Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device of the present disclosure may comprise: a display panel; a frame positioned at the rear of the display panel; a light guide plate disposed between the display panel and the frame; a housing including a rear part supporting the light guide plate between the light guide plate and the frame, and a side part intersecting the rear part and facing one side of the light guide plate; a substrate disposed between the side part and the one side of the light guide plate and coupled to the side part; a light source disposed on the substrate and providing light toward the one side of the light guide plate; and a spacer including a support part disposed around the light source and coupled to the substrate, and a protruding wall extending from the support part and disposed at the rear of the light guide plate.

Description

Display device

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

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

[0003] Among these, the LCD panel is equipped with a TFT substrate and a color substrate facing each other with a liquid crystal layer in between, and can display an image using light provided from a backlight unit. Recently, much research has been conducted on structures to protect the light source in edge-lit LCDs, where the light source is placed at the edge of the display device.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0005] Another purpose may be to provide a structure in which the light source of the backlight unit is spaced apart from the light guide plate.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that prevents the light source of the backlight unit from colliding with the light guide plate.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that stably supports the light guide plate.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that prevents misalignment between the light source and the light guide plate of the backlight unit.

[0009] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that prevents the light guide plate from bending.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a display device may comprise: a display panel; a frame located at the rear of the display panel; a light guide plate located between the display panel and the frame; a housing having a rear part that supports the light guide plate between the light guide plate and the frame, and a side part that intersects the rear part and faces one side of the light guide plate; a substrate located between the side part and the one side of the light guide plate and coupled to the side part; a light source located on the substrate and providing light toward the one side of the light guide plate; and a spacer having a support member disposed around the light source and coupled to the substrate, and a protruding wall extending from the support member and disposed at the rear of the light guide plate.

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

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure in which the light source of a backlight unit is spaced apart from a light guide plate can be provided.

[0013] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure can be provided that prevents the light source of a backlight unit from colliding with a light guide plate.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure in which a light guide plate is stably supported can be provided.

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, misalignment between the light source of the backlight unit and the light guide plate can be prevented.

[0016] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure capable of preventing the light guide plate from bending can be provided.

[0017] Further scopes of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0018] FIGS. 1 to 16 are drawings illustrating examples of display devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are given the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.

[0021] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0023] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0024] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026]

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

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

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

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

[0031] The first long side (LS1), the second long side (LS2), the first short side (SS1), and the second short side (SS2) can be referred to as edges of the display device (1). Additionally, 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 can be referred to as a corner.

[0032] 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).

[0033]

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

[0035] A display panel (10) can form the front surface of a display device (1) and can display an image. The display panel (10) can display an image by having multiple pixels output RGB (Red, Green, or Blue) for each pixel in a timed manner. 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) may include a front substrate and a rear substrate facing each other with a liquid crystal layer in between. The display panel (10) can be referred to as an LCD panel.

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

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

[0038] The front cover (15) can cover at least a portion of the front and side areas of the display panel (10). The front cover (15) may be divided into a front cover located on the front of the display panel (10) and a side cover located on the side. The front cover and the side cover may be provided separately or as a single body. At least one of the front cover or the side cover may be omitted.

[0039] The guide panel (13) can surround the perimeter of the display panel (10) and cover the side of the display panel (10). The guide panel (13) can be combined with the display panel (10) or support the display panel (10). The guide panel (13) may be referred to as a panel guide (13) or a side frame (13).

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

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

[0042] The frame (60) may be located at the rear of the backlight unit (20) and may support the components of the display device (1). For example, components such as the backlight unit (20) and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on which a plurality of electronic components are located may be combined with the frame (60). The frame (60) may include a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The frame (60) may be referred to as a main frame or a module cover.

[0043] The back cover (70) can cover the rear of the frame (60). The back cover (70) can be attached to the frame (60) and / or the front cover (15). For example, the back cover (70) may be an injection-molded product made of resin. As another example, the back cover (70) may include a metal material.

[0044]

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the optical layer (30) may include a substrate (31), at least one optical assembly (32), a reflective sheet (37), and a light guide plate (36). An optical sheet (40) may be located in front of the optical layer (30). The optical assembly (32) may be referred to as a light source (32) or a plurality of light sources (32).

[0046] The substrate (31) may be extended in the left-right direction and may be adjacent to the perimeter of the light guide plate (36). For example, the substrate (31) may be adjacent to the lower edge of the light guide plate (36). At least one light assembly (32) may be mounted on the substrate (31). That is, the light source of the backlight unit (20) may be placed at the edge of the backlight unit (20). An electrode pattern may be formed on the substrate (31) to connect the adapter and the light 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 light assembly (32) is mounted.

[0047] The light 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 light assembly (32) may be composed of a colored LED or a white LED that emits at least one color among colors 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] A light guide plate (36) may be located behind the optical sheet (40). Most of the light provided by the light assembly (32) may be transmitted into the interior of the light guide plate (36). The light guide plate (36) may reflect the light received from the light assembly (32) forward.

