Backlight unit, display device, and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Provided is a backlight unit comprising: a light source substrate including a first opening and a plurality of light-emitting elements that are arranged at certain intervals on the front surface; a cover bottom located on the rear surface of the light source substrate; a diffusion plate supporter protruding from the cover bottom and passing through the first opening; a reflective plate located on the front surface of the light source substrate and including a second opening, through which the diffusion plate supporter passes, and third openings at locations corresponding to the light-emitting elements; and a diffusion plate, the rear surface of which is in contact with the front end of the diffusion plate supporter and spaced apart from the light-emitting elements by a certain distance. The diffusion plate supporter includes: a base located on the front surface of the reflective plate via the first opening and the second opening; a support part protruding forward from the base and in contact with the rear surface of the diffusion plate; and an engagement groove which is formed in the side surface of the base in a first direction and into which an end of the second opening is inserted.

Description

Backlight unit, display device and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a backlight unit capable of uniformly emitting light provided from a light source forward and a display device having the same.

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices is also increasing in various forms, and in response to this, recent displays include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), and electroluminescence devices.

[0003] The liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer and a TFT substrate and a color filter substrate facing each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, and can display an image using light provided from a backlight unit.

[0004] Recent technological advancements have allowed the size of LEDs to be reduced, leading to the emergence of mini LED or micro LED display devices that implement LEDs as individual pixels.

[0005] Display devices utilizing light sources like LEDs can transform point sources into surface light sources by diffusing the light. Furthermore, uneven intensity of the light emitted forward can lead to product defects, so achieving uniform brightness regardless of position is crucial.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a backlight unit, a display device, and a manufacturing method thereof, in which light provided from a light source can be uniformly emitted forward.

[0007] A backlight unit is provided, comprising: a light source substrate including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at a predetermined interval on the front side and a first opening; a cover bottom positioned on a rear surface of the light source substrate; a diffuser supporter protruding from the cover bottom and penetrating through the first opening; a reflector positioned on the front surface of the light source substrate, the reflector including a second opening through which the diffuser supporter penetrates and a third opening at a position corresponding to the light emitting element; and a diffuser plate having a rear surface in contact with a front end of the diffuser supporter and spaced apart from the light emitting element by a predetermined distance, wherein the diffuser supporter includes: a base positioned on the front surface of the reflector through the first opening and the second opening; a support portion protruding forward from the base and touching the rear surface of the diffuser plate; and a catching groove formed on a first-direction side surface of the base and into which an end of the second opening is inserted.

[0008] The above-mentioned catch groove may include a pair of catch grooves facing in opposite directions on both sides of the first direction of the base.

[0009] The size of the second opening in the first direction may be smaller than the spacing of the entrances of the pair of catch grooves in the first direction.

[0010] The size of the second opening in the first direction may be greater than the spacing of the closed ends located inside the pair of catch grooves in the first direction.

[0011] The size of the second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the second opening may be greater than the size of the base in the second direction.

[0012] It may include a guide slope formed on the edge of the base and located at the upper portion of the above-mentioned hook-and-loop.

[0013] The above-mentioned catch groove may include a curved edge formed at the entrance corner.

[0014] The above base may include a guide slope formed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] The above base may include a margin groove formed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a backlight unit is provided, comprising: a step of fastening a diffuser supporter to a cover bottom; a step of mounting a light source substrate on the front surface of the cover bottom so that the diffuser supporter penetrates a first opening of the light source substrate; a step of mounting the reflector on the front surface of the light source substrate so that the diffuser supporter penetrates a second opening of the reflector; and a step of mounting the diffuser so that a back surface of the diffuser plate is in contact with a front end of the diffuser plate supporter so as to be spaced apart from the light source by a predetermined distance, wherein the step of mounting the reflector includes a step of pressing a periphery of a second opening so that a first direction edge of the second opening is inserted into a catching groove formed in a first direction of the diffuser plate support.

[0017] The above-mentioned catch groove includes a pair of catch grooves formed on both sides of the first direction, and the size of the second opening in the first direction may be smaller than the spacing of the entrances of the pair of catch grooves in the first direction.

[0018] The backlight unit of the present invention can omit the assembly process of the diffuser supporter, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0019] In addition, the backlight unit of the present invention can stably fix a reflector without a separate adhesive tape.

