Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device of the present disclosure may comprise: a display panel; a frame positioned at the rear of the display panel; a substrate positioned between the display panel and the frame and coupled to the frame; a light source positioned on the substrate and providing light to the display panel; a housing positioned on the substrate and surrounding the side surfaces of the light source; and a light conversion layer positioned inside the housing and facing the light source. The housing may comprise: an air gap formed between the light conversion layer and the light source; and a hole penetratingly formed in a side surface of the housing and communicating with the air gap.

Description

display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device.

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices is also increasing in various forms, and in response to this, various display devices such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), ELD (Electro luminescent Display), VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display), and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) are being researched and used in recent years.

[0003] Among these, the LCD panel has a TFT substrate and a color substrate that face each other with a liquid crystal layer in between, and can display images using light provided from a backlight unit.

[0004] Recently, as interest in the picture quality of display devices has increased, color expression or color reproducibility close to natural colors (true colors) has received significant attention, and much research is being conducted to improve picture quality to implement natural colors.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide a display device capable of improving picture quality.

[0007] Another object may be to provide a display device having a light conversion layer that converts the color of light from a light source around a light source instead of a light absorption layer that converts the color of light from a light source.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that can minimize thermal degradation of the light conversion layer.

[0009] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that can improve optical efficiency.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a display device may include: a display panel; a frame positioned at the rear of the display panel; a substrate positioned between the display panel and the frame and coupled to the frame; a light source positioned on the substrate and providing light to the display panel; a housing positioned on the substrate and surrounding a side of the light source; and a light conversion layer positioned inside the housing and facing the light source, wherein the housing may include: an air gap formed between the light conversion layer and the light source; and a hole formed through a side of the housing and communicating with the air gap.

[0011] The effects of the display device according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device capable of improving image quality can be provided.

[0013] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided having a light conversion layer that converts the color of light from a light source around a light source instead of a light absorption layer that converts the color of light from a light source.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure capable of minimizing thermal deterioration of a light conversion layer can be provided.

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure capable of improving optical efficiency can be provided.

[0016] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0017] Figures 1 to 15 are drawings illustrating examples of display devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0019] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0020] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0022] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0023] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0025] The direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) shown in the drawings are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereby.

[0026]

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) may include a display panel (10). The display panel (10) may display an image.

[0028] The display device (1) may include a first long side (LS1), a second long side (LS2) opposite the first long side (LS1), a first short side (SS1) adjacent to the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2), and a second short side (SS2) opposite the first short side (SS1). Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the lengths of the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2) are illustrated and described as being longer than the lengths of the first and second short sides (SS1, SS2), but it may also be possible for the lengths of the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2) to be approximately equal to the lengths of the first and second short sides (SS1, SS2).

[0029] The direction parallel to the long sides (LS1, LS2) of the display device (1) may be referred to as the left-right direction or the first direction (DR1). The direction parallel to the short sides (SS1, SS2) of the display device (1) may be referred to as the up-down direction or the second direction (DR2). The direction perpendicular to the long sides (LS1, LS2) and the short sides (SS1, SS2) of the display device (1) may be referred to as the front-back direction or the third direction (DR3).

[0030] The direction in which the display panel (10) displays an image may be referred to as the front (F, z), and the opposite direction may be referred to as the rear (R). The first long side (LS1) may be referred to as the upper side (U, y), and the second long side (LS2) may be referred to as the lower side (D). The first short side (SS1) may be referred to as the left side (Le, x), and the second short side (SS2) may be referred to as the right side (Ri).

[0031] The first long side (LS1), the second long side (LS2), the first short side (SS1), and the second short side (SS2) may be referred to as edges of the display device (1). The point where the first long side (LS1), the second long side (LS2), the first short side (SS1), and the second short side (SS2) meet each other may be referred to as a corner.

[0032] The point where the first short side (SS1) and the first long side (LS1) meet can be called the first corner (C1). The point where the first long side (LS1) and the second short side (SS2) meet can be called the second corner (C2). The point where the second short side (SS2) and the second long side (LS2) meet can be called the third corner (C3). The point where the second long side (LS2) and the first short side (SS1) meet can be called the fourth corner (C4).

[0033]

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the display device (1) may include a display panel (10), a front cover (15), a guide panel (13), a backlight unit (20), a frame (60), and a back cover (70).

