Backlight unit and display device including the same

Abstract

To provide a backlight unit including a support that has elasticity between an optical sheet and a bottom chassis.SOLUTION: A backlight unit according to an embodiment includes: a bottom chassis 210; a light source 222 positioned on the bottom chassis 210; an optical sheet 260 positioned on the light source 222; and a support 241 arranged between the bottom chassis 210 and the optical sheet 260 and supporting the optical sheet 260. The support 241 includes: a fastening portion 243 fastened to the bottom chassis 210; a support portion 241 contacting the optical sheet 260; and a body portion 242 between the fastening portion 243 and the support portion 241. The body portion 242 includes: a first portion 242a extending in a first direction; a second portion 242b extending in the first direction and positioned between the first portion 242a and the fastening portion 243; and a third portion 242c connecting the first portion 242a and the second portion 242b. The first portion 242a and the second portion 242b are spaced apart from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device including an elastic support between an optical sheet and a bottom chassis.

Background Art

[0002] A liquid crystal display device (LCD) is one of the most widely used flat panel display devices at present. Generally, it has an upper substrate on which a common electrode, a color filter, etc. are formed, and a lower substrate on which thin film transistors, pixel electrodes, etc. are formed. A liquid crystal substance is filled between them, and different potentials are applied to the pixel electrode and the common electrode to form an electric field, thereby changing the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and adjusting the light transmittance to express an image.

[0003] Since the liquid crystal display panel of a liquid crystal display device is a non-light-emitting light-receiving element itself, a liquid crystal display device generally includes a backlight unit for providing light to the liquid crystal display panel from the back of the liquid crystal display panel.

[0004] Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are generally used as light sources in the backlight unit. Conventionally, CCFLs, which have the advantage of providing bright white light with low power consumption, have been mainly used. Recently, however, LEDs, which are superior in color reproducibility, have a very long lifespan, and consume less power compared to CCFLs, are increasingly being used.

[0005] The backlight unit is divided into an edge type and a direct type according to the position of the light source with respect to the liquid crystal display panel. In the edge type, the light source is located on the side surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and light is provided from the side surface through a light guide plate. In the direct type, the light source is located on the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and light is provided to the liquid crystal display panel. Among these, the direct type backlight unit has advantages such as high light utilization efficiency, easy handling, no limitation on the size of the display panel, and relatively low cost.

[0006] When a point source LED is used as the light source of the direct type backlight unit, in order to uniformly distribute the LED light with strong straightness over the entire liquid crystal display panel without concentrating it on the upper side of the light emitting surface, an optical lens is provided on the light emitting surface of the LED package to refract the LED light. Usually, a reflective sheet for reflecting light upward is located under the optical lens, and a diffuser plate for more uniformly distributing light is located above the optical lens.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a backlight unit having an elastic support between the optical sheet and the bottom chassis.

[0008] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device including a backlight unit having an elastic support between the optical sheet and the bottom chassis.

[0009] These problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A backlight unit according to an embodiment for solving the above problems includes a bottom chassis; a light source located on the bottom chassis; an optical sheet located on the light source; and a support body disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet for supporting the optical sheet. The support body includes a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with the optical sheet, and a body portion between the fastening portion and the support portion. The body portion includes a first portion extending along a first direction, a second portion extending along the first direction and located between the first portion and the fastening portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other.

[0011] A backlight unit according to an embodiment for solving the above problems includes a bottom chassis; a light source located on the bottom chassis; an optical sheet located on the light source; and a support body disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet for supporting the optical sheet. The support body includes a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with the optical sheet, a body portion between the fastening portion and the support portion, a first connecting portion connecting the body portion and the support portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the body portion and the fastening portion and connected to the first connecting portion. The body portion includes a first portion connected to the first connecting portion, and a second portion connected to the second connecting portion and directly connected to the first portion.

[0012] A display device according to an embodiment for solving the above other problems includes a display panel; and a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel. The backlight unit includes a bottom chassis, a light source located on the bottom chassis, an optical sheet located on the light source, and a support body disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet and supporting the optical sheet. The support body includes a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with the optical sheet, and a body portion between the fastening portion and the support portion. The body portion includes a first portion extending along a first direction, a second portion extending along the first direction and located between the first portion and the fastening portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other.

