Liquid crystal display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device includes a front bezel, a backlight unit, and a liquid crystal panel between the front bezel and the backlight unit. The front bezel includes a peripheral portion surrounding a display area of the liquid crystal panel on a front side of the liquid crystal panel and a side wall rising from the peripheral portion toward a rear side. The backlight unit includes a housing having a bottom plate and a side wall rising from the bottom plate, an optical member disposed inside the housing, and an elastic member engaged with the side wall of the housing and in contact with the optical member. The side wall of the front bezel is located outside the side wall of the housing. The elastic member includes an outer portion. The outer portion is located between an inner surface of the side wall of the front bezel and an outer surface of the side wall of the housing, is in contact with the inner surface of the side wall of the front bezel and the outer surface of the side wall of the housing, and presses the inner surface of the side wall of the front bezel and the outer surface of the side wall of the housing along an in-plane direction of the display area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to liquid crystal display devices. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are expected to operate without noise during vibration, especially when such devices are installed in vehicles. Each component of an LCD device may have dimensional tolerances depending on the manufacturing process, and appropriate gaps are required between the components to properly assemble these dimensionally tolerant parts.

[0003] However, due to the gaps between the various components, these components come into contact with each other when the liquid crystal display device vibrates, thus generating noise. To prevent this noise, some liquid crystal display devices have externally attached tape to suppress vibration. However, this noise-damping tape reduces the assembly efficiency and repairability of the liquid crystal display device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can suppress noise when a liquid crystal display device vibrates during operation without using a noise-reducing strip.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device, comprising: a front bezel; a backlight unit; and a liquid crystal panel between the front bezel and the backlight unit. The front bezel includes a peripheral portion surrounding a display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel on the front side of the liquid crystal panel and a sidewall extending from the peripheral portion toward a rearward side. The backlight unit includes a housing having a base plate and a sidewall extending from the base plate, an optical component disposed within the housing, and an elastic component engaging with the sidewall of the housing and contacting the optical component. The sidewall of the front bezel is located outside the sidewall of the housing. The elastic component includes an outer portion. The outer portion is located between the inner surface of the sidewall of the front bezel and the outer surface of the sidewall of the housing, contacts the inner surface of the sidewall of the front bezel and the outer surface of the sidewall of the housing, and presses against the inner surface of the sidewall of the front bezel and the outer surface of the sidewall of the housing in an in-plane direction along the display area.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, noise caused by vibration of the liquid crystal display device can be suppressed.

[0007] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the overall structure of a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the housing of the backlight unit;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of an elastic component;

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the elastic component attached to the side wall of the housing;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device, including a portion of the elastic component;

[0013] Figure 6 It is a top view schematically showing the engagement relationship between the elastic component and the polarizer;

[0014] Figure 7 It is an enlarged top view of the tabs placed in the hollow part;

[0015] Figure 8 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown;

[0016] Figure 9 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown;

[0017] Figure 10 Is using Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the elastic component of a liquid crystal display device;

[0018] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the elastic component attached to the side wall of the housing;

[0019] Figure 12 This is a top view taken from the front of the elastic component;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the elastic component attached to the side wall of the housing;

[0021] Figure 14 This is a top view taken from the front of the elastic component;

[0022] Figure 15 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown;

[0023] Figure 16 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown;

[0024] Figure 17 Another structure of the backlight unit is shown;

[0025] Figure 18 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0026] Figure 19A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0027] Figure 20 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0028] Figure 21 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0029] Figure 22 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0030] Figure 23 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0031] Figure 24 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0032] Figure 25 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0033] Figure 26 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0034] Figure 27 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0035] Figure 28 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown;

[0036] Figure 29 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown; and

[0037] Figure 30 A top view of the elastic component and optical element, viewed from the front, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these embodiments are merely examples for implementing the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Like elements in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0039] Due to dimensional tolerances in the components of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, the various components are designed with gaps between them. Because of these gaps, when the LCD device vibrates during operation, these components come into contact with each other, potentially generating noise. For example, noise generated by the front bezel and the housing of the backlight unit can cause serious problems.

[0040] In one embodiment of this specification, an elastic member is placed between the backlight unit and the front bezel. A portion of the elastic member is directly clamped between the sidewall of the backlight unit housing and the sidewall of the front bezel. This allows noise that may arise between the backlight unit and the front bezel to be suppressed.

[0041] <Device Structure>

[0042] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the overall structure of a liquid crystal display device 10 according to one embodiment of this specification. In the following description, the side of the liquid crystal display device 10 facing the user viewing the displayed image will be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite to the front side will be referred to as the rear side, back side, or rear surface.

