Backlight unit

This U.S. non-provisional patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/058,084 filed on Oct. 18, 2013, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0003070, filed on Jan. 10, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

1. Field of Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a backlight unit. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a backlight unit capable of reducing a light leakage.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a display device is classified into a transmissive type display device, a transflective type display device, and a reflective type display device. Among them, each of the transmissive type display device and the transflective type display device includes a display panel to display an image and a backlight unit to supply light to the display panel.

The backlight unit includes a light source to generate the light and a light guide unit to guide the light from the light source to the display panel.

A point light source may be used as the light source. The point light source includes a light emitting device, e.g., a light emitting diode. The light source is disposed to correspond to at least one incident surface of the light guide unit.

A portion of the light incident into the light guide unit through the incident surface is lost. Thus, efficiency of the backlight unit may be deteriorated.

The present disclosure provides a backlight unit having high light efficiency.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a backlight unit including a light source each emitting light, and a light guide unit that includes a first surface emitting light to a display panel, a second surface facing the first surface, and a plurality of connecting surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface, the light guide unit guide the light from the light source to the display panel, the connecting surfaces comprising a first side surface extending in a first direction, a second side surface facing the first side surface, a third side surface extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a first incident surface disposed between the first side surface and the third side surface, the first incident surface receiving the light from the light source and including at least one first serration pattern having a first diffusion surface and a second diffusion, the second diffusion surface being closer to the third side surface than the first diffusion surface.

A first included angle of the first incident surface and the first diffusion surface may be equal to or greater than about 90. The first included angle may be equal to or smaller than 120 degree.

The first included angle of the first incident angle and the first diffusion surface may be equal to or smaller than 117 degree.

The at least one first serration pattern may be provide in a plural number and a second included angle of the first incident surface and the second diffusion surface of one of the first serration patterns may be differ from a second included angle of the first incident surface and the second diffusion surface of other one of the first serration patterns.

Each of the first serration patterns may further include a third diffusion surface disposed between the first diffusion surface and the second diffusion surface and the third diffusion surface may be substantially parallel to the first incident surface.

The first serration patterns may be spaced apart each other.

The second included angle surface may be equal to or greater than about 35 degree and equal to or smaller than 60 degree.

The at least one first serration pattern may include two serration patterns, the at least one first serration pattern further includes a portion of the first incident surface disposed between two first serration patterns.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a backlight unit including a light source emitting a light, and a light guide unit that includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a plurality of connecting surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface to guide the light from the light source. The connecting surfaces may include a first side surface extending in a first direction, a second side surface facing the first side surface, a third side surface that extends in a second direction crossing the first direction, a first incident surface disposed between the first side surface and the third side surface, receiving the light from the light source, and including at least one first serration pattern having a first diffusion surface and a second diffusion surface. The first incident surface may define a first included angle with respect to an extension surface of the third side surface. A second included angle of the first diffusion surface with respect to the first incident surface may be in a range determined by the following Equation, and a third included angle of the second diffusion surface with respect to the first incident surface may be smaller than the second included angle,

90≦θ2≦90+θ1,  Equation

where θ 2 denotes the second included angle and θ 1 denotes the first included angle. The first included angle may be greater than about 20 degrees and smaller than about 30 degrees.

The back light unit may further include a second incident surface disposed between the second side surface and the third side surface, receiving the light from the light source, and including at least one second serration pattern,

The first incident surface may have a shape symmetrical with a shape of the second incident surface when viewed in a plan view.

The first serration pattern may further comprise a third diffusion surface disposed between the first diffusion surface and the second diffusion surface.

The first serration pattern may be provided in a plural number.

Any one of the first serration patterns may have a shape different from a shape of another one of the first serration patterns when viewed in a plan view.

An included angle between the third side surface and the second diffusion surface of each of the any one of the first serration patterns and the another one of the first serration patterns may be equal to or greater than about 35 degrees and equal to or smaller than about 60 degrees.