[0049] The reflective sheet (37) may be located behind the light guide plate (36). The reflective sheet (37) may reflect light provided by the light assembly (32) or reflected from the light guide plate (36) forward. For example, the reflective sheet (37) may include a metal and / or metal oxide having a high reflectivity, such as at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or titanium dioxide (TiO2).

[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. Multiple sheets of the optical sheet (40) may be bonded or closely attached 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 can prevent the light coming from the diffusion plate (35) from being partially concentrated, thereby making the distribution of light more uniform. The prism sheet can concentrate the light coming from the diffusion plate (35) and provide it to the display panel (10). Meanwhile, the number and / or position of the diffusion sheet and the prism sheet may be changed.

[0052] Meanwhile, the optical layer (30) may include a diffuser plate (35) located between the light guide plate (36) and the optical sheet (40).

[0053]

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the frame (60) may include a flat portion (61) and a bending portion (62). The flat portion (61) may form the front surface of the frame (60) and may be formed generally flat. The bending portion (62) may be bent forward from the edge of the flat portion (61) and may extend along the edge of the flat portion (61).

[0055] The housing (80) may be positioned on the flat plate (61). The housing (80) may be adjacent to the lower edge of the frame (60). The housing (80) may include a rear part (81) and a side part (85). The rear part (81) may be coupled to or fixed to the flat plate (61). The side part (85) may be bent forward from the bottom of the rear part (81).

[0056] The housing (80) may include a protrusion (82) that protrudes forward from the front of the rear part (81). The side part (85) may protrude further forward than the protrusion (82). The side part (85) may be located between the bending part (62) and the protrusion (82), and may be spaced apart from the bending part (62) and the protrusion (82). The housing (80) may include a metal material such as aluminum (Al). The housing (80) may be referred to as a heat sink (80).

[0057] The guide panel (13) may include a vertical section (13V) and a horizontal section (13H). The vertical section (13V) may extend along the bending section (62) and cover the outer side of the bending section (62). The horizontal section (13H) may intersect the vertical section (13V) and cover a portion of the front of the frame (60) and the housing (80).

[0058] The light guide plate (36) may be positioned between the horizontal portion (13H) and the protrusion (82). The reflective sheet (37) may be attached to the rear surface of the light guide plate (36). The pad (37a) may be positioned between the reflective sheet (37) and the protrusion (82) and may be attached to the protrusion (82). The optical sheet (40) may be placed on the front surface of the light guide plate (36). The portion of the rear surface of the light guide plate (36) adjacent to the lower edge of the light guide plate (36) may be supported by the protrusion (82). Meanwhile, the portions adjacent to the upper edge, left edge, and right edge of the light guide plate (36) may be supported by the frame (60).

[0059] The display panel (10) may face the optical sheet (40) with respect to the horizontal portion (13H). The front pad (FP) may be located between the display panel (10) and the horizontal portion (13H) and may be coupled to the horizontal portion (13H). The first rear pad (RP1) may be located between the horizontal portion (13H) and the optical sheet (40) and may be coupled to the horizontal portion (13H). The second rear pad (RP2) may be located between the horizontal portion (13H) and the light guide plate (36) and may be coupled to the horizontal portion (13H).

[0060] The end frame (17) may include a first part (17V) and a second part (17H). The first part (17V) may extend along the vertical section (13V) and cover the outer side of the vertical section (13V). The second part (17H) may intersect the first part (17V) and cover a portion of the front of the guide panel (13) and the display panel (10). A pad (DP) may be located between the second part (17H) and the display panel (10) and may be coupled to the second part (17H).

[0061] Meanwhile, the cable (C, see FIG. 4) can be electrically connected to the display panel (10) and the source PCB (not shown, Source Printed Circuit Board). The cable (C, see FIG. 4) can pass between the guide panel (13) and the end frame (17) and can be connected to the source PCB (not shown) at the rear of the frame (60). For example, the cable (C, see FIG. 4) can be a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC).

[0062]

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the substrate (31) may be placed on the side part (85) of the housing (80). The substrate (31) may be extended along the lower edge of the light guide plate (36). A plurality of light sources (32) may be located on the substrate (31).

[0064] A spacer (50) can be placed on a substrate (31). The spacer (50) can be placed around a plurality of light sources (32) so that the light guide plate (36) and the plurality of light sources (32) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Support portions (511, 512) of the spacer (50) can be in contact with the substrate (41) and can be placed between the plurality of light sources (32). Support portions (511, 512) can support the lower edge of the light guide plate (36). A protruding wall (52) of the spacer (50) can extend from the support portions (511, 512) and can be placed between the light guide plate (36) and the rear part (81) of the housing (80). The protruding wall (52) can be adjacent to the rear surface of the light guide plate (36). Accordingly, the protruding wall (52) can prevent the lower part of the light guide plate (36) from bending backward or misaligning with the light sources (32) when the light guide plate (36) expands due to reasons such as thermal expansion, and can prevent light scattering defects. The spacer (50) may be referred to as a guard (50), a pad (50), a protector (50), or a barrier (50). For example, the spacer (50) may be an injection-molded product made of resin or silicone material.

