Backlight unit and liquid crystal display module including the same

The present invention claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2006-0126937, 10-2006-0132847 and 10-2007-0112534, filed in Korea on Dec. 13, 2006, Dec. 22, 2006 and Nov. 6, 2007, respectively, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate to a liquid crystal display module (LCDM), and more particularly, to a backlight unit and an LCDM including the same.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

LCD devices include an LCD module. The LCD module includes an LCD panel that displays images and a backlight unit that supplies light to the LCD panel. The LCD panel includes two substrates facing each other and spaced apart from each other. A liquid crystal material is interposed therebetween. Liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material have a dielectric constant and refractive index anisotropic characteristic due to their long thin shape. Two electric field generating electrodes are formed on the two substrates, respectively. An orientation alignment of the liquid crystal molecules may be controlled by supplying a voltage to the two electrodes to change the light transmittance of the LCD panel according to polarization properties of the liquid crystal material.

Generally, an additional light source is required because the LCD panel is a non-emissive-type display device. Accordingly, a backlight unit is disposed under the LCD panel. The LCD device displays images using light produced by the backlight unit and supplied to the LCD panel. Backlight units may be classified into a side-type backlight unit and a direct-type backlight unit in accordance with a disposition of the light source. The side-type backlight unit has one lamp or a pair of lamps disposed at a side portion of a light guide plate. Alternatively, at least one lamp is disposed at each side portion of the light guide plate, respectively.

The direct-type backlight unit has a plurality of lamps disposed under the light guide plate. In a large sized LCD module, the direct-type backlight unit may provide the LCD module with a uniform light source although the side-type backlight unit is more easily manufactured than the direct-type. Further, the direct-type backlight unit includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps disposed in a row. Thus, the direct-type backlight unit directly irradiates light toward the liquid crystal panel. Since the direct-type backlight unit has a high uniformity when light is irradiated, it is suitable to be applied to a large-size LCD. The light guide plate is unnecessary in the direct-type backlight unit because the direct-type backlight unit is directly irradiated on the entire surface of the liquid crystal panel. In particular, the direct-type backlight unit has advantages that light efficiency is high, the use is convenient, the display size is not substantially limited. For example, the direct-type backlight unit may be utilized in a large-size LCD such as a 20-inch model.

Generally, the liquid crystal panel and the backlight unit are combined with each other using a main frame, a top frame and a bottom frame to prevent light-loss and to protect them from outside impact.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inverter unit connected to a backlight unit of an LCDM according to the related art. Referring to FIG. 1 , a direct-type backlight unit includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps 24 disposed in a row on a bottom frame 50 , and a reflective sheet 22 disposed under the plurality of fluorescent lamps 24 and on the bottom frame 50 . A side support 33 for supporting the fluorescent lamps 24 is disposed at one end portion of the bottom frame 50 . The end portion of each of the fluorescent lamps 24 is inserted into a lamp holder 32 . In addition, the lamp holder 32 is inserted into an opening of the side support 33 . Although not shown, an other side support (not shown) is disposed at the other end portions of the fluorescent lamps 24 .

A plurality of wires 37 , which are connected to an external circuit, extend from end portions of the plurality of fluorescent lamps 24 to a backside of the bottom frame 50 , respectively. With respect to one of the wires 37 , a socket connector 38 a is formed at one end portion of the wire 37 to connect the wire 37 and the inverter unit 70 . The inverter unit 70 is disposed under the bottom frame 50 and provides a power supply to the fluorescent lamps 24 . The inverter unit 70 includes a plurality of inverters (not shown), a plug connector 38 b connecting the wire 37 and the inverter unit 70 , and an inverter PCB 35 on which the inverters and the plug connector 38 b are mounted. A cover shield (not shown) protects the inverter unit 70 from an external impact. By combining the socket connector 38 a and the plug connector 38 b , a power source of the inverter unit 70 can be provided to the fluorescent lamp 24 through the wire 37 . Because the wire 37 extends from the end portion of the fluorescent lamp 24 on a front side of the bottom frame 50 to a backside of the bottom frame 50 , neither the bottom frame 50 nor cover shield (not shown) covers the wire 37 such that the current leakage can be generated from the wire 37 . Moreover, the necessity of soldering each of the plurality of fluorescent lamps 24 independently to each of the wires 37 increases the manufacturing time.

The fluorescent lamp 24 emits light when an alternating current waveform of a high voltage is applied to an electrode of the fluorescent lamp 24 through the wire 37 connected to the electrode of the fluorescent lamp 24 . In FIG. 1 , a high-low type fluorescent lamp 24 including a ground portion at an end portion thereof is illustrated.

