Backlight unit and display device comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a backlight unit and a display device comprising same. The backlight unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of light sources; a guide frame including a plurality of light guides surrounding the respective light sources; an optical sheet disposed in front of the guide frame; and a diffuser disposed between the plurality of light guides and the optical sheet, wherein the diffuser is disposed between each of the plurality of light sources and each of the plurality of light guides and can be integrally formed with the guide frame to be in contact with the plurality of light guides.

Description

Backlight unit and display device including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a backlight unit and a display device including the same.

[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 an image using light provided from a backlight unit.

[0004] Recently, various sensors and electronic devices have been installed in vehicles to ensure the convenience and safety of vehicle users. In particular, vehicles are equipped with one or more display devices capable of displaying driving-related information or content for the convenience of the user. As display devices become more widely used, diverse research is being conducted to reduce display thickness while improving performance and durability.

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

[0006] Another object is to provide a backlight unit having a structure that minimizes thickness and a display device including the same.

[0007] Another object is to provide a backlight unit having a structure capable of improving durability and a display device including the same.

[0008] Another object is to provide a backlight unit and a display device including the same that can minimize the occurrence of mura by improving the uniformity of light emitted toward a display panel.

[0009] Another object is to provide a backlight unit and a display device including the same, which can improve manufacturing convenience and reduce costs by minimizing component parts.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a backlight unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of light sources; a guide frame including a plurality of light guides each surrounding the plurality of light sources; an optical sheet disposed in front of the guide frame; and a diffuser disposed between the plurality of light guides and the optical sheet, wherein the diffuser is disposed between each of the plurality of light sources and each of the plurality of light guides, and may be integrally formed with the guide frame by being in contact with the plurality of light guides.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display panel; and a backlight unit positioned at the rear of the display panel and providing light to the display panel, wherein the backlight unit comprises: a plurality of light sources; a guide frame including a plurality of light guides each surrounding the plurality of light sources; an optical sheet disposed in front of the guide frame; and a diffuser disposed between the guide frame and the optical sheet, wherein the diffuser is disposed between each of the plurality of light sources and each of the plurality of light guides, and may be integrally formed with the guide frame by being in contact with the plurality of light guides.

[0012] The effects of the backlight unit according to the present disclosure and the display device including the same are described as follows.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the backlight unit and the display device can be minimized.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durability of a backlight unit and a display device can be improved.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the uniformity of light emitted from a backlight unit can be improved to minimize the occurrence of mura, thereby improving the quality of an image output through a display device.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, components of a backlight unit and a display device can be minimized, thereby improving manufacturing convenience and reducing costs.

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a backlight unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 4 to 15 are drawings illustrating examples of the structure of a backlight unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, portions irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly and concisely describe the present disclosure, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or extremely similar portions throughout the specification.

[0023] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are given solely for the convenience of writing this specification and do not impart any particularly significant meaning or role to the components themselves. Therefore, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

[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 preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Additionally, while terms such as "first" and "second" may be used in this specification to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0026] 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.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) may include a display panel (10). The display panel (10) may display a screen.

[0029] The display device (1) may include a first long side (LS1), a second long side (LS2) opposite to the first long side (LS1), a first short side (SS1) adjacent to the first long side (LS1) and the second long side (LS2), and a second short side (SS2) opposite to the first short side (SS1). Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the lengths of the long sides (LS1, LS2, long side) are illustrated and described as being greater than the lengths of the short sides (SS1, SS2, short side), but it may also be possible for the lengths of the long sides (LS1, LS2) to be approximately equal to the lengths of the short sides (SS1, SS2).

[0030] The direction parallel to the long sides (LS1, LS2) of the display device (1) can be referred to as the left-right direction. The direction parallel to the short sides (SS1, SS2) of the display device (1) can be referred to as the up-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the long sides (LS1, LS2) and short sides (SS1, SS2) of the display device (1) can be referred to as the front-back direction.

[0031] The direction in which the display panel (10) displays an image may be referred to as forward (+z), and the opposite direction may be referred to as backward (-z). The first long side (LS1) may be referred to as upward (+y). The second long side (LS2) may be referred to as downward (-y). The first short side (SS1) may be referred to as left (+x). The second short side (SS2) may be referred to as right (-x).