[0065] A spacer (50) may be positioned on the substrate (31) between the substrate (31) and the protrusion (82). The spacer (50) may include a base (51) in contact with the substrate (31). The base (51) may have an overall U-shape. The base (51) may include a first support member (511) and a second support member (512) extending in the front-rear direction, and may include a bridge (513) connecting the end of the first support member (511) and the end of the second support member (512). The first support member (511) may be positioned between a plurality of light sources (32). The second support member (512) may be positioned between a plurality of light sources (32) and may be spaced apart to the right from the first support member (511). The bridge (513) can be extended in the left-right direction and can connect the rear end of the first support member (511) and the rear end of the second support member (512). At least one light source (32) can be positioned between the first support member (511) and the second support member (512). The base (51) can enclose at least a portion of the light source (32). Specifically, the base (51) can enclose the left and right sides and the rear of the light source (32). The first support member (511) can be referred to as the first leg (511), and the second support member (512) can be referred to as the second leg (512).

[0066] The protruding wall (52) may extend upward from the base (51). Specifically, the protruding wall (52) may protrude upward from the bridge (513), the rear end of the first support member (511), and the rear end of the second support member (512). The protruding wall (52) may be referred to as a protrusion (52) or a support member (52).

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the base (51) may include a recessed portion (511a, 512a, 513a) that is recessed from one side facing the substrate (31). The recessed portion (511a, 512a, 513a) may form a step with the one side of the base (51). The recessed portion (511a, 512a, 513a) may include a plurality of insertion grooves (511ah1, 511ah2, 512ah1, 512ah2, 513ah1, 513ah2, 513ah3).

[0069] The spacer (50) may include dampers (514, 515, 516) disposed in the recesses (511a, 512a, 513a). The dampers (514, 515, 516) may include a plate-shaped first part (5141, 5151, 5161), a second part (5142, 5152, 5162) bent from the first part (5141, 5151, 5161), and a third part (5143, 5153, 5163) bent from the first part (5141, 5151, 5161). The second part (5142, 5152, 5162) and the third part (5143, 5153, 5163) can each be inserted into different insertion grooves (511ah1, 511ah2, 512ah1, 512ah2, 513ah1, 513ah2, 513ah3) formed in the recessed portions (511a, 512a, 513a). The first part (5141, 5151, 5161) can be spaced apart from the recessed portions (511a, 512a, 513a) and can be parallel to one surface facing the substrate (31) of the base (51). The damper (514, 515, 516) can be formed of an elastic material. As a result, the dampers (514, 515, 516) can cushion the impact applied to the spacer (50).

[0070] Specifically, the first support member (511) may include a first recessed portion (511a) that is recessed from the lower surface of the first support member (511), and a first insertion groove (511ah1) and a second insertion groove (511ah2) that are recessed upward may be formed in the first recessed portion (511a). The first insertion groove (511ah1) may be spaced forward from the second insertion groove (511ah2). A first damper (514) may be placed in the first recessed portion (511a). The first damper (514) may include a first part (5141) in the shape of a plate extending long in the front-rear direction, a second part (5142) that is bent upward from the front end of the first part (5141) and at least a portion of which is inserted into the first insertion groove (511ah1), and a third part (5143) that is bent upward from the rear end of the first part (5141) and at least a portion of which is inserted into the second insertion groove (511ah2). The first part (5141) of the first damper (514) may be spaced downward from the first recess (511a) and may come into contact with the substrate (31). Accordingly, even if a downward pressing force is applied to the upper surface (511b) of the first support part (511), the first damper (514) can cushion the impact.

[0071] The second support member (512) may include a second recessed portion (512a) that is recessed from the lower surface of the second support member (512), and a third insertion groove (512ah1) and a fourth insertion groove (512ah2) that are recessed upward may be formed in the second recessed portion (512a). The third insertion groove (512ah1) may be spaced forward from the fourth insertion groove (512ah2). A second damper (515) may be placed in the second recessed portion (512a). The second damper (515) may include a first part (5151) in the shape of a plate extending long in the front-rear direction, a second part (5152) that is bent upward from the front end of the first part (5151) and at least a portion of which is inserted into a third insertion groove (512ah1), and a third part (5153) that is bent upward from the rear end of the first part (5151) and at least a portion of which is inserted into a fourth insertion groove (512ah2). The first part (5151) of the second damper (515) may be spaced downward from the second recess (512a) and may come into contact with the substrate (31). Accordingly, even if a downward pressing force is applied to the upper surface (512b) of the second support part (512), the second damper (515) can cushion the impact.