[0043] Figure 1 The liquid crystal display device 10 shown includes, from the back side, a housing 101, a reflective sheet 105, a light guide plate 107, a diffuser 109, a light condenser 111, a polarizer 113, a frame 115, a buffer strip 117, a liquid crystal panel 119, and a front bezel 121, arranged sequentially. The polarizer 113 can be replaced by a set of diffusers and light condensers. The liquid crystal display device 10 also includes an elastic member 103. The elastic member 103 is one of the features of the embodiments described in this specification, and includes an external portion directly sandwiched between the housing 101 and the front bezel 121. The elastic member 103 also contacts optical components. Through this elastic member 103, noise caused by the movement of the various components in the liquid crystal display device 10 can be suppressed.

[0044] The backlight unit consists of a reflector 105, a light guide plate 107, a diffuser 109, a light condenser 111, a polarizer 113, a frame 115, and an elastic member 103. The front bezel 121 and the frame 115 have a frame-like shape and have openings larger than the display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 119 in the middle.

[0045] Reflector 105, light guide plate 107, diffuser 109, condenser 111, and polarizer 113 are each examples of optical components included in the backlight unit. These components are housed in housing 101. Housing 101 is shallow box-shaped and has a bottom 215 and sidewalls 211 rising from the bottom towards the front. Figure 1 In the structural example, the housing 101 includes a rectangular bottom 215 as the main surface with the largest area and four sidewalls 211 rising from the edges of the bottom 215 toward the front. Figure 1 In the figure, as an example, a sidewall is indicated by reference numeral 211. This sidewall 211 has a recess 213 formed therein, in which an elastic member 103 is placed, as described below.

[0046] The external shape of the optical components is substantially rectangular. More specifically, the light guide plate 107 has a front main surface, a rear main surface, and four sides. The diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 each have tabs protruding from their edges. Figure 1 As an example, the tab 291 of the diffuser 109 is indicated by reference numeral 291. As described below, the tab 291 engages with the groove of the elastic member 103 to prevent the diffuser 109 from moving during vibration.

[0047] The backlight unit may include Figure 1 A light source, such as one or more LEDs, is not shown. The light guide plate 107 is thicker than other optical components. The optical components included in the backlight unit vary depending on the design, and Figure 1 Only an example of the optical components is shown. This can be omitted. Figure 1 Some optical components can be added, or other optical components not shown in the figure can be added.

[0048] Frame 115 includes an inner frame portion 352 having a rectangular ring shape and four sidewalls 351 rising from the edge of the inner frame portion 352 toward the rear. Figure 1 In the figure, as an example, a sidewall is indicated by reference numeral 351. The inner frame portion 352 is the base for placing and securing the liquid crystal panel 119. A portion of the sidewall 351 of the frame 115 engages with a portion of the sidewall of the housing 101. The sidewall 351 has a recess (opening) 353 through which a portion of the resilient member 103 described below passes.

[0049] The LCD panel 119 is secured to the front surface of the frame 115 using a buffer strip 117. The front periphery of the LCD panel 119 is covered by the front periphery 412 of the front bezel 121. The front periphery 412 is in the shape of a rectangular frame. Figure 1 In this design, the strip extending downward from the end of the liquid crystal panel 119 is a flexible substrate that connects the circuitry on the substrate to an external control circuit.

[0050] A portion of the sidewall 411 of the front bezel 121 engages with a portion of the sidewall of the backlight unit (e.g., a portion of the sidewall of the frame 115). The front bezel 121 includes, for example, four sidewalls 411 that rise toward the rear from the four sides of the front perimeter 412. Figure 1 In the diagram, as an example, a sidewall is indicated by reference numeral 411. A liquid crystal panel 119 is positioned between a front bezel 121 and a frame 115. A viewer sees the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 119 through an opening in the front bezel 121.

[0051] As described below, a portion of the elastic member 103 is sandwiched between the sidewall 411 of the front bezel 121 and the sidewall 211 of the housing 101. The elastic member 103 contacts these two sidewalls and presses them in opposite directions along the plane of the display surface (main surface) of the liquid crystal panel 119. The direction along this plane is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the components of the liquid crystal display device 10. The elastic member 103 prevents movement of the housing 101 and the front bezel 121 due to gaps and vibrations between them, thereby suppressing noise generation. Furthermore, since the liquid crystal panel 119 is not subjected to any pressure in the stacking direction, the display quality is not degraded.

[0052] As described below, the elastic member 103 supports the rear surface of the frame 115. Therefore, noise caused by movement of the frame 115 can be suppressed. The frame 115 can be omitted. The liquid crystal panel 119 can be fixed to the rear side of a cover panel (not shown) using an optically elastic resin.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the structural example, the substrate and display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 119 have a rectangular shape, and in the front view, the front bezel 121 covering the front periphery of the liquid crystal panel 119, the frame 115 supporting the liquid crystal panel 119 via the buffer strip 117, and the housing 101 of the backlight unit are all rectangular in shape. These components can have different shapes. The number of sidewalls of the front bezel 121, the frame 115, and the housing 101 is not limited to four.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the housing 101 of the backlight unit. The sidewall 211 of the housing 101 has a recess (opening) 213. In one embodiment of this specification, an elastic member 103 may be placed in the recess 213 and support the sidewall 211 by its elasticity. This prevents the backlight unit from becoming thicker. The elastic member 103 may be bonded to the sidewall 211, but in this embodiment, the elastic member 103 is elastically fixed to the sidewall 211 and can be detached. The elastic member 103 may be attached to the sidewall 211 instead of using the recess in the sidewall 211.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a structural example of the elastic member 103. In one embodiment of this specification, the elastic member 103 engages with the sidewall 211 of the housing 101 of the backlight unit, thereby contacting the sidewalls of the housing 101 and the front frame 121, as well as the optical components in the housing 101, to restrict the movement of these components.

