Backlight unit and display device including the same

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0012105 filed on Feb. 1, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a backlight unit and a display device including the backlight unit.

2. Background

With the development of the information society, various demands for display devices are increasing. Various display devices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), electroluminescent displays (ELDs), and vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs), have been recently studied and used in response to various demands for the display devices.

Among the display devices, a liquid crystal display panel of a liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer and a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a color filter substrate that are positioned opposite each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The liquid crystal display panel displays an image using light provided by a backlight unit.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate configuration of a display device related to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a light source according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a coupling relationship between a reflective sheet and periphery components of the reflective sheet according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate configuration of a reflective sheet according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 13 to 25 illustrate various configurations of a reflective sheet according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a light assembly including a light source shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a lens according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a light path of a lens shown in FIG. 26 ;

FIGS. 30 to 35 illustrate a lens according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate a disposition of a light assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the invention examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Since the present invention may be modified in various ways and may have various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail in the present specification. However, it should be understood that the present invention are not limited to specific disclosed embodiments, but include all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

The terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, a first component may be designated as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the same manner, the second component may be designated as the first component.

The term “and/or” encompasses both combinations of the plurality of related items disclosed and any item from among the plurality of related items disclosed.

When an arbitrary component is described as “being connected to” or “being linked to” another component, this should be understood to mean that still another component(s) may exist between them, although the arbitrary component may be directly connected to, or linked to, the second component. In contrast, when an arbitrary component is described as “being directly connected to” or “being directly linked to” another component, this should be understood to mean that no component exists between them.

The terms used in the present application are used to describe only specific embodiments or examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression can include a plural expression as long as it does not have an apparently different meaning in context.

In the present application, the terms “include” and “have” should be understood to be intended to designate that illustrated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof exist and not to preclude the existence of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, or the possibility of the addition thereof.

Unless otherwise specified, all of the terms which are used herein, including the technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those that are generally understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary must be understood to have meanings identical to those used in the context of a related art, and are not to be construed to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless they are obviously specified in the present application.

The following embodiments of the invention are provided to those skilled in the art in order to describe the present invention more completely. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention are described using a liquid crystal display panel as an example of a display panel. Other display panels may be used. For example, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) panel, and an organic light emitting diode (OLE©) display panel may be used.

In what follows, a display panel may include a first long side LS 1 , a second long side LS 2 opposite the first long side LS 1 , a first short side 331 adjacent to the first long side LS 1 and the second long side LS 2 , and a second short side SS 2 opposite the first short side SS 1 .

In embodiments disclosed herein, the first short side SS 1 may be referred to as a first side area; the second short side SS 2 may be referred to as a second side area opposite the first side area; the first long side LS 1 may be referred to as a third side area that is adjacent to the first side area and the second side area and is positioned between the first side area and the second side area; and the second long side LS 2 may be referred to as a fourth side area that is adjacent to the first side area and the second side area, is positioned between the first side area and the second side area, and is opposite to the third side area.

Embodiments of the invention describe and illustrate that lengths of the first and second long sides LS 1 and LS 2 are longer than lengths of the first and second short sides SS 1 and SS 2 for the convenience of explanation. However, the lengths of the first and second long sides LS 1 and LS 2 may be almost equal to the lengths of the first and second short sides SS 1 and SS 2 .

In the following description, a first direction DR 1 may be a direction parallel to the long sides LS 1 and LS 2 of the display panel, and a second direction DR 2 may be a direction parallel to the short sides SS 1 and 332 of the display panel.

Further, a third direction DR 3 may be a direction vertical to the first direction DR 1 and/or the second direction DR 2 .

In the following description, the first direction DR 1 and the second direction DR 2 may be commonly referred to as a horizontal direction.

Further, the third direction DR 3 may be referred to as a vertical direction.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention may include a display panel 110 and a back cover 150 positioned in the rear of the display panel 110 .

The back cover 150 may be connected to the display panel 110 in a sliding manner in a direction (i.e., the second direction DR 2 ) from the first long side LS 1 to the second long side LS 2 . In other words, the back cover 150 may be inserted into the first short side SS 1 , the second short side SS 2 opposite the first short side SS 1 , and the first long side LS 1 that is adjacent to the first and second short sides SS 1 and SS 2 and is positioned between the first short side SS 1 and the second short side SS 2 , in the display panel 110 in the sliding manner.

The back cover 150 and/or other components adjacent to the back cover 150 may include a protrusion, a sliding portion, a coupling portion, etc., so that the back cover 150 is coupled to the display panel 110 in the sliding manner.

FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate configuration of the display device related to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the invention may include a front cover 105 , the display panel 110 , a backlight unit 120 , a frame 130 , and the back cover 150 .

The front cover 105 may cover at least a portion of a front surface and a side surface of the display panel 110 . The front cover 105 may have a rectangular fame shape, in which a center portion is empty. Because the center portion of the front cover 105 is empty, an image displayed on the display panel 110 may be seen to the outside.

The front cover 105 may include a front cover and a side cover. Namely, the front cover 105 may include the front cover at the front surface of the display panel 110 and the side cover at the side surface of the display panel 110 . The front cover and the side cover may be separately configured. One of the front cover and the side cover may be omitted. For example, the front cover may be omitted, and only the side cover may be absent in terms of a beautiful appearance of the display device 100 .

The display panel 110 may be positioned in front of the display device 100 and may display an image. The display panel 110 may divide the image into a plurality of pixels and may output the image while controlling color, brightness, and chroma of each pixel. The display panel 110 may include an active area, on which the image is displayed, and an inactive area, on which the image is not displayed. The display panel 110 may include a front substrate and a back substrate that are positioned opposite each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

The front substrate may include a plurality of pixels each including red, green, and blue subpixels. The front substrate may generate an image corresponding to red, green, or blue color in response to a control signal.