[0020] In addition, the backlight unit of the present invention can prevent the occurrence of a leak when the reflector shrinks or expands due to heat.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device related to the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a conventional backlight unit.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a cover bottom of a backlight unit according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which backlight units are stacked according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-section AA of Figure 7.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a diffuser supporter of a backlight unit according to one aspect of the present invention according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 and a drawing showing a second opening of a reflector.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a diffuser supporter of a display device according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0032] 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 will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a 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 invention.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining a display device (100) related to the present invention.

[0038] The above display device (100) may include a wireless communication unit (110), an input unit (120), a sensing unit (140), an output unit (150), a cooling unit (160), a memory (170), a control unit (180), and a power supply unit (190). The components illustrated in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing the display device (100), and thus the display device (100) described in this specification may have more or fewer components than the components listed above.

[0039] More specifically, among the above components, the wireless communication unit (110) may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the display device (100) and a wireless communication system, between the display device (100) and another display device (100), or between the display device (100) and an external server. In addition, the wireless communication unit (110) may include one or more modules that connect the display device (100) to one or more networks.

[0040] This wireless communication unit (110) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, and a short-range communication module.

[0041] The input unit (120) may include a camera (121) or a video input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone (122) or an audio input unit for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit (123, for example, a touch key, a mechanical key, etc.) for receiving information from a user. Voice data or image data collected by the input unit (120) may be analyzed and processed into a user's control command.

[0042] Recently, as the bezel size of display devices (100) has become smaller, there has been an increase in the number of display devices (100) with a minimal number of input units (130) in the form of physical buttons exposed externally. Instead, a minimum number of physical buttons are positioned on the back or side, and signals from a remote control device can be detected through a touchpad or user input interface to receive user input.

[0043] The sensing unit (140) may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information within the display device (100), information about the surrounding environment surrounding the display device (100), and user information. For example, the sensing unit (140) may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor (IR sensor), a fingerprint recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., a camera (see 121)), a microphone (see 122), a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a heat detection sensor, a gas detection sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric recognition sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the display device (100) disclosed in this specification can utilize information sensed by at least two of these sensors in combination.

[0044] The control unit (180) can check the status of the display device (100) based on the information collected from the sensing unit (140), and if a problem occurs, can notify the user of it or control it to maintain the best condition by adjusting it on its own.

[0045] The output unit (150) is for generating output related to visual, auditory, or tactile sensations, and may include at least one of a display (200) and an audio output unit (152). The display (200) may be formed as a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure with a touch sensor or forming an integral structure. This touch screen may function as a user input unit (123) that provides an input interface between the display device (100) and the user, and at the same time, provide an output interface between the display device (100) and the user.

[0046] The display (200) can be a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), a flexible display, etc., and may also be a 3D display. The 3D display (200) can be divided into a glasses-free type and a glasses type.

[0047] Meanwhile, the display (200) is configured as a touch screen and can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the display device (100) of the present invention can implement a large-screen display (200) by arranging multiple displays (200) in a grid pattern.

[0049] The cooling unit (160) refers to a configuration that discharges heat inside the display device (100), and may include a heat pipe, cooling fins, a circulation fan that promotes internal air circulation, a vent hole, etc.

[0050] A display device (100) installed for the purpose of exhibition advertising operates for long periods of time and outputs high brightness so that it can be easily seen from the outside. Therefore, heat generated from the display (151) and control unit (180) may affect each component of the display device (100), causing malfunctions, etc. Therefore, a heat dissipation structure that dissipates internal heat is very important.

[0051] In a display device (100), heat dissipation is implemented in various ways. Depending on the object that performs heat transfer during the heat dissipation process, it can be divided into air-cooling and water-cooling. In the case of air-cooling, heat dissipation efficiency can be increased by maximizing the surface area using heat dissipation fins, etc., and in the case of water-cooling, heat dissipation efficiency can be increased by guiding the path and sealing of the heat transfer material using a structure such as a heat pipe.

[0052] These heat dissipation cooling methods can be used alone or in combination with two or more as needed.