[0072] The bridge (513) may include a third recess (513a) that is recessed from the lower surface of the bridge (513), and a fifth insertion groove (513ah1), a sixth insertion groove (513ah2), and a seventh insertion groove (513ah3) may be formed in the third recess (513a). The fifth insertion groove (513ah1) may be located in the center of the bridge (513) in the left-right direction, the sixth insertion groove (513ah2) may be spaced to the left from the fifth insertion groove (513ah1), and the seventh insertion groove (513ah3) may be spaced to the right from the fifth insertion groove (513ah1). A third damper (516) may be placed in the third recess (513a). The third damper (516) may include a first part (5161) in the shape of a plate extending long in the left-right direction, a second part (5162) that is bent upward from the left end of the first part (5161) and at least a portion of which is inserted into the sixth insertion groove (513ah2), a third part (5163) that is bent upward from the right end of the first part (5161) and at least a portion of which is inserted into the seventh insertion groove (513ah3), and a fourth part (5164) that is bent upward from a portion of the rear end of the first part (5161) and inserted into the fifth insertion groove (513ah1). The first part (5161) of the third damper (516) may be spaced downward from the third recess (513a) and may come into contact with the substrate (31). Accordingly, even if a downward pressing force is applied to the base (51), the third damper (516) can cushion the impact.

[0073] The spacer (50) may include protrusions (53, 54) protruding from the base (51). The protrusions (53, 54) may protrude in the opposite direction to the protruding wall (52) relative to the base (51) and may be inserted into a hole (31h, see FIG. 5) of the substrate (31). The protrusions (53, 54) may be referred to as bosses (53, 54). The spacer (50) may be fixed to the substrate (31) by inserting the protrusions (53, 54) into the hole (31h, see FIG. 5) formed in the substrate (31) and soldering them. The spacer (50) can be attached in a PTH (Plated Through Hole) manner, in which the protrusions (53, 54) are inserted into the holes (31h, see FIG. 5) of the substrate (31), or alternatively, the spacer (50) can be attached to the substrate (31) in a SMT (Surface Mount Technology) manner.

[0074] Specifically, the spacer (50) may include a first projection (53) protruding downward from the base (51) adjacent to the rear end of the first support member (511), and a second projection (54) protruding downward from the base (51) adjacent to the rear end of the second support member (512). The first projection (53) and the second projection (54) may each be inserted into a plurality of holes (31h, see FIG. 5) formed in the substrate (31) at a distance from each other, and thereby the spacer (50) may be fixed to the substrate (31). The projections (53, 54) inserted into the holes (31h, see FIG. 5) of the substrate (31) may be fixed more firmly to the substrate (31) by soldering.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 together, the upper surface (511b) of the first support member (511), which is one surface (511b) facing the light guide plate (36) of the first support member (511), may be located on the same plane as the upper surface (512b) of the second support member (512), which is one surface (512b) facing the light guide plate (36) of the second support member (512). The upper surface (511b) of the first support member (511) and the upper surface (512b) of the second support member (512) may be collectively referred to as the upper surfaces (511b, 512b) of the support members (511, 512).

[0076] The upper surface (511b, 512b) of the support portion (511, 512) may be parallel to the substrate (31). The protruding wall support surface (521) of the spacer (50) facing the light guide plate (36) may have at least a portion perpendicular to the upper surface (511b, 512b) of the support portion (511, 512). Specifically, the protruding wall support surface (521) may include a vertical portion (521a) and an inclined portion (521b). The angle (theta 1) between the vertical portion (521a) and the upper surface (511b, 512b) of the support portion (511, 512) may be vertical, and the angle between the inclined portion (521b) and the upper surface (511b, 512b) of the support portion (511, 512) may be obtuse. The angle (theta 2) between the rear surface (522) of the protruding wall facing the rear part (81) of the housing (80) and the upper surface (511b, 512b) of the support part (511, 512) can be an acute angle. As a result, the protruding wall (52) can stably support the light guide plate (36) even if the light guide plate (36) bends backward. The protruding wall support surface (521) can be referred to as the front surface (521) of the protruding wall (52).

[0077]

[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, the substrate (31) may be positioned closer to the front end of the side part (85) than to the rear end, and the vertical pad (38) may be positioned between the substrate (31) and the side part (85). A plurality of light sources (32) may be positioned closer to the front end of the side part (85) than to the rear end. The vertical pad (38) may be located between the substrate (31) and the side part (85) and may be coupled to the substrate (31) and the side part (85). The vertical pad (38) may have adhesive properties. Accordingly, heat generated from the plurality of light sources (32) can be easily transferred to the side part (85) through the substrate (31) and the vertical pad (38). The vertical pad (38) may include a silicon-based material. The vertical pad (38) may be referred to as a vertical heat dissipation pad.

[0079] The light source (32) may be directed toward one side of the light guide plate (36), that is, the lower side. The light source (32) may be an LED and may be operated by receiving power from a power device (not shown) through the substrate (31). The light source (32) may be aligned with the center line of the lower side of the light guide plate (36). The center line may pass through the center of the lower side and extend in the left-right direction.