[0056] The elastic member 103 is composed of an outer portion 231 and an inner portion inside the outer portion 231. Figure 3In the diagram, the boundary of the outer portion 231 is indicated by a dashed line. The inner portion includes the inner portion 232 of the housing located inside the inner surface of the side wall 211 of the housing 101, and the central portion located on the top surface of the side wall between the outer portion 231 and the inner portion 232.

[0057] A groove (recess) 233 is formed on the rear side of the elastic member 103 and between the outer portion 231 and the inner portion 232 of the housing. As described below, a portion of the sidewall 211 of the housing 101 is inserted into the groove 233. The elastic member 103 contacts the sidewall 211 at the inner surface of the groove 233. In one embodiment of this specification, the distance between the outer portion 231 and the inner portion 232 of the housing is less than the thickness of the sidewall 211, and the elastic member 103 uses only its elasticity to fix the sidewall 211.

[0058] A hollow portion (recess) 234 is formed on the front side of the elastic member 103. The hollow portion 234 has an opening toward the interior of the housing, i.e., there is no wall between the hollow portion and the interior of the housing. As described below, the tabs of the diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 are placed in the hollow portion 234. The elastic member 103 restricts the movement of the diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 by engaging a portion of the inner surface of the hollow portion 234 with a portion of these tabs. A step 235 is formed in the inner portion 232 of the housing. The diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 are partially placed on this step. The diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 are all optical sheets.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an elastic member 103 attached to the sidewall 211 of the housing 101. The elastic member 103 engages with the sidewall 211 of the housing 101. A portion of the sidewall 211 of the housing 101 is sandwiched between an outer portion 231 and an inner portion 232 of the elastic member 103. The outer portion 231 protrudes outward beyond the outer surface 214 of the sidewall 211. Figure 4 In the middle, the outer surface 214 has normals perpendicular to the standing direction of the side wall 211 and the extending direction of the side wall 211.

[0060] The tabs protruding from their respective bodies, namely the diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113, are placed in the hollow portion 234 of the elastic member 103. Figure 4 In the figure, polarizer 113 and its tabs are indicated by reference numerals 113 and 331, respectively. A portion of the tabs is in contact with the sidewall of the hollow portion 234. This restricts the movement of diffuser 109, condenser 111 and polarizer 113 due to vibration, thereby preventing noise generation.

[0061] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the liquid crystal display device 10, including the elastic member 103. The elastic member 103 may be formed of, for example, silicone rubber, and its elasticity is less than that of the housing 101, the front bezel 121, the frame 115, and the light guide plate 107. The housing 101 and the front bezel 121 may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel. The frame 115 and the light guide plate 107 may be formed of, for example, resin. The housing 101 and the front bezel 121 may be made of resin, and the frame 115 may be made of metal.

[0062] The liquid crystal panel 119 is secured to the inner periphery 352 of the frame 115 using a buffer strip 117. In the liquid crystal panel 119, a TFT (thin-film transistor) substrate and a color filter (CF) substrate are stacked sequentially from the rear side. The TFT substrate and the CF substrate are bonded together with a sealant (adhesive) not shown, and the liquid crystal material is sealed therein.

[0063] In this embodiment, the TFT substrate and the CF substrate are rectangular in shape. These components can have different shapes. The TFT substrate includes: an insulating substrate; a TFT array circuit formed on the front main surface of the insulating substrate; and a polarizer fixed to the rear main surface of the insulating substrate. The CF substrate includes: color filters of various colors formed on the rear main surface of the insulating substrate; and a polarizer fixed to the front main surface of the insulating substrate.

[0064] The liquid crystal panel 119 is fixed to the backlight unit only by the buffer strip 117. The two substrates of the liquid crystal panel 119 do not contact the front bezel, nor do they contact the optical components or housing 101 in the backlight unit. Therefore, the two substrates of the liquid crystal panel are not squeezed by any component in the stacking direction, and thus the display quality of the liquid crystal panel is not reduced due to deformation.

[0065] The elastic member 103 engages with the sidewall 211 of the housing 101. A portion of the sidewall 211 of the housing 101 is inserted into the recess of the elastic member 103 and is sandwiched between the outer portion 231 of the elastic member 103 and the inner portion 232 of the housing. The sidewall 211 contacts the inner surface of the outer portion 231 and the outer surface of the inner portion 232 of the housing.