[0013] A display device according to an embodiment for solving the above other problems includes a display panel; and a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel. The backlight unit includes a bottom chassis, a light source located on the bottom chassis, an optical sheet located on the light source, and a support body disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet and supporting the optical sheet. The support body includes a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with the optical sheet, a body portion between the fastening portion and the support portion, a first connecting portion connecting the body portion and the support portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the body portion and the fastening portion and connected to the first connecting portion. The body portion includes a first portion connected to the first connecting portion, and a second portion connected to the second connecting portion and directly connected to the first portion.

[0014] Specific matters of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0015] According to the backlight unit according to the embodiment and the display device including the same, since the body portion of the support body that supports the optical sheet has a closed-loop shape in cross section, it can have a restoring force against the warpage of the optical sheet.

[0016] In addition, since the body portion has elasticity, it can have a restoring force against the warping of the optical sheet.

[0017] In addition, by reducing the thickness of the support portion of the support, the image visibility can be reduced.

[0018] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become apparent by reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. Merely, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and to fully show the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it includes all cases where it is directly above the other element, or where another layer or other element is interposed in between. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components. The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the matters shown in the drawings.

[0022] Even though first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, it goes without saying that the first component referred to below can be the second component within the technical idea of the present invention.

[0023] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, various linkages and drives are technically possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented in relation to each other together.

[0024] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display device including a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel (100) and a backlight unit (200). The backlight unit (200) supplies light to the liquid crystal display panel, and the liquid crystal display panel (100) controls the supplied light to display an image. The liquid crystal display device further includes a mold frame (300) positioned between the liquid crystal display panel (100) and the backlight unit (200). The liquid crystal display device further includes a top chassis (400) that surrounds the rim of the liquid crystal display panel (100) to protect the liquid crystal display panel (100) and prevent the liquid crystal display panel (100) from being separated from the backlight unit (200). Either one or both of the mold frame (300) and the top chassis (400) may be omitted according to the embodiment.

[0027] The liquid crystal display panel (100) includes a lower display substrate (110), an upper display substrate (120), and a liquid crystal layer (not shown). The lower display substrate (110) and the upper display substrate (120) are attached to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween, and a liquid crystal layer may be formed therebetween.

[0028] The lower display panel (110) may include a transparent insulating substrate such as glass, and a plurality of thin film transistors, data lines, gate lines, pixel electrodes, etc. formed thereon. A data line may be connected to the source terminal of the thin film transistor, and a gate line may be connected to the gate terminal. A pixel electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) may be connected to the drain terminal of the thin film transistor.

[0029] The upper display panel (120) positioned opposite to the lower display panel (110) may include a transparent insulating substrate, and a color filter, a common electrode, etc. formed thereon. The color filter may include color filters capable of respectively expressing primary colors such as red, green, and blue. The common electrode may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). At least one of the color filter and the common electrode may be located on the lower display panel (110).

[0030] Polarizers may be attached to the lower display panel (110) and the upper display panel (120), respectively. The polarizer can serve to polarize the light incident on the liquid crystal display panel (100) and allow only the light vibrating in one direction to pass through.

[0031] In the liquid crystal display panel (100), when the thin film transistor is turned on by a signal applied to the gate line, the signal applied to the data line is applied to the pixel electrode. Then, an electric field of a predetermined magnitude is formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer. Thereby, the transmittance of the light passing through the liquid crystal layer is adjusted to display an image.

[0032] The liquid crystal display device may include at least one driving device (not shown), such as a driver and a controller, that controls signals applied to the liquid crystal display panel (100). The driving device may be mounted on the liquid crystal display panel (100) in the form of an integrated circuit chip, or may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and electrically connected to the liquid crystal display panel (100). A certain driving device may be integrated into the liquid crystal display panel (100).

[0033] A backlight unit (200) for providing light to the liquid crystal display panel (100) may be located below the liquid crystal display panel (100).

[0034] The backlight unit (200) may include a bottom chassis (210), and a light source unit (220), an optical lens (230), a support (240), or an optical sheet (260) that is housed or fixed in or supported by the bottom chassis (210).

[0035] The bottom chassis (210) has an open top and can have a storage space with a predetermined depth. The bottom chassis (210) may include a bottom (210a), a wing (210b) that extends upward substantially inclined around the bottom (210a), a rim (210c) that extends outward substantially horizontally at the upper end of the wing (210b), and a side wall portion (210d) that extends downward from the rim (210c).