The display panel receives the light from the light guide unit. The effective light emitting area of the light guide unit corresponds to the display area of the display panel. The light guide unit provides the uniform light to the display area. The light guide unit having the improved light efficiency provides the light with high brightness to the display panel. Therefore, the display device may improve the display quality of the image displayed thereon.

The above and other advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a backlight unit shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an effective light emitting area of a light guide unit according to a first included angle;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views showing a first light incident area and a second light incident area shown in FIG. 2 , respectively;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views respectively showing the first and the second light incident areas shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a first light incident area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first light incident area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing a distribution of light according to a serration pattern;

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are plan views showing first light incident areas according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, and 14F are plan views showing light guide units according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a backlight unit shown in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an effective light emitting area of a light guide unit according to a first included angle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the backlight unit includes a light source that emits light and a light guide unit LG that receives the light from the light source and guides the light.

The backlight unit includes a first light source LE 1 and a second light source LE 2 . The first light source LE 1 and the second light source LE 2 provide the light to different areas of the light guide unit LG. Each of the first and the second light sources LE 1 and LE 2 includes two light emitting devices. The number of the light emitting devices should not be limited to two in each of the first and the second light sources LE 1 and LE 2 . In addition, the light emitting device may be, but not limited to, a light emitting diode.

The light guide unit LG includes a first surface US, a second surface LS, and a plurality of connecting surfaces IS 1 , IS 2 , and CS 1 to CS 4 that connect the first surface US and the second surface LS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light guide unit LG has a rectangular plate shape in which two corner portions thereof are cut away, but the shape of the light guide unit LG should not be limited to the rectangular plate shape. The two cut-away corner portions will be referred to as a first light incident area AA and a second light incident area BB, respectively. The first light incident area AA and the second light incident area BB respectively receive the lights from the first light source LE 1 and the second light source LE 2 . The number of the cut-away corner portions should not be limited to two. The number of the cut-away corner portions may be four formed at all the four corners of the rectangular plate. The number of the cut-away corner portions may be one formed at one corner of the rectangular plate. That is, one of the first light incident area AA and the second light incident area BB may be omitted.

The light incident into the first light incident area AA and the second light incident area BB exits from the first surface US, and thus hereinafter the first surface US is referred to as a light exit surface. The second surface LS faces the light exit surface US in a thickness direction of the light guide unit LG. Hereinafter, the second surface LS is referred to as an opposite surface.

The connecting surfaces IS 1 , IS 2 , and CS 1 to CS 4 include a first incident surface IS 1 , a second incident surface IS 2 , and at least three side surfaces. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the light guide unit LG having first, the second, the third, and the fourth side surfaces CS 1 , CS 2 , CS 3 , and CS 4 .

The first and the second side surfaces CS 1 and CS 2 extend in a first direction D 1 . The first and the second side surfaces CS 1 and CS 2 are spaced apart from each other and face each other. The third side surface CS 3 extends in a second direction D 2 crossing the first direction D 1 . The fourth side surface CS 4 faces the third side surface CS 3 and connects the first side surface CS 1 and the second side surface CS 2 . The second direction D 2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . Hereinafter, the following description will be described under the condition that the first direction D 1 and the second direction D 2 are perpendicular to each other.

The first incident surface IS 1 and the second incident surface IS 2 are respectively disposed in the first light incident area AA and the second light incident area BB. The first incident surface IS 1 faces the first light source LE 1 and the second incident surface IS 2 faces the second light source LE 2 .

The first light source LE 1 includes a first light emitting surface ES 1 facing the first incident surface IS 1 and the second light source LE 2 includes a second light emitting surface ES 2 facing the second incident surface IS 2 . The light which is generated in the first light source LE 1 and the second light source LE 2 comes out through the first light emitting surface ES 1 and the second light emitting surface ES 2 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first light emitting surface ES 1 and the second light emitting surface ES 2 is parallel to the first incident surface IS 1 and the second incident surface IS 2 , respectively. In other embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first light emitting surface ES 1 and the second light emitting surface ES 2 may be not parallel to corresponding light emitting surface. In detail, the first incident surface IS 1 is disposed between the first side surface CS 1 and the third side surface CS 3 . The first incident surface IS 1 connects the first side surface CS 1 and the third side surface CS 3 . The second incident surface IS 2 is disposed between the second side surface CS 2 and the third side surface CS 3 . The second incident surface IS 2 connects the second side surface CS 2 and the third side surface CS 3 .