[0080] The thickness (t2) of the light source (32) placed on the substrate (31) is smaller than the thickness (t1) of the support portions (511, 512) of the spacer (50). Here, the thickness (t2) of the light source (32) refers to the distance (t2) from the substrate (31) to the upper surface of the light source (32) facing the lower edge of the light guide plate (36), and the thickness (t1) of the support portions (511, 512) refers to the distance (t1) from the substrate (31) to the upper surface (511b, 512b) of the support portions (511, 512). Accordingly, the upper surface of the light source (32) can be spaced apart from the lower edge of the light guide plate (36), and the support portions (511, 512) can protect the light source (32) so that the light source (32) does not collide with the light guide plate (36).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 together, the pad (523) can be attached to the protruding wall support surface (521). The pad (523) can be formed of an elastic material and can act as a cushion between the light guide plate (36) or reflective sheet (37) and the protruding wall (52).

[0082] The distance (d1) between the protruding wall support surface (521) and the reflective sheet (37) may be greater than or equal to the distance (d2) between the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) and the reflective sheet (37). The distance (d3) between the front surface of the pad (523) and the reflective sheet (37) may be greater than or equal to the distance (d2) between the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) and the reflective sheet (37). The distance (d4) between the protruding wall support surface (521) and the light guide plate (36) may be greater than or equal to the distance (d5) between the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) and the light guide plate (36). Accordingly, the protruding wall support surface (521) may be spaced apart from the light guide plate (36) and / or the reflective sheet (37) by a predetermined distance. In a high temperature and / or high humidity environment, the light guide plate (36) and / or reflective sheet (37) may expand, and the lower portion of the light guide plate (36) and / or reflective sheet (37) may bend. In this case, the protruding wall support surface (521) supports the rear surface of the light guide plate (36) or reflective sheet (37), thereby preventing the lower edge of the light guide plate (36) from being misaligned with the light source (32).

[0083] A pad (37a) may be placed between the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) and the reflective sheet (37), and the pad (37a) may prevent the rear surface of the reflective sheet (37) from being scratched by the protrusion (82). One side of the pad (37a) may be in contact with the reflective sheet (37), and the other side opposite to the one side may be in contact with the protrusion (82).

[0084]

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11, the housing (80) may be extended in the left-right direction. The housing (80) may be adjacent to the lower edge of the frame (60, see FIG. 5) (see FIG. 5). In the front-rear direction, the height (h2) of the side part (85) may be greater than the height (h1) of the protrusion (82). Here, the height (h2) of the side part (85) may refer to the length (h2) from the rear part (81) of the housing (80) to the front end of the side part (85), and the height (h1) of the protrusion (82) may refer to the length (h1) from the rear part (81) to the front end of the protrusion (82).

[0086] Press portions (83, 84) can be formed by pressing from the rear of the housing (80) toward the front. Press portions (83, 84) can be positioned opposite the side part (85) with respect to the protrusion (82).

[0087] The substrate (31) may be positioned between the side part (85) and the protrusion (82) and may be coupled to the side part (85). The substrate (31) may be spaced downward from the protrusion (82). The substrate (31) may extend along the side part (85). For example, the substrate (31) may be a Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB).

[0088] A plurality of light sources (32) may be positioned on the substrate (31) between the substrate (31) and the protrusion (82). The plurality of light sources (32) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the substrate (31), i.e., the left-right direction. The plurality of light sources (32) may be arranged in a line in the left-right direction.

[0089]

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 11, a light source (32) may be positioned between a first support member (511) and a second support member (512), and a bridge (513) and a protruding wall (52) may be positioned behind the light source (32). The spacer (50) may include a plurality of spacers (50), and the plurality of spacers (50) may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate (31), that is, in the left-right direction. Among two adjacent spacers (50), the second support member (512) of the spacer (50) located on the left and the first support member (511) of the spacer (50) located on the right may face each other, and the second support member (512) of the spacer located on the left and the first support member (511) of the spacer located on the right may be arranged side by side between two adjacent light sources (32). Each of the vertical portions (521a) of the protruding wall (52) in the plurality of spacers (50) can be arranged on the same plane.

[0091]

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, in another embodiment, a plurality of light sources (32) may be grouped into a plurality of groups, for example, each group may have three light sources (32). A group of light sources (32) grouped into a plurality of light sources (32) may be placed between the first support portion (511) and the second support portion (512) of the spacer (50). The spacer (50) may include a plurality of spacers (50), and the plurality of spacers (50) may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate (31). Two adjacent spacers (50) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the substrate (31), and at least one light source (32) may be placed between two adjacent spacers (50).

[0093] Specifically, in each of the plurality of spacers (50), a group of light sources (32) may be placed between the first support member (511) and the second support member (512), and in two adjacent spacers (50), the second support member (512) of the spacer (50) placed on the left may be spaced to the left from the first support member (511) of the spacer (50) placed on the right, and at least one, for example, three light sources (32) may be placed between the second support member (512) of the spacer placed on the left and the first support member (511) of the spacer placed on the right.

[0094] Multiple spacers (50) may be spaced apart at equal intervals in the left and right directions, and the number of light sources (32) arranged between the first support member (511) and the second support member (512) in each spacer (50) may be the same.