[0036] The bottom chassis (210) may be formed of a metal material such as an aluminum plate or an aluminum alloy plate, a zinc-plated steel plate, etc. Depending on the embodiment, the bottom chassis (210) may be formed of a plastic material such as polycarbonate (PC).

[0037] The bottom chassis (210) houses a light source unit (220). The light source unit (220) includes a substrate (221) and a plurality of light sources (222) mounted thereon. The light source (222) may be a light-emitting diode (LED) package, and the light-emitting surface of the LED package is mounted on the circuit board (221) so as to face the liquid crystal display panel (100). As the LED package, a white LED package that emits white light may be used, or red, green, and blue LED packages may be mixed and arranged for use. In addition to the LED package, other possible point light sources or line light sources may be used as the light source (222).

[0038] The substrate (221) may extend along the second direction (DR2). The substrate (221) may be in the shape of a bar extending along the second direction (DR2). A plurality of light sources (222) may be mounted on one substrate (221). As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of substrates (221) may be provided, and the plurality of substrates (221) may be arranged at intervals along the first direction (DR1). The substrate (221) supports the light source (222) and supplies power to the light source (222). The substrate (221) may be a circuit board, and particularly may be a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) that can quickly dissipate the heat generated by the light source (222). The light source (222) is electrically connected to the wiring of the substrate (221) to be supplied with power, and can convert electrical energy into light energy and emit it.

[0039] An optical lens (230) may be mounted on the substrate (221). The optical lens (230) may be arranged for each light source (222). The optical lens (230) that overlaps the light source (222) in the thickness direction is arranged to cover the light source (222), so that the light emitted from the light source (222) can be refracted and diffused through the optical lens (230). The optical lens (230) diffuses the light of the upward-facing light source (222) so that it does not concentrate. By using the optical lens (230), the number of light sources (222) can be reduced, and a high-power light source can be applied.

[0040] The optical lens (230) may be a side emitting lens that refracts and diffuses the light emitted from the light source (222) upward mainly in the side direction. On the other hand, the optical lens (230) may be a top emitting lens that refracts and diffuses the light of the light source (222) mainly in the upward direction. Since the side emitting lens can reduce the optical distance more than the top emitting lens, the optical sheet (260) described later can be positioned closer to the light source, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the backlight unit (200), which is advantageous for thinning the liquid crystal display device.

[0041] As shown in the figure, when a plurality of light source assemblies are arranged, the light source unit (220) may further include one or more connecting boards (223) so that each light source assembly can be supplied with power. The plurality of light source assemblies may be coupled to the connecting board (223). For example, the end portion of the board (221) may be inserted and coupled like a plug into the insertion port (not shown) of the connecting board (223). In some embodiments, power can also be supplied to the light source assembly using an electric wire instead of the connecting board (223).

[0042] A support (240) may be disposed between the bottom chassis (210) and the optical sheet (260). The support (240) can be fastened to the bottom chassis (210) and support the optical sheet (260). The support (240) may be in direct contact with the optical sheet (260). A plurality of supports (240) may be provided. The plurality of supports (240) may be disposed between adjacent substrates (221) on a plane. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the supports (240) are not disposed between all adjacent substrates (221), but are disposed only between some adjacent substrates (221), and may not be disposed between some other adjacent substrates (221), but are not limited thereto. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the supports (240) are exemplified as being disposed only two between some adjacent substrates (221), but are not limited thereto, and one or three or more supports (240) may be disposed between some adjacent substrates (221). Hereinafter, the above-described support (240) will be described in more detail.

[0043] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a side view of the support in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the support in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the restoring function of the support according to an embodiment.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the bottom chassis (210) and the optical sheet (260) may be spaced apart from each other with a predetermined separation distance (d). The thickness extending along the thickness direction of the support (240) disposed between adjacent substrates (221), for example, the third direction (DR3), may be the same as the separation distance (d) between the bottom chassis (210) and the optical sheet (260). That is, the sum of the first thickness (T1), the second thickness (T2), and the third thickness (T3) described later may be the same as the separation distance (d) between the bottom chassis (210) and the optical sheet (260).

[0045] The support (240) may be formed of a plastic such as polycarbonate or a metal, and may be formed of a single part. The support (240) may be coated with an optical material such as a light-absorbing substance so that light scattering and reflection by the support (240) are minimized.

[0046] The support (240) may include a support portion (241), a body portion (242), and a fastening portion (243).