[0032] 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). In addition, 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.

[0033] For example, 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).

[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the display device (1) may include a display panel (10), a guide panel (20), a backlight unit (30, 40), a frame (50), and / or a back cover (60).

[0036] A display panel (10) can form the front surface of a display device (1). The display panel (10) can 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 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 (30, 40) to the front substrate or block it.

[0039] The guide panel (20) can surround the periphery of the display panel (10) and cover the side of the display panel (10). The guide panel (20) can be combined with the display panel (10) or support the display panel (10). The guide panel (20) can be referred to as a side frame or a middle cabinet.

[0040] The backlight unit (30, 40) may be positioned at the rear of the display panel (10). The backlight unit (30, 40) may include light sources. The backlight unit (30, 40) may be coupled to the frame (50) in front of the frame (50). The backlight unit (30, 40) may be driven by a full driving method or a partial driving method such as local dimming or impulsive. The backlight unit (30, 40) may include an optical layer (30) and an optical sheet (40).

[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. Meanwhile, the joining portion (40d) of the optical sheet (40) may be joined to the frame (50) and / or the back cover (60).

[0042] The frame (50) can be positioned at the rear of the backlight unit (30, 40) and can support the components of the display device (1). The edge of the frame (50) can be fixed to the guide panel (20). For example, components such as the backlight unit (30, 40), a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on which a plurality of electronic components are positioned, etc. can be combined to the frame (50). For example, the frame (50) can include a metal material. The frame (50) can be referred to as a main frame, a module cover, or a cover bottom.

[0043] The back cover (60) can cover the rear of the frame (50). The back cover (60) can be coupled to the frame (50). For example, the back cover (60) can include a metal material.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a backlight unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the optical layer (30) may include a substrate (31), at least one optical assembly (32), a reflective sheet (33), and / or a diffuser plate (35). The optical sheet (40) may be positioned in front of the optical layer (30).

[0046] The substrate (31) may be provided in the form of a plurality of straps extending left and right and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. At least one optical assembly (32) may be mounted on the substrate (31). An electrode pattern may be formed on the substrate (31) to connect the adapter and the optical assembly (32). For example, the electrode pattern may be a carbon nanotube electrode pattern. The substrate (31) may be composed of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), or silicon. The substrate (31) may be a printed circuit board (PCB) on which at least one optical assembly (32) is mounted.

[0047] The optical assembly (32) may be a light emitting diode (LED) chip or a light emitting diode package including at least one light emitting diode chip. The optical assembly (32) may be composed of a colored LED or a white LED that emits at least one color, such as red, green, and blue. The colored LED may include at least one of a red LED, a green LED, or a blue LED.

[0048] The reflective sheet (33) may be positioned in front of the substrate (31). At least one hole (33a) may be formed through the reflective sheet (33), and the light assembly (32) may be positioned in the hole (33a). The reflective sheet (33) may reflect light provided from the light assembly (32) or reflected from the diffuser plate (35) forward. For example, the reflective sheet (33) 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).

[0049] The diffuser plate (35) may be positioned in front of the reflective sheet (33). The diffuser plate (35) may be positioned between the reflective sheet (33) and the optical sheet (40).

[0050] The optical sheet (40) may include at least one sheet. For example, the optical sheet (40) may include one or more prism sheets and / or one or more diffusion sheets. The multiple sheets of the optical sheet (40) may be adhered or adhered to each other.

[0051] Specifically, the optical sheet (40) may be composed of a plurality of sheets having different functions. For example, the optical sheet (40) may include a first optical sheet (40a), a second optical sheet (40b), and a third optical sheet (40c). For example, the first optical sheet (40a) may be a diffusion sheet, and the second optical sheet (40b) and the third optical sheet (40c) may be prism sheets. The diffusion sheet may prevent the light coming from the diffusion plate (35) from being partially concentrated, thereby making the distribution of the light more uniform. The prism sheet may collect the light coming from the diffusion plate (35) and provide it to the display panel (10). Meanwhile, the number and / or positions of the diffusion sheets and the prism sheets may be changed.

[0052] FIGS. 4 to 12 are drawings illustrating examples of the structure of a backlight unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the diffusion plate (35) included in the backlight unit (30, 40) may include a guide frame (400).