However, the connections of the connecting surfaces IS 1 , IS 2 , and CS 1 to CS 4 should not be limited to the above-mentioned connections. That is, additional surfaces may be disposed between the first incident surface IS 1 and the first side surface CS 1 or between the first incident surface IS 1 and the third side surface CS 3 , and additional surfaces may be disposed between the second incident surface IS 2 and the second side surface CS 2 or between the second incident surface IS 2 and the third side surface CS 3 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the light guide unit LG includes an effective light emitting area LA and a peripheral area NLA. Here, the effective light emitting area LA corresponds to a display area of a display panel (not shown). In other words, the effective light emitting area LA is a minimum area required to generate an effective image in the display panel.

When the effective light emitting area LA of the light guide unit LG is smaller than the display area of the display panel, a display quality of the effective image is degraded. The brightness of the effective image depends on positions in the display area. For instance, the image displayed on the edge portion of the display area has brightness lower than brightness of the image displayed in a center portion of the display area.

The peripheral area NLA corresponds to and overlaps with a non-display area of the display panel (not shown). The image is not displayed in the non-display area. The effective light emitting area LA is surrounded by the peripheral area NLA.

The effective light emitting area LA of the light guide unit LG is varied depending on the arrangement of the first incident surface IS 1 and the second incident surface IS 2 . The first and the second incident surfaces IS 1 and IS 2 are inclined with respect to the third side surface CS 3 . As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the first and the second incident surfaces IS 1 and IS 2 is inclined with respect to an extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 at a first included angle θ 1 .

The first included angle θ 1 is greater than about 20 degrees and smaller than about 30 degrees. When the first included angle θ 1 is equal to or smaller than about 20 degrees, the brightness of the effective light emitting area LA in the center portion and in the edge portion becomes non-uniform. This is because the light incident to the first and the second incident surfaces IS 1 and IS 2 has angles with respect to the first side surface CS 1 and the second side surface CS 2 , respectively.

When the first included angle θ 1 is equal to or greater than about 30 degrees, the light guide unit LG has a relatively smaller effective light emitting area LA. FIG. 3 shows a first light guide unit LG 27 having the first included angle θ 1 of about 27 degrees and a second light guide unit LG 45 having the first included angle θ 1 of about 45 degrees with respect to the third side surface. The area of the effective light emitting area LA 45 of the second light guide unit LG 45 is smaller than the area of the effective light emitting area LA 27 of the first light guide unit LG 27 . The second light guide unit LG 45 provides the light with a relatively non-uniform brightness to the display area as compared to the first light guide unit LG 27 .

Therefore, the first included angle θ 1 is required to be in a range from about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees, preferably in a range greater than about 24 degrees and smaller than about 27 degrees, in order to provide the light with the uniform brightness throughout the effective light emitting area LA.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the included angle between the first incident surface IS 1 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 may be different from the included angle between the second incident surface IS 2 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 .

FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views showing the first light incident area and the second light incident area shown in FIG. 2 , respectively, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views respectively showing the first and the second light incident areas shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B .

At least one first serration pattern NP 1 is formed in the first incident surface IS 1 , and at least one second serration pattern NP 2 is formed in the second incident surface IS 2 . The at least one first serration pattern NP 1 is disposed in the first light incident area AA (refer to FIG. 2 ), the at least one second serration pattern NP 2 is disposed in the second light incident area BB (refer to FIG. 2 ).