The high-low type fluorescent lamp 24 includes at least two fluorescent lamps 24 forming a pair of fluorescent lamps 24 . The end portion of the fluorescent lamp 24 is inserted into a lamp holder 32 , and the fluorescent lamp 24 is electrically connected to the inverter unit 70 through wire 37 . The wire 37 extends to the backside of the bottom frame 50 , and an end portion of the wire 37 is connected to the socket connector 38 a . Here, the inverter unit 70 , which changes a direct voltage into an alternating current of a high voltage, is required because the alternating current of the high voltage is demanded for driving the fluorescent lamp 24 .

Accordingly, the inverter unit 70 and the inverter PCB 35 are independent from each other, and the inverter unit 70 is mounted on the inverter PCB 35 . Since the inverter unit 70 dissipates a lot of heat, the inverter PCB 35 on which the inverter unit 70 is mounted is disposed on the backside of the bottom frame 50 . The plug connector 38 b is disposed on the inverter PCB 35 for being connected to the socket connector 38 a . That is, the fluorescent lamp 24 is connected to the inverter PCB 35 by connecting the socket connector 38 a to the plug connector 38 b.

The wires 37 are exposed along edges and the backside of the bottom frame 50 because the fluorescent lamps 24 and the inverter unit 70 are connected to each other using the wires 37 forming a bridge between the fluorescent lamps 24 and the inverter unit 70 . Thus, even if the inverter unit 70 is bent toward the backside of the bottom frame 50 , the wires 37 are still exposed along edges and the backside of the bottom frame 50 . Further, defects due to an electric interference between the exposed wires 37 or current leakage may occur. Furthermore, a crack between the fluorescent lamp 24 and the wires 37 at the soldering portion may be occur. Accordingly, emission of the fluorescent lamps 24 cannot occur uniformly.

FIG. 2 is an exploded portion of region “IIa” in FIG. 1 according to the related art. In FIG. 2 , a fluorescent lamp 24 is connected to a wire 37 , and the socket connector 38 a is connected to an end portion of the wire 37 . Generally, the fluorescent lamp 24 and the wire 37 are manually soldered to each other, as shown in part “IIb” in FIG. 2 . The process time and the process cost increase because of the manual soldering. Furthermore, the material cost of the wire 37 increases because individual wires 37 are used for each fluorescent lamp 24 . Further, the socket connector 38 a is connected to an end portion of the wire 37 for connecting the inverter unit 70 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a lamp holder portion of a backlight unit for the LCDM of FIG. 1 according to the related art. Referring to FIG. 3 , the related art LCDM of FIG. 1 requires a lamp holder 32 to hold the fluorescent lamp 24 at the bottom frame 50 of FIG. 1 .

The fluorescent lamp 24 may be one of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) having internal electrodes and an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) having external electrodes. When the direct-type backlight unit including CCFL is driven by a parallel driving method using one inverter, there is problem that only part of the fluorescent lamps are driven properly due to differences in the charge characteristics of CCFLs. Although CCFLs have the same unlimited resistant value before charging, CCFLs can have different small resistant values when charged due to different conductor state plasmas that are generated inside of the glass tubes of each of the CCFLs. Accordingly, the resistant values of CCFLs after charging can be substantially different. Therefore, when a plurality of CCFLs are driven by a parallel driving method, more current flows in the fluorescent lamps having smaller resistant value after a primary charge. Accordingly, there is a problem in that some of the CCFLs will not be driven properly. Consequently, the direct-type backlight unit including CCFLs should include a number of inverters corresponding to the number of fluorescent lamps so that there is a one-to-one driving of the CCFLs.

Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a backlight unit and an LCDM including the same that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the invention is to prevent a current leakage resulted from a wire for connecting a fluorescent lamp to an inverter in a backlight unit of an LCDM.

Another object of the invention is to provide a backlight unit that uniformly emits light without an auxiliary element.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the number of wires in a backlight unit of LCDM.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the number of inverters in a backlight unit of an LCDM.

Another object of the invention is to reduce a process time and a process cost for fabricating a backlight unit of an LCDM.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, a backlight unit for a display device includes: a frame; a first circuit board extending along one end of and on a first surface of the frame; lamps over the frame, one end of each of the lamps disposed on the first circuit board; a first line on the first circuit board and connected to the one end of each of the lamps; and a first inverter on a second surface of the frame and connected to the first line via a first hole through the frame.