The back substrate may include switching elements. The back substrate may turn on pixel electrodes. For example, the pixel electrodes may change a molecule arrangement of the liquid crystal layer in response to a control signal received from the outside. The liquid crystal layer may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules may be changed depending on a voltage difference between the pixel electrode and a common electrode. The liquid crystal layer may transmit light provided by the backlight unit 120 to the front substrate.

The backlight unit 120 may be positioned at a back surface of the display panel 110 . The backlight unit 120 may include a plurality of light sources. The light sources of the backlight unit 120 may be arranged in an edge type or a direct type. In case of the edge type backlight unit 120 , a light guide plate may be added.

The backlight unit 120 may be coupled to a front surface of the frame 130 . For example, the plurality of light sources may be disposed at the front surface of the frame 130 . In this instance, the backlight unit 120 may be commonly called the direct type backlight unit 120 .

The backlight unit 120 may be driven in an entire driving method or a partial driving method, such as a local dimming method and an impulsive driving method. The backlight unit 120 may include an optical sheet 125 and an optical layer 123 .

The optical sheet 125 can cause light of the light sources to be uniformly transferred to the display panel 110 . The optical sheet 125 may include a plurality of layers. For example, the optical sheet 125 may include at least one prism sheet and/or at least one diffusion sheet.

The optical sheet 125 may further include at least one coupling portion 125 d . The coupling portion 125 d may be coupled to the front cover 105 and/or the back cover 150 . Namely, the coupling portion 125 d may be directly coupled to the front cover 105 and/or the back cover 150 . Alternatively, the coupling portion 125 d may be coupled to a structure formed at the front cover 105 and/or the back cover 150 . Namely, the coupling portion 125 d may be indirectly coupled to the front cover 105 and/or the back cover 150 .

The optical layer 123 may include the light source, etc. The detailed configuration of the optical layer 123 will be described in the corresponding paragraphs.

The frame 130 may support components constituting the display device 100 . For example, the frame 130 may be coupled to the backlight unit 120 . The frame 130 may be formed of a metal material, for example, an aluminum alloy.

The back cover 150 may be positioned at a back surface of the display device 100 . The back cover 150 may protect inner configuration of the display device 100 from the outside. At least a portion of the back cover 150 may be coupled to the frame 130 and/or the front cover 105 . The back cover 150 may be an injection production (or injection molded) formed of a resin material.

FIG. 4 illustrates configuration of the optical sheet 125 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 4 , the optical sheet 125 and/or a diffusion plate 129 may be positioned on the frame 130 . The optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 may be coupled to the frame 130 at an edge of the frame 130 . The optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 may be directly placed at the edge of the frame 130 . Namely, an outer perimeter of the optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 may be supported by the frame 130 . An upper surface of an edge of the optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 may be surrounded by a first guide panel 117 . For example, the optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 may be positioned between the edge of the frame 130 and a flange 117 a of the first guide panel 117 .

The display panel 110 may be positioned at a front surface of the optical sheet 125 . An edge of the display panel 110 may be coupled to the first guide panel 117 . Namely, the display panel 110 may be supported by the first guide panel 117 .

An edge area of the front surface of the display panel 110 may be surrounded by the front cover 105 . For example, the display panel 110 may be positioned between the first guide panel 117 and the front cover 105 .

As shown in (b) of FIG. 4 , the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the invention may further include a second guide panel 113 . The optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 may be coupled to the second guide panel 113 . Namely, the second guide panel 113 may have a shape, in which the second guide panel 113 is coupled to the frame 130 , and the optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 are/is coupled to the second guide panel 113 . The second guide panel 113 may be formed of a material different from the frame 130 . The frame 130 may have a shape surrounding the first and second guide panels 117 and 113 .

As shown in (c) of FIG. 4 , in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the invention, the front cover 105 may not cover the front surface of the display panel 110 . Namely, one end of the front cover 105 may be positioned on the side of the display panel 110 .

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the backlight unit 120 may include the optical layer 123 including substrates 122 , at least one light assembly 124 , a reflective sheet 126 and the diffusion plate 129 , and the optical sheet 125 positioned on a front surface of the optical layer 123 .

The substrates 122 may be configured in a plurality of straps, which are extended in a first direction and are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

At least one light assembly 124 may be mounted on the substrate 122 . The substrate 122 may have an electrode pattern for connecting an adaptor to the light assembly 124 . For example, a carbon nanotube electrode pattern for connecting the adaptor to the light assembly 124 may be formed on the substrate 122 .

The substrate 122 may be formed of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), and silicon. The substrate 122 may be a printed circuit board (PCB), on which at least one light assembly 124 is mounted.

The light assemblies 124 may be disposed on the substrate 122 at predetermined intervals in the first direction. A diameter of the light assembly 124 may be greater than a width of the substrate 122 . Namely, the diameter of the light assembly 124 may be greater than a second direction length of the substrate 122 .

The light assembly 124 may be one of a light emitting diode (LED) chip and a LED package having at least one LED chip.

The light assembly 124 may be configured as a colored LED emitting at least one of red, green, and blue light or a white LED. The colored LED may include at least one of a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED.

The light source included in the light assembly 124 may be a COB (chip-on board) type. The COB light source may be configured such that the LED chip as the light source is directly coupled to the substrate 122 . Thus, a manufacturing process may be simplified. Further, a resistance may be reduced, and thus a loss of energy resulting from heat may be reduced. Namely, power efficiency of the light assembly 124 may increase. The COB light source can provide the brighter lighting and may be implemented to be thinner and lighter than a related art.

The reflective sheet 126 may be positioned at the front surface of the substrate 122 . The reflective sheet 126 may be positioned in an area excluding a formation area of the light assemblies 124 of the substrates 122 . Namely, the reflective sheet 126 may have a plurality of lens holes 235 .

The reflective sheet 126 may reflect light emitted from the light assembly 124 to a front surface of the reflective sheet 126 . Further, the reflective sheet 126 may again reflect light reflected from the diffusion plate 129 .

