protective layer 213.

[0202] Each of the plurality of light source units 210 may also include a light diffusion pattern 215 disposed on the top surface of the light source protective layer 213 and on a region including the region overlapping with the light source 211 and the light reflector 212.

[0203] The outer edge of the light diffusion pattern 215 can overlap with the outer edge of the light reflector 212.

[0204] A portion of the light source protection layer 213 may be located between the light reflection pattern 214 and the light diffusion pattern 215.

[0205] The light source protection layer 213 may include: a first portion 213a, which is disposed below the light reflection pattern 214 and in the area overlapping with the light reflection pattern 214; and a second portion 213b, which is configured to surround the light reflection pattern 214 and the first portion 213a and has an outer edge overlapping with the outer edge of the light reflector 212.

[0206] The refractive index of the first part 213a of the light source protection layer 213 can be greater than or equal to the refractive index of the second part 213b of the light source protection layer 213.

[0207] One of the first portion 213a and the second portion 213b of the light source protection layer 213 may include a color conversion material.

[0208] Some of the color conversion materials may be located between the light reflection pattern 214 and the top surface of the light source protection layer 213.

[0209] The backlight unit may also include a reflector 220 disposed on the substrate 200 and including a plurality of holes located in regions corresponding to each of the plurality of light source units 210, wherein the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes is separated from the outer surface of the light reflector 212.

[0210] A portion of the reflective layer 203 may be located in the area between the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes and the outer surface of the light reflector 212.

[0211] The top surface of reflector 220 can be flat, and the inner surface of light reflector 212 can be inclined.

[0212] A backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate 200; and a plurality of light source units 210 disposed on the substrate 200, wherein each of the plurality of light source units 210 includes: a light source 211; a light reflector 212 surrounding the light source 211; a light source protective layer 213 disposed on the light source 211 and the light reflector 212; and a light reflection pattern 214 located on the light source 211, disposed in a region including a region overlapping with the light source 211, and disposed in a region other than the region overlapping with the light reflector 212.

[0213] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure mentioned above, a backlight unit with improved processing ease can be provided by a light source unit 210, which includes a light source 211 and a light reflector 212 surrounding the light source 211, and also includes at least one of a light reflection pattern 214, a light diffusion pattern 215, or a light source protective layer 213 including a color conversion material.

[0214] Since the light reflector 212 covers a portion of the portion of the electrode layer 202 exposed on the substrate 200, the reflection loss caused by that portion of the exposed electrode layer 202 can be reduced, and the light efficiency of the backlight unit can be improved.

[0215] Since the light reflection pattern 214, the light diffusion pattern 215, and the light source protective layer 213 including the color conversion material are included in the light source unit 210, the number of various optical components disposed on the light source 211 can be reduced. Therefore, manufacturing errors can be reduced, and a backlight unit with a thinner thickness can be provided.

[0216] The foregoing description has been presented to enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the technical concepts of this disclosure, and has been provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description and figures provide examples of the technical concepts of this disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but should have the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within their equivalent scope should be interpreted as included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel; and a backlight unit configured to supply light to the display panel, wherein the backlight unit comprises: a substrate including a base layer, an electrode layer on at least a portion of the base layer, and a reflective layer on at least a portion of the electrode layer; a plurality of light source units on the substrate, the light source unit including a light source, a light reflector surrounding the light source, and a light source protection layer on the light source and the light reflector; and a light diffusion pattern on the light source protection layer, wherein the light source unit is surrounded by the reflective layer and does not overlap the reflective layer, wherein each of the plurality of light source units further includes a light reflection pattern on the light source, and the light reflection pattern covers the light source and does not overlap the light reflector, wherein the backlight unit further includes a reflector on the substrate, and the reflector includes a plurality of holes on an area corresponding to each of the plurality of light source units, wherein an inner surface of each of the plurality of holes is separated from an outer surface of the light reflector, wherein the light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light reflector, and wherein the light diffusion pattern is a transparent layer to which a light diffusion function powder is added. A distance between the light source and the reflective layer is greater than a distance between the light source and the light reflector.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light reflector is disposed between the reflective layer and the light source.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light reflection pattern is disposed between a top surface of the light source and a top surface of the light source protection layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light source.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein An outer edge of the light diffusion pattern overlaps an outer edge of the light reflector.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A portion of the light source protection layer is disposed between the light reflection pattern and the light diffusion pattern.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light source protection layer includes:

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a first portion disposed below the light reflection pattern and on an area overlapping the light reflection pattern; and a second portion disposed to surround the light reflection pattern and the first portion and having an outer edge overlapping an outer edge of the light reflector. A refractive index of the first portion of the light source protection layer is greater than or equal to a refractive index of the second portion of the light source protection layer.

9. The display device of claim 8, wherein, One of the first portion of the light source protection layer and the second portion of the light source protection layer includes a color conversion material.

10. The display device of claim 8, wherein, Some of the color conversion material is located between the light reflection pattern and a top surface of the light source protection layer.

11. The display device of claim 10, wherein, A portion of the reflective layer is disposed on an area between an inner surface of each of the plurality of holes and an outer surface of the light reflector.

12. The display device of claim 1, wherein, A top surface of the reflector is flat and an inner surface of the light reflector is inclined.

13. The display device of claim 1, wherein, 14.A backlight unit comprising: a substrate including a base layer, an electrode layer on at least a portion of the base layer, and a reflective layer on at least a portion of the electrode layer; a plurality of light source units on the substrate, the light source unit including a light source, a light reflector surrounding the light source, and a light source protection layer on the light source and the light reflector; and a light diffusion pattern on the light source protection layer, ​ at least a portion of the light reflector included in each of the plurality of light source units does not overlap the reflective layer, each of the plurality of light source units further includes a light reflection pattern on the light source, and the light reflection pattern covers the light source and does not overlap the light reflector, the backlight unit further includes a reflector on the substrate, and the reflector includes a plurality of holes on a region corresponding to each of the plurality of light source units, an inner surface of each of the plurality of holes is separated from an outer surface of the light reflector, the light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light reflector, and the light diffusion pattern is a transparent layer to which a light diffusion function powder is added.

15. A backlight unit comprising: a substrate; and a plurality of light source units on the substrate, each of the plurality of light source units includes: a light source; a light reflector surrounding the light source; a light source protection layer on the light source and the light reflector; a light reflection pattern on the light source, and the light reflection pattern covers the light source and does not overlap the light reflector; and a light diffusion pattern on the light source protection layer, the backlight unit further includes a reflector on the substrate, and the reflector includes a plurality of holes on a region corresponding to each of the plurality of light source units, an inner surface of each of the plurality of holes is separated from an outer surface of the light reflector, the light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light reflector, and the light diffusion pattern is a transparent layer to which a light diffusion function powder is added.

16. The backlight unit of claim 15, wherein, The light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light source and has an outer edge overlapping an outer edge of the light reflector.

17. The backlight unit of claim 15, wherein, A portion of the light source protection layer is disposed between the light reflection pattern and the light diffusion pattern.

18. The backlight unit of claim 15, wherein, The light source protection layer includes: a first portion disposed below the light reflection pattern and on a region overlapping the light reflection pattern; and a second portion disposed to surround the light reflection pattern and the first portion and having an outer edge overlapping an outer edge of the light reflector.

19. The backlight unit of claim 18, wherein, The second portion of the light source protection layer includes a color conversion material. The light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light reflector, and the light diffusion pattern is a transparent layer to which a light diffusion function powder is added. The light diffusion pattern overlaps at least a portion of the light source and has an outer edge overlapping an outer edge of the light reflector. A portion of the light source protection layer is disposed between the light reflection pattern and the light diffusion pattern. The light source protection layer includes: a first portion disposed below the light reflection pattern and on a region overlapping the light reflection pattern; and a second portion disposed to surround the light reflection pattern and the first portion and having an outer edge overlapping an outer edge of the light reflector. The second portion of the light source protection layer includes a color conversion material.

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