[0066] The outer portion 231 of the elastic member 103 is located between the side wall 211 of the housing 101 and the side wall 411 of the front frame 121, and is sandwiched between the side wall 211 of the housing 101 and the side wall 411 of the front frame 121. The outer portion 231 contacts the outer surface of the side wall 211 of the housing 101 and the inner surface of the side wall 411 of the front frame 121. Figure 5 In this configuration, the outer surface is the left side surface of the sidewall 211, and the inner surface is the right side surface of the sidewall 411. The outer surface and the inner surface face each other in the in-plane direction of the liquid crystal panel.

[0067] The outer portion 231, through its elastic force, presses the sidewall 211 of the housing 101 and the sidewall 411 of the front bezel 121 in opposite directions along the plane of the liquid crystal panel. Specifically, the outer portion 231 presses the sidewall 411 of the front bezel 121 outward in the in-plane direction and presses the sidewall 211 of the housing 101 inward in the in-plane direction.

[0068] By extending the elastic member 103 beyond the housing 101 and contacting the front bezel 121, the gap between the housing 101 and the front bezel 121 is eliminated, thereby reducing noise caused by the contact between the housing 101 and the front bezel 121. Furthermore, the friction between the elastic member 103 and the front bezel 121 prevents the front bezel 121 from moving in the component stacking direction (the normal direction of the liquid crystal panel) and generating noise.

[0069] In one embodiment of this specification, the front surface of the outer portion 231 of the elastic member 103 ( Figure 5 The top surface 236 of the frame contacts the rear surface of the side wall 351 of the frame, thereby allowing the resilient member 103 to support and compress the frame 115 in the stacking direction. (See reference...) Figure 1 As described, a recess 353 is formed in the sidewall 351 of the frame, and the front surface 236 contacts the inner surface of the recess 353. The outer portion 231 contacts the sidewall 411 of the front frame through the recess (opening) 353. A portion of the frame 115 engages with a portion of the housing 101, and the movement of the frame 115 is restricted by the elastic member 103. Figure 5 In the structural example, the front surface of the sidewall 351 of the frame contacts the rear surface of the front frame 121.

[0070] The inner portion 232 of the housing of the elastic member 103 contacts the side surface of the light guide plate 107, which is the surface other than the main surfaces, namely the front and rear surfaces. The side surface of the light guide plate 107 faces the inner surface of the side wall 211 of the housing 101. The inner portion 232 presses the light guide plate 107 against the inner surface of the side wall 211 of the housing 101 along the in-plane direction of the liquid crystal panel. This restricts the movement of the light guide plate 107 due to vibration, thereby preventing noise generation.

[0071] The main bodies of diffuser 109, condenser 111, and polarizer 113 are placed on light guide plate 107. The tabs protruding from their respective main bodies are placed in the hollow portion 234 of elastic member 103. Figure 5In the figure, the tabs of polarizer 113 are indicated by reference numeral 331. Each tab of the optical plate is fixed in a specific position by contacting at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow portion 234. This limits the movement of diffuser 109, condenser 111 and polarizer 113 due to vibration, thereby preventing noise generation.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a top view schematically illustrating the engagement relationship between the elastic member 103 and the polarizer 113. This description applies to other optical elements (diffuser 109, condenser 111). Figure 6 In the middle, the X direction is the left-right direction and extends perpendicularly to the Y direction of the side wall 211 (wall surface) of the shell.

[0073] The polarizer 113 includes a body 332 and tabs 331 protruding from the edge of the body 332. The body 332 includes the center of gravity of the polarizer 113, has a large surface area, and a substantially rectangular shape. The body 332 is housed within a housing 101. The tabs 331 are positioned within a hollow portion 234 on the front surface of the elastic member 103.

[0074] Figure 7 This is an enlarged top view of the tab 331 placed in the hollow portion 234. The tab 331 includes a wider outer portion 333 and a narrower inner portion 334. The portion 334 is the connecting portion between the portion 333 and the body 332.

[0075] The outline of the tab 331 is defined by edges 335, 336A, 336B, 337A, 337B, 338A, and 338B. Edges 335, 336A, 336B, 337A, and 337B are edges of part 333, and edges 338A and 338B are edges of part 334. Edges 338A and 338B are opposite to each other.

[0076] Edge 335 is located between and connected to edges 336A and 336B. Edge 335 extends along the Y direction, while edges 336A and 336B extend along the X direction. Edges 336A and 336B are opposite to each other. Edge 335 is the outermost edge of body 332. Edges 337A and 337B extend along the Y direction and are located between edge 335 and body 332. Edges 337A and 337B are connected to edges 336A and 336B, respectively. Edges 337A and 337B are opposite to edge 335.

[0077] There are gaps between edges 335, 336A, and 336B of portion 333 and the inner wall of hollow portion 234. This allows the diffuser sheet to be suppressed from deforming due to thermal expansion. Edges 337A and 337B, as well as edges 338A and 338B, are in contact with the inner wall of hollow portion 234. This keeps polarizer 113 in the proper position.