[0047] The support portion (241) may extend along the third direction (DR3) and be in direct contact with the optical sheet (260). The support portion (241) may have a first thickness (T1) along the third direction (DR3) and a first width (W1) along the first direction (DR1).

[0048] So that light scattering and reflection by the support portion (241) are minimized, the support portion (241) may be in an elongated column shape (for example, a cylindrical shape, a polygonal column shape), and may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases towards the upper part. Therefore, the support portion 241 tapers in the direction towards the optical sheet 260. In FIG. 4, the support portion (241) is illustrated as having a conical shape, but is not limited thereto, and the support portion (241) may have a shape of a polygonal pyramid such as a triangular pyramid or a quadrangular pyramid. However, since the end portion of the support portion (241) is a portion that abuts against the optical sheet (260), the end portion of the support portion (241) may be formed round or flat so that the optical sheet (260) is not damaged.

[0049] A body portion (242) may be disposed between the support portion (241) and the fastening portion (243). The body portion (242) may have a second thickness (T2) along the third direction (DR3) and a second width (W2) along the first direction (DR1). The body portion (242) is disposed above the lower portion of the support portion (241) and is designed with a structure having a restoring force, and it is possible to prevent in advance the optical sheet (260) from sagging (or warping) downward due to its own weight. The structure of the body portion (242) having the above-described restoring force will be described later.

[0050] A fastening part (243) may be arranged between the body part (242) and the bottom chassis (210). The fastening part (243) may be a part of the support (240) that is fastened to the bottom chassis (210). The lower surface of the fastening part (243) is fastened to the bottom chassis (210). Examples of the fastening method between the fastening part (243) and the bottom chassis (210) include, but are not limited to, fastening methods such as soldering, bolt - nut, or adhesive. The fastening part (243) may have a third thickness (T3) along the third direction (DR3) and a third width (W3) along the first direction (DR1).

[0051] In one embodiment, the first width (W1) may be smaller than the second width (W2) and the third width (W3) respectively, and the second width (W2) may be larger than the third width (W3).

[0052] The body part (242) may include a plurality of components. The body part (242) may include a first part (242a) extending along the first direction (DR1), a second part (242b) arranged above the lower part of the first part (242a) and extending along the first direction (DR1), and a third part (242c) connecting the first part (242a) and the second part (242b). A plurality of the third parts (242c) may be provided. One of the plurality of third parts (242c) connects the other - side end of the first part (242a) in the first direction (DR1) and the other - side end of the second part (242b) in the first direction (DR1), and the other third part (242c) can connect the one - side end of the first part (242a) in the first direction (DR1) and the one - side end of the second part (242b) in the first direction (DR1).

[0053] The first part (242a), the second part (242b), and the third part (242c) may each have a fourth width (W4). In FIG. 3, the width of the central portion of the first part (242a) (or the portion in contact with the support portion (241) of the first part (242a)) may be greater than the fourth width (W4). That is, the width of the first part (242a) excluding the above-mentioned central portion (or the portion in contact with the support portion (241) of the first part (242a)) may be the fourth width (W4). The fourth width (W4) may be smaller than the first width (W1) of the support portion (241).

[0054] The first part (242a) and the second part (242b) are spaced apart from each other in the third direction (DR3), and the plurality of third parts (242c) may be spaced apart from each other. That is, the cross-sectional shape formed by the first part (242a), the second part (242b), and the third part (242c) may be a closed-loop shape.

[0055] The first part (242a) may have a fifth width (W5), and the second part (242b) may have a sixth width (W6). The fifth width (W5) may be smaller than the sixth width (W6). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the closed-loop shape formed by the first part (242a), the second part (242b), and the third part (242c) may be a substantially trapezoidal rim shape.

[0056] According to one embodiment, as described above, the first portion (242a) and the second portion (242b) are spaced apart from each other in the third direction (DR3), and the plurality of third portions (242c) are spaced apart from each other, and the cross-sectional shape formed by the first portion (242a), the second portion (242b), and the third portion (242c) may form a closed-loop shape. When the optical sheet (260) sags downward (on the other side of the third direction (DR3)) due to the load of the optical sheet (260), the load of the optical sheet (260) can be transmitted to the body portion (242) through the support portion (241) that it immediately contacts. As in one embodiment, when the cross-sectional shape of the body portion (242) at the lower part of the support portion (241) has a closed-loop shape, since the first portion (242a) and the second portion (242b) of the body portion (242) are spaced apart from each other, even if the optical sheet (260) sags downward, the first portion (242a) can withstand the load of the optical sheet (260) by being instantaneously bent downward in the same manner as the cross-sectional shape of the optical sheet (260). The explanation for this will be described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, when the optical sheet (260) sags downward, the first portion (242a) can withstand the load of the optical sheet (260) by being instantaneously bent downward in the same manner as the cross-sectional shape of the optical sheet (260). When the optical sheet (260) sags downward, the separation distance (d') between the optical sheet (260) and the bottom chassis (210) may be smaller than the separation distance (d) before the optical sheet (260) sags downward. Also, when the optical sheet (260) sags downward, the first portion (242a) can be instantaneously bent downward in the same manner as the cross-sectional shape of the optical sheet (260), so that the central portion of the first portion (242a) can be bent downward with a predetermined length (d-1).