[0053] In addition, the memory (170) stores data that supports various functions of the display device (100). The memory (170) can store a plurality of application programs (or applications) running on the display device (100), data for the operation of the display device (100), and commands. At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs can exist on the display device (100) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the display device (100) (e.g., call receiving and sending functions, message receiving and sending functions). Meanwhile, the application programs can be stored in the memory (170), installed on the display device (100), and driven by the control unit (180) to perform the operations (or functions) of the display device (100).

[0054] In addition to the operations related to the above application program, the control unit (180) typically controls the overall operation of the display device (100). The control unit (180) can provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the components discussed above or by operating an application program stored in the memory (170).

[0055] In addition, the control unit (180) can control at least some of the components to drive an application program stored in the memory (170). Furthermore, the control unit (180) can operate at least two or more of the components included in the display device (100) in combination to drive the application program.

[0056] The control unit (180) may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the display device (100) using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or another hardware-based processor.

[0057] The image signal processed in the control unit (180) can be input to the display (200) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal.

[0058] The voice signal processed in the control unit (180) can be output as sound to the audio output unit (160). In addition, the voice signal processed in the control unit (180) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit.

[0059] In addition, the control unit (180) can control the display device (100) by a user command input through the user input interface unit or an internal program. Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can control the display (200) to display an image. At this time, the image displayed on the display (200) can be a still image or a moving image, and can be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0060] Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can cause a predetermined 2D object to be displayed within an image displayed on the display (200). For example, the object can be at least one of a connected web screen (newspaper, magazine, etc.), an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), various menus, widgets, icons, still images, videos, and text.

[0061] Meanwhile, the control unit (180) may modulate and / or demodulate a signal using the Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) method. Here, the Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) method may mean a method of modulating a signal by varying the amplitude of a carrier wave according to a data value, or of restoring an analog signal to a digital data value according to the amplitude of the carrier wave.

[0062] For example, the control unit (180) can modulate a video signal using the amplitude shift keying (ASK) method and transmit it through a wireless communication module.

[0063] For example, the control unit (180) can demodulate and process an image signal received through a wireless communication module using the amplitude shift keying (ASK) method.

[0064] Through this, the display device (100) can easily transmit and receive signals with other adjacently placed video display devices without using a unique identifier such as a MAC address (Media Access Control Address) or a complex communication protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0065] The power supply unit (190) can supply power to the entire display device (100). In particular, it can supply power to a control unit (180) that can be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC), a display (200) for displaying images, and an audio output unit (152) for audio output.

[0066] Specifically, the power supply unit (190) may be equipped with a converter (not shown) that converts AC power into DC power and a Dc / Dc converter (not shown) that converts the level of DC power.

[0067] Meanwhile, the power supply unit (190) receives power from an external source and distributes power to each component. The power supply unit (190) may utilize a method of supplying AC power by directly connecting to an external power source, or may include a power supply unit (190) that can be recharged and used, including a battery.

[0068] At least some of the above components may cooperate with each other to implement the operation, control, or control method of the display device (100) according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the display device (100) may be implemented on the display device (100) by driving at least one application program stored in the memory (170).

[0069] That is, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. Furthermore, the functions performed by each block are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and their specific operations or devices do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The display device (100) of the present invention may be formed entirely as one module, as shown in (a) of FIG. 2, or may be formed as a large screen by arranging multiple displays (200) in a grid shape on the cover bottom (102), as shown in (b) of FIG. 2.

[0072] The display (200) may have a rectangular shape and may be long in the horizontal direction, but there are also displays (200) that can be rotated or have a long vertical length. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on a display device that is long in the horizontal direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The display (200) may be subject to bending or breakage due to the use of a thin substrate or sheet material. It may include a cover bottom (240) that supports the back surface of the display. The cover bottom (240) is made of a metal material, and the cover bottom (240) of the present invention may be positioned on the back surface of the light source substrate (220) on which the light source (227) is mounted.

[0075] The light source substrate (220) located in front of the cover bottom (240) is mounted with multiple light sources (227) in an array on the front. An LED can be used as the light source (227). LED is an abbreviation for light emitting diode (LED) and is a diode that emits light when the direction of current matches a certain electrode direction.

[0076] LEDs can provide high-brightness light with high efficiency, and are mainly used as backlights for lighting or displays. Recently, as the manufacturing cost and size of LEDs have gradually decreased, the market for LED displays that use the LED itself as a pixel has also expanded. The display (200) of the present invention includes a backlight unit (BLU) that provides light, and a display panel (210) that adds color to the light supplied from the backlight unit (BLU) to output image information. The display panel (210) may include a liquid crystal panel that selectively transmits light, and a color filter for implementing color on the liquid crystal panel may be arranged.

[0077] A guide panel (290) can be used to align the positions of the backlight unit (BLU) and the display panel (210). The guide panel (290) can have a frame shape like a picture frame, and the display panel (210) can be mounted on the front surface and the backlight unit (BLU) can be mounted on the back surface.

[0078] A backlight unit (BLU) may include an optical sheet layer (260) including a light source substrate (220) on which a light-emitting element (227) that emits light is mounted, a reflector (250) positioned on the front of the light source substrate (220), and a diffuser plate (261) positioned on the front of the reflector (250).

[0079] A plurality of light emitting diodes (227) are arranged in a grid pattern on a light source substrate (220). The light source substrate (220) receives power, applies it to each light emitting diode (227), and provides light toward the display panel (210) located on the front.

[0080] A silicone lens may be included to allow light emitted from the light-emitting element (227) to spread within a predetermined range. The silicone lens may include a light-transmitting material and a diffusion agent to enhance the diffusion effect. The silicone lens covers the light-emitting element (227) and may be positioned within a predetermined area around the light-emitting element (227).

[0081] If the light provided from the light emitting element (227) is reflected by the optical sheet layer (260) or the display panel (210) and is not emitted in the front direction, the brightness of the display device (100) decreases. To prevent the decrease in brightness, a reflector (250) may be additionally provided so that all of the light emitted from the light emitting element (227) is directed in the front direction.

[0082] The reflector (250) is attached to the front surface of the light source substrate (220) and may include a plurality of openings (253) that expose the light cloud (227) at positions corresponding to the light source (227).

[0083] The diffuser (261) diffuses the light provided from the light source (227) so that it appears as a surface light source rather than a point light source, thereby providing uniform brightness to the front. The light from the light source (227) passing through the diffuser (261) can have continuity with the light from the neighboring light source (227), thereby implementing a backlight unit with uniform brightness.

[0084] Since multiple light sources (227) are arranged at a predetermined distance apart, light provided from one light source (227) must provide light to a diffusion plate (261) having a larger area than the light source (227). The light source (227) and the diffusion plate (261) can be arranged at a predetermined distance apart so that the light emitted from the light source (227) spreads over a predetermined range.

[0085] A diffuser supporter (230) can be used to maintain the distance between the light source (227) and the diffuser (261). As the size of the display device (100) increases, the optical sheet (260) including the diffuser (261) may sag due to the lack of rigidity of the sheet material.

[0086] The diffuser supporter (230) is positioned between a plurality of light sources (227) to maintain the distance between the light source substrate (220) on which the light sources (227) are mounted and the diffuser (261). The diffuser supporter (230) must be positioned to avoid the plurality of light sources (227), which limits the mounting area. In addition, if the size of the diffuser supporter (230) is large, it is preferable to block the light of the light sources (227) so that the area where the diffuser supporter (230) and the diffuser (261) meet is minimized.

[0087] However, if pressure is applied to the front of the display (200), the diffuser supporter (230) may cause scratches on the diffuser (261) or the front display panel (210) may be damaged. Therefore, it is advantageous to form the diffuser supporter (230) as small as possible. The diffuser supporter (230) may have a symmetrical shape, or may have a shape that is relatively long in one direction. The longitudinal direction of the diffuser supporter (230) and the longitudinal direction of the display (200) may be perpendicular as in FIG. 3 or may coincide as in FIG. 5.

[0088] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a conventional display device (100). In order to provide a diffuser supporter (230) that is small in size, has minimal influence on the brightness of the display (200), and has elasticity, the diffuser supporter (230) can be manufactured as a separate part using an injection molding. As shown in Fig. 4, the diffuser supporter (230) made of an injection molding can be laminated on the front surface of a light source substrate with a reflector (250) and then fitted and joined to the cover bottom (240) from the front surface.

[0089] However, the conventional diffuser supporter (230) requires a separate manufacturing and assembly process, and the diffuser supporter (230) can be fixed by sliding and fitting or rotating to assemble the diffuser supporter (230) onto the heat sink (230) or the substrate. In other words, a certain amount of free space is required in addition to the mounting space for assembling the diffuser supporter (230).