[0078] Figure 8 Another structural example of a resilient member is shown. The resilient member 551 includes a protrusion 553 on the side facing the front frame sidewall. The protrusion 553 is formed from the outer surface of the outer portion 552. The resilient member 551 is made of, for example, the same material. This applies to other examples of resilient members. Figure 8 The structural example includes two protrusions 553 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction of the display area.

[0079] Each of the protrusions 553 has a substantially cubic shape, multiple flat surfaces, and a tapered front surface. The protrusions 553 can be easily engaged with the front bezel 121 during the assembly of the liquid crystal display device 10. Furthermore, the tapered front surface 554 facilitates engagement with the front bezel 122. The shape, number, and position of the protrusions can be suitably designed, and the invention is not limited to this example.

[0080] During the assembly of the liquid crystal display device 10, for example, the reflective sheet 105 and the light guide plate 107 are placed in the housing 101, and then the elastic member 103 is placed in the recess 213 of the side wall 211 of the housing. Then the diffuser 109, the light condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 are placed, and the frame 115 and the housing 101 are placed together. The buffer strip 117 is attached to the inner periphery 352 of the frame 115, and the liquid crystal panel 119 is bonded to the buffer strip 117.

[0081] Next, the front bezel 121 is placed to cover the periphery of the LCD panel 119, and the front bezel 121 is attached to the frame 115. The front bezel 121 is placed such that the inner surface of the sidewall 411 of the front bezel contacts the protrusion 553. The protrusion 553 reduces the contact area between the sidewall 411 of the front bezel and the elastic member 551, making it easier to install the front bezel 121.

[0082] Figure 9 Another structural example of the elastic member is shown. The elastic member 561 includes a protrusion 563 on one side of the sidewall facing the front frame. The protrusion 563 is formed by the outer surface of the outer portion 562. Figure 9 The structural example includes two protrusions 562 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the normal of the display area. The protrusions 563 have a partially spherical shape and contact the front bezel 121 at their curved surfaces. The protrusions 563 can be easily engaged with the front bezel 121 during the assembly of the liquid crystal display device 10.

[0083] Figure 10 It was used Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the liquid crystal display device with elastic component 561. The following will mainly discuss its relationship with... Figure 5 The structural examples differ. See the reference above. Figure 9The protrusion 563 is formed on one side of the outer portion 562 of the elastic member 561 facing the front frame sidewall 411.

[0084] The protrusion 563 contacts the inner surface of the side wall 411 of the front frame and deforms due to compression. The elastic force of the elastic member 561 causes the protrusion 563 to compress the side wall 411 of the front frame and the side wall 211 of the housing, respectively.

[0085] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown. Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the elastic member 571 attached to the side wall of the housing 101. Figure 12 This is a top view from the front. The following discussion will mainly focus on... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The difference between the elastic component 561 and the other component.

[0086] The elastic member 571 includes an outer portion 575 and an inner portion 576. A protrusion 573 is formed on the outer surface of the outer portion 575 in a manner similar to that of the elastic member 561. The front surface of the elastic member 571 is flat and does not contain any recesses. Therefore, the optical plates, including the polarizer 613, do not have protrusions that engage with recesses.

[0087] The edge of the polarizer 613 contacts the inner surface of the housing portion 576 of the elastic member. Although in Figure 11 or Figure 12 Not shown, but as in other examples, the inner surface of the housing portion 576 contacts the light guide plate 107. This restricts the movement of the optical sheet. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the figure, as an example, a polarizer in an optical sheet is indicated by reference numeral 613. This description of polarizer 613 applies to other optical sheets.

[0088] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the elastic member 701 attached to the side wall of the housing 101. Figure 14 This is a top view from the front. The following discussion will mainly focus on... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The difference between the elastic component 561 and the other component.

[0089] The elastic member 701 includes a first segment 561A and a second segment 561B. In this structural example, the first segment 561A and the second segment 561B are integrally formed. The first segment 561A and the second segment 561B are made of the same material, for example. Segments 561A and 561B are engaged with the sidewalls 211A and 211B of the housing, respectively.

[0090] Sidewalls 211A and 211B are adjacent to each other and form the corners of the housing 101. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the example, sidewalls 211A and 211B extend along the plane in directions perpendicular to each other. Figure 14 In this configuration, sidewall 211A extends vertically, and sidewall 211B extends horizontally. Because these two sections are attached to sidewalls that are not parallel to each other, movement of the front frame and the housing can be more effectively restricted.

[0091] The first segment 561A and the second segment 561B have the same reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The described elastic member 561 has a substantially the same structure. That is, the first segment 561A and the second segment 561B each have an outer portion and an inner portion of the housing, a recess formed on the front surface, and a protrusion formed on the surface of the sidewall facing the front frame. The polarizer 623 has two tabs that engage with the two segments 561A and 561B respectively. The description of the tab 331 of the polarizer 113 applies to these tabs, and other optical plates may also have similar tabs.