[0057] The first portion (242a) of the body portion (242) has a restoring force and can return to its original shape (a shape extending along the first direction (DR1)) again, raising the optical sheet (260) that hangs down below and also raising it upward. In other words, a part of the optical sheet 260 (for example, the part in contact with the support portion 241) is in the first position (for example, as shown in FIG. 3) when it first does not contact the display device. The main body portion 242 is configured to compress as shown in FIG. 10. When the display device is touched for the second time, the part of the optical sheet 160 is in a second position closer to the bottom chassis 210 than the first position. The main body portion 242 is configured to expand so that the part of the optical sheet 160 returns to the first position when the display device is no longer touched for the third time.

[0058] In one embodiment, in order for the first portion (242a) of the body portion (242) to have a restoring force and return to its original shape (a shape extending along the first direction (DR1)) again, raising the optical sheet (260) that hangs down below and also raising it upward, the body portion (242) may include an elastic material. That is, the elastic force of the body portion (242) may be higher than the elastic force of the support portion (241). That is, among the support body (240), the support portion (241) and the fastening portion (243) are each formed of a plastic or metal such as the above-mentioned polycarbonate, and the body portion (242) may be formed of a material having a higher elastic force than the support portion (241) and the fastening portion (243).

[0059] As described above, as in one embodiment, when the first portion (242a) is instantaneously bent downward in the same cross-sectional shape as the optical sheet (260) to withstand the load of the optical sheet (260), the first portion (242a) of the body portion (242) has a restoring force and returns to its original shape (a shape extending along the first direction (DR1)) again, and when lifting the optical sheet (260) that hangs downward to the upper part, only the first portion (242a) of the body portion (242) contains an elastic material, and the second portion (242b) and the third portion (242c) of the body portion (242) may not contain an elastic material. That is, the elastic force of the first portion (242a) may be greater than the elastic forces of the second portion (242b) and the third portion (242c) respectively. However, it is not limited to these, and all portions (242a, 242b, 242c) of the body portion (242) may contain an elastic material. Therefore, the main body portion 242 has higher elasticity than the fastening portion 243 and the support portion 241.

[0060] Furthermore, when the optical sheet (260) hangs downward, in order for the first portion (242a) to be instantaneously and sufficiently bent downward in the same cross-sectional shape as the optical sheet (260), it is preferable that the above-described closed-loop cross-sectional shape of the body portion (242) has a sufficient area. For this purpose, the second width (W2) of the body portion (242) is preferably larger than the first width (W1), and the second thickness (T2) is preferably about 0.8 times to about 1.2 times the first thickness (T1). For example, the second width (W2) of the body portion (242) may be within about 5 times to about 10 times the first width (W1). When the second width (W2) of the body portion (242) is about 5 times the first width (W1), the body portion (242) can sufficiently withstand the sagging of the optical sheet (260), and when the second width (W2) is about 10 times or less the first width (W1), physical interference between the body portion (242) and the adjacent optical lens (230) can be minimized.

[0061] Furthermore, by having the second thickness (T2) of the body portion (242) be about 0.8 times or more of the first thickness (T1), the body portion (242) can sufficiently withstand the sagging of the optical sheet (260), reduce the first thickness (T1) of the support portion (241), and minimize the visibility of the support portion (241) in the image. By having the second thickness (T2) be about 1.2 times or less of the first thickness (T1), it is possible to ensure the minimum length of the support portion (241) that substantially supports the optical sheet (260).