The reflective sheet 126 may include at least one of metal and metal oxide, each of which is a reflection material. The reflective sheet 126 may include metal and/or metal oxide having a high reflectance, for example, aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ).

The reflective sheet 126 may be formed by depositing and/or coating the metal or the metal oxide on the substrate 122 . An ink including the metal material may be printed on the reflective sheet 126 . A deposition layer may be formed on the reflective sheet 126 using a thermal deposition method, an evaporation method, or a vacuum deposition method such as a sputtering method. A coating layer and/or a printing layer may be formed on the reflective sheet 126 using a printing method, a gravure coating method or a silk screen method.

An air gap may be positioned between the reflective sheet 126 and the diffusion plate 129 . The air gap may serve as a buffer capable of widely spreading light emitted from the light assembly 124 . A supporter (or support plate) 200 may be positioned between the reflective sheet 126 and the diffusion plate 129 , so as to maintain the air gap.

A resin may be deposited on the light assembly 124 and/or the reflective sheet 126 . The resin may function to diffuse light emitted from the light assembly 124 .

The diffusion plate 129 may upwardly diffuse light emitted from the light assembly 124 .

The optical sheet 125 may be positioned at a front surface of the diffusion plate 129 . A back surface of the optical sheet 125 may be adhered to the diffusion plate 129 , and a front surface of the optical sheet 125 may be adhered to the back surface of the display panel 110 .

The optical sheet 125 may include at least one sheet. More specifically, the optical sheet 125 may include one or more prism sheets and/or one or more diffusion sheets. The plurality of sheets included in the optical sheet 125 may be attached and/or adhered to one another.

In other words, the optical sheet 125 may include a plurality of sheets having different functions. For example, the optical sheet 125 may include first to third optical sheets 125 a to 125 c . The first optical sheet 125 a may function as a diffusion sheet, and the second and third optical sheets 125 b and 125 c may function as a prism sheet. The number and/or a position of the diffusion sheet and the prism sheets may be changed. For example, the optical sheet 125 may include the first optical sheet 125 a as the diffusion sheet and the second optical sheet 125 b as the prism sheet.

The diffusion sheet may prevent light coming from the diffusion plate from being partially concentrated and may homogenize a luminance of the light. The prism sheet may concentrate light coming from the diffusion sheet and may make the concentrated light be vertically incident on the display panel 110 .

The coupling portion 125 d may be formed on at least one of edges of the optical sheet 125 . The coupling portion 125 d may be formed on at least one of the first to third optical sheets 125 a to 125 c.

The coupling portion 125 d may be formed at an edge of the long side of the optical sheet 125 . The coupling portion 125 d on the first long side and the coupling portion 125 d on the second long side may be asymmetrical to each other. For example, the number and/or a position of the coupling portions 125 d on the first long side may be different from the number and/or a position of the coupling portions 125 d on the second long side.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the substrates 122 including the plurality of straps, which is extended in the first direction and are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, may be provided on the frame 130 . One end of each of the plurality of substrates 122 may be connected to a line electrode 232 .

The line electrode 232 may be extended in the second direction. The line electrode 232 may be connected to the ends of the substrates 122 at predetermined intervals in the second direction. The substrates 122 may be electrically connected to the adaptor through the line electrode 232 .

The light assemblies 124 may be mounted on the substrate 122 at predetermined intervals in the first direction. A diameter of the light assembly 124 may be greater than a width of the substrate 122 in the second direction. Hence, an outer area of the light assembly 124 may be positioned beyond a formation area of the substrate 122 .

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a light source according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 8 , a light source 203 may be a COB light source. The COB light source 203 may include at least one of an emission layer 135 , first and second electrodes 147 and 149 , and a fluorescent layer 137 .

The emission layer 135 may be positioned on the substrate 122 . The emission layer 135 may emit one of red, green, and blue light. The emission layer 135 may include one of Firpic, (CF3ppy)2Ir(pic), 9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene(AND); perylene, distyrybiphenyl, PVK, OXD-7, UGH-3(Blue), and a combination thereof.

The first and second electrodes 147 and 149 may be positioned on both sides of a lower surface of the emission layer 135 . The first and second electrodes 147 and 149 may transmit an external driving signal to the emission layer 135 .

The fluorescent layer 137 may cover the emission layer 135 and the first and second electrodes 147 and 149 . The fluorescent layer 137 may include a fluorescent material converting light of a spectrum generated from the emission layer 135 into white light. A thickness of the emission layer 135 at an upper side of on the fluorescent layer 137 may be uniform. The fluorescent layer 137 may have a refractive index of 1.4 to 2.0.

The COB light source 203 according to the embodiment of the invention may be directly mounted on the substrate 122 . Thus, the size of the light assembly 124 may decrease.

Because heat dissipation of the light sources 203 is excellent by forming the light sources 203 on the substrate 122 , the light sources 203 may be driven at a high current. Hence, the number of light sources 203 required to secure the same light quantity may decrease.

Further, because the light sources 203 are mounted on the substrate 122 , a wire bonding process may not be necessary. Hence, the manufacturing cost may be reduced due to the simplification of the manufacturing process.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the light source 203 according to the embodiment of the invention may emit light in a first emission range EA 1 . Namely, the light source 203 may emit light in an area including a second emission range EA 2 of the front side and third and fourth emission ranges EA 3 and EA 4 of both sides. Thus, the light source 203 according to the embodiment of the invention is different from a related art POB light source emitting light in the second emission range EA 2 . In other words, the light source 203 according to the embodiment of the invention may be the COB light source, and the COB light source 203 may emit light in a wide emission range including the side.

Because the COB light source 203 emits light even in a direction corresponding to the third and fourth emission ranges EA 3 and EA 4 of the side, the embodiment of the invention needs to efficiently control light of the side direction. The reflective sheet according to the embodiment of the invention may control a reflectance of light emitted from the light source 203 in the side direction. Thus, the embodiment of the invention may reduce the non-uniformity of brightness resulting from light of the side direction.