In another aspect, a liquid crystal display module includes: a liquid crystal panel; a backlight unit for projecting light on the liquid crystal panel, the backlight unit having a first frame, a first circuit board extending along one end of and on a first surface of the first frame, lamps over the first frame, one end of each of the lamps is disposed on the first circuit board, a first line on the first circuit board and connected to the one end of each of the lamps, and an inverter connected to the first line via a first hole through the first frame; and a power supplying unit on a second surface of the first frame for supplying power to the liquid crystal panel, wherein the inverter is disposed on the power supplying unit.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inverter unit connected to a backlight unit of an LCDM according to the related art;

FIG. 2 is an exploded portion of region “IIa” in of FIG. 1 according to the related art;

FIG. 3 is a lamp holder portion of a backlight unit for the LCDM of FIG. 1 according to the related art;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display module (LCDM) with a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board (PCB) including a plurality of lamp sockets for a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial view for a connection portion between a bottom frame and an inverter unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inverter unit attached to a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a portion of a backlight unit having a socket type connector according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively,;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a backlight unit being including a PCB according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inverter unit attached to a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a LCDM according to an embodiment of the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display module (LCDM) with a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , an LCDM includes a liquid crystal panel 110 , a backlight unit 120 , a main frame 130 , a top frame 135 , and a bottom frame 160 , an inverter unit 140 , and a cover shield 150 . The liquid crystal panel 110 includes first and second substrates (not shown) facing each other and a liquid crystal layer therebetween. The liquid crystal panel 110 is connected to gate and data printed circuit boards (PCBs) 115 that provide a scanning signal and an image signal to the liquid crystal panel 10 , respectively.

The backlight unit 120 may be a direct type backlight unit at a backside of the liquid crystal panel 110 . So, the liquid crystal panel 110 receives light source of the backlight unit 120 from the backside thereof. The backlight unit 120 includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 disposed in a row over on the bottom frame 160 . A reflective sheet 170 is disposed under the fluorescent lamps 172 and on the first surface of the bottom frame 160 . Each of both end portions of the fluorescent lamps 172 is covered with a side support 176 . The side support 176 includes an opening 178 such that the end portion of the fluorescent lamp 172 passes through the side support 176 via the opening 178 . Furthermore, a plurality of optical sheets 125 is disposed over the fluorescent lamps 172 .

The PCB 180 is disposed on the bottom frame 160 . The printed circuit board 180 includes first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b extend along end portions of the bottom frame 160 , respectively, as dummy spaces. Each of both end portions of each of the fluorescent lamps 172 is inserted into a lamp socket 174 . Here, the lamp socket 174 corresponding to an end portion of the fluorescent lamp 172 is soldered on the first PCB 180 a , and the lamp socket 174 corresponding to the other end portion of the fluorescent lamp 172 is soldered on the second PCB 180 b . The lamp socket 174 can be attached to the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b by an auto attached method that is good in view of cost and stability in comparison with a hand-operated soldering method according to the related art. Specifically, since the lamp socket 174 is connected to each of the first and second printed circuit board (PCBs) 180 a and 180 b , each of both end portions of the fluorescent lamp 172 is inserted into the lamp socket 174 and is connected to the first and second printed circuit board (PCBs) 180 a and 180 b . That is, the lamp socket 174 can support the fluorescent lamp 172 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5 , the PCB 180 a is mounted on an end portion of the bottom frame 160 along an outside of the reflective sheet 170 , and the side support 176 is combined to the bottom frame 160 so that the side support 176 cover the lamp socket 174 and the PCB 180 a . When the reflective sheet 170 extends to the end portion of the bottom frame 160 , the PCB 180 a overlaps the reflective sheet 170 . Here, the fluorescent lamp 172 passes through the side support 176 via the opening 178 of the side support 176 .

Referring back to FIG. 4 , the bottom frame 160 includes a hole 162 . The hole 162 corresponds to the first PCB 180 a . Another hole (not shown) corresponding to the second circuit board 180 b is formed through the bottom frame 160 . The inverter unit 140 , which applies a power supply to the fluorescent lamp 172 , is disposed under the bottom frame 160 . The inverter unit 140 includes an inverter 144 , the inverter connector 146 as a connector of the fluorescent lamp 172 , and an inverter circuit board 142 on which the inverter 144 and the inverter connector 146 are mounted. A wire 186 extends from an end portion of the first PCB 180 a to a backside of the bottom frame 160 . The wire 186 connects the first PCB 180 a and the inverter connector 146 on the inverter circuit board 142 through the hole 162 in the bottom frame 160 . In addition, a PCB line (not shown) is formed on the circuit board 180 and connected to the fluorescent lamps 172 via the lamp socket 174 . Because the first PCB 180 a is connected to the end portion of the fluorescent lamp 172 through the lamp socket 174 and the PCB line (not shown) and the inverter 144 is connected to the inverter circuit board 142 , the end portion of the fluorescent lamp 172 is connected to the inverter 144 via the wire 186 . Although not shown, there is an other wire passing through an another hole (not shown), which corresponds to the second PCB 180 b , in the bottom frame 160 and an other inverter unit (not shown) including an other second inverter (not shown). Accordingly, there is an other end portion of the fluorescent lamp 172 (not shown) that is connected to the other inverter via the other wire.