[0090] In order to solve the problems of the diffuser supporter (230) composed of a conventional injection molded product, the present invention provides a diffuser supporter (230) assembled to a cover bottom (340) or formed as an integral part with the cover bottom (340). The diffuser supporter (230) of the present invention has the advantage of reducing costs by reducing the number of parts and omitting a separate assembly process, and of having less space constraints.

[0091] Fig. 5 is a drawing illustrating a cover bottom (240) of a backlight unit (BLU) according to one aspect of the present invention. The diffuser supporter of the present invention is first provided assembled to the cover bottom (240).

[0092] When manufacturing the cover bottom (240), it may be manufactured as an integral part with the diffuser supporter (230), or the diffuser supporter (230) may be first fastened before laminating the light source substrate (220), reflector (250), etc. on the cover bottom (240). The diffuser supporter (230) may be fastened to the cover bottom (240) in a batch manner in an automated process using welding or SMT methods.

[0093] The diffusion plate supporter (230) coupled to the cover bottom (240) of the present invention has the advantage of being easier to automate than the conventional method of fastening using a slide method or a rotation method.

[0094] The diffuser supporter (230) may include a base (231) that is coupled to the front of the cover bottom (240) and a support portion (235) that protrudes forward from the base (231). The support portion (235) may have a triangular shape as shown in Fig. 5, or may have various shapes such as a three-dimensional cone shape or an arch shape.

[0095] The diffuser supporter (230) may be manufactured from an elastic material to absorb external shock, or may include a plate spring with a variable shape.

[0096] The area of ​​the diffuser supporter (230) in contact with the diffuser supporter (230) should not be large so as not to obstruct the light emitting element (227) from being incident on the diffuser plate (260). Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the area of ​​the diffuser supporter (230) may become smaller as it moves away from the cover bottom (240), and thus the area of ​​the end may become narrower.

[0097] However, if the end of the diffuser supporter (230) is too sharp, the diffuser (260) may be damaged, so the end of the diffuser supporter (230) may have a blunt shape as shown in FIG. 5.

[0098] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to one aspect of the present invention. The backlight unit may include a light source substrate (220) laminated on the front surface of a cover bottom (240), a reflector (250) laminated on the front surface of the light source substrate (220), and a diffuser plate (260) arranged at a predetermined distance from a light emitting element (227) by a diffuser plate supporter (230).

[0099] The light source substrate (220) may have a plurality of light emitting elements (227) arranged in an array, and a first opening (221) may be formed to allow the diffusion plate supporter (230) to pass through, avoiding the location where the light emitting elements (227) are arranged.

[0100] The first opening (221) may have a size corresponding to the shape of the diffuser supporter (230), or may be extended to a larger shape than the diffuser supporter (230) so that multiple diffuser supporters (230) can be accommodated simultaneously.

[0101] The reflector (250) is mounted on the front surface of the light source substrate (220) and is a member that re-supplies light from the light emitting element (227) so that the light emitted from the light emitting element (227) is guided to the diffuser plate (260). The reflector (250) may include a second opening (252) through which the diffuser plate supporter (230) can pass and a third opening (253) through which the light emitting element (227) passes.

[0102] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which backlight units are stacked according to one aspect of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a cross-section taken along line AA of Fig. 7. For convenience of explanation, the diffusion plate (260) is not shown in Fig. 7, but as shown in Fig. 8, it may be arranged to be spaced forward from the light-emitting element (227) and in contact with the end of the diffusion plate supporter (230).

[0103] The diffuser supporter (230) of the present invention can protrude forward by penetrating the first opening (221) of the light source substrate (220) and the second opening (252) of the reflector (250) while being attached to the cover bottom (240).

[0104] Since the conventional diffuser supporter is fastened after the reflector (250) is laminated, the front of the reflector (250) can be pressed to secure it to the cover bottom (240). However, as in the present invention, when the light source substrate (220) and the reflector (250) are fastened in a state where the diffuser supporter (230) is already coupled to the cover bottom (240), there is difficulty in securing the reflector (250) to the cover bottom (240).