[0035] The display panel (10) can form the front surface of the display device (1) and display an image. The display panel (10) can display an image by having a plurality of pixels output RGB (Red, Green, or Blue) for each pixel in accordance with the timing. The display panel (10) can be divided into an active area where an image is displayed and a de-active area where an image is not displayed. The display panel (10) can include a front substrate and a rear substrate that face each other with a liquid crystal layer therebetween. The display panel (10) can be referred to as an LCD panel.

[0036] The front substrate may include a plurality of pixels composed of red, green, and blue sub-pixels. The front substrate may output light corresponding to the color red, green, or blue according to a control signal.

[0037] The rear substrate may include switching elements. The rear substrate may switch the pixel electrode. For example, the pixel electrode may change the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal layer according to a control signal input from the outside. The liquid crystal layer may include liquid crystal molecules. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules may change in accordance with a voltage difference generated between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The liquid crystal layer may transmit light provided from the backlight unit (20) to the front substrate or block it.

[0038] The front cover (15) can cover at least a portion of the front and side areas of the display panel (10). The front cover (15) can be divided into a front cover positioned on the front of the display panel (10) and a side cover positioned on the side. At least one of the front cover and the side cover can be omitted.

[0039] The guide panel (13) can surround the periphery of the display panel (10) and cover the side of the display panel (10). The guide panel (13) can be combined with the display panel (10) or support the display panel (10).

[0040] The backlight unit (20) may be positioned at the rear of the display panel (10). The backlight unit (20) may include light sources. The backlight unit (20) may be coupled to the frame (60) at the front of the frame (60). The backlight unit (20) may be driven by a full driving method or a partial driving method such as local dimming or impulsive. The backlight unit (20) may include an optical sheet (40) and an optical layer (30).

[0041] The optical sheet (40) can evenly transmit light from a light source to the display panel (10). The optical sheet (40) may be composed of multiple layers. For example, the optical sheet (40) may include a prism sheet or a diffusion sheet. For example, the optical sheet (40) may be a double brightness enhancement film (DBEF). Meanwhile, the joining portion (40d) of the optical sheet (40) may be joined to the front cover (15), the frame (60), or the back cover (70).

[0042] The frame (60) can be positioned at the rear of the backlight unit (20) and can support the components of the display device (1). For example, components such as the backlight unit (20), a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on which a plurality of electronic components are positioned, etc. can be combined with the frame (60).

[0043] The back cover (70) can cover the rear of the frame (60). The back cover (70) can be coupled to the frame (60) and / or the front cover (15).

[0044]

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the backlight unit (20) may include an optical layer (30) and an optical sheet (40). The optical layer (30) may include a substrate (32), at least one light source (34), a reflective sheet (36), and a diffuser plate (39).

[0046] The substrate (32) can be coupled to the front surface of the frame (60). The substrate (32) may have a plate shape or may be composed of a plurality of straps spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the substrate (32) may have a fork shape having a first plate that is elongated and a plurality of second plates that intersect the first plate. The substrate (32) may be composed of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), or silicon. The substrate (32) may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0047] At least one light source (34) may be mounted on the substrate (32). A plurality of light sources (34) may be spaced apart from each other on the substrate (32). An electrode pattern for connecting the adapter and the light source (34) may be formed on the substrate (32). For example, a carbon nanotube electrode pattern for connecting the light source (34) and the adapter may be formed on the substrate (32).

[0048] For example, the light source (34) may be a light emitting diode (LED) chip or a light emitting diode package including at least one light emitting diode chip. The light source (34) may be a colored LED that emits at least one color, such as red, green, or blue, or may be composed of a white LED. The colored LED may include at least one of a red LED, a green LED, or a blue LED. The light source (34) may be referred to as an optical assembly (34).

[0049] The reflective sheet (36) may be positioned in front of the substrate (32). The reflective sheet (36) may be positioned on an area of ​​the substrate (32) excluding an area where the light source (34) is formed. The reflective sheet (36) may have a hole (36a) in which the light source (34) is positioned.

[0050] And, the reflective sheet (36) may include at least one of a metal or a metal oxide that is a reflective material. For example, the reflective sheet (36) may include a metal and / or a metal oxide having a high reflectivity, such as at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or titanium dioxide (TiO2). For example, a resin may be deposited or applied on the light source (34) and / or the reflective sheet (36). The resin may diffuse the light of the light source (34). Accordingly, the reflective sheet (36) may reflect the light of the light source (34) or the light reflected from the diffusion plate (39) forward.