[0054] The guide frame (400) may include a light guide (410) surrounding a light source (32). The light guide (410) may be formed to surround the light source (32). The light guide (410) may include a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) surrounding the light source (32). The light source (32) may be placed in a space surrounded by the plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d). The first inclined surface (410a) and the third inclined surface (410c) of the light guide (410) may face each other, and the second inclined surface (410b) and the fourth inclined surface (410d) may face each other.

[0055] The size of the light guide (410) may correspond to the distance between two facing inclined surfaces among a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d). The distance between two facing inclined surfaces may increase as it moves forward.

[0056] The light guide (410) may be arranged in front of the reflective sheet (33). The light guide (410) may be arranged in contact with the reflective sheet (33). The light source (32) may be arranged in a hole (33a) included in the reflective sheet (33). The light source (32) may be arranged spaced apart from the edge of the hole (33a). The distance between two facing inclined surfaces may be greater than the diameter of the hole (33a). The reflective sheet (33) may be exposed to a space surrounded by a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d).

[0057] The guide frame (400) may include a plurality of light guides (410). Each of the plurality of light guides (410) may correspond to each of the plurality of light sources (32). Each of the plurality of light sources (32) may be placed in a space surrounded by a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) of each of the plurality of light guides (410).

[0058] The plurality of light guides (410) may be arranged in a grid pattern. Each of the plurality of light guides (410) may be arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the first inclined surface (410a) of a first light guide among the plurality of light guides (410) may be adjacent to a third inclined surface (410c) of a second light guide adjacent to the first light guide. For example, the second inclined surface (410b) of a first light guide among the plurality of light guides (410) may be adjacent to a fourth inclined surface (410d) of a third light guide adjacent to the first light guide.

[0059] The guide frame (400) may include a connecting surface (420) connecting a plurality of light guides (410). The connecting surface (420) may be connected to a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) of each of the plurality of light guides (410). For example, the first connecting surface (420a) may connect a first inclined surface (410a) of a first light guide among the plurality of light guides (410) and a third inclined surface (410c) of a second light guide adjacent to the first light guide. For example, the second inclined surface (420b) may connect a second inclined surface (410b) of a first light guide among the plurality of light guides (410) and a fourth inclined surface (410d) of a third light guide adjacent to the first light guide.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the diffuser (35) may include a diffuser (500). The diffuser (500) may transmit light. The diffuser (500) may diffuse light. Light emitted from the light source (32a) may pass through the diffuser (500) and be directed to the optical sheet (40). At this time, light emitted from the light source (32a) and incident on the diffuser (500) may be diffused within the diffuser (500). The diffuser (500) may be implemented with, but is not limited to, silicone, acrylic resin, and the like, and may be formed of various resins.

[0061] The diffuser (500) can be in contact with the guide frame (400). The diffuser (500) can be in contact with a plurality of light guides (410) included in the guide frame (400). The diffuser (500) can include a polymer resin having adhesive properties so as to be firmly adhered to the guide frame (400). For example, the diffuser (500) may be formed of unsaturated polyester, methylmethacrylate, ethylmethacrylate, isobutylmethacrylate, normal butylmethacrylate, normal butylmethylmethacrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, hydroxy ethylmethacrylate, hydroxy propylmethacrylate, hydroxy ethylacrylate, acrylamide, methylol acrylamide, glycidyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate, isobutyl It can be composed of acrylic, urethane, epoxy, and melamine types, such as acrylate (isobutylacrlate), normal butylacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer.

[0062] The guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) may be injection-molded products composed of a plurality of different materials. The guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) may be integrally formed. The guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) may be formed integrally using an injection molding process between different materials. For example, the guide frame (400) may be manufactured using a double injection molding method in which the guide frame (400) is first injected and the diffuser (500) is secondarily injected. Meanwhile, the guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) may be integrally formed by being attached to each other using a heterogeneous adhesive method.