[0105] There is a method using adhesive tape, but there is a problem that additional materials and processes are added. Accordingly, the diffuser supporter (230) of the present invention may include a catch groove (232) formed on the side of the base (231) in the first direction (D1) so that the first edge (252a) of the second opening (252) of the reflector (250) is caught. Here, the first direction (D1)

[0106] As illustrated in Fig. 7, a catch groove (232) can be formed at a position corresponding to the height of the reflector (250) on the first direction (D1) side of the base (231). When the first edge (252a) of the second opening (252) of the reflector (250) is inserted into the catch groove (232), the reflector (250) can be prevented from being lifted off the light source substrate (220).

[0107] The catch groove (232) may be formed on both sides of the first direction (D1) and may include a guide slope (233) to guide the first edge (252a) of the opening to be inserted into the catch groove (232).

[0108] In order to align the position of the reflector (250) in the second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), it may include a guide slope (233') formed on the side of the base (231) in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1_) as well as a guide slope (233) in the first direction.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a diffuser supporter (230) of a backlight unit according to one aspect of the present invention according to the embodiment of FIG. 7, and a drawing showing a second opening (252) of a reflector (250). (a) is a plan view of the diffuser supporter (230), and (b) is a view of the second opening (252). The base (231) of the diffuser supporter (230) includes guide slopes (233, 233'), so that the sizes of the upper and lower surfaces are different.

[0110] The catch groove (232) can be formed on both sides of one direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 9), and the first direction (D1) can correspond to the extension direction of the short side of the second opening (252). The first edge (252a) of the second opening (252) can also be provided in pairs facing each other in the first direction (D1).

[0111] The spacing between the pair of first edges (252a) of the second opening (252), i.e., the length (b3) of the second opening (252) in the first direction (D1), can be determined so that the first edge (252a) does not come off while being caught in the engaging groove (232). The length (d1) of the second opening (252) in the first direction (D1) can have a smaller value than the distance (b1) between the entrances of the pair of engaging grooves (232), and can have a larger value than the distance (b2) between the inner closed ends of the pair of engaging grooves (232). (b1>b3>b2)

[0112] In order for the reflector (250) to be stably fixed to the engaging groove (232), it is preferable that the overlapping amount (G1) of the engaging groove (232) of the first edge (252a) have a value of 0.5 mm or more. The length (b3) of the second opening (252) in the first direction (D1) may have a value that is 1 mm or more smaller than the distance (b1) between the entrances of a pair of engaging grooves (232).

[0113] The reflector (250) can shrink / expand due to heat. When the first edge (252a) is in contact with the inner closed end of the engaging groove (232), wrinkles may occur when the reflector (250) shrinks / expands. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance (G2) between the inner closed end of the engaging groove (232) and the reflector (250) is 0.5 mm or more. Accordingly, the length (b3) of the second opening (252) in the first direction (D1) may have a value that is 1 mm or more greater than the distance (b1) between the entrances of a pair of engaging grooves (232).

[0114] The second opening (252) may include an inclined surface (233) on the upper side of the engaging groove (232) so that the first edge (252a) of the second opening (252) may be inserted into the engaging groove (232). The second opening (252) may be inserted into the engaging groove (232) while moving along the inclined surface (233) and opening in the first direction (D1).

[0115] The first edge (252a) of the second opening (252) of the reflector (250) can be positioned between the starting point (233a) and the end point (233b) of the inclined surface (233) so that the first edge (252a) can move along the inclined surface (233).

[0116] When the second opening (252) is inserted along the guide slope (233) of the diffuser guide (230) into the second opening (252), the length (a3) ​​in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1) of the second opening (252) may be greater than the size (a1) of the upper base (231) (a3>a1).

[0117] If the end of the inclined surface (233) is sharp, the first edge (252a) may be torn, so as shown in Fig. 8, an edge curve (233a) may be formed at the end of the inclined surface (233), i.e., at the entrance of the catch groove (232).

[0118] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a diffuser supporter (230) of a backlight unit according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0119] The contraction and expansion of the reflector (250) may occur not only in the first direction (D1), but also in the second direction. Since the position of the second opening (252) changes when contracting and expanding in the second direction, margin grooves (234) may be included on both sides of the base (231) in consideration of this.

[0120] The second edge (252b) located on both sides of the second direction of the second opening (252) may be inserted into the margin groove (234) when the reflector (250) contracts and expands, or may be located outside the margin groove (234).