[0051] The diffuser plate (39) may be positioned in front of the reflective sheet (36). The diffuser plate (39) may diffuse the light of the light source (34). The supporter (36b) may be positioned between the reflective sheet (36) and the diffuser plate (39) and may support the rear surface of the diffuser plate (39). Accordingly, an air gap may be formed between the reflective sheet (36) and the diffuser plate (39), and the light of the light source (34) may be widely spread by the air gap. The diffuser plate (39) may be referred to as an optical plate (39).

[0052] The optical sheet (40) may be positioned in front of the diffuser plate (39). The rear surface of the optical sheet (40) may be in close contact with the diffuser plate (39), and the front surface of the optical sheet (40) may be in close contact with or adjacent to the rear surface of the display panel (10). The optical sheet (40) may include at least one sheet.

[0053] For example, the optical sheet (40) may include a plurality of sheets having different functions. The first optical sheet (40a) and the second optical sheet (40b) may be prism sheets, and the third optical sheet (40a) may be a diffusion sheet. The prism sheet may collect light from the diffusion plate (39) and provide it to the display panel (10). The diffusion sheet may prevent the light from the diffusion plate (39) from being partially concentrated, thereby making the light distribution more uniform. The number and / or positions of the prism sheets and the diffusion sheets may be changed.

[0054]

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the backlight unit (20') may include an optical layer (30') and an optical sheet (40). The optical layer (30') may be positioned between the frame (60) and the display panel (10). The optical layer (30') may be supported by the frame (60). The optical layer (30') may include a substrate (32'), at least one light source (34'), a reflective sheet (37), and a light guide plate (38).

[0056] The light guide plate (38) may be positioned between the frame (60) and the optical sheet (40) and may be supported by the frame (60). The light guide plate (38) may be referred to as an optical plate (38).

[0057] The substrate (32') may be adjacent to the periphery of the light guide plate (38) and may be coupled to one side of the guide panel (13). For example, the substrate (32') may be adjacent to the lower side of the light guide plate (38). The substrate (32') may be composed of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), or silicon. The substrate (32') may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0058] At least one light source (34') can be mounted on a substrate (32'). A plurality of light sources (34') can be spaced apart from each other on the substrate (32'). An electrode pattern for connecting the adapter and the light source (34') can be formed on the substrate (32'). For example, a carbon nanotube electrode pattern for connecting the light source (34') and the adapter can be formed on the substrate (32').

[0059] For example, the light source (34') may be a light emitting diode (LED) chip or a light emitting diode package including at least one light emitting diode chip. The light source (34') may be a colored LED that emits at least one color, such as red, green, or blue, or may be composed of a white LED. The colored LED may include at least one of a red LED, a green LED, or a blue LED. The light source (34') may be referred to as an optical assembly (34').

[0060] The reflective sheet (37) may be positioned between the frame (60) and the light guide plate (38) and may be supported by the frame (60). The reflective sheet (37) may include at least one of a metal or a metal oxide that is a reflective material. For example, the reflective sheet (37) may include a metal and / or metal oxide having a high reflectivity, such as at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or titanium dioxide (TiO2).

[0061] Accordingly, the light source (34') can provide light to the edge of the light guide plate (38). The light entering the light guide plate (38) can be directed forward by the light guide plate (38) and the reflective sheet (37).

[0062]

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the display panel (10) may include a front substrate (10c), a rear substrate (10b), and a color filter (10a). The color filter (10a) may be positioned between the front substrate (10c) and the rear substrate (10b). A liquid crystal layer, TFT, may be additionally added between the front substrate (10c) and the rear substrate (10b). A first polarizing film (not shown) may be positioned on the front side of the front substrate (10c), and a second polarizing film (not shown) may be positioned on the rear side of the rear substrate (10b).

[0064] A light source (34, 34') can provide light to an optical sheet (40). Light scattered and / or concentrated by the optical sheet (40) can be provided to a display panel (10). The display panel (10) can display an image using this light.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, for example, a lens (35) may cover a light source (34) and may be fixed or attached to a substrate (32). The lens (35) may include at least one of silicone, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, for example, an encapsulation (110) may cover a light source (34'). A cup (120) may be fixed or attached to a substrate (32'), and the encapsulation (110) may be filled into a concave groove of the cup (120). The encapsulation (110) may include a silicone or resin material.