The liquid crystal display panel 110 and the backlight unit 120 are combined using the main frame 130 that can prevent movement of the liquid crystal panel 110 and the backlight unit 120 . The top frame 135 cover edges of the liquid crystal panel 110 and sides of the main frame 130 , so the top frame 135 can support and protect of the edges of the liquid crystal panel 110 and sides of the main frame 130 . The bottom frame 160 covers back edges of the main frame 135 , so the bottom frame 160 is combined with the main frame 130 and the top frame 135 for modulation.

A cover shield 150 protects the inverter unit 140 . Accordingly, the backside of the bottom frame 160 and the cover shield 150 cover the inverter unit 140 , thereby protecting the inverter unit 140 from external impact. Further, at least one of the bottom frame 160 and the cover shield 150 is made of a metallic material capable of protecting the inverter unit 140 from electromagnetic waves. Since the inverter 144 is mounted on the inverter circuit board 142 , the inverter 144 faces the cover shield 150 . The inverter circuit board 142 is combined with the cover shield 150 using a connector. The inverter unit 140 changes a power supply provided by an external power supply unit and applies the changed power supply to the fluorescent lamp 172 .

FIG. 4 shows a backlight unit driven in a high-high mode. In the high-high mode, both end portions of the fluorescent lamp are connected to the inverters. On the other hand, when the backlight unit is driven in a high-low mode, an end portion of the fluorescent lamp is connected to ground. Accordingly, in the backlight unit driven in the high-low mode, a single inverter, a single circuit board and a single hole are required.

In particular, since the inverter unit 140 according to the invention can be connected to the PCB 180 through a small number of wires, the size of the inverter unit 140 can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the cover shield 150 can be reduced together with the inverter unit 140 , thereby providing a compact and slim model.

While the inverter unit according to the related art includes a plurality of inverters corresponding to the plurality of fluorescent lamps, the inverter unit according to the invention includes a small number of inverters 144 . Since the plurality of fluorescent lamps is connected to the PCB 180 , the inverter unit 140 can be simply connected to the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 through the PCB 180 . In other words, the PCB 180 can simplify the connection structure of the plurality of fluorescent lamps 124 and the inverter unit 140 . Therefore, the number of inverters 144 in the inverter unit 140 can effectively be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the inverter unit 140 .

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 does not receive power from an individual wire. Rather, the plurality of fluorescent lamps 124 receive a power through the PCB line of the PCB 180 , respectively. Moreover, since the wire 186 passes through the hole 162 and is, therefore, unexposed, leakage currents are prevented. Here, the shape of the lamp socket 174 may be variable to support and fix the fluorescent lamp 172 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board (PCB) including a plurality of lamp sockets for a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 7 is a partial view for a connection portion between a bottom frame and an inverter unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , a plurality of lamp sockets 174 are disposed in a row on the PCB 180 . Each lamp socket 174 includes a guide groove 174 a supporting and fixing a glass tube of the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 5 . Here, the lamp sockets 174 are soldered on the PCB 180 . Further, a PCB line 182 extends from soldering portions of the lamp sockets 174 in a row. The PCB line 182 is connected to the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 of FIG. 5 via the plurality of lamp sockets 174 . Here, since the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 5 includes an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), a balancing element, such as a capacitor, for balancing a current through each of the lamps is not required.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a first hole 184 is formed in the PCB 180 so that the first hole 184 is overlapped with the PCB line 182 . The bottom frame 160 has a second hole 162 corresponding to the first hole 184 . A wire 186 is formed to connect the inverter unit 140 of FIG. 4 via the first and second holes 184 and 162 . Specifically, a first connector 188 a is connected to one end portion of the wire 186 so that the first connector 188 a is connected to the PCB line 182 of FIG. 6 via the first hole 184 , and a second connector 188 b is connected to the other end portion of the wire 186 so that the wire 186 is connected to the inverter unit 140 of FIG. 4 via the second connector 188 b . That is, the PCB 180 of FIG. 6 and the inverter PCB 142 of FIG. 4 can be connected using the wire 186 . Moreover, since the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 5 and the inverter 144 of FIG. 4 are connected to the PCB 180 of FIG. 6 and the inverter PCB 142 of FIG. 4 , the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 5 are connected to the inverter 144 of FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , since a large current flows through the wire 186 , the size of the second hole 162 of the bottom frame through which the wire 186 passes is determined considering a distance with respect to the wire 186 . That is, according to the backlight unit of the invention, simplification of the process and reduction of the cost can be expected because the PCB line 182 on the PCB 180 and a single wire 186 connecting the PCB 180 to the inverter 144 of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a backlight unit including according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inverter unit attached to a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , a plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 are disposed in a row on a reflective sheet 170 disposed on a bottom frame 160 . First and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b are disposed at one end portion and the other end portion of the bottom frame 160 . A plurality of lamp sockets 174 are disposed in a row and on the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b . Here, one end and the other end of each fluorescent lamp 172 are inserted into each of the plurality of lamp sockets 174 , respectively, to be stably mounted on the bottom frame 160 . First and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b including the plurality of lamp sockets 174 in a row and are disposed at the end portions of the bottom frame 160 so that the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b are connected to first and second inverter units 140 a and 140 b with a minimum distance. The first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b are attached to the bottom frame 160 using a connector, respectively. A side support 176 including a plurality of openings 178 , which respectively correspond to each of the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 , is attached to the bottom frame 160 by covering the PCBs 180 a and 180 b so that each of the fluorescent lamps 124 passes through the openings 178 .