The first serration pattern NP 1 includes grooves formed in the first incident surface IS 1 and the second serration pattern NP 2 includes grooves formed in the second incident surface IS 2 . The first serration pattern NP 1 and the second serration pattern NP 2 may have a sawtooth.

Hereinafter, the first serration patterns NP 1 and the second serration patterns NP 2 will be described in detail. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B show the first incident surface IS 1 in which first serration patterns NP 1 are arranged and the second incident surface IS 2 in which second serration patterns NP 2 are arranged. The first serration patterns NP 1 may include six first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 and the second serration patterns NP 2 may include six second serration patterns NP 2 - 1 to NP 2 - 6 . The number of each of the first serration patterns NP 1 and the second serration patterns NP 2 should not be limited to six.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B , the first and second incident surfaces IS 1 and IS 2 are symmetrical with each other when viewed on the light exit surface US. Hereinafter, the first incident surface IS 1 will be described in detail. Meanwhile, the second incident surface IS 2 may have the same shape as the first incident surface IS 1 , but it should not be limited thereto or thereby.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A , each of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 includes a first diffusion surface DS 1 and a second diffusion surface DS 2 . The first diffusion surface is closer to the first side surface or the second side surface than the second diffusion surface. Each of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is a triangular prism shape.

The first diffusion surface DS 1 diffuses a portion of the light incident to the first incident surface IS 1 to allow the portion of the light to travel to the first side surface CS 1 . The second diffusion surface DS 2 diffuses the other portion of the light incident to the first incident surface IS 1 to allow the other portion of the light to travel to the second side surface CS 2 (refer to FIG. 2 ).

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5A , the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 have the same shape when viewed on the light exit surface US. The first diffusion surface of any one of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is connected to the second diffusion surface of another one of the first serration patterns, which is adjacent to the any one of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 . For instance, the first diffusion surface DS 1 of the second first-serration pattern NP 1 - 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is directly connected to the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the first-serration pattern NP 1 - 1 adjacent to a right side of the second first-serration pattern NP 1 - 2 .

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the first light incident area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the first light incident area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing a distribution of light according to a serration pattern.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first diffusion surface DS 1 forms a second included angle θ 2 with respect to the first incident surface IS 1 and the second diffusion surface DS 2 forms a third included angle θ 3 with respect to the first incident surface IS 1 . The second included angle θ 2 is different from the third included angle θ 3 .

The maximum value of the second included angle θ 2 is shown in FIG. 6 . In this case, the first diffusion surface DS 1 is substantially parallel to the first side surface CS 1 . The maximum value of the second angle θ 2 may be a 90 degree plus the first angle θ 1 . The first diffusion surface DS 1 parallel to the first side surface CS 1 prevents the light incident to the first incident surface IS 1 from being diffused to the first side surface CS 1 . When the maximum value of the second included angle θ 2 is greater than that shown in FIG. 6 , a difference between the brightness of the light exiting from the center portion of the effective light emitting area LA (refer to FIG. 2 ) and the brightness of the light exiting from the edge portion of the effective light emitting area LA (refer to FIG. 2 ) increases. This is because a difference between an amount of the light diffused to the first side surface CS 1 and an amount of the light diffused to the center portion of the light guide unit LG is increased. That is, when the maximum value of the second included angle θ 2 is greater than that shown in FIG. 6 , the light provided to the display panel becomes non-uniform according to the areas of the display area of the display panel.

The minimum value of the second included angle θ 2 is shown in FIG. 7 . In this case, the first diffusion surface DS 1 is substantially vertical to the first incident surface IS 1 . The first diffusion surface DS 1 vertical to the first incident surface IS 1 diffuses the light incident to the first incident surface IS 1 to the first side surface CS 1 . When the minimum value of the second included angle θ 2 is smaller than that shown in FIG. 7 , a portion of the light diffused to the first side surface CS 1 is leaked through the first side surface CS 1 , and the amount of the light leaked through the first side surface CS 1 is greater than a critical amount of the light leakage for maintaining appropriate uniformity of light intensity throughout the display. That is, when the minimum value of the second included angle θ 2 is smaller than that shown in FIG. 7 , the light efficiency of the light guide unit LG is reduced.