[0063] When the guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) are in contact and integrally formed, additional structures such as a spacer placed between the guide frame (400) and the optical sheet (40) or a pad for fixing the diffusion sheet are unnecessary, so that the structure and manufacturing process of the backlight unit (30, 40) can be simplified. In addition, when the guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) are in contact and integrally formed, the thickness of the backlight unit (30, 40) can be further reduced. In addition, when the guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) are in contact and integrally formed, internal deformation due to an external force is reduced, so that durability can be improved.

[0064] The diffuser (500) may be spaced apart from the light source (32a). The rear surface (510) of the diffuser (500) may surround the light source (32a). The rear surface (510) of the diffuser (500) may be formed to correspond to a spherical shape.

[0065] An air gap (34) may be formed between the light source (32a) and the diffuser (500). Light emitted from the light source (32a) may be diffused in the air gap (34). Light emitted from the light source (32a) may be diffused in the air gap (34) and then incident on the diffuser (500).

[0066] The diffuser (500) can be placed between the light source (32a) and the light guide (410). Light emitted from the light source (32a) can be reflected from the light guide (410) after passing through the diffuser (500). Light emitted from the light source (32a) can be reflected from the connection surface (420) after passing through the diffuser (500).

[0067] A diffuser (500) may be positioned between the guide frame (400) and the optical sheet (40). The diffuser (500) may be positioned between the light guide (410) and the optical sheet (40). The diffuser (500) may be positioned between the connecting surface (420a) of the guide frame (400) and the optical sheet (40). As the diffuser (500) is positioned between the connecting surface (420a) of the guide frame (400) and the optical sheet (40), light emitted from the light source (32a) may be transmitted through the diffuser (500) and evenly incident on the entire rear surface of the optical sheet (40).

[0068] The guide frame (400) may include an edge (430) formed along the outer periphery of the guide frame (400). The edge (430) of the guide frame (400) may contact the frame (50).

[0069] Among the plurality of light guides (410), some of the light guides (410) positioned along the outer periphery of the guide frame (400) may be connected to an edge (430) of the guide frame (400). The edge (430) may be formed to extend forward from the light guide (410) positioned along the outer periphery of the guide frame (400). The edge (430) may be formed to extend forward from a connecting surface (420a) connected to the light guide (410) positioned along the outer periphery of the guide frame (400).

[0070] The edge (430) can form a continuous surface with the front surface of the diffuser (500). The optical sheet (40) can be placed in contact with the continuous surface formed by the edge (430) and the front surface of the diffuser (500).

[0071] The thickness (h1) of the guide frame (400) may be greater than or equal to the thickness (h3) of the diffuser (500). The distance (h2) between the connecting surface (420a) of the guide frame (400) and the optical sheet (40) may correspond to the thickness (h2) of the edge (430). For example, the thickness (h1) of the guide frame (400) may be 2 mm to 3 mm, and the thickness (h2) of the edge (430) may be 1 mm.

[0072] The light source (32a) may be placed in the hole (33a) included in the reflective sheet (33). The light source (32a) may be placed at a preset distance (d) from the edge of the hole (33a). For example, the light source (32a) may be placed at a distance of 0.5 mm from the edge of the hole (33a). As the light source (32a) is placed at a distance from the edge of the hole (33a), light emitted from the light source (32a) may be diffused in the air gap (34) and then reflected by the reflective sheet (33).

[0073] The light source (32a) can emit light in the left-right direction. The light source (32a) can emit light in the up-down direction. The degree to which light is incident on an area located in front of the light source (32a) among the rear surfaces (510) of the diffuser (500) may be less than the degree to which light is incident on another area among the rear surfaces (510) of the diffuser (500).

[0074] Referring to Fig. 6, the diffuser (500) may be spaced apart from the light source (32a). The rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may surround the light source (32a). The rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may be formed to correspond to a hexahedron. For example, the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may include one surface (521) positioned in front of the light source (32a) and a plurality of side surfaces (522) positioned above, below, left, and right of the light source (32a). The plurality of side surfaces (522) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may be formed to be inclined. The separation distance between two side surfaces (522) facing each other may decrease as they go forward.

[0075] The light source (32a) can emit light in the left-right direction. The light source (32a) can emit light in the up-down direction. The degree to which light is incident on one side (521) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may be less than the degree to which light is incident on the side surface (522) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500).