Moreover, first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b are formed on the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b , respectively. The first PCB line 182 a on the first PCB 180 a is connected to the end of the lamp sockets 174 on the first PCB 180 a , and the second PCB line 182 b on the second PCB 180 b is connected to the end of the lamp sockets 174 on the second PCB 180 b . That is, the first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b on the first and second printed circuit boards (PCB) 180 a and 180 b are connected to ends of each fluorescent lamp 172 , respectively. A first hole 184 a is formed in the first PCB 180 a and corresponds to the first PCB line 182 a on the first PCB 180 a . Similarly, a second hole 184 b is formed in the second PCB 180 b and corresponds to the second PCB line 182 b on the second PCB 180 b.

As shown in FIG. 9 , first and second inverter units 140 a and 140 b are disposed at a backside of the bottom frame 160 . The first and second inverter units 140 a and 140 b include a first inverter PCB 142 a , a first inverter 144 a and a first inverter connector 146 a , and a second inverter PCB 142 b , a second inverter 144 b and a second inverter connector 146 b , respectively. Third and fourth holes 162 a and 162 b are formed in the bottom frame 160 . The third and fourth holes 162 a and 162 b correspond to the first and second holes 184 a and 184 b in the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b , respectively. In this case, the first and second inverter PCBs 142 a and 142 b are connected to the first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b via first and second wires 186 a and 186 b , respectively. In more detail, the first wire 186 a includes first and second connectors 189 a and 189 b at both ends thereof and the second wire 186 b includes first and second connectors 188 a and 188 b at both ends thereof. The first connector 189 a of the first wire 186 a is connected to the first PCB line 182 a of the first PCB 180 a through the first and third holes 184 a and 162 a , and the second connector 189 b of the first wire 186 a is combined with the first inverter connector 146 a to be connected to the first inverter PCB 142 a . Since the one end of each of the fluorescent lamps 172 and the first inverter 144 a are respectively connected to the first PCB lines 182 a of the first PCB 180 a and the first inverter PCB 142 a , the one end of each of the fluorescent lamps 172 is electrically connected to the first inverter 144 a through the first wire 186 a . Similarly, the first connector 188 a of the second wire 186 b is connected to the second PCB line 182 b of the second PCB 180 b through the second and fourth holes 184 b and 162 b , and the second connector 188 b of the second wire 186 b is combined with the second inverter connector 146 b to be connected to the second inverter PCB 142 b . Since the other end of each of the fluorescent lamps 172 and the second inverter 144 b are respectively connected to the second PCB line 182 b of the second PCB 180 b and the second inverter PCB 142 b , the other end of each of the fluorescent lamps 172 is electrically connected to the second inverter 144 b through the second wire 186 b.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a backlight unit driven in a high-high mode. Accordingly, both end portions of the fluorescent lamp 172 are connected to the inverters 140 a and 140 b . However, when the backlight unit is driven in a high-low mode, only one end portion of the fluorescent lamp is connected to the inverter.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a portion of a backlight unit having a socket type connector according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively. Referring to FIG. 10A , a fluorescent lamp 272 is disposed on a bottom frame 260 . One end portion of the fluorescent lamp 272 is inserted into a lamp socket 274 . The lamp socket 274 is disposed in a row and on a PCB 280 . In FIG. 10A , the PCB 280 is spaced apart from the bottom frame 260 to show the socket type connector before connecting. Once connected, the PCB 280 is disposed on the bottom frame 260 . Although a single fluorescent lamp and a single lamp socket are shown in FIG. 10A , the configuration of FIG. 10A applies to each of the plurality of fluorescent lamps and lamp sockets shown in FIG. 8 . Moreover, a PCB line connected to the plurality of fluorescent lamp via the plurality of lamp sockets is formed on the PCB 280 . A first connector 290 including a hook 294 and a first conductive pin 292 is formed on a backside of the PCB 280 . Namely, the lamp socket 274 and the first connector 290 are disposed on opposing surfaces of the PCB 280 , respectively. The first connector 290 corresponds to a hole 262 in the bottom frame 260 and the PCB line (not shown) on the PCB 280 . Moreover, the first conductive pin 292 of the first connector 290 is connected to the PCB line (not shown) on the PCB 280 . That is, the first conductive pin 292 of the first connector 290 is connected to the fluorescent lamp 272 via the PCB line (not shown) and the lamp socket 274 .