FIG. 10 illustrates a coupling relationship between a reflective sheet and periphery components of the reflective sheet according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the reflective sheet 126 according to the embodiment of the invention may be placed on the frame 130 . For example, the reflective sheet 126 may be coupled to a receiving portion 132 formed inside the frame 130 . The receiving portion 132 may be referred as a recess 132 or a cavity 132 . The recess or cavity 132 may be formed on the front surface of the frame 130 .

The reflective sheet 126 may include a horizontal coupling portion HH and/or a vertical coupling portion VH. For example, coupling holes may be formed along a long side and/or a short side of the reflective sheet 126 .

The horizontal coupling portion HH and/or the vertical coupling portion VH may be inserted into a horizontal protrusion 130 H and/or a vertical protrusion 130 V formed on the frame 130 . A guide panel GP may be formed on the reflective sheet 126 .

The guide panel GP may be formed of a plastic material of injection molding or a metal material that is press-processed. The guide panel GP may be coupled to the horizontal protrusion 130 H and/or the vertical protrusion 130 V. When the guide panel GP is coupled to the reflective sheet 126 , the reflective sheet 126 may be fixed between the frame 30 and the guide panel GP. FIG. 10 illustrates that the long sides and the short sides of the guide panel GP are separated from one another, by way of example. The guide panel GP may be configured such that the long sides and the short sides are connected to one another.

The reflective sheet 126 placed on the frame 130 may be configured as a three-dimensional shape corresponding to a shape of the receiving portion 132 . Even when the reflective sheet 126 according to the embodiment of the invention has the three-dimensional shape, the reflective sheet 126 can provide an optimum reflection effect. For example, the reflective sheet 126 can uniformly reflect light throughout its entire area.

The reflective sheet 126 may constitute a portion of the backlight unit 120 (see FIG. 5 ). The substrate 122 , on which the light sources 203 are mounted, may be positioned between the reflective sheet 126 and the frame 130 .

The plurality of substrates 122 may be arranged in the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction. The substrates 122 may be connected to signal lines 121 connected to a controller, etc., of the display device 100 . The signal lines 121 may be connected to the substrates 122 through holes formed in the frame 130 .

The reflective sheet 126 may include a plurality of lens holes 235 . The plurality of lens holes 235 may correspond to the light sources 203 on the substrate 122 . For example, the plurality of lens holes 235 may be arranged in the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction correspondingly to the light sources 203 . A lens 124 b may be inserted into the lens hole 235 . For example, the lens 124 b may be coupled to the light source 203 through the lens hole 235 .

The reflective sheet 126 may include a plurality of support holes (or support plate holes) 205 . A supporter 200 may be coupled to the support hole 205 . The supporter 200 may support the optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 positioned in front of the reflective sheet 126 . Namely, the reflective sheet 126 may be spaced apart from the optical sheet 125 and/or the diffusion plate 129 by a predetermined distance.

The reflective sheet 126 may include a plurality of fixing pin holes 206 . A fixing pin 202 may be coupled to the fixing pin hole 206 . Also, the fixing pin 202 may be coupled to a frame hole 204 formed in the frame 130 . Thus, the fixing pin 202 may fix the reflective sheet 126 to the frame 130 .

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate configuration of the reflective sheet according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the reflective sheet 126 according to the embodiment of the invention may be placed in an inner area of the frame 130 . The reflective sheet 126 placed on the frame 130 may have the three-dimensional shape corresponding to a shape of the frame 130 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , the frame 130 may include first to third frame areas 130 a to 130 c.

The first frame area 130 a may be a bottom surface of the frame 130 . The second frame area 130 b may be substantially flat. Namely, the second frame area 130 b may be a surface positioned on an X-Y plane of the display device 100 .

The second frame area 130 b may be a sidewall surface extended upwardly from the first frame area 130 a . The second frame area 130 b may be extended in a direction parallel to a z-axis direction or a direction inclined to the z-axis direction. The receiving portion 132 (see FIG. 10 ) may be formed inside the frame 130 by the second frame area 130 b serving as a sidewall of the frame 130 .

The third frame area 130 c may be a surface extended from the second frame area 130 b in an x-axis direction. The third frame area 130 c may be substantially parallel to the first frame area 130 a . Namely, the third frame area 130 c may be a flat surface in the same manner as the first frame area 130 a although it is at a height level different from the first frame area 130 a by the second frame area 130 b.

The third frame area 130 c may include a protruding area. The third frame area 130 c may be coupled to a protrusion formed through a separate process. The protruding area and/or the protrusion of the third frame area 130 c may be coupled to the reflective sheet 126 . For example, the protruding area and/or the protrusion of the third frame area 130 c may be coupled to a third sheet area 126 c of the reflective sheet 126 . The protruding area and/or the protrusion of the third frame area 130 c may be coupled to the optical sheet 125 (see FIG. 5 ).

The reflective sheet 126 may be coupled to an area formed by the first to third frame areas 130 a to 130 c of the frame 130 . For example, the reflective sheet 126 may be coupled to the first frame area 130 a through the fixing pin 202 . When a portion of the reflective sheet 126 is coupled to the first frame area 130 a through the fixing pin 202 , the portion of the reflective sheet 126 may naturally contact the frame 130 .

When the reflective sheet 126 is coupled to the frame 130 through the fixing pin 202 , the shape of the reflective sheet 126 may be naturally changed depending on the shape of the frame 130 . Namely, a naturally rounded second sheet area 126 b of the reflective sheet 126 may be formed. Thus, a separate process for forming a chamfer of the reflective sheet 126 may not be necessary, and workability may be improved.

The reflective sheet 126 may include first to third sheet areas 126 a to 126 c . Namely, an area of the reflective sheet 126 may be divided depending on whether or not the reflective sheet 126 and the frame 130 contact each other. For example, the area of the reflective sheet 126 may be divided into a contact area contacting the frame 130 and a non-contact area not contacting the frame 130 .