[0092] The first and second segments can have different shapes. For example, a segment can have... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The shape shown, another segment can have Figure 11 and Figure 12 The shapes shown. These components can have the same shape but different sizes. These components can be formed from different materials.

[0093] Figure 15 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of an elastic member 703 attached to the side wall 211 of the housing and a frame 707 engaged with the elastic member 703. The following will primarily discuss... Figures 3 to 5 The differences in the structural examples.

[0094] The elastic member 703 includes a protrusion 705 projecting forward on its front surface. No hollow portion for engagement with the optical sheet is formed on the front surface of the elastic member 703. The protrusion 705 extends in the extending direction of the sidewall 211, or in other words, in… Figure 15 The paper extends in the front-to-back direction. The side wall 709 of the frame has a recess 711 on its rear surface. The recess 711 is in Figure 15 It extends in the front and back directions of the paper.

[0095] exist Figure 15In the structural example, the flat rear surface of the sidewall 709 of the frame contacts the flat front surface 236 of the elastic member 703. The rear surface of the sidewall 709 of the frame and the front surface of the elastic member 703 face each other and are in contact with each other. The protrusion 705 of the elastic member is inserted into and fitted into the recess 711 of the sidewall of the frame. The sidewall 709 of the frame is supported by the elasticity of the protrusion 705. Thus, since the elastic member 703 engages with the frame 707, movement of the frame 707 can be effectively suppressed.

[0096] Figure 16 Another structural example of an elastic component is shown. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of an elastic member 715 attached to the side wall 211 of the housing and a frame 719 engaging with the elastic member 715. The following discussion will primarily focus on... Figures 3 to 5 The differences in the structural examples.

[0097] The elastic member 715 includes a recess 717 on its front surface. No recess for engaging with the optical sheet is formed on the front surface of the elastic member 715. The recess 717 extends in the extending direction of the sidewall 211, or in other words, in... Figure 16 The paper extends in the front-back direction. The sidewall 721 of the frame has a protrusion 723 on its rear surface. The rear surface of the sidewall 721 of the frame and the front surface of the elastic member 715 face each other and are in contact with each other.

[0098] The protrusion 723 of the side wall 721 of the frame is inserted into and fitted into the recess 717 of the elastic member. The protrusion 723 of the side wall 721 of the frame is fixed in the recess 717 of the elastic member by the elastic force of the elastic member. In this way, since the elastic member 715 is engaged with the frame 719, the movement of the frame 719 can be effectively suppressed.

[0099] Figure 17 Another structure of the backlight unit is shown. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of an example backlight including a direct light source. The following discussion will primarily focus on... Figure 5 The structural examples differ. The backlight includes features from the viewer's side ( Figure 17 Multiple LEDs 753 are located at a position overlapping the LCD panel 119 when viewed from the upper side. The LEDs 753 are mounted on the front surface of the substrate 752. The substrate 752 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the housing 101 by adhesive tape 751.

[0100] A reflector 754 is mounted on a substrate 752 to reflect light from an LED 753. The reflector 754 is an optical component. A light guide plate 755 is placed on the reflector 754, and a diffuser 109, a condenser 111, and a polarizer 113 are placed on the light guide plate 755. The light guide plate 755 is thicker than the diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113. The inner portion 232 of the housing of the elastic member 103 contacts the side surfaces of the light guide plate 755 and the reflector 754. Direct light from the LED 753 and light reflected by the reflector 754 pass through the light guide plate 755, the diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 and enter the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel 119. The light guide plate 755, the diffuser 109, the condenser 111, and the polarizer 113 are all optical components.

[0101] refer to Figures 18 to 30 This section will illustrate an example of the structure of a recess in the front surface of the elastic member and a tab of the optical sheet that engages with the recess. In the example described below, the optical sheet is held in a fixed position by contacting one side of the elastic member in the in-plane direction. Figure 18 A top view of the elastic member 821 and the optical sheet 801, viewed from the front, is shown. The elastic member 821 has tapered outer surfaces 822A and 822B. The elastic member 821 may also have tapered surfaces on the front and rear sides.

[0102] The optical plate has two segments, 823 and 824. These segments 823 and 824 are symmetrical about the X-axis, and a protrusion 828 of the elastic member 821 is located between segments 823 and 824. The protrusion 828 protrudes towards the body of the optical plate in the X-direction. Segment 823 will be discussed in detail below.

[0103] The external shape of segment 823 is defined by edges 825, 826A, and 826B. Edge 825 extends in the Y direction, and edges 826A and 826B extend in the X direction. Edge 826B contacts the sidewall of protrusion 828, and there is a gap between edges 825 and 826A and the inner wall of the recess. Of the three edges defining the external shape of segment 824, the edge opposite to edge 826B contacts the sidewall of protrusion 828. The other two edges do not contact the inner wall of the recess. The end surface 829 of protrusion 828 contacts optical sheet 801.