An inverter unit 240 , including an inverter PCB 242 , an inverter 244 and a second connector 246 , is disposed on a backside of the bottom frame 260 . The second connector 246 is connected to the inverter 244 and corresponds to the hole 262 in the bottom frame 260 . The second connector 246 includes a pair of second conductive pins 247 . The first conductive pin 292 of the first connector 290 corresponds to a space between the pair of the second conductive pins 247 of the second connector 246 .

Referring to FIG. 10B , the first and second connectors 290 and 246 are combined to each other to connect the fluorescent lamp 272 to the inverter 244 . In more detail, the first and second connectors 290 and 246 contact each other through the hole in the bottom frame 260 . When the first and second connectors 290 and 246 contact each other, the first conductive pin 292 of the first connector 290 is inserted into the pair of the second conductive pins 247 of the second connector 246 to be electrically connected. Furthermore, the hook 294 of the first connector 290 passes through the hole 262 in the bottom frame 260 and is hooked on a backside of the bottom frame 260 . As a result, the fluorescent lamp 272 is connected to the inverter 244 .

In FIGS. 10A and 10B , the fluorescent lamp 272 is connected to the inverter 244 with a minimum distance due to the first and second sockets. Moreover, since the PCB 280 is attached to the bottom frame 260 with the hook 294 , there is no additional process for attaching the PCB 280 to the bottom frame 260 .

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a backlight unit being including a PCB according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inverter unit attached to a backlight unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , a plurality of fluorescent lamps 372 are disposed over the bottom frame 360 . A reflective sheet 370 is disposed on the bottom frame 360 to be disposed between each fluorescent lamp 372 and the bottom frame 360 . First and second PCBs 380 a and 380 b are connected to the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 , respectively. A plurality of lamp sockets 374 support the fluorescent lamps 372 and are disposed in rows on the first and second PCBs 380 a and 380 b . Each of the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 are inserted into a lamp socket 374 and soldered in place, as shown in FIG. 11 . Since the lamp socket 374 is connected to each of the first and second PCBs 380 a and 380 b and each of the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is inserted into the lamp sockets 374 such that each of the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is connected to the first and second printed circuit board (PCBs) 380 a and 380 b , respectively. Each of the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is covered with a side support 376 . The side support 376 includes a plurality of openings 378 such that the end portion of the fluorescent lamp 372 passes through the side support 376 via the plurality of openings 378 . The side support 376 has an inner space where the lamp socket 374 is disposed. The concrete shape of the side support 376 is explained with FIG. 5 .

A first PCB line 382 a is formed on the first PCB 380 a along a length direction thereof. The first PCB line 382 a is connected to all of the plurality of lamp sockets 374 on the first PCB 380 a . As a result, each of the first end portions 372 a of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is connected to the first PCB line 382 a via lamp sockets 374 . In addition, a first hole 384 corresponding to the first PCB line 382 a is formed in the first PCB 380 a.

A second PCB line 382 b is formed along the length of the second PCB 380 b . The first and second PCB lines 382 a and 382 b are parallel to each other. The second PCB line 382 b is connected to all of the plurality of lamp sockets 374 on the second PCB 380 b . As a result, each of the second end portions 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is connected to the second PCB line 382 b via lamp sockets 374 . Unlike in the case of the first PCB 382 a , in the second PCB 382 b there is no hole. A first wire 386 a is connected to the second PCB line 382 b . The first wire 386 a extends from the second PCB line 382 b along a length direction of the fluorescent lamp 372 through an inner edge of the bottom frame 360 and by passing through a second hole 362 a of the bottom frame 360 adjacent to the first hole 384 of the first PCB 380 a . In more detail, the first wire 386 a passes between the bottom frame 360 and the reflective sheet 370 and extends to a backside of the bottom frame 360 through the second hole 362 a.