[0095]

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 13 together, in another embodiment, a single light source (32) may be positioned between the first support member (511) and the second support member (512) and may be located in front of the bridge (513) and the protruding wall (52). The spacer (50) may include a plurality of spacers (50), and the plurality of spacers (50) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the substrate (31), that is, in the left-right direction. A plurality of light sources (32) may be positioned between any two of the plurality of spacers (50). The number of spacers (50) positioned on the substrate (31) may be less than the number of light sources (32) positioned on the substrate (31).

[0097] An auxiliary pad (100) may be placed between any two spacers (50). The auxiliary pad (100) may be placed behind a plurality of light sources (32) and between the protruding walls (52) of adjacent spacers (50). The auxiliary pad (100) can prevent the light guide plate (36, see FIG. 9) from expanding and bending backward in a high temperature and / or humid environment. In a high temperature and / or humid environment, the light guide plate (36, see FIG. 9) may expand and / or bend, and the light guide plate (36, see FIG. 9) may rotate the protruding walls (52) of the spacers (50) backward. The auxiliary pad (100) can assist the protruding walls (52) of the spacers (50) to prevent the light guide plate (36, see FIG. 9) from being misaligned with the light sources (32). The front end of the auxiliary pad (100) may be located behind the protruding wall support surface (521) in the front-rear direction, or may be positioned on substantially the same plane as the protruding wall support surface (521).

[0098] The light source (32) and / or spacer (50) may be symmetrical with respect to the center of the substrate (31) in the left and right directions. Spacers (50) located on either the left or right side with respect to the center of the substrate (31) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.

[0099] Specifically, six spacers (50) may be placed to the right of the center of the substrate (31), and the six spacers (50) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. The area located to the right of the center of the substrate (31) may be divided into five areas based on the six spacers (50), and each area may be defined as the area between two adjacent spacers (50). The auxiliary pad (100) may be placed in the second, fourth, and fifth areas from the right end among the five areas.

[0100] Six spacers (50) can be placed to the left of the center of the substrate (31), and the six spacers (50) can be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. The area located to the left of the center of the substrate (31) can be divided into five areas based on the six spacers (50), and each area can be defined as the area between two adjacent spacers (50). The auxiliary pad (100) can be placed in the second, fourth, and fifth areas from the left end among the five areas.

[0101]

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the spacer (50) may include a pillar (55) extending rearward from the protruding wall (52). The pillar (55) may extend rearward from the rear surface of the protruding wall (522) and may extend from the central portion of the rear surface of the protruding wall (522). Specifically, the pillar (55) may have a column shape overall. The pillar (55) may be in the shape of a cylinder with a diameter of 1 mm to 4 mm, and the height of the pillar (55) may be 0.7 mm to 2.8 mm. The pillar (55) may also be referred to as a supporter (55), a column (55), a support boss (55), or a protrusion (55).

[0103] The protruding wall (52) may include a groove (522a, 522b) that is recessed forward from the rear surface of the protruding wall (522), and the groove (522a, 522b) formed on the rear surface of the protruding wall (522) may include a first groove (522a) and a second groove (522b) spaced to the right from the first groove (522a). A filler (55) may be placed between the first groove (522a) and the second groove (522b).

[0104] The protruding wall (52) may include a groove (521g1, 521g2) that is recessed rearward from the protruding wall support surface (521). The groove (521g1, 521g2) may be formed across the vertical portion (521a) and the inclined portion (521b) of the protruding wall (52) and may be positioned between the first support portion (511) and the second support portion (512). The groove (521g1, 521g2) may include a third groove (521g1) and a fourth groove (521g2) spaced to the right from the third groove (521g1).

[0105]

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the pillar (55) may be adjacent to the rear part (81) of the housing (80) located behind the protruding wall (52). Specifically, the pillar (55) may come into contact with the rear part (81) and support the protruding wall (52) so that the protruding wall (52) is not pushed backward.

[0107] As a result, even if the protruding wall (52) is pushed backward as the light guide plate (36) expands and / or bends in a high temperature and / or humid environment, the spacer (50) may not rotate backward or be separated from the substrate (31), and the spacer (50) can prevent the light guide plate (36) from bending backward and becoming misaligned with the light source (32).

[0108] The front portion of the light guide plate (36) can be supported by the horizontal portion (13H) of the guide panel (13) and pads (RP1, RP2) positioned between the horizontal portion (13H) and the light guide plate (36). The pads (RP1, RP2) can be positioned adjacent to the bottom of the light guide plate (36), and accordingly, the housing horizontal portion (13H) and the pads (RP1, RP2) can prevent the light guide plate (36) from bending forward.

[0109] The rear portion of the light guide plate (36) can be supported by the protrusion (82) of the housing (80). The protrusion (82) of the housing can be positioned at a predetermined distance upward from the bottom of the light guide plate (36), and the protruding wall (52) of the spacer (50) can support the rear portion of the light guide plate (36) adjacent to the bottom of the light guide plate (36).

[0110] Accordingly, even in a high temperature and / or high humidity environment, the phenomenon in which the light guide plate (36) bends forward or backward and becomes misaligned with the light source (32) can be prevented.

[0111]

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 16, a display device (1) of one aspect according to the present disclosure comprises: a display panel (10); a frame (60) located at the rear of the display panel (10); a light guide plate (36) located between the display panel (10) and the frame (60); a housing (80) having a rear part (81) supporting the light guide plate (36) between the light guide plate (36) and the frame (60), and a side part (85) intersecting the rear part (81) and facing one side of the light guide plate (36); a substrate (31) located between the side part (85) and the one side of the light guide plate (36) and coupled to the side part (85); and a light source (32) located on the substrate (31) and providing light toward the one side of the light guide plate (36). And, it may include a spacer (50) having a support member (511, 512) disposed around the light source (32) and coupled to the substrate (31), and a protruding wall (52) extending from the support member (511, 512) and disposed at the rear of the light guide plate (36).

[0113] The thickness of the support portions (511, 512) of the spacer (50) may be greater than the thickness of the light source (32).

[0114] The housing (80) may further include a protrusion (82) that protrudes forward from the rear part (81) and can support the rear surface of the light guide plate (36).

[0115] The distance from the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) to the light guide plate (36) may be shorter than the distance from the protruding wall (52) of the spacer (50) to the light guide plate (36).

[0116] It may further include a reflective sheet (37) disposed between the light guide plate (36) and the protrusion (82) of the housing (80), and the reflective sheet (37) may be in contact with the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) and may be adjacent to the protruding wall (52) of the spacer (50).

[0117] The above spacer (50) may further include a projection (53, 54) that protrudes in the opposite direction to the protruding wall (52) with respect to the support portion (511, 512), and the substrate (31) may have a hole (31h) formed therein into which the projection (53, 54) of the spacer (50) is inserted.

[0118] The light source (32) may include a plurality of light sources (32) spaced apart from each other, and the support portion (511, 512) of the spacer (50) may include: a first support portion (511); and a second support portion (512) spaced apart from the first support portion (511), and at least one of the plurality of light sources (32) may be located between the first support portion (511) and the second support portion (512).

[0119] The spacer (50) may further include a bridge (513) that connects the end of the first support member (511) and the end of the second support member (512) and contacts the substrate (31), and the protruding wall (52) of the spacer (50) may extend from the first support member (511), the second support member (512), and the bridge (513).

[0120] The protruding wall support surface (521) facing the light guide plate (36) may be perpendicular to one side (511b, 512b) of the support portion (511, 512) of the spacer (50) facing the one side of the light guide plate (36), and the rear surface (522) of the protruding wall (52) facing the rear part (81) of the housing (80) may be at an acute angle to the one side (511b, 512b) of the support portion (511, 512).

[0121] The above spacer (50) may further include a pillar (55) extending rearward from the protruding wall (52).

[0122] The above filler (55) may have an end portion adjacent to the above rear part (81). The above spacer (50) may further include a pad (523) attached to the protruding wall support surface (521) facing the light guide plate (36) of the above protruding wall (52).

[0123] The device may further include an optical sheet (40) disposed between the display panel (10) and the light guide plate (36), and the distance from one side (511b, 512b) of the support member (511, 512) facing the light guide plate (36) to the optical sheet (40) may be longer than the distance from the one side (511b, 512b) of the support member (511, 512) to the end of the protruding wall (52).

[0124] The light source (32) can be aligned with the center line of one side of the light guide plate (36).

[0125] The light source (32) may be an LED, the housing (80) may be made of a metal material, and the substrate (31) may be an MCPCB (Metal Core Printed Circuit Board).

[0126] A display device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a display panel (10); a light guide plate (36) disposed at the rear of the display panel (10); a housing (80) having a rear part (81) supporting the light guide plate (36) at the rear of the light guide plate (36), and a side part (85) intersecting the rear part (81) and facing one side of the light guide plate (36); a substrate (31) positioned between the side part (85) and the one side of the light guide plate (36) and coupled to the side part (85); and a plurality of light sources (32) positioned on the substrate (31) and providing light toward the one side of the light guide plate (36). And, it may include a base (51) having legs (511, 512) disposed around the light source (32) and in contact with the substrate (31), and a spacer (50) having a support portion (52) protruding from the base (51) and disposed behind the light guide plate (36).

[0127] The length from the substrate (31) to the side (511b, 512b) of the leg (511, 512) facing the light guide plate (36) may be greater than the thickness of the plurality of light sources (32), and the support portion (52) of the spacer (50) may be adjacent to the light guide plate (36).

[0128] The above legs (511, 512) may include: a first leg (511) positioned between the plurality of light sources (32); and a second leg (512) spaced apart from the first leg (511) and positioned between the plurality of light sources (32), and at least one of the plurality of light sources (32) may be positioned between the first leg (511) and the second leg (512).

[0129] The above spacer (50) may further include protrusions (53, 54) that protrude in the opposite direction to the support portion (52) with respect to the base (51), and the substrate (31) may have a hole (31h) formed therein into which the protrusions (53, 54) of the spacer (50) are inserted.