The range of the second included angle θ 2 is determined by the following Equation.

90 degree≦second included angle(θ2)≦90 degree+first included angle(θ1),  Equation

where the first included angle (θ 1 ) is equal to or greater than 20 degree and equal to or less than 30 degree. Preferably, the first included angle (θ 1 ) is equal to or greater than 24 degree and equal to or less than 27 degree.

When the second included angle θ 2 satisfies the range determined by the Equation, the third included angle θ 3 has an acute angle smaller than the second included angle θ 2 .

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a traveling path of the light incident through the second incident surface IS 2 . FIG. 8A shows the traveling path of the light incident to the second serration patterns having the same second and third included angles θ 2 and θ 3 , which are the same acute angle, and FIG. 8B shows the traveling path of the light incident to the light guide unit according to the present exemplary embodiment. The light guide unit having the traveling path of the light shown in FIG. 8B includes the second serration patterns having the second included angle θ 2 determined by the Equation and the third included angle θ 3 smaller than the second included angle θ 2 .

The amount of the light leaked through the second side surface CS 2 of the light guide unit having the traveling path shown in FIG. 8A is greater than that of the light leaked through the second side surface CS 2 of the light guide unit having the traveling path shown in FIG. 8B . Thus, the light efficiency of the light guide unit shown in FIG. 8A is lower than the light efficiency of the light guide unit shown in FIG. 8B . The light guide unit having the traveling path shown in FIG. 8B may provide the light to the display panel, which is enough to generate the effective image.

FIGS. 9 to 13 are plan views showing first light incident areas according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 9 to 13 , detailed descriptions of the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 8B are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11 , each of first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 includes a first diffusion surface DS 1 and a second diffusion surface DS 2 . The first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 have the same shape when viewed on the light exit surface US.

The first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 of a light guide unit LG 30 shown in FIG. 9 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. A portion of the first incident surface IS 1 is disposed between two first serration patterns adjacent to each other among the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 .

The first diffusion surface of any one of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 of a the light guide unit LG 40 shown in FIG. 10 is connected to the second diffusion surface of another one of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 , which is adjacent to the any one of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 . For instance, the first diffusion surface DS 1 of the second first-serration pattern NP 1 - 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is directly connected to the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the first-serration pattern NP 1 - 1 adjacent to a right side of the second first-serration pattern NP 1 - 2 .

In addition, the first diffusion surface DS 1 of the first-serration pattern of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is directly connected to the first side surface CS 1 and the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the last first-serration pattern of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is directly connected to the third side surface CS 3 . For example, the first diffusion surface DS 1 of the first-serration pattern of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is directly connected to the first side surface CS 1 and the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the sixth first-serration pattern of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 is directly connected to the third side surface CS 3 .

Each of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 of a light guide unit LG 50 shown in FIG. 11 further includes a third diffusion surface DS 3 disposed between the first diffusion surface DS 1 and the second diffusion surface DS 2 . The third diffusion surface DS 3 is substantially in parallel to the first incident surface IS 1 . The first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 of a light guide unit LG 50 shown in FIG. 11 may further includes the portion of the first incident surface IS 1 disposed between two first serration patterns adjacent to each other among the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 .

However, the shape of the third diffusion surface DS 3 should not be limited thereto or thereby. For instance, the third diffusion surface DS 3 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the first incident surface IS 1 . In addition, the third surface DS 3 has a two-dimensional curved shape when viewed on the light exit surface US.

Meanwhile, different from the first serration patterns shown in FIG. 11 , only a portion of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 may further include the third diffusion surface DS 3 in the light guide unit according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 , first serration patterns having different shapes from each other are formed in the first incident surface IS 1 . FIG. 12 shows the first incident surface IS 1 in which six first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 are arranged and FIG. 13 shows the first incident surface IS 1 in which four first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 NP 1 - 4 are arranged.