As shown in FIG. 12 , a single inverter unit 340 is disposed at a backside of the bottom frame 360 . A third hole 362 b corresponding to the first hole 384 of FIG. 11 is formed in the bottom frame 360 . The second hole 362 a of FIG. 11 is adjacent to both the first and third holes 384 of FIG. 11 and 362 b , and the inverter unit 340 is adjacent to both the second and third holes 362 a and 362 b in the bottom frame 360 . The inverter unit 340 includes an inverter PCB 342 , first and second inverters 344 a and 344 b , and first and second inverter connectors 346 a and 346 b . The inverters 344 a and 344 b and the inverter connectors 346 a and 346 b are disposed on the inverter PCB 342 , and the first and second inverters 344 a and 344 b are connected to the first and second inverter connectors 346 a and 346 b , respectively. As mentioned above, the first wire 386 a passes through the second hole 362 a and is connected to the inverter unit 340 . In more detail, the first wire 386 a includes a first connector 388 at one end thereof, and the first connector 388 is combined to a first inverter connector 346 a . Since the first inverter connector 346 a is connected to the first inverter 344 a , the first wire 386 a is connected to the first inverter 344 a via the first connector 388 and the first inverter connector 346 a . As a result, the second end portion 372 b of the fluorescent lamp 372 of FIG. 11 is connected to the first inverter 344 a via the lamp socket 374 of FIG. 11 , the second PCB line 382 b of FIG. 11 , the first wire 386 a and the first inverter connector 346 a.

A second wire 386 b including second and third connectors 389 a and 389 b at both ends thereof connects the first PCB line 382 a to the second inverter 344 b . The second connector 389 a passes through the first and third holes 384 of FIG. 11 and 362 b of FIG. 11 to be connected to the first PCB line 382 a of FIG. 11 on the first PCB 380 a of FIG. 11 . The third connector 389 b is combined to the second inverter connector 346 b . Since the second inverter connector 346 b is connected to the second inverter 344 b , the second wire 386 b is connected to the second inverter 344 b via the third connector 389 b and the second inverter connector 346 b . As a result, the first end portion 372 a of the fluorescent lamp 372 is connected to the second inverter 344 b via the lamp socket 374 , the first PCB line 382 a , the second wire 386 b and the second inverter connector 346 b.

Consequently, each of the second end portions 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is connected to the same inverter unit 340 . Therefore, production cost is reduced relative to that for a backlight unit having two inverter units at both sides.

In FIG. 12 , the two holes in the bottom frame are adjacent to each other. When two holes are disposed at both end of the bottom frame, as shown in FIG. 9 , however, it is still possible for each of the second end portions 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 to be connected to a single inverter unit. In this case, at least one wire extends from a hole to the inverter unit on a backside of the bottom frame (not shown). Since the wire (not shown) is exposed, an electric interference or current leakage may occur. In contrast, the configuration sown in FIG. 12 has the first wire 386 a passing through the second hole 362 a in the bottom frame 360 and adjacent to the third hole 362 b . Therefore, there is no problem of the electric interference or current leakage. Furthermore, it is also possible to connect the second inverter 344 b to the first inverter PCB line 382 a on the first PCB 380 a by the socket type connector, as shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a LCDM according to an embodiment of the invention. In the LCDM in FIG. 13 , there is no inverter PCB such that the process time and the process cost are reduced.

Referring back to FIG. 4 , the LCDM includes the liquid crystal panel 110 , the backlight unit 120 , the main frame 130 , the top frame 135 , and the bottom frame 160 , and the cover shield 150 . In contrast to the LCDM of FIG. 4 , the LCDM of FIG. 13 does not include the inverter PCB 142 . Moreover, the backlight unit 120 of FIG. 4 includes the bottom frame 160 of FIG. 8 , the reflective sheet 170 , the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 , the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b , the plurality of lamp sockets 174 , and the side support 176 . The reflective sheet 170 is disposed on the bottom frame 160 , and the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 is disposed in a row and on the reflective sheet 170 . The first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b are disposed at both end portions of the bottom frame 160 , respectively, and the plurality of lamp sockets 174 are disposed on each of the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b . Each lamp socket 174 is connected to each of the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 . The side support including the plurality of openings 178 , which correspond to each of the plurality of fluorescent lamps 172 , is attached to the bottom frame 160 by covering the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b so that each of the fluorescent lamps 172 passes through the plurality of openings 178 . The plurality of optical sheets 125 of FIG. 4 are disposed over the fluorescent lamps 172 .