The area of the reflective sheet 126 may be divided or delineated into the first sheet area 126 a and the second sheet area 126 b by the fixing pin 202 . In other words, the second sheet area 126 b may be an area between the fixing pin 202 and a portion contacting the third frame area 130 c . Namely, the first sheet area 126 a and the second sheet area 126 b may be determined depending on whether or not the reflective sheet 126 contacts the first frame area 130 a of the frame 130 .

The second sheet area 126 b may be naturally spaced apart from the frame 130 by properties and elasticity of the reflective sheet 126 . For example, when the first sheet area 126 a is coupled to the frame 130 by the fixing pin 202 , the second sheet area 126 b may naturally form a curved surface by its own weight and may be spaced apart from the frame 130 . A separation space 130 d may be formed between the second sheet area 126 b and the frame 130 . An angle formed by the second sheet area 126 b of the reflective sheet 126 and the bottom surface of the frame 130 may gradually increase. Namely, in the non-contact area of the reflective sheet 126 , the reflective sheet 126 may have a two-dimensional curve shape. Thus, the second sheet area 126 b may be spaced apart from the frame 130 at a predetermined angle.

The third sheet area 126 c may be placed in the third frame area 130 c . The third sheet area 126 c may be coupled to the third frame area 130 c . Alternatively, the third sheet area 126 c may be naturally positioned on the third frame area 130 c . Namely, the third sheet area 126 c may contact the third frame area 130 c by an elastic force of the z-axis direction resulting from the rounded second sheet area 126 b.

Light L may be emitted through the lens 124 b . Namely, light generated in the light source 203 may be emitted to the outside through the lens 124 b . The light L emitted through the lens 124 b may travel through various paths. For example, a portion of the light L may travel through a path of the side direction of the lens 124 b.

The portion of the light L on the path of the side direction may travel toward the second sheet area 126 b . At least a portion of light generated in the light source 203 may be totally reflected to the inside of the lens 124 b and may travel toward the second sheet area 126 b . In this instance, an amount of light L upwardly travelling to the second sheet area 126 b may be more than an amount of light L downwardly travelling to the second sheet area 126 b . In other words, an amount and/or a density of light L transferred to the reflective sheet 126 may be non-uniform. When the amount and/or the density of the light L is not uniform, a viewer watching the display device 100 may perceive non-uniformity of the amount and/or the density of the light L. For example, when an amount of light L incident on an upper portion of the second sheet area 126 b is more than an amount of light L incident on a lower portion of the second sheet area 126 b , a corresponding area may be recognized as being brighter than other areas because of the light L reflected from the upper portion of the second sheet area 126 b.

As shown in FIG. 12 , an angle formed by an extension line from a boundary between the first sheet area 126 a and the second sheet area 126 b to a boundary between the second sheet area 126 b and the third sheet area 126 c and a straight line parallel to the x-axis direction may be called “A”. An inclined angle of the second sheet area 126 b may increase from an intersection point P (as a starting point) between the second sheet area 126 b and a straight line of the angle A. Namely, an angle of the second sheet area 126 b with respect to the x-axis while passing the intersection point P may sharply increase.

Because the angle of the second sheet area 126 b while passing the intersection point P increases, a density of the light L emitted from the lens 124 b (see FIG. 11 ) per unit area may further increase. Thus, a corresponding portion may be seen as being brighter than other portions. As a result, the viewer may feel that the light is not uniform. The display device 100 according to the embodiment of the invention can allow light to be uniformly reflected from the reflective sheet 126 . Hence, the viewer cannot feel or can feel less the non-uniformity of the light.

FIGS. 13 to 25 illustrate various configurations of a reflective sheet according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 25 , a reflective sheet 126 according to the embodiment of the invention may have various configurations capable of improving a luminance.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the reflective sheet 126 according to the embodiment of the invention may include a strip area ST.

The strip area ST may be provided in the second sheet area 126 b of the reflective sheet 126 . The second sheet area 126 b may be a portion spaced apart from the frame 130 . Namely, the strip area ST may be formed in the second sheet area 126 b spaced apart from the first sheet area 126 a contacting the frame 130 .

The strip area ST may allow light emitted from the light source coupled to the lens hole 235 to be uniformly emitted to the front. A portion of light emitted from the light source may travel toward the reflective sheet 126 , and the reflective sheet 126 may function to reflect light toward the front. When light is concentrated on a specific area of the reflective sheet 126 , light reflected from the front of the reflective sheet 126 may make a corresponding area brighter than other areas. Namely, a luminance of light when observed from the front of the reflective sheet 126 may be non-uniform. Even if a brightness of light incident on the reflective sheet 126 is non-uniform, the strip area ST may adjust an amount of reflected light and make a luminance of the reflected light uniform. For example, when a large amount of light is incident on a specific area of the reflective sheet 126 , the strip area ST may be formed in a corresponding area. The strip area ST may function to reduce a reflectance of light. Thus, a luminance of reflected light may be entirely uniform.

The strip area ST may have a line shape. The strip area ST may have a predetermined width or height. The strip area ST may be continuously formed. The strip area ST may be a gathering of continuous lines. An attribute of at least one of the lines constituting the strip area ST may be different from an attribute of at least another of the lines constituting the strip area ST. For example, the lines constituting the strip area ST may be different from each other in at least one of a thickness, a length, a color, and a distance of the lines. The strip area ST may include a first strip area ST 1 and a second strip area ST 2 .

The first strip area ST 1 may be a strip area positioned on the long side of the reflective sheet 126 . In other words, the first strip area ST 1 may be a strip area between the lens hole 235 and the long side of the reflective sheet 126 . The first strip area ST 1 may be positioned in the second sheet area 126 b . In other words, the lens hole 235 may be positioned inside a horizontal banding line HBL on the basis of the horizontal banding line HBL, and the first strip area ST 1 may be positioned outside the horizontal banding line HBL.