[0121] The backlight unit described above can be manufactured through the following process. A cover bottom is provided with a diffuser supporter attached to it. The diffuser supporter can be manufactured as an integral part of the cover bottom, or it can be mounted after the cover bottom is manufactured.

[0122] The light source substrate can be mounted on the front of the cover bottom (240) so that the diffuser supporter (230) penetrates the first opening (221) of the light source substrate (220), and the reflector (250) can be mounted on the front of the light source substrate (220) so that the diffuser supporter (230) penetrates the second opening (252) of the reflector (250).

[0123] The step of settling the reflector (250) can be performed by pressing the circumference (first edge) of the second opening (252) so that the first edge (252a) of the second opening (252) in the first direction is inserted into the catch groove (232) formed in the first direction of the diffuser supporter (230).

[0124] After this, the diffuser plate (260) can be laminated so that the back surface of the diffuser plate (260) is in contact with the front end of the diffuser plate supporter (230) so as to be spaced apart from the light emitting element (227) by a predetermined distance. At this time, the diffuser plate (260) can be first aligned with the panel guide (290), and then the cover bottom (240), light source substrate (220), and reflection plate (250) assembly can be placed on the back surface of the diffuser plate (260). As described above, the backlight unit of the present invention can omit the assembly process of the diffuser plate supporter (230), thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0125] In addition, the backlight unit of the present invention can stably fix the reflector (250) without a separate adhesive tape.

[0126] In addition, the backlight unit of the present invention can prevent the occurrence of a leak when the reflector (250) shrinks or expands due to heat.

[0127] 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. A light source substrate including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at regular intervals on the front and a first opening; A cover bottom located on the back surface of the above light source substrate; A diffuser supporter protruding from the cover bottom and penetrating through the first opening; A reflector positioned on the front of the light source substrate, including a second opening through which the diffuser supporter penetrates and a third opening at a position corresponding to the light emitting element; and The back surface is in contact with the front end of the above-mentioned diffuser supporter and includes a diffuser plate spaced apart from the light-emitting element by a predetermined distance, The above diffuser supporter is, A base positioned on the front of the reflector through the first opening and the second opening; A support member protruding forward from the base and touching the back surface of the diffuser; and A backlight unit formed on the first direction side of the base and including a catch groove into which an end of the second opening is inserted.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned hanging groove A backlight unit characterized by including a pair of engaging grooves facing in opposite directions on both sides of the first direction of the base.

3. In paragraph 2, The size of the above second opening in the above first direction is A backlight unit characterized in that the gap between the entrances of the pair of catch grooves in the first direction is smaller than that between the entrances of the pair of catch grooves.

4. In paragraph 2, The size of the above second opening in the above first direction is A backlight unit characterized in that the gap in the first direction between the closed ends located on the inside of the pair of catch grooves is greater than that between the closed ends located on the inside of the pair of catch grooves.

5. In paragraph 1, The size of the second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the second opening is A backlight unit characterized by having a size larger than the second direction of the base.

6. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit characterized by including a guide slope formed on the edge of the base and positioned at the upper portion of the above-mentioned hanging groove.

7. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit characterized in that the above-mentioned catch groove includes a curved edge formed at the entrance corner.

8. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit characterized in that the base includes a guide slope formed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. In paragraph 1, A backlight unit characterized in that the base includes a margin groove formed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

10. A backlight unit of one of paragraphs 1 to 9; and A display device including a liquid crystal panel positioned on the front of the above backlight unit.

11. Step of providing a cover bottom with a spread plate supporter; A step of mounting the light source substrate on the front surface of the cover bottom so that the diffuser supporter penetrates the first opening of the light source substrate; and A step of mounting the reflector on the front surface of the light source substrate so that the diffuser supporter penetrates the second opening of the reflector, The step of mounting the above reflector is A backlight unit assembly method characterized by including a step of pressing the periphery of the second opening so that the first direction edge of the second opening is inserted into a catch groove formed in the first direction of the diffuser supporter.

12. In paragraph 11, The above-mentioned catch groove includes a pair of catch grooves formed on both sides of the first direction, A method for manufacturing a backlight unit, characterized in that the size of the second opening in the first direction is smaller than the spacing between the entrances of the pair of catch grooves in the first direction.

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