[0104] Figure 19 A top view of the elastic member 831 and the optical plate 801, viewed from the front, is shown. The elastic member 831 has a curved outer surface 832. This curved outer surface may, for example, have a partially cylindrical shape or a partially spherical shape. Other structures are similar to... Figure 18 The structure of the elastic component 821 is the same. Figure 20 A top view of the elastic component 833 and the optical plate 801, viewed from the front, is shown. Figure 18Unlike the elastic component 821, the elastic component 833 does not have the tapered surface 822A or 822B. Other structures are similar. Figure 18 The structure of the elastic component 821 is the same.

[0105] Figure 21 A top view of the elastic member 833 and the optical plate 802, viewed from the front, is shown. The tabs of the optical plate 802 include two sections 835 and 836, whose structure is similar to... Figure 18 The structures shown are similar. These segments 835 and 836 are symmetrical about the X-axis, and the protrusion 834 of the elastic member 833 is located between segments 835 and 836. The protrusion 834 protrudes towards the body of the optical sheet in the X direction. Segment 835 will be discussed in detail below.

[0106] The external shape of segment 835 is defined by edges 837, 838A, and 838B. Edge 837 extends in the Y direction, and edges 838A and 838B extend in the X direction. Edge 838B faces the protrusion 834. Edge 838A contacts the inner wall of the recess of the elastic member 833, and there is a gap between edges 837 and 838B and the inner wall of the recess.

[0107] Of the three sides of the outer shape of the defining segment 836, the side corresponding to side 838A contacts the inner wall of the recess. The other two sides do not contact the inner wall of the recess. The end surface 829 of the protrusion 834 contacts the optical sheet 802, but does not contact the corresponding sides of segments 835 and 836.

[0108] Figure 22 A top view of the elastic member 845 and the optical piece 803, viewed from the front, is shown. The tab of the optical piece includes a wider outer section 846 and a narrower inner section 847. Among the edges defining the outer shape of the tab, edges 848, 849A, and 849B contact the inner wall of the recess, while the other edges do not contact the inner wall of the recess. Edges 848, 849A, and 849B form section 846 and extend in the Y direction.

[0109] Figure 23 A top view of the elastic member 853 and the optical sheet 804, viewed from the front, is shown. The elastic member 853 has a protrusion 854 within a recess. A tab of the optical sheet contacts the wall of the protrusion 854 but not the other walls in the recess. The protrusion 854 is a T-shaped portion and has two grooves on both sides. The tab includes L-shaped portions 855 and 856 located on both sides of the protrusion 854. The L-shaped portions 855 and 856 are symmetrical about the X-axis, and the protrusion 854 is located between the L-shaped portions 855 and 856. The inner surface of the groove defining the protrusion 854 contacts the optical sheet 804. There is a gap between the optical sheet 804 and the other inner walls of the recess.

[0110] Figure 24A top view of the elastic member 861 and the optical sheet 805, viewed from the front, is shown. The elastic member 861 has a protrusion 866 within a recess. The protrusion 866 is an I-shaped portion, and its end contacts the optical sheet 805.

[0111] The tab includes L-shaped portions 862 and 863 located on both sides of the protrusion 866. The L-shaped portions 862 and 863 are symmetrical about the X-axis, and the protrusion 866 is located between the L-shaped portions 862 and 863. A gap exists between the protrusion 866 and the L-shaped portions 862 and 863. Edges 864A and 865A of the L-shaped portion 862 contact the inner wall of the recess. Edge 864A extends in the X direction, and edge 865A extends in the Y direction. The outermost edge of the L-shaped portion 862 or... Figure 24 The left side of the middle part does not contact the inner wall of the concave part.

[0112] The edges 864B and 865B of the L-shaped portion 863 contact the inner wall of the recess. Edge 864B extends in the X direction, and edge 865B extends in the Y direction. The outermost edge of the L-shaped portion 863 or Figure 24 The left side of the middle part does not contact the inner wall of the concave part.

[0113] Figure 25 A top view of the resilient member 871 and the optical plate 806, viewed from the front, is shown. A rectangular island portion 873 exists within the recess of the resilient member 871. The island portion 873 can have any suitable shape. A tab 872 of the optical plate 806 contacts the wall surface of the island portion 873. The optical plate 806 contacts the entire periphery of the island portion 873. The tab 872 does not contact other portions of the inner wall of the recess.

[0114] Figure 26 A top view of the elastic member 881 and the optical plate 807, viewed from the front, is shown. An island portion 882 is located within the recess of the elastic member 881. The protrusion of the optical plate 807 includes a wider outer portion 883 and narrower inner portions 884A and 884B. The island portion 882 is located between portions 884A and 884B.

[0115] Parts 883, 884A, and 884B are in contact with the wall surface of island portion 883. Optical piece 807 is in contact with the entire periphery of island portion 883. Part 883 is in contact with the inner wall of the recess of elastic member 881 at its edges 885A and 885B extending in the Y direction. No other edge of the tab is in contact with the inner wall of the recess.