The second strip area ST 2 may be a strip area positioned on the short side of the reflective sheet 126 . In other words, the second strip area ST 2 may be positioned in the second sheet area 126 b . In other words, the lens hole 235 may be positioned inside a vertical banding line VBL on the basis of the vertical banding line VBL, and the second strip area ST 2 may be positioned outside the vertical banding line VBL.

FIGS. 14 to 19 illustrate various configurations of the first strip area ST 1 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 14 , the first strip area ST 1 may include a plurality of lines. For example, the first strip area ST 1 may include first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . In the following description, for the convenience of understanding, the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 are described by way of example. However, the number of lines constituting the first strip area ST 1 may be variously changed.

The light source may be coupled to the lens hole 235 and may emit light. A portion of light emitted from the light source may form a light path LD toward the first strip area ST 1 .

The first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the light path La. In other words, the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be formed in a direction parallel to the long side of the reflective sheet 126 .

The first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be distinguished from an area around the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . For example; the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be protruded or recessed. For example, the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 each may have a color.

The first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may have a reflectance different from a periphery of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 due to the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . Namely, because the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 each have an uneven portion and/or the color, a reflectance of light incident on the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be different from a reflectance of the periphery. For example, the reflectance of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be less than the reflectance of the periphery.

The first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be positioned in an area on which light emitted from the light source is concentrated. Namely, if the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 are omitted, the non-uniformity of the luminance may be generated because of a reflection of light incident on an area corresponding to the omitted first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . Thus, the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 of the reflective sheet 126 according to the embodiment of the invention may be positioned in an area, on which light is concentrated, and may make a reflectance of light uniform.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 14 , an attribute of at least one of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be different from an attribute of at least another of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . For example, an uneven degree of the first line ST 11 may be less than an uneven degree of the fifth line ST 15 . For example, the first line ST 11 may have a color lighter than the fifth line ST 15 . Thus, a reflectance in the first line ST 11 may be different from a reflectance in the fifth line ST 15 . For example, the reflectance in the first line ST 11 may be greater than the reflectance in the fifth line ST 15 . The reflectance difference may be related to the three-dimensional shape of the reflective sheet 126 . Namely, as the frame 130 is coupled to the reflective sheet 126 and approaches the outside of the reflective sheet 126 of a naturally curved shape, an angle of the reflective sheet 126 with respect to the bottom surface of the frame 130 may increase. When the angle of the reflective sheet 126 increases, an amount of light incident on a corresponding area of the reflective sheet 126 may increase. Thus, a luminance of the reflective sheet 126 may be entirely uniform by reducing a reflectance of the fifth line ST 15 corresponding to the corresponding area.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 15 , a width of at least one of first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 constituting the first strip area ST 1 may be different from a width of at least another of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . For example, the first line ST 11 may have a first width W 1 , and the fifth line ST 15 may have a second width W 2 . The first width W 1 may be greater than the second width W 2 .

As shown in (b) of FIG. 15 , the first width W 1 of the first line ST 11 may be less than the second width W 2 of the fifth line ST 15 . Widths of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be determined in consideration of an amount and a necessary reflectance of light incident on a corresponding area. The widths of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be determined in consideration of a width of an incident area of light.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 16 , first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may have the same width W. Namely, the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 having the same width W may be disposed to be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 16 , a first strip area ST 1 may be in a rectangular shape having a width W and a height H. The inside of the first strip area ST 1 may be painted with a different color from the outside of the first strip area ST 1 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 17 , a first strip area ST 1 may be configured in a trapezoid shape. For example, a side of the first strip area ST 1 close to the lens hole 235 may have a first width W 1 , and a side of the first strip area ST 1 far away from the lens hole 235 may have a second width W 2 .

As shown in (b) of FIG. 17 , an inner configuration of the first strip area ST 1 may vary depending on a distance between the first strip area ST 1 and the lens hole 235 . For example, a portion of the first strip area ST 1 close to the lens hole 235 may in a light color, and the color of the first strip area ST 1 becomes dark as the first strip area ST 1 is far away from the lens hole 235 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 18 , a distance between two lines of first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be different from a distance between two other lines of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . For example, a distance between the first and second lines ST 11 and ST 12 may be a first distance S 1 , a distance between the second and third lines ST 12 and ST 13 may be a second distance 32 , a distance between the third and fourth lines ST 13 and ST 14 may be a third distance S 3 , and a distance between the fourth and fifth lines ST 14 and ST 15 may be a fourth distance S 4 . At least one of the first to fourth distances S 1 to S 4 may be different from at least another of the first to fourth distances S 1 to S 4 . For example, the first distance S 1 may have a maximum value, and values from the second distance S 2 to the fourth distance S 4 may decrease. Thus, it is possible to adjust a distance in a portion of a first strip area ST 1 where a reflectance needs to be adjusted.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 18 , first to fourth distances S 1 to S 4 may be disposed in reverse order of (a) of FIG. 18 . For example, the first distance S 1 may have a minimum value, and the fourth distance 34 may have a maximum value.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 19 , a height of at least one of first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be different from a height of at least another of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 . For example, the first line ST 11 may have a first height H 1 , and the fifth ST 15 may have a fifth height H 5 . Further, heights H 1 to H 5 of the first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may gradually increase.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 19 , heights of first to fifth lines ST 11 to ST 15 may be disposed in reverse order of (a) of FIG. 19 . In this instance, more light may be concentrated on the first line ST 11 .

FIGS. 20 to 22 illustrate various configurations of a second strip area.

As shown in FIG. 20 , a second strip area ST 2 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to a light path LD. In other words, the second strip area ST 2 may be disposed in parallel with the short side of the reflective sheet 126 . Further, a direction of the second strip area ST 2 may be different from a direction of the first strip area ST 1 . In other words, the second strip area ST 2 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first strip area ST 1 .

The second strip area ST 2 may include first to seventh lines ST 21 to ST 27 . In the following description, for the convenience of understanding, the first to seventh lines ST 21 to ST 27 included in the second strip area ST 2 are described by way of example. However, the number of lines constituting the second strip area ST 2 may be variously changed.