[0062] Since the second portion (242b) of the body portion (242) is a portion connected to the fastening portion (243) having a larger area than the support portion (241), as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, it preferably has a larger area than the first portion (242a). The planar shape of the second portion (242b) may be a substantially disc, a polygonal plate such as a square plate or a pentagonal plate. The width of the second portion (242b) in the second direction (DR2) may be larger than the width of the first portion (242a) in the second direction (DR2).

[0063] Although not shown, a reflective sheet may be located on the bottom chassis (210). The reflective sheet can increase the light efficiency by reflecting the light emitted from the optical lens (230) and the light reflected by another structure such as the diffuser plate (261) and finally directing it toward the liquid crystal display panel (100).

[0064] The optical sheet (260) may be disposed on the bottom chassis (210) and the reflective sheet. Accordingly, the optical sheet (260) is located above the light source (222), the optical lens (230), and the support (240). The edge of the optical sheet (260) may be placed on the rim (210c) of the bottom chassis (210).

[0065] The optical sheet (260) may include a diffusion plate (261), a prism sheet (262), a protective sheet (263), etc. The diffusion plate (261) is used to scatter light to form a surface light source with more uniform brightness. The prism sheet (262) is used to increase the luminance by adjusting the traveling direction of the light uniformly diffused by the diffusion plate (261) and condensing it. The protective sheet (263) is used to protect the prisms of the prism sheet (262) from scratches, etc. The protective sheet (263) can also perform the function of diffusing light and expanding the viewing angle narrowed by the prism sheet (262).

[0066] On the other hand, the optical sheet (260) may not include either the prism sheet (262) or the protective sheet (263), or may include a plurality of either. The optical sheet (260) may further include an optical sheet having other characteristics. For example, the optical sheet (260) may include a reflective polarizing sheet that can increase the luminance efficiency by separating, transmitting, and reflecting the polarization components of light.

[0067] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, an inverter board, which is a printed circuit board for power supply, and / or a printed circuit board for signal conversion may be mounted on the lower surface of the bottom chassis (210). The inverter board can transform an external power supply to a certain voltage level and provide it to the light source (222). The printed circuit board for signal conversion can convert an analog data signal into a digital data signal and provide it to the liquid crystal display panel (100) via a flexible circuit board (not shown) attached to the liquid crystal display panel (100).

[0068] The liquid crystal display device may include a mold frame (300) in order to stably fix the liquid crystal display panel (100) to the backlight unit (200) at a certain height. The mold frame (300) may have the form of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped square frame with open upper and lower parts. The mold frame (300) may be coupled to the bottom chassis (210) in a manner of being locked and fixed to, for example, a hook (not shown) that can be positioned on the side wall portion (210d) of the bottom chassis (210) by surrounding the rim (210c) of the bottom chassis (210). At this time, a part of the mold frame (300) presses the edge of the optical sheet (260) placed on the rim (210c) of the bottom chassis (210), so that the movement of the optical sheet (260) can be restricted. The liquid crystal display panel (100) is fixed on the mold frame (300). The liquid crystal display panel (100) may be attached to the flat surface of the mold frame (300) by an adhesive member (not shown), and the adhesive member may be a cushion double-sided tape with buffering ability in order to relieve the impact that may be applied to the liquid crystal display panel (100).

[0069] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the support (240) according to an embodiment will be described.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, the fifth width (W5) of the support (240-1) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240) according to FIG. 3 in that it is larger than the sixth width (W6). The closed-loop cross-sectional shape formed by the body portion (242) may be a substantially trapezoidal rim shape.

[0072] Since other descriptions have been made above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the following detailed description will be omitted.

[0073] FIG. 9 is also a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 9, the fifth width (W5) of the support (240-2) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240) according to FIG. 3 in that it is the same as the sixth width (W6). The closed-loop cross-sectional shape formed by the body portion (242) may be a substantially parallelogram rim shape.

[0075] Since other explanations have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, detailed explanations will be omitted below.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, the fifth width (W5) of the support (240-3) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240) according to FIG. 3 in that it is the same as the sixth width (W6). The closed-loop cross-sectional shape formed by the body portion (242) may be a substantially rectangular rim shape. The third portion (242c) may have an extension direction that is the third direction (DR3) and may be the same as the extension direction of the support portion (241).

[0078] Since other explanations have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, detailed explanations will be omitted below.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, the support (240-4) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240) according to FIG. 3 in that the third portion (242c) can be omitted.

[0081] More specifically, the body portion (242-1) of the support (240-4) may include a first portion (242a-1) and a second portion (242b). A plurality of the first portions (242a-1) may be provided. One of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) is connected to the other end portion of the support portion (241) and the second portion (242b) in the first direction (DR1), and another one of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) may be connected to one end portion of the support portion (241) and the second portion (242b) in the first direction (DR1). One of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) may extend in a direction (or diagonal direction) between one side direction of the first direction (DR1) and one side direction of the second direction (DR2). The direction in which one of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) extends may intersect the direction in which the second portion (242b) extends. Another one of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) may extend in a direction between the other side direction of the first direction (DR1) and one side direction of the second direction (DR2). The direction in which another one of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) extends may intersect the direction in which the second portion (242b) extends.

[0082] The closed-loop cross-sectional shape formed by the body portion (242-1) may be a substantially triangular rim shape.

[0083] Since other explanations have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the following detailed explanations are omitted.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 12, the support (240-5) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240-4) according to FIG. 11 in that the first portion (242a-2) and the second portion (242b-1) of the body portion (242-2) each include a curved surface shape.

[0086] More specifically, the body portion (242-2) of the support (240-5) may include a first portion (242a-2) and a second portion (242b-1). The first portion (242a-2) and the second portion (242b-1) may each be provided singly. One end of the first portion (242a-2) in the first direction (DR1) may be connected to one end of the second portion (242b-1) in the first direction (DR1), and the other end of the first portion (242a-2) in the first direction (DR1) may be connected to the other end of the second portion (242b-1) in the first direction (DR1). That is, the length of the second portion 242b-1 in the first direction DR1 is curved.

[0087] The first portion (242a-2) and the second portion (242b-1) may be symmetric in the third direction (DR3). That is, the first portion (242a-2) may have a curved surface shape that bulges on one side in the third direction (DR3), and the second portion (242b-1) may have a curved surface shape that bulges on the other side in the third direction (DR3).

[0088] Since other explanations have been described above, the following detailed explanations are omitted. The cross-sectional shape of the closed loop formed by the main body portion 242-2 may be substantially an elliptical contour shape.

[0089] FIG. 13 is also a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 13, the support (240-6) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240-4) according to FIG. 11 in that the first portion (242a-3) of the body portion (242-3) includes a curved surface shape.

[0091] More specifically, a plurality of the first portions (242a-3) may be provided. One of the plurality of first portions (243a-3) is connected to the other end portion of the support portion (241) and the second portion (242b) in the first direction (DR1), and another one of the first portions (243a-3) may be connected to one end portion of the support portion (241) and the second portion (242b) in the first direction (DR1). One end portion of one first portion (242a-3) in the first direction (DR1) may be connected to the other end portion of another one of the first portions (242a-3) in the first direction (DR1).

[0092] Since other explanations have been described above, the following detailed explanations are omitted. The cross-sectional shape of the closed loop formed by the main body portion 242-3 may be substantially a double semi-circular contour shape.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 14, the support (240-7) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240-5) according to FIG. 12 in that the second portion (242b) according to FIG. 3 is applied to the second portion (242b) of the body portion (242-4).

[0095] Since other explanations have been described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 12, the following detailed explanations are omitted. The cross-sectional shape of the closed loop formed by the main body portion 242-4 may be substantially a semi-circular contour shape.

[0096] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 15, the support (240-8) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240-4) according to FIG. 11 in that another one of the plurality of first portions (242a-1) located on one side of the body portion (242-5) in the first direction (DR1) is omitted.

[0098] Other explanations have been described above with reference to FIG. 11, and thus the following detailed explanations are omitted. As shown in FIG. 1 and as shown in FIG. 15, the first part 242-a is connected to the support part 241. The second part 242b is connected to the fastening part 243 and is directly connected to the first part 242-a. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and as shown in FIG. 15, the second part 242b extends in the first direction DR1, and the first part 242-a extends in an oblique direction in the first direction.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 16, the support (240-9) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240-7) according to FIG. 14 in that a portion of the first part (242a-2) of the body part (242-6) located on one side in the first direction (DR1) of the support part (241) in FIG. 14 is omitted.

[0101] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the first part (242a-2) according to this embodiment is connected to the other end of the second part (242b) on the other side in the first direction (DR1), extends to the support part (241), and may not be arranged on one side of the support part (241) in the first direction (DR1). That is, one end of the second part (242b) in the first direction (DR1) may be exposed.

[0102] Other explanations have been described above with reference to FIG. 14, and thus the following detailed explanations are omitted.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to another embodiment.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 17, the support (240) according to this embodiment is different from the support (240) according to FIG. 3 in that it is arranged on a bottom chassis (210) including a groove that enters the lower part in the third direction (DR3).

[0105] More specifically, the bottom chassis (210) may include a groove that enters the lower part in the third direction (DR3). A support (240) may be disposed within the groove. The fastening portion (243) of the support (240) within the groove may be in direct contact with the upper surface of the bottom chassis (210).

[0106] Other descriptions have been provided above with reference to FIG. 3, so the detailed descriptions below are omitted.

[0107] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains will be able to understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea and essential features. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 100: Liquid crystal display panel 200: Backlight unit 210: Bottom chassis 210a: Bottom part 210b: Wing part 210c: Rim 210d: Side wall part 220: Light source unit 221: Substrate 222: Light source 223: Connection substrate 240: Support 241: Support part 242: Body part 243: Fastening part 260: Optical sheet 261: Diffusion plate 262: Prism sheet 263: Protection sheet 300: Mold frame

Claims

1. A backlight unit, a bottom chassis, a light source located on the bottom chassis, an optical sheet located above the light source, and a support body disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet to support the optical sheet and including, the support body includes a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with the optical sheet, and a body portion having elasticity between the fastening portion and the support portion, the body portion, a first portion extending along a first direction, a second portion extending along the first direction and located between the first portion and the fastening portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion and including, the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other, the length of the body portion in the height direction is 0.8 times to 1.2 times the length of the support portion in the height direction, and the longitudinal width of the body portion is 5 times to 10 times the width of the support portion, a backlight unit.

2. The width of the second portion in the first direction is larger than the width of the fastening portion in the first direction. The backlight unit according to Claim 1.

3. The width of the first portion in the first direction is smaller than the width of the second portion in the first direction. The backlight unit according to Claim 1.

4. The width of the first portion in the first direction is larger than the width of the second portion in the first direction. The backlight unit according to Claim 1.

5. The width of the first portion in the first direction is the same as the width of the second portion in the first direction. The backlight unit according to Claim 1.

6. The extension direction of the third portion is the same as the extension direction of the support portion. The backlight unit according to Claim 5.

7. A backlight unit, a bottom chassis, a light source located on the bottom chassis, an optical sheet located above the light source, and a support body disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet and including, the support body, a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with the optical sheet to support the optical sheet, and a body portion having elasticity between the fastening portion and the support portion and including, the body portion, a first portion connected to the support portion, and a second portion connected to the fastening portion and directly connected to the first portion and including, The length of the body portion in the height direction is 0.8 times to 1.2 times the length of the support portion in the height direction, and the width of the body portion in the longitudinal direction is 5 times to 10 times the width of the support portion, a backlight unit.

8. The backlight unit according to claim 7, wherein the second portion extends along a first direction, and the first portion extends in an oblique direction of the first direction.

9. The backlight unit according to claim 7, wherein the first portion has a cross-sectional shape of a curve.

10. The backlight unit according to claim 9, wherein the second portion has a curved shape extending along a first direction.

11. A display device, comprising: a display panel, and a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel wherein the backlight unit includes: a bottom chassis, a light source located on the bottom chassis, an optical sheet located above the light source, and a support disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet wherein the support includes a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with and supporting the optical sheet, and a body portion having elasticity between the fastening portion and the support portion, wherein the body portion includes: a first portion extending along a first direction, a second portion extending along the first direction and located between the first portion and the fastening portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion wherein the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other, The length of the body portion in the height direction is 0.8 times to 1.2 times the length of the support portion in the height direction, and the width of the body portion in the longitudinal direction is 5 times to 10 times the width of the support portion, a display device.

12. A display device, comprising: a display panel, and a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel wherein the backlight unit includes: a bottom chassis, a light source located on the bottom chassis, an optical sheet located above the light source, and a support disposed between the bottom chassis and the optical sheet wherein the support includes: a fastening portion fastened to the bottom chassis, a support portion in contact with and supporting the optical sheet, and a body portion having elasticity between the fastening portion and the support portion wherein the body portion includes: a first portion connected to the support portion, and a second portion connected to the fastening portion and directly connected to the first portion wherein the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The length of the body part in the height direction is 0.8 times to 1.2 times the length of the support part in the height direction, and the width in the longitudinal direction of the body part is 5 times to 10 times the width of the support part, the display device.

Images