[0067] The light absorption layer (50) may be positioned on the path of light provided from the light source (34, 34') toward the display panel (10). The light absorption layer (50) may be positioned on the back or front surface of the optical sheet (40). The light absorption layer (50) may be formed, adhered, or deposited on the back or front surface of the optical sheet (40). The light absorption layer (50) may be referred to as a high-color sheet (50) and may include a QD film (Quantum Dot Enhancement Film) and / or a NOM film (Nano Organic Material Film).

[0068] For example, the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') may be blue light. The light absorption layer (50) may include a green phosphor (GP) and a red phosphor (RP). The green phosphor (GP) may be a particle (SrGa2S4:Eu) having a size of 3 to 7 micrometers, and the red phosphor (RP) may be a particle ((Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu) having a size of 1 micrometer or less. The green phosphor (GP) may be referred to as a green QD (GP, green Quantum Dot), and the red phosphor (RP) may be referred to as a red QD (RP, red Quantum Dot).

[0069] In this case, the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') can excite the green phosphor (GP) and the red phosphor (RP), and the green phosphor (GP) can emit green light, and the red phosphor (RP) can emit red light. Accordingly, a part of the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') can pass through the light-absorbing layer (50) without being absorbed or reflected by the green phosphor (GP) and the red phosphor (RP) and appear as blue light, and can be mixed with the green light and the red light emitted from the light-absorbing layer (50) to implement white light.

[0070] However, the manufacturing of the light-absorbing layer (50) may incur significant costs. In addition, since the light-absorbing layer (50) is positioned away from the light source (34, 34'), light loss may occur. In addition, the light-absorbing layer (50) may be deformed, such as wrinkled, due to heat generated when the backlight unit is operated.

[0071] Meanwhile, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15, a cover (130) having a light conversion layer (131) spaced apart from a light source (34, 34') and a housing (140, 140') in which the cover (130) is combined, etc. can be provided in place of the light absorption layer (50) having the aforementioned problem.

[0072] However, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15, a cover (130) having a light conversion layer (131) spaced apart from a light source (34, 34') and a housing (140, 140') in which the cover (130) is combined have technical significance in preventing deterioration of the light conversion layer (131) by themselves, and thus may be used to implement white light together with the light absorption layer (50). In this case, compared to a case in which the light absorption layer (50) implements white light alone, the concentration of the fluorescent substance of the light absorption layer (50) can be lowered, thereby reducing the cost required for manufacturing the light absorption layer (50).

[0073]

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a phosphor (110P) may be positioned around a light source (34, 34'), and the aforementioned light-absorbing layer (50) may be omitted. The phosphor (110P) may be in powder form. For example, a liquid encapsulating material (110) mixed with a phosphor (110P) may cover and be cured over the light source (34, 34').

[0075] For example, the light from the light source (34, 34') may be blue light. The phosphor (110P) may include a yellow phosphor (YP). The phosphor (110P) may further include a red phosphor (RP). The yellow phosphor (YP) may be Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG), La3Si6N11, LuAG(Al5Lu3O12), or Silicate in micrometer units. The red phosphor (RP) may be (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu, or (Sr, Ca, Ba)2SiN8:Eu in micrometer units. The yellow phosphor (YP) may be referred to as a yellow QD (YP, yellow Quantum Dot). The red phosphor (RP) may be referred to as a red QD (RP, red Quantum Dot).

[0076] In this case, the light of the light source (34, 34') can excite the yellow phosphor (YP) and the red phosphor (RP), and the yellow phosphor (YP) can emit yellow light, and the red phosphor (RP) can emit red light. Accordingly, a part of the light of the light source (34, 34') can pass through the encapsulant (110) without being absorbed or reflected by the phosphor (110P) and appear as a blue light, and can be mixed with the yellow and red light emitted from the phosphor (110P) of the encapsulant (110) to implement white light (L2).

[0077] For another example, the light from the light source (34, 34') may be blue light. The phosphor (110P) may include a green phosphor (GP) and a red phosphor (RP). The green phosphor (GP) may be a particle (SrGa2S4:Eu) having a size of 3 to 7 micrometers, and the red phosphor (RP) may be a particle ((Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu) having a size of 1 micrometer or less. The green phosphor (GP) may be referred to as a green QD (GP, green Quantum Dot), and the red phosphor (RP) may be referred to as a red QD (RP, red Quantum Dot).