An attribute of at least one of the first to seventh lines ST 21 to ST 27 may be different from an attribute of at least another of the first to seventh lines ST 21 to ST 27 . For example, a length of the first line ST 21 may be different from a length of the second line ST 22 . For example, a width of the first line ST 21 may be different from a width of the second line ST 22 . For example, a color of the first line ST 21 may be different from a color of the second line ST 22 .

As shown in FIG. 21 , the second strip area ST 2 may be divided into a plurality of areas. For example, each area may include lines having a similar attribute. For example, the plurality of areas may include first to third areas A 1 to A 3 . In the following description, it is assumed that the first area A 1 includes first and second lines ST 21 and ST 22 , the second area A 2 includes third, fourth, and fifth lines ST 23 , ST 24 , and ST 25 , and the third area A 3 includes sixth and seventh lines ST 26 and ST 27 . However, the number of lines included in each area is not limited to them.

The first area A 1 may include the first and second lines ST 21 and ST 22 . The first and second lines ST 21 and ST 22 each may have a first width W 1 . The first width W 1 of the first and second lines ST 21 and ST 22 may be different from a second width W 2 of the sixth and seventh lines ST 26 and ST 27 constituting the third area A 3 . The first and second lines ST 21 and ST 22 may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance S 1 . The first distance S 1 between the first and second lines ST 21 and ST 22 may be different from a second distance S 2 between the sixth and seventh lines ST 26 and ST 27 constituting the third area A 3 .

The second area A 2 may include the third, fourth, and fifth lines ST 23 , ST 24 , and ST 25 . Each of the third, fourth, and fifth lines ST 23 , ST 24 , and ST 25 may have varying widths. For example, a width of a center portion of the third line ST 23 may be different from widths of both end portions of the third line ST 23 . The third line ST 23 of the second area A 2 having the varying widths may be different from the first line ST 21 of the first area A 1 having the uniform width.

As shown in FIG. 22 , a second strip area ST 2 according to the embodiment of the invention may further include eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 . Each of the eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may have a predetermined width and may adjust a fine reflectance that has difficulty in the adjustment.

Each of the eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may be disposed between other lines. For example, the eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may be disposed between the second, third, fourth, and fifth lines ST 22 to ST 25 .

The eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may have different attributes from other lines. For example, a width of the eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may be less than widths of other lines. For example, a length of the eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may be less than lengths of other lines. Each of the eighth to tenth lines ST 28 to ST 30 may have the uniform width.

FIGS. 23 to 25 illustrate various configurations of a strip area on the reflective sheet according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 23 , lens holes 235 may be disposed in the reflective sheet 126 . For example, the lens holes 235 may be disposed in the first sheet area 126 a of the reflective sheet 126 .

A strip area ST may be disposed in the second sheet area 126 b of the reflective sheet 126 . As described above, the second sheet area 126 b may be inclined to the first sheet area 126 a . Thus, an incident angle of light from the light source may increase, and a luminance of light reflected from a corresponding portion may be greater than that in other portion. First and second strip areas ST 1 and ST 2 of the second sheet area 126 b may reduce a reflectance of the corresponding portion. Thus, the first and second strip areas ST 1 and ST 2 can make a luminance entirely uniform.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the reflective sheet 126 may include both a strip area ST and a dot area DT. For example, the strip area ST may be disposed along the long side and/or the short side of the reflective sheet 126 . In other words, the strip area ST may be positioned adjacent to a boundary of the reflective sheet 126 . Namely, the lens holes 235 may be disposed closer to the dot area DT than the strip area ST.

The dot area DT may be positioned between the lens holes 235 and the strip area ST. A reflectance of light from the light source incident on the dot area DT may be different from a reflectance of light from the light source incident on the strip area ST. For example, the reflectance of light in the dot area DT may be greater than the reflectance of light in the strip area ST. In other words, the reflectance of light in the strip area ST may be less than the reflectance of light in the dot area DT. As described above, a portion of the reflective sheet 126 close to a side of the reflective sheet 126 may be positioned almost perpendicular to the first sheet area 126 a due to the shape of the reflective sheet 126 . Thus, more light may be incident on a corresponding portion than other portions. The strip area ST formed in the corresponding portion can reduce a reflectance of the corresponding portion and can make the luminance entirely uniform.

As shown in FIG. 25 , the strip area ST may be positioned between the lens holes 235 and the dot area DT. The strip area ST may be positioned corresponding to at least one lens hole 235 . The strip area ST may be positioned corresponding to each lens hole 235 . The strip area ST may protrude toward the lens hole 235 . Thus, the strip area ST may be disposed at a location close to the light source coupled to the lens hole 235 . Further, the strip area ST can efficiently adjust a reflectance of light incident from the light source adjacent to the strip area ST.

FIG. 26 illustrates a light assembly including a light source shown in FIG. 10 .

As shown in FIG. 26 , a plurality of light assemblies 124 according to the embodiment of the invention may be disposed along the substrate 122 and spaced apart from one another. Each light assembly 124 may include a light source 203 and a lens 300 positioned on one side of the light source 203 .

The light source 203 may be various sources emitting light. For example, the light source 203 may be a COB type LED as described above.

The lens 300 may be positioned on the light source 203 . At least a portion of the light source 203 may overlap the lens 300 . For example, the light source 203 may be inserted into a groove inside the lens 300 . Alternatively, a portion of the light source 203 , from which light is substantially emitted, may be inserted into a lower side of the lens 300 . For example, when the lens 300 has a leg structure, a portion of an upper side of the light source 203 may be inserted into the lower side of the lens 300 .

The lens 300 may reflect a portion of light emitted from the light source 203 and may refract a portion of the light. For example, the lens 300 may be a refractive lens or a reflective lens. The light emitted from the light source 203 may be uniformly and entirely spread through the reflection in a portion of the lens 300 and/or the refraction in a portion of the lens 300 .