[0130] The guide panel (13) may further include a vertical portion (13V) covering the side part (85) and a horizontal portion (13H) that intersects the vertical portion (13V) and covers at least a portion of the front surface of the light guide plate (36), and the housing (80) may further include a protrusion (82) protruding forward from the rear part (81), and the light guide plate (36) may be supported by the protrusion (82) of the housing (80) at the rear and by a pad (RP1, RP2) attached to the horizontal portion (13H) of the guide panel (13) at the front.

[0131]

[0132] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

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

[0134] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Display panel; A frame located at the rear of the above-mentioned display panel; A light guide plate located between the above-mentioned display panel and the above-mentioned frame; A housing having a rear part that supports the light guide plate between the light guide plate and the frame, and a side part that intersects the rear part and faces one side of the light guide plate; A substrate located between the side part and the one side of the light guide plate and coupled to the side part; A light source positioned on the substrate and providing light toward one side of the light guide plate; and, A display device comprising a spacer having a support member disposed around the light source and coupled to the substrate, and a protruding wall extending from the support member and disposed behind the light guide plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, A display device in which the thickness of the support portion of the above spacer is greater than the thickness of the above light source.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A display device further comprising a protrusion that protrudes forward from the rear part and supports the rear surface of the light guide plate.

4. In Paragraph 3, A display device in which the distance from the protrusion of the housing to the light guide plate is shorter than the distance from the protruding wall of the spacer to the light guide plate.

5. In Paragraph 4, It further includes a reflective sheet disposed between the light guide plate and the protrusion of the housing, and The above reflective sheet is, A display device that is in contact with the protrusion of the housing and adjacent to the protruding wall of the spacer.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above spacer is, The above support member further includes a projection protruding in the opposite direction to the above protruding wall, and The above substrate is, A display device having a hole formed therein into which a protrusion of the above spacer is inserted.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above light source is, It includes multiple light sources spaced apart from each other, The support portion of the above spacer is: First support member; and, It includes a second support member spaced apart from the first support member, and At least one of the above plurality of light sources is, A display device located between the first support member and the second support member.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above spacer is, It further includes a bridge connecting the end of the first support member and the end of the second support member and contacting the substrate, The protruding wall of the above spacer is, A display device extending from the first support member, the second support member, and the bridge.

9. In Paragraph 1, The protruding wall support surface facing the light guide plate is, At least a portion is perpendicular to one surface of the support portion of the spacer facing the one side of the light guide plate, and The rear surface of the protruding wall facing the rear part of the above housing is, A display device forming an acute angle with one surface of the above-mentioned support member.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above spacer is, A display device further comprising a pillar extending rearward from the above-mentioned protruding wall.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above filler is, A display device whose end is adjacent to the rear part.

12. In Paragraph 1, The support portion of the above spacer is: A recess formed from one surface facing the substrate; and, A display device comprising a damper protruding from the above-mentioned recess toward the substrate.

13. In Paragraph 12, The support portion of the above spacer is, It further includes a first groove and a second groove formed in the above-mentioned depression and spaced apart from each other, The above damper is: A first part in the shape of a plate facing the substrate; A second part that is bent from the first part toward the recess and inserted into the first groove; and, A display device comprising a third part that is spaced apart from the second part, is bent from the first part toward the recess, and is inserted into the second groove.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above spacer is, A display device further comprising a pad attached to a protruding wall support surface facing the light guide plate of the protruding wall.

15. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an optical sheet disposed between the display panel and the light guide plate, The distance from one side of the support facing the light guide plate to the optical sheet is, A display device that is longer than the distance from one side of the support member to the end of the protruding wall.

16. Display panel; A light guide plate positioned at the rear of the above-mentioned display panel; A housing having a rear part that supports the light guide plate at the rear of the light guide plate, and a side part that intersects the rear part and faces one side of the light guide plate; A substrate located between the side part and the one side of the light guide plate and coupled to the side part; A plurality of light sources located on the substrate and providing light toward one side of the light guide plate; and, A display device comprising a base having a leg disposed around the light source and in contact with the substrate, and a spacer having a support portion protruding from the base and disposed behind the light guide plate.

17. In Paragraph 16, The length from the substrate to one side of the leg facing the light guide plate is, Larger than the thickness of the above plurality of light sources, The support portion of the above spacer is, A display device adjacent to the light guide plate.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above leg is: A first leg disposed between the plurality of light sources; and, It includes a second leg spaced apart from the first leg and positioned between the plurality of light sources, The above plurality of light sources, A display device having at least one disposed between the first leg and the second leg.

19. In Paragraph 16, The above spacer is, It further includes a projection protruding in the opposite direction to the support portion with respect to the base, The above substrate is, A display device having a hole formed therein into which a protrusion of the above spacer is inserted.

20. In Paragraph 19, It further includes a guide panel having a vertical portion covering the side part and a horizontal portion intersecting the vertical portion and covering at least a portion of the front surface of the light guide plate. The above housing is, It further includes a protrusion protruding forward from the above rear part, and The above light guide plate is, A display device supported at the rear by the protrusion of the housing and at the front by a pad attached to the horizontal portion of the guide panel.

Images