[0116] Figure 27A top view of the elastic member 891 and the optical sheet 808, viewed from the front, is shown. Within the recess of the elastic member 891 are outwardly protruding protrusions 892 and island portions 893A and 893B. The protrusions of the optical sheet 808 comprise two segments 894A and 894B. These segments 894A and 894B are symmetrical about the X-axis, and the protrusion 892 is located between segments 894A and 894B.

[0117] Section 894A contacts the outer wall of island portion 893A, but not any other inner wall of the recess. Portion 894B contacts the outer wall of island portion 893B, but not any other inner wall of the recess. The end of protrusion 892 contacts optical plate 808.

[0118] Figure 28 A top view of the elastic member 901 and the optical plate 809, viewed from the front, is shown. Island portions 902, 903A, and 903B are located within the recess of the elastic member 901. Island portion 902 is larger than island portions 903A and 903B and lies between them. A tab 904 of the optical plate 809 contacts the outer wall of island portions 902, 903A, and 903B, but not any other inner wall of the recess. The entire periphery of each of island portions 902, 903A, and 903B contacts the optical plate 809.

[0119] Figure 29 A top view of the elastic member 911 and the optical plate 810, viewed from the front, is shown. An elliptical island portion 912 exists within the recess of the elastic member 911. The tabs 913 of the optical plate 810 contact the outer wall of the island portion 912 but not any other inner wall of the recess. The entire periphery of the island portion 912 contacts the optical plate 810.

[0120] Figure 30 A top view of the resilient member 921 and the optical plate 811, viewed from the front, is shown. The tab of the optical plate 811 includes a portion 922 and an inner portion 923. Portions 922 and 923 are not aligned with each other in the Y direction and partially overlap in the X direction. Edges 925 and 926 of portion 922 contact the inner wall of the recess of the resilient member 921, while the other two edges do not contact the inner wall of the recess. Edges 927 and 928 of portion 923 contact the inner wall of the recess of the resilient member 921, while the remaining edge does not contact the inner wall of the recess.

[0121] Edges 925 and 928 extend in the X direction and are located at different positions in the Y direction. Edge 925 overlaps with part 923 in the X direction, and edge 928 overlaps with part 922 in the X direction. Edges 926 and 927 extend in the Y direction and are located at different positions in the Y direction.

[0122] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been presented; however, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. Those skilled in the art can readily modify, add to, or transform each element of the foregoing embodiments within the scope of the present invention. A portion of the structure of one embodiment may be replaced by the structure of another embodiment, or the structure of one embodiment may be incorporated into the structure of another embodiment.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: Front border; Backlight unit; as well as The liquid crystal panel is located between the front bezel and the backlight unit. The front frame includes: The peripheral portion, which surrounds the display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel on the front side of the liquid crystal panel, and Sidewalls, the sidewalls rising from the peripheral portion toward the rear, The backlight unit includes: A housing having a base plate and side walls rising from the base plate. Optical components, the optical components being disposed inside the housing, and An elastic component engages with the sidewall of the housing and contacts the optical component. The sidewall of the front frame is located on the outer side of the sidewall of the housing. The elastic component includes an outer portion, and The outer portion is located between the inner surface of the side wall of the front frame and the outer surface of the side wall of the housing, contacts the inner surface of the side wall of the front frame and the outer surface of the side wall of the housing, and presses against the inner surface of the side wall of the front frame and the outer surface of the side wall of the housing along the in-plane direction of the display area.

2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member engages with the sidewall of the housing in a recess formed in the sidewall of the housing.

3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, The backlight unit also includes a frame located between the liquid crystal panel and the optical components, and The elastic component contacts the rear side of the frame and supports the frame.

4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein, The outer portion of the elastic member contacts the inner surface of the sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the sidewall of the housing through an opening in the sidewall of the frame.

5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic component engages with the sidewall of the frame.

6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein, The rear surface of the liquid crystal panel is bonded to the front surface of the frame, and The front bezel does not contact the front surface of the liquid crystal panel in the normal direction of the liquid crystal panel.

7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member has a recess formed in the front surface of the elastic member, and The optical component has a tab that is inserted into the recess and engages with the inner wall of the recess.

8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member includes a protrusion that contacts the inner surface of the sidewall of the front frame.

9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member includes a first section that engages with a first sidewall of the housing and a second section that engages with a second sidewall of the housing, which is different from the first sidewall. The first section and the second section are in contact with the optical component; The first segment includes a first outer portion. The first external portion is located between the inner surface of the first sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the first sidewall of the housing, contacts the inner surface of the first sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the first sidewall of the housing, and presses against the inner surface of the first sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the first sidewall of the housing along the in-plane direction of the display area. The second segment includes a second outer portion, and The second external portion is located between the inner surface of the second sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the second sidewall of the housing, contacts the inner surface of the second sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the second sidewall of the housing, and presses the inner surface of the second sidewall of the front frame and the outer surface of the second sidewall of the housing along the in-plane direction of the display area.

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