The light source 203 inserted into the lens 300 may be adhered to the lens 300 . For example, the lens 300 and the light source 203 may be attached to each other using an adhesive.

The lens 300 may correspond to each light source 203 . For example, first to third lenses 300 a to 300 c may be respectively positioned on first to third light sources 203 a to 203 c.

The lens 300 may control a path of light emitted from the light source 203 . Namely, the lens 300 may control the light source 203 so that the light of the light source 203 is not concentrated on a specific location. In other words, the lens 300 may cause the light of the light source 203 to be uniformly diffused. The lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may efficiently control the path of the light of the light source 203 . The lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may efficiently control side light emitted from the light source 203 .

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a lens according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , a lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may have a specific shape.

The lens 300 may include a first surface S 1 , a second surface S 2 opposite the first surface S 1 , and a third surface S 3 connecting the first surface S 1 and the second surface S 2 .

The first surface S 1 may be an upper surface of the lens 300 . At least a portion of the first surface S 1 of the lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may be recessed (or a recess). The recess of the first surface S 1 may have a shape curved from the center of the lens 300 toward the outside of the lens 300 . For example, a first concave portion A 1 may be formed on the first surface S 1 .

An uppermost portion of the first surface S 1 may be a top surface TS. The first surface S 1 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. Light emitted from the upper side of the light source 203 may be upwardly emitted through the first surface S 1 of the lens 300 .

The second surface S 2 may be a lower surface of the lens 300 . Namely, the second surface S 2 may be a surface opposite the first surface S 1 corresponding to the upper surface of the lens 300 . At least a portion of the second surface S 2 of the lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may be recessed (or a recess). For example, a second concave portion A 2 may be formed on the second surface S 2 .

A radius of the second concave portion A 2 on the second surface S 2 may be denoted as R 2 . The radius R 2 of the second concave portion A 2 may be 1.5 to 4 times a radius of the light source 203 coupled to the lens 300 .

A lowermost portion of the second surface S 2 may be a bottom surface BS. The second surface S 2 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The light source 203 may be coupled to the second surface S 2 . As described above, a portion of the light source 203 may be inserted into the second surface S 2 .

A radius of the second surface S 2 may be “R 2 +R 3 ”. A radius R 1 of the first surface S 1 may be 1 to 3 times the radius (R 2 +R 3 ) of the second surface S 2 . Namely, a width of the top surface TS may be greater than a width of the bottom surface BS.

The radius (R 2 +R 3 ) of the second surface S 2 may be 2 to 4 times a radius R 2 of the second concave portion A 2 .

The third surface S 3 may be a surface connecting the first surface S 1 and the second surface S 2 . Namely, the third surface S 3 may be a side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the lens 300 . The first surface S 1 and the second surface S 2 each have the circular cross section, and the third surface S 3 forms an outer surface connecting the first surface S 1 and the second surface S 2 . Therefore, the lens 300 may have an outline of a cylindrical shape having a height H. In the cylindrical shape of the lens 300 , at least a portion of the first to third surfaces S 1 to S 3 may be changed.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a light path of a lens shown in FIG. 27 .

As shown in FIG. 29 , the lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may control a path LP of light and may cause the light to be uniformly transferred to the optical sheet 125 . In particular, the lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may change the path LP of light emitted from the side of the light source 203 .

The light emitted from the side of the light source 203 may be firstly diffused from the second concave portion A 2 . Namely, as described above, the light path LP may be radiated due to a shape of a third area A 2 R of the second concave portion A 2 .

The light path LP distributed from the side of the second concave portion A 2 may be again radiated via a curved surface S 32 of the third surface S 3 .

At least a portion of the light path LP passing through the second concave portion A 2 , etc., may be refracted and/or reflected from the first concave portion A 1 . Thus, the light path LP may be prevented from being concentrated on a specific location. As a result, light may be uniformly distributed on the optical sheet 125 .

FIGS. 30 to 35 illustrate a lens according to another embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 30 to 35 , the lens 300 according to the embodiment of the invention may be variously configured.

As shown in FIG. 30 , a curved surface S 33 of the third surface S 3 may have a shape protruding toward the outside of the lens 300 . For example, the curved surface S 33 may form a curved surface S 32 corresponding to an imaginary fourth circle C 4 adjoining an external surface of the third surface 33 . The curved surface S 33 may have the shape extended from the second surface S 2 by a distance EA 1 .

As shown in FIG. 31 , the plurality of light sources 203 may correspond to one lens 300 . For example, first and second light sources 203 a and 203 b may be positioned inside the second concave portion A 2 .

The light source 203 may have the relatively small size. The light source 203 may have a performance of high power. Thus, the first and second light sources 203 a and 203 b may correspond to one lens 300 .

The second concave portion A 2 may have an oval shape. For example, the second concave portion A 2 may have a shape, in which a width A 2 W of the second concave portion A 2 is greater than a height A 2 H of the second concave portion A 2 . The plurality of light sources 203 a and 203 b may be positioned in a space obtained by configuring the second concave portion A 2 in the oval shape.

When the plurality of light sources 203 are positioned inside the second concave portion A 2 , the shape of the second concave portion A 2 and/or the curved surface S 32 of the third surface S 3 may perform an important function in the embodiment of the invention. Namely, because a large amount of side light may be generated from the first and second light sources 203 a and 203 b , it is necessary to more efficiently control the side light. The embodiment of the invention may efficiently distribute the side light through the curved third area A 2 R on the side of the second concave portion A 2 and/or the curved surface S 32 on the lower side of the third surface S 3 .

As shown in FIG. 32 , the third area A 2 R of the second concave portion A 2 may have a shape of a curved surface protruding to the outside of the lens 300 . For example, the third area A 2 R may have a shape of a curved surface corresponding to an imaginary fifth circle C 5 adjoining the third area A 2 R of the second concave portion A 2 outside the second concave portion A 2 . In this instance, a length of the second concave portion A 2 may be extended by a distance EA 2 .

As shown in FIGS. 33 to 35 , the embodiment of the invention may be