[0078] In this case, the light from the light source (34, 34') can excite the green phosphor (GP) and the red phosphor (RP), and the green phosphor (RP) can emit green light, and the red phosphor (RP) can emit red light. Accordingly, some of the light from the light source (34, 34') can pass through the sealing material (110) without being absorbed or reflected by the phosphor (110P) and appear as blue light, and can be mixed with the green and red light emitted from the phosphor (110P) to implement white light.

[0079] However, the heat of the light source (34, 34') may be transferred to the fluorescent substance (110P) in contact with the light source (34, 34'), causing deterioration of the fluorescent substance (110P).

[0080]

[0081] Referring to FIG. 11, the light source (34, 34') can be mounted on the substrate (32, 32') in a CSP (Chip Scale Package) manner.

[0082] The cup (120, cup) can surround the side of the light source (34, 34') and can be coupled or attached to the substrate (32, 32'). The width (diameter) of the inner space of the concave groove shape of the cup (120) can gradually increase in the direction in which light of the light source (34, 34') travels. The inner surface of the cup (120) can be referred to as a guide wall (or surface), and can have a minimum width (Da, minimum diameter) at a point closest to the substrate (32, 32'), and a maximum width (Db, maximum diameter) at a point farthest from the substrate (32, 32'). The cup (120) can include a silicone or resin material. Light may not be able to pass through the cup (120), and the cup (120) may be white.

[0083] An encapsulating material (110) may be filled into the internal space of the cup (120). The encapsulating material (110) may have an inverted truncated cone shape. The encapsulating material (110) may include a silicone or resin material.

[0084] Accordingly, light from the light source (34, 34') can penetrate the sealing material (110) and be guided along the inner surface of the cup (120).

[0085] The housing (140) can surround the side of the cup (120) and can be spaced apart from the side of the cup (120). The housing (140) can be coupled to or attached to the substrate (32, 32'). The housing (140) can have a hollow cylinder shape or a polygonal column shape (e.g., a square column). For example, the housing (140) can be formed of a heat-resistant polymer material such as PCT (PolyCyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate) or EMC (Epoxy Mold Compound).

[0086] The cover (130) can be combined or formed on the inner surface of the housing (140) and can face the sealing material (110) and the cup (120) that cover the light source (34, 34'). The cover (130) can be spaced apart from the sealing material (110) and the cup (120). The cover (130) can include a light conversion layer (131), a light-input portion (133), and a light-output portion (132).

[0087] The light conversion layer (131) may be combined or formed on the inner surface of the housing (140) and may block a portion of the hollow space of the housing (140). The light conversion layer (131) may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the housing (140). The light conversion layer (131) may include a phosphor (130P, phosphor). The phosphor (130P) may be QD (130P, Quantum Dot) or NOM (130P, Nano Organic Material). The phosphor (130P) may be referred to as a light conversion material (130P).

[0088] The light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may be combined or formed on the inner surface of the housing (140) and may block a portion of the hollow space of the housing (140). The light-input portion (133) may be positioned between the light conversion layer (131) and the encapsulant (110) covering the light source (34, 34'). The light-output portion (132) may be opposite the light-input portion (133) with respect to the light conversion layer (131). The light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may include a transparent material. The light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may function as an insulating material. For example, the light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may include a phenyl-based or methyl-based silicone or resin material.

[0089] An air gap (130S) may be formed around the sealing material (110) and the cup (120). The inner surface of the housing (140) may be spaced apart from the cup (120) by the air gap (130S). The light-input portion (133) may be spaced apart from the sealing material (110) by the air gap (130S).

[0090] Accordingly, the cover (130) having the light conversion layer (131) can be separated from the sealing material (110) covering the light source (34, 34') by the air gap (130S), and deterioration of the light conversion layer (131) can be avoided. In addition, the light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) can function as insulation for the light conversion layer (131), thereby protecting the light conversion layer (131) from heat.

[0091] The hole (140h) may be formed through the side surface of the housing (140) and may be in communication with the air gap (130S). The hole (140h) may face the side surface of the cup (120) and may be positioned behind (below, based on FIG. 11) the front end of the cup (120) (the top of the cup (120) based on FIG. 11). Accordingly, light from the light source (34, 34') leaking through the hole (140h) may be minimized. The hole (140h) may be referred to as a slit (140h), an air vent (140h), or an air channel (140h).