[0076] Referring to Fig. 7, the light source (32b) can emit light toward the front. The degree to which light is incident on an area located in front of the light source (32a) among the rear surfaces (510) of the diffuser (500) may be greater than the degree to which light is incident on another area among the rear surfaces (510) of the diffuser (500).

[0077] Referring to Fig. 8, the light source (32b) can emit light toward the front. The degree to which light is incident on one side (521) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may be greater than the degree to which light is incident on the side surface (522) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, the light sources (32a, 32b) may be spaced apart from the diffuser (500) by a predetermined distance or more. The light sources (32a, 32b) may be spaced apart from the diffuser (500) by a first distance (w1) in the front-back direction. For example, the light sources (32a, 32b) may be spaced apart from the diffuser (500) by 0.5 mm in the front-back direction. The light sources (32a, 32b) may be spaced apart from the diffuser (500) by a second distance (w2) in the up-down, left-right, and right-hand directions. For example, the light sources (32a, 32b) may be spaced apart from the diffuser (500) by 0.7 mm to 1 mm in the up-down, left-right, and right-hand directions.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 10, at least a portion of the front surface of the diffuser (500) adjacent to the optical sheet (40) may include a diffusion pattern (505). The diffusion pattern (505) may diffuse and / or refract light emitted from the light source (32) and transmitted through the diffuser (500).

[0080] The diffusion pattern (505) may be composed of a polymer resin constituting the diffuser (500). The diffusion pattern (505) may also be composed of at least one of a metal or a metal oxide. For example, the diffusion pattern (505) may be composed of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), or the like.

[0081] The diffusion pattern (505) can be formed by depositing or coating at least one of a metal or a metal oxide on the front surface of the diffuser (500). The diffusion pattern (505) can also be formed by printing metal ink. Here, the deposition method can include a vacuum deposition method such as a thermal deposition method, an evaporation method, or a sputtering method. The coating method and / or printing method can include a printing method, a gravure coating method, a silk screen method, or the like.

[0082] The diffusion pattern (505) may be composed of a plurality of dots. For example, the diffusion pattern (505) may be composed of dots each having a circular planar shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the diffusion pattern (505) may be composed of dots each having an elliptical or polygonal planar shape.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 11, at least a portion of the rear surface of the diffuser (500) adjacent to the light source (32) may include a diffusion pattern (525). In the present disclosure, the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) formed to correspond to a hexahedron is described, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the rear surface (510) of the diffuser (500) formed to correspond to a spherical shape may include a diffusion pattern (525).

[0084] The diffusion pattern (525) formed on the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) may correspond to the diffusion pattern (505) formed on the front surface of the diffuser (500). The shape of the diffusion pattern (525) formed on the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500) corresponds to a spherical shape formed in an intaglio manner, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] If the light source (32) is a light source (32a) that emits light in the left-right direction, the diffusion pattern (525) can be formed at least on a side (522) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500). If the light source (32) is a light source (32b) that emits light in the forward direction, the diffusion pattern (525) can be formed at least on one side (521) of the rear surface (520) of the diffuser (500).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 12, a diffuse reflection pattern (421) may be formed on at least a portion of the guide frame (400). In the present disclosure, the diffuse reflection pattern (421) formed on the connecting surface (420a) of the guide frame (400) is described, but is not limited thereto. For example, the diffuse reflection pattern (421) may be formed on a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) of the light guide (410) of the guide frame (400).

[0087] When light is reflected by the guide frame (400), diffuse reflection of the light may occur due to the diffuse reflection pattern (421). At this time, due to the diffuse reflection of the light, the light may spread in various directions in the diffuser (500). Meanwhile, due to the diffuse reflection pattern (421) formed on the guide frame (400), the bonding force between the guide frame (400) and the diffuser (500) may increase.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 13, the diffuser (500) may include a plurality of scattering particles (530). The scattering particles (530) may scatter and / or refract light incident on the scattering particles (530). At this time, due to the scattering and / or refracting of light by the scattering particles (530), the light may be diffused in various directions in the diffuser (500).

[0089] The scattering particles (530) may be composed of a material having a different refractive index from the material constituting the diffuser (500). For example, the scattering particles (530) may be composed of a polymethylmethacrylate / styrene copolymer, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, silicon, titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), or the like. For example, the scattering particles (530) may also be formed by bubbles.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, an optical layer (30) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a substrate (31), at least one optical assembly (32), and a diffuser plate (35).

[0091] The guide frame (400) can be placed in front of the substrate (31). The guide frame (400) can be placed in contact with the substrate (31).

[0092] Each of the plurality of light guides (410) of the guide frame (400) may include a rear surface (410e). The rear surface (410e) may be formed to extend from the rear end of the plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) toward each of the plurality of light sources (32). The rear surface (410e) may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction. The rear surface (410e) may be in contact with the substrate (31).

[0093] The rear surface (410e) may be spaced apart from the light source (32). The inner edge of the rear surface (410e) may be spaced apart from the light source (32) by a preset distance (d). The light source (32) may be surrounded by the inner edge of the rear surface (410e). Light emitted from the light source (32) may be diffused in the air gap (34) and then reflected from the rear surface (410e).

[0094] When the optical layer (30) does not include a reflective sheet (33) and the guide frame (400) comes into contact with the substrate (31), the thickness of the backlight unit (30, 40) can be further reduced. In addition, when each of the plurality of light guides (410) of the guide frame (400) includes a rear surface (410e), performance corresponding to that when the optical layer (30) includes a reflective sheet (33) can be secured.

[0095] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the backlight unit (30, 40) and the display device (1) can be minimized.

[0096] Additionally, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durability of the backlight unit (30, 40) and the display device (1) can be improved.

[0097] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the uniformity of light emitted from the backlight unit (30, 40) can be improved to minimize the occurrence of Mura, thereby improving the quality of an image output through the display device (1).

[0098] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the components of the backlight unit (30, 40) and the display device (1) can be minimized, thereby improving manufacturing convenience and reducing costs.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, a backlight unit (30, 40) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a guide frame (400) including a plurality of light sources (32); a plurality of light guides (410) each surrounding the plurality of light sources (32); an optical sheet (40) disposed in front of the guide frame (400); and a diffuser (500) disposed between the plurality of light guides (410) and the optical sheet (40), wherein the diffuser (500) is disposed between each of the plurality of light sources (32) and each of the plurality of light guides (410), and may be integrally formed with the guide frame (400) by being in contact with the plurality of light guides (410).

[0100] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the diffuser (500) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of light sources (32) by a predetermined distance or more.

[0101] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide frame (400) further includes an edge (430) that extends forward from a portion of the plurality of light guides (410) positioned along the outer periphery of the guide frame (400), and the optical sheet (40) can be arranged to contact a continuous surface formed by the edge (430) of the guide frame (400) and the front surface of the diffuser (500).

[0102] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of light guides (410) includes a plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) surrounding each of the plurality of light sources (32), and a separation distance between two inclined surfaces facing each other among the plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) may increase as it goes forward.

[0103] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the backlight unit (30, 40) further includes a reflective sheet (33) in which a plurality of holes (33a) in which each of the plurality of light sources (32) is arranged are formed, and the guide frame (400) can be arranged in front of the reflective sheet (33) in contact with the reflective sheet (33).

[0104] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of light sources (32) may be arranged spaced apart from the edge of each of the plurality of holes (33a).

[0105] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the distance between the two inclined surfaces may be greater than the diameter of each of the plurality of holes (33a).

[0106] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of light guides (410) may further include a rear surface (410e) that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction from the rear end of the plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) toward each of the plurality of light sources (32).

[0107] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least some of the plurality of inclined surfaces (410a to 410d) may include a diffuse reflection pattern (421).

[0108] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide frame (400) further includes a connecting surface (420) that connects a first inclined surface of a first light guide and a second inclined surface of a second light guide adjacent to the first light guide, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are adjacent to each other, and the diffuser (500) can be positioned between the connecting surface (420) and the optical sheet (40).

[0109] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting surface (420) may include a diffuse reflection pattern (421).

[0110] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the front surface of the diffuser (500) adjacent to the optical sheet (40) may include a diffusion pattern (505).

[0111] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the rear surface of the diffuser (500) facing each of the plurality of light sources (32) may include a diffusion pattern (525).

[0112] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the diffuser (500) may include a plurality of scattering particles (530).

[0113] A display device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a display panel (10); and a backlight unit (30, 40) positioned at the rear of the display panel (10) and providing light to the display panel (10), wherein the backlight unit (30, 40) comprises: a guide frame (400) including a plurality of light sources (32); a plurality of light guides (410) each surrounding the plurality of light sources (32); an optical sheet (40) disposed in front of the guide frame (400); and a diffuser (500) disposed between the guide frame (400) and the optical sheet (40), wherein the diffuser (500) is disposed between each of the plurality of light sources (32) and each of the plurality of light guides (410), and may be integrally formed with the guide frame (400) by being in contact with the plurality of light guides (410).

[0114] The attached drawings are only intended to facilitate 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, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] Meanwhile, the operating method of the present disclosure can be implemented as processor-readable code on a processor-readable recording medium. A processor-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a processor. Examples of processor-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage devices, etc., and also include those implemented in the form of a carrier wave, such as transmission via the Internet. Furthermore, the processor-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, so that the processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0116] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Multiple light sources; A guide frame including a plurality of light guides each surrounding the plurality of light sources; An optical sheet arranged in front of the above guide frame; and A diffuser is disposed between the plurality of light guides and the optical sheet, The above diffuser, is placed between each of the plurality of light sources and each of the plurality of light guides, A backlight unit characterized in that it is formed integrally with the guide frame and in contact with the plurality of light guides.

2. In paragraph 1, The above diffuser, A backlight unit characterized in that it is spaced apart from each of the plurality of light sources by a predetermined distance or more.

3. In paragraph 1, The above guide frame, Among the plurality of light guides, an edge is further formed to extend forward from a portion located along the outer edge of the guide frame, A backlight unit characterized in that the optical sheet is arranged in contact with a continuous surface formed by the edge of the guide frame and the front surface of the diffuser.

4. In paragraph 1, Each of the plurality of light guides includes a plurality of inclined surfaces surrounding each of the plurality of light sources, A backlight unit characterized in that the distance between two facing inclined surfaces among the plurality of inclined surfaces increases as it moves forward.

5. In paragraph 4, The above backlight unit, Further comprising a reflective sheet having a plurality of holes formed in which each of the plurality of light sources is arranged, A backlight unit characterized in that the above guide frame is placed in front of the reflective sheet and in contact with the reflective sheet.

6. In paragraph 5, A backlight unit, characterized in that each of the plurality of light sources is arranged spaced apart from the edge of each of the plurality of holes.

7. In paragraph 5, A backlight unit characterized in that the distance between the two inclined surfaces is greater than the diameter of each of the plurality of holes.

8. In paragraph 4, Each of the above plurality of light guides, A backlight unit characterized in that it further includes a rear surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction from the rear end of the plurality of inclined surfaces toward each of the plurality of light sources.

9. In paragraph 4, A backlight unit characterized in that at least some of the plurality of inclined surfaces include a diffuse reflection pattern.

10. In paragraph 4, The above guide frame, Further comprising a connecting surface connecting the first inclined surface of the first light guide and the second inclined surface of the second light guide adjacent to the first light guide, The above first slope and the above second slope are adjacent to each other, A backlight unit characterized in that the diffuser is positioned between the connecting surface and the optical sheet.

11. In paragraph 10, A backlight unit characterized in that the above connecting surface includes a diffuse reflection pattern.

12. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit characterized in that at least a portion of the front surface of the diffuser adjacent to the optical sheet includes a diffusion pattern.

13. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit characterized in that at least a portion of the rear surface of the diffuser facing each of the plurality of light sources includes a diffusion pattern.

14. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit, characterized in that the above diffuser comprises a plurality of scattering particles.

15. Display panel; and A backlight unit located at the rear of the display panel and providing light to the display panel, The above backlight unit, Multiple light sources; A guide frame including a plurality of light guides each surrounding the plurality of light sources; An optical sheet arranged in front of the above guide frame; and Including a diffuser disposed between the guide frame and the optical sheet, The above diffuser, is placed between each of the plurality of light sources and each of the plurality of light guides, A display device characterized in that it is formed integrally with the guide frame and in contact with the plurality of light guides.

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