The first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 of a light guide unit LG 60 shown in FIG. 12 have the same second included angle θ 2 and different third included angles θ 3 from each other. As shown in FIG. 12 , the third included angle θ 3 gradually increases from the first-serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to the sixth first-serration pattern NP 1 - 6 among the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 . In this case, areas of the first diffusion surfaces DS 1 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 are different from each other and the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 are different from each other.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 are inclined with respect to the third side surface CS 3 . The second diffusion surfaces DS 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 form different included angles with respect to the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 .

Among the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 6 , an included angle θ NP1-1 between the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the first-serration pattern NP 1 - 1 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 has the minimum value among included angles between the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 and the extension surface CS 30 . In addition, an included angle θ NP1-6 between the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the sixth first-serration pattern NP 1 - 6 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 has the maximum value among the included angles between the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 and the extension surface CS 30 .

The included angle θ NP1-1 between the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the first-serration pattern NP 1 - 1 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 is greater than about 35 degrees. The included angle θ NP1-6 between the sixth diffusion surface DS 6 of the sixth first-serration pattern NP 1 - 6 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 is smaller than about 60 degrees.

The first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 4 of a light guide unit LG 80 shown in FIG. 13 have the same second included angle θ 2 and different third included angles θ 3 from each other. As shown in FIG. 13 , the third included angle θ 3 gradually decreases from the first-serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to the fourth first-serration pattern NP 1 - 4 among the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 4 . In this case, areas of the first diffusion surfaces DS 1 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 4 are the same and the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 4 are different from each other.

Among the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 4 , an included angle θ NP1-1 between the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the first-serration pattern NP 1 - 1 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 has the maximum value among included angles between the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 and the extension surface CS 30 . In addition, an included angle θ NP1-4 between the second diffusion surface DS 2 of the fourth first-serration pattern NP 1 - 4 and the extension surface CS 30 of the third side surface CS 3 has the minimum value among the included angles between the second diffusion surfaces DS 2 and the extension surface CS 30 .

Although not shown in figures, the second included angles θ 2 of the first serration patterns NP 1 - 1 to NP 1 - 4 may be different from each other in the range determined by the Equation.

FIGS. 14A to 14F are plan views showing light guide units according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 14A to 14F , detailed descriptions of the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14A , a third side surface CS 3 of a light guide unit LG 82 may be a circular arc surface. Accordingly, the extension surface CS 30 (refer to FIG. 4 ) of the third side surface CS 3 may be extended from a surface CS 300 connected between sides disposed at both ends of the third side surface CS 3 . Different from the third side surface CS 3 shown in FIG. 14A , the third side surface CS 3 may be a concave circular arc surface.

Referring to FIG. 14B , a third side surface CS 3 of a light guide plate LG 82 includes a first circular arc surface CS 3 - 1 and a second circular arc surface CS 3 - 2 . The first circular arc surface CS 3 - 1 is connected to the first incident surface IS 1 and the second circular arc surface CS 3 - 2 is connected to the second incident surface IS 2 .

Referring to FIG. 14C , each of first and second side surfaces CS 1 and CS 2 of a light guide unit LG 83 may be the circular arc surface.

Referring to FIG. 14D , a fourth side surface CS 4 of a light guide unit LG 84 may be a circular arc surface. According to embodiment, the first, second, and fourth side surfaces CS 1 , CS 2 , and CS 4 may be a circular arc surface.

Referring to FIG. 14E , a first light incident area AA and a second light incident area BB of a light guide unit LG 85 may be convex from the light exit surface US when viewed in a plan view. Auxiliary surfaces CS 1 - 10 and CS 3 - 10 are disposed between the first incident surface IS 1 and the first side surface CS 1 and between the first incident surface IS 1 and the third side surface CS 3 , respectively. In addition, auxiliary surfaces CS 2 - 10 and CS 3 - 20 are disposed between the second incident surface IS 2 and the second side surface CS 2 and between the second incident surface IS 2 and the third side surface CS 3 , respectively.