Referring again to FIG. 8 , the first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b are also formed on the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b , respectively, and the first and second holes 184 a and 184 b are also formed on the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b , respectively. Here, the first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b are respectively connected to the lamp sockets 174 on the first and second PCBs 180 a and 180 b . Each of the first and second end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 is connected to the first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b , respectively. Moreover, the first and second holes 184 a and 184 b correspond to the first and second PCB lines 182 a and 182 b , respectively.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a power supplying unit 490 is disposed on a backside of a bottom frame 460 , and third and fourth holes 462 a and 462 b , which respectively correspond to the first and second holes 184 a and 184 b of FIG. 8 , are formed in the bottom frame 460 . For example, the power supplying unit 490 may be disposed at a center portion of the backside of the bottom frame 460 . The power supplying unit 490 supplies power sources to the liquid crystal panel 110 of FIG. 4 . In addition, the first and second inverters 444 a and 444 b , and the first and second inverter connectors 446 a and 446 b are disposed on the power supplying unit 490 . The first and second inverters 444 a and 444 b are connected to the first 372 a and second 372 b end portions 372 a and 372 b of each of the fluorescent lamps 372 of FIG. 8 , respectively, to supply a power source. In more detail, a first wire 486 a including first and second connectors 491 a and 491 b at both end portions thereof connects the first PCB line 182 a of FIG. 8 to the first inverter 444 a . The first connector 491 a is combined to the first PCB line 182 a of FIG. 8 through the first and third holes 184 a of FIG. 8 and 462 a , and the second connector 491 b is combined to the first inverter connector 446 a . Since the first PCB line 182 a of FIG. 8 and the first inverter connector 446 a are connected to the first end portion 372 a of the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 8 and the first inverter 444 a , respectively, the first end portion 372 a of the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 8 is connected to the first inverter 444 a on the power supplying unit 490 via the first PCB line 182 a of FIG. 8 , the first wire 486 a and the first inverter connector 446 a . Similarly, a second wire 486 b including first and second connectors 489 a and 489 b at both end portions thereof connects the second PCB line 182 b of FIG. 8 to the second inverter 444 b . The first connector 489 a of the second wire 486 b is combined to the second PCB line 182 b of FIG. 8 through the second and fourth holes 184 b of FIG. 8 and 462 b , and the second connector 489 b of the second wire 486 b is combined to the second inverter connector 446 b . Since the second PCB line 182 b of FIG. 8 and the second inverter connector 446 b are connected to the second end portion 372 b of the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 8 and the second inverter 444 b , respectively, the second end portion 372 b of the fluorescent lamp 172 of FIG. 8 is connected to the second inverter 444 b on the power supplying unit 490 via the second PCB line 182 b of FIG. 8 , the second wire 486 b and the second inverter connector 446 b.

When the backlight unit is driven in the high-low mode, a single inverter is disposed on the power supplying unit.

In the LCDM in FIG. 13 , since the inverters 444 a and 444 b , and the inverter connectors 446 a and 446 b are formed on the power supplying unit 490 without an inverter PCB, the process time and the process cost are reduced.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a PCB line is disposed to connect the plurality of fluorescent lamps using the PCB line. Further, since the fluorescent lamps are connected to the lamp sockets in a row, the number of inverters and the wires can be reduced compared to the related art. Individually soldering each of the fluorescent lamps to each of the wires is no longer necessary, therefore the process time, cost and possibility of the defects are all reduced.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a wire connects the PCB and the inverter PCB through the first hole of the PCB and the second hole of the bottom frame, thereby preventing a current leakage. Furthermore, since the lamp socket supports the fluorescent lamp, additional lamp holder can be omitted. Therefore, the process time and cost can be effectively reduced.

Since the PCB is mounted between the inner surface of the bottom frame and the side support, the space between the inner surface of the bottom frame and the side support is used more efficiently. Furthermore, the size of the cover shield together with the size of the inverter unit is reduced, thereby providing much compacter and slimmer model than the related art. Moreover, in a high-high mode wires passing through the first and second hole in the bottom frame are connected to a single inverter PCB. Since one of the wires is shielded by the reflective sheet, current leakage is prevented. In addition, since the fluorescent lamps include an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), there is no need for additional elements for balancing current. Further, since both end portions of the fluorescent lamp are connected to the inverters on the power supplying unit supplying power to the liquid crystal panel, there is no need for an additional inverter PCB. Accordingly, the processing time and the processing cost is reduced.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the exemplary embodiments of the LCDM without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.