[0092] Accordingly, the air gap (130S) can be connected to the external space of the housing (140) through the hole (140h). That is, air can be introduced from the outside of the housing (140) into the air gap (130S) through the hole (140h) or discharged from the air gap (130S) to the outside of the housing (140). By this airflow, the temperature rise of the air gap (130S) can be minimized. In this case, compared to a case where the air gap (130S) is formed as a sealed space without the hole (140h), it can be advantageous in preventing deterioration of the light conversion layer (131). In addition, in a structure that minimizes the heat transferred to the light conversion layer (131) in this way, it can be advantageous in increasing the current value flowing to the light source (34, 34').

[0093]

[0094] Referring to FIG. 12, the light source (34, 34') may be mounted on the substrate (32, 32') in a POB (Package On Board) manner. In this case, a conductive frame (320) may be placed between the light source (34, 34') and the substrate (32, 32').

[0095] The cup (120') may surround the side of the light source (34, 34') and may be coupled or attached to the frame (320). The width (diameter) of the inner space of the concave groove shape of the cup (120') may gradually increase in the direction in which light from the light source (34, 34') travels. The inner surface of the cup (120') may be referred to as a guide wall (or surface), and may have a minimum width (Da) at a point closest to the frame (320) and a maximum width (Db, maximum diameter) at a point farthest from the frame (320). The cup (120') may include a silicone or resin material. Light may not be able to pass through the cup (120'), and the cup (120') may be white.

[0096] An encapsulating material (110) may be filled into the internal space of the cup (120'). The encapsulating material (110) may have an inverted truncated cone shape. The encapsulating material (110) may include a silicone or resin material.

[0097] Accordingly, light from the light source (34, 34') can penetrate the sealing material (110) and be guided along the inner surface of the cup (120).

[0098] The housing (140') can be positioned on the cup (120') and can surround a portion of the cup (120'). The housing (140') can be seated on a groove (120g') formed in the cup (120'), and an inner surface of the housing (140') can be spaced apart from the cup (120'). The housing (140') can be coupled to or attached to the groove (120g'). The housing (140') can have a hollow cylinder shape or a polygonal column shape (e.g., a square column). For example, the housing (140') can be formed of a heat-resistant polymer material such as EMC (Epoxy Mold Compound) or PCT (PolyCyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate).

[0099] The cover (130) can be combined or formed on the inner surface of the housing (140) and can face the sealing material (110) and the cup (120') that cover the light source (34, 34'). The cover (130) can be spaced apart from the sealing material (110) and the cup (120'). The cover (130) can include a light conversion layer (131), a light-input portion (133), and a light-output portion (132).

[0100] The light conversion layer (131) may be combined or formed on the inner surface of the housing (140') and may block a portion of the hollow space of the housing (140'). The light conversion layer (131) may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the housing (140'). The light conversion layer (131) may include a phosphor (130P, phosphor). The phosphor (130P) may be QD (130P, Quantum Dot) or NOM (130P, Nano Organic Material). The phosphor (130P) may be referred to as a light conversion material (130P).

[0101] The light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may be combined or formed on the inner surface of the housing (140') and may block a portion of the hollow space of the housing (140). The light-input portion (133) may be positioned between the light conversion layer (131) and the encapsulant (110) covering the light source (34, 34'). The light-output portion (132) may be opposite the light-input portion (133) with respect to the light conversion layer (131). The light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may include a transparent material. The light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may function as an insulating material. For example, the light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) may include a phenyl-based or methyl-based silicone or resin material.

[0102] An air gap (130S') may be formed around the sealing material (110) and the cup (120'). The inner surface of the housing (140') may be spaced apart from the cup (120') by the air gap (130S'). The light-input portion (133) may be spaced apart from the sealing material (110) by the air gap (130S').

[0103] Accordingly, the cover (130) having the light conversion layer (131) can be separated from the sealing material (110) covering the light source (34, 34') by the air gap (130S'), and deterioration of the light conversion layer (131) can be avoided. In addition, the light-input portion (133) and the light-output portion (132) can function as an insulating material for the light conversion layer (131), thereby protecting the light conversion layer (131) from heat.

[0104] The hole (140h') may be formed through the side surface of the housing (140') and may be in communication with the air gap (130S'). The hole (140h') may face the side surface of the cup (120') and may be positioned behind (below, based on FIG. 12) the front end of the cup (120) (the top of the cup (120) based on FIG. 12). Accordingly, light from the light source (34, 34') leaking through the hole (140h') may be minimized. The hole (140h') may be referred to as a slit (140h'), an air vent (140h'), or an air channel (140h').

[0105] Accordingly, the air gap (130S') can be connected to the external space of the housing (140') through the hole (140h'). That is, air can be introduced from the outside of the housing (140') into the air gap (130S') through the hole (140h') or discharged from the air gap (130S') to the outside of the housing (140'). By this airflow, the temperature rise of the air gap (130S') can be minimized. In this case, compared to a case where the air gap (130S') is formed as a sealed space due to the absence of the hole (140h'), it can be advantageous in preventing deterioration of the light conversion layer (131). In addition, in a structure that minimizes the heat transferred to the light conversion layer (131) in this way, it can be advantageous in increasing the current value flowing to the light source (34, 34').

[0106]

[0107] Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12, light from a light source (34, 34') is guided along the inner surface of a cup (120, 120') and can pass through the sealing material (110). Subsequently, the light can sequentially pass through an air gap (130S, 130S'), a light-input portion (133), a light-conversion layer (131), and a light-output portion (132).

[0108] For example, the light from the light source (34, 34') may be blue light. The phosphor (130P) may include a yellow phosphor (YP). The phosphor (130P) may further include a red phosphor (RP). The yellow phosphor (YP) may be Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG), La3Si6N11, LuAG (Al5Lu3O12), or Silicate in micrometer units. The red phosphor (RP) may be (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu, or (Sr, Ca, Ba)2SiN8:Eu in micrometer units. Alternatively, the red phosphor (RP) may be K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSF). The yellow phosphor (YP) may be referred to as a yellow QD (YP, yellow Quantum Dot). The red phosphor (RP) can be called a red QD (RP, red Quantum Dot).

[0109] In this case, the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') can excite the yellow phosphor (YP) and the red phosphor (RP), and the yellow phosphor (YP) can emit yellow light, and the red phosphor (RP) can emit red light. Accordingly, a part of the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') can pass through the light conversion layer (131) without being absorbed or reflected by the phosphor (130P) and appear as blue light, and can be mixed with the yellow and red light emitted from the phosphor (130P) of the light conversion layer (131) to implement white light (L3). This white light (L3) can be provided to the optical sheet (40) and the display panel (10) (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0110] For another example, the light from the light source (34, 34') may be blue light. The phosphor (130P) may include a green phosphor (GP) and a red phosphor (RP). The green phosphor (GP) may be a particle (SrGa2S4:Eu) having a size of 3 to 7 micrometers, and the red phosphor (RP) may be a particle ((Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu) having a size of 1 micrometer or less. The green phosphor (GP) may be referred to as a green QD (GP, green Quantum Dot), and the red phosphor (RP) may be referred to as a red QD (RP, red Quantum Dot).

[0111] In this case, the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') can excite the green phosphor (GP) and the red phosphor (RP), and the green phosphor (RP) can emit green light, and the red phosphor (RP) can emit red light. Accordingly, a part of the light (L1) of the light source (34, 34') can pass through the light conversion layer (131) without being absorbed or reflected by the phosphor (130P) and appear as blue light, and can be mixed with the green and red light emitted from the phosphor (130P) to implement white light (L3). This white light (L3) can be provided to the optical sheet (40) and the display panel (10) (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0112]

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the housing (140) may have a square pillar shape. The hole (140h) may be formed from one side of the housing (140) positioned on the substrate (32, 32') toward the inside of the housing (140). In this case, a portion of the housing (140) may form a boundary of the hole (140h), may be positioned on the substrate (32, 32'), and may be referred to as a leg. For example, the first leg (141), the second leg (142), the third leg (143), and the fourth leg (144) may be formed at the corners of the housing (140) and may be positioned on the substrate (32, 32'). The first hole (140a) may be formed between the fourth leg (144) and the third leg (143), the second hole (140b) may be formed between the first leg (141) and the second leg (142), the third hole (140c) may be formed between the second leg (142) and the third leg (143), and the fourth hole (140d) may be formed between the first leg (141) and the fourth leg (144).

[0114] Alternatively, the housing (140) may have a cylindrical shape. The hole (140h) may be formed from one side of the housing (140) positioned on the substrate (32, 32') toward the inside of the housing (140) and may have an arc shape. For example, a plurality of holes (140h) may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the housing (140).

[0115] The description of the housing (140) and hole (140h) described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 can be equally applied to the housing (140') and hole (140h') of FIG. 12.

[0116]

[0117] Referring to FIG. 15, the housing (140) may have a polygonal columnar or cylindrical shape. A hole (140h) may be formed through a side surface of the housing (140) and may be spaced apart from the substrate (32, 32'). For example, a plurality of holes (140h) may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction or the periphery direction of the housing (140).

[0118] The description of the housing (140) and hole (140h) described above with reference to FIG. 15 can be equally applied to the housing (140') and hole (140h') of FIG. 12.

[0119]

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, a display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a display panel; a frame positioned at the rear of the display panel; a substrate positioned between the display panel and the frame and coupled to the frame; a light source positioned on the substrate and providing light to the display panel; a housing positioned on the substrate and surrounding a side of the light source; and a light conversion layer positioned inside the housing and facing the light source, wherein the housing may include: an air gap formed between the light conversion layer and the light source; and a hole formed through a side of the housing and communicating with the air gap.

[0121] The above light conversion layer may include a phosphor that converts the color of light from the light source.

[0122] The display device may further include a light-input portion made of a light-transmitting material positioned inside the housing and between the light conversion layer and the light source, and the air gap may be formed between the light-input portion and the light source.

[0123] The display device may further include a light-emitting portion made of a light-transmitting material, positioned inside the housing and opposite the light-input portion with respect to the light conversion layer.

[0124] The display device may further include: a cup positioned inside the housing and surrounding a side of the light source; and an encapsulating material positioned inside the cup and covering the light source, wherein the air gap may be formed around the cup and the encapsulating material.

[0125] The above-mentioned sealing material may have an inverted truncated cone shape, and the inner surface of the cup may have a shape corresponding to the sealing material and may guide the movement of light of the light source.

[0126] The above hole may be located behind the front end of the cup.

[0127] The cup may include: a first portion positioned inside the housing; a second portion positioned outside the housing; and a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion and into which the housing is seated.

[0128] The housing may have the shape of a circular column or a polygonal column, and the hole may be formed inside the housing from one end of the housing located on the substrate, or may be located apart from the one end of the housing.

[0129] The above hole may include: a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the housing.

[0130] The display device may further include: an optical plate positioned between the display panel and the light source; and an optical sheet positioned between the display panel and the optical plate.

[0131]

[0132] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0133] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0134] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Display panel; A frame located at the rear of the display panel; A substrate positioned between the display panel and the frame and coupled to the frame; A light source positioned on the substrate and providing light to the display panel; a housing positioned on the substrate and surrounding a side of the light source; and A light conversion layer located inside the housing and facing the light source, The above housing: An air gap formed between the light conversion layer and the light source; and A display device comprising a hole formed through a side surface of the housing and communicating with the air gap.

2. In paragraph 1, The above light conversion layer: A display device comprising a phosphor that converts the color of light from the light source.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a light-transmitting material light-input portion located inside the housing and between the light conversion layer and the light source, The above air gap is, A display device formed between the light-input portion and the light source.

4. In paragraph 3, A display device further comprising a light-emitting portion made of a light-transmitting material, located inside the housing, and opposite the light-input portion with respect to the light conversion layer.

5. In paragraph 1, a cup positioned inside the housing and surrounding the side of the light source; and Further comprising a sealing material located inside the cup and covering the light source, The above air gap is, A display device formed around the cup and the packaging material.

6. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned sealant has an inverted truncated cone shape, The inner side of the above cup is, A display device having a shape corresponding to the above-mentioned packaging material and guiding the movement of light from the above-mentioned light source.

7. In paragraph 5, The above hall is, A display device positioned behind the front end of the above cup.

8. In paragraph 5, The above cup: A first part located inside the housing; A second part located outside the housing; and, A display device comprising a groove formed between the first part and the second part and in which the housing is seated.

9. In paragraph 1, The above housing has the shape of a circular column or a polygonal column, The above hall is, A display device formed from one end of the housing positioned on the substrate to the inside of the housing or positioned spaced apart from the one end of the housing.

10. In paragraph 1, The above hall is: A display device comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the housing.

11. In paragraph 1, An optical plate positioned between the display panel and the light source; and A display device further comprising an optical sheet positioned between the display panel and the optical plate.

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