Referring to FIG. 14F , a first light incident area AA and a second light incident area BB of a light guide unit LG 86 may be concaved from the light exit surface US when viewed in a plan view. Auxiliary surfaces CS 1 - 10 and CS 3 - 10 are disposed between the first incident surface IS 1 and the first side surface CS 1 and between the first incident surface IS 1 and the third side surface CS 3 , respectively. In addition, auxiliary surfaces CS 2 - 10 and CS 3 - 20 are disposed between the second incident surface IS 2 and the second side surface CS 2 and between the second incident surface IS 2 and the third side surface CS 3 , respectively.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the display device includes an upper protective member 110 , a lower protective member 120 , a display panel 130 , a support member 140 , and a backlight unit BLU.

The upper protective member 110 and the lower protective member 120 form an outer surface of the display device. The upper protective member 110 and the lower protective member 120 are coupled to each other to accommodate other elements of the display device therein.

The upper protective member 110 is disposed on the display panel 130 . The upper protective member 110 is provided with an opening portion 110 -OP formed therethrough to expose a portion of the display panel 130 . The upper protective member 110 covers the non-display area of the display panel 130 .

The lower protective member 120 is disposed under the backlight unit BLU. The lower protective member 120 includes a bottom portion 122 and a sidewall portion 124 bent upward from the bottom portion 122 . The backlight unit BLU is accommodated in a space defined by the bottom portion 122 and the sidewall portion 124 .

The display panel 130 displays an image. The display panel 130 is a transmissive or transflective type display panel. For instance, the display panel 130 is a liquid crystal display panel or an electrophoretic display panel. In the present exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel that includes a first substrate 132 and a second substrate 134 will be described as the display panel 130 .

The first substrate 132 includes a plurality of pixel electrodes (not shown) and a plurality of thin film transistors (not shown) each being electrically connected to a corresponding pixel electrode of the pixel electrodes. The second substrate 134 includes a common electrode (not shown). A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate 132 and the second substrate 134 . When an electric field generated between the common electrode and the pixel electrodes is controlled, the light from the backlight unit is switched, and different images from each other are generated in accordance with the switching of the pixel electrodes.

A driving chip 136 is mounted on a side portion of the second substrate 134 to apply a driving signal to the display panel 130 . The driving chip 136 includes a data driver and a gate driver.

The support member 140 has a rectangular frame shape to overlap with the non-display area of the display panel 130 . The support member 140 is provided with an opening portion formed therethrough. The support member 140 is disposed under the display panel 130 and supports the display panel 130 .

The backlight unit BLU includes a first light source LE 1 , a second light source LE 2 , which emit the light, and a light guide unit LG that guides the light to the display panel 130 . The backlight unit BLU may include the light guide unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 14F .

The display device further includes an optical sheet 150 and a reflection sheet 160 in order to improve the efficiency of the light provided to the display panel 130 .

The optical sheet 150 is disposed between the light guide unit LG and the display panel 130 . The optical sheet 150 includes a prism sheet 154 and a protection sheet 152 , which are sequentially stacked on the light guide unit LG.

The prism sheet 154 condenses the light exiting from the light exit surface US of the light guide unit US and passing therethrough in a direction vertical to the surface of the display panel 130 . The light passing through the prism sheet 154 are vertically incident into the display panel 130 . The protection sheet 152 is disposed on the prism sheet 154 to protect the prism sheet 154 from external impacts.

Meanwhile, although not shown in figures, the optical sheet 150 further includes a diffusion sheet to diffuse the light exiting from the light exit surface US of the light guide unit LG. As an example, the diffusion sheet may be disposed between the light guide unit LG and the prism sheet 154 .

The reflection sheet 160 is disposed under the light guide unit LG. The reflection sheet 160 reflects the light leaked through the opposite surface LS of the light guide unit LG such that the leaked light is incident into the light guide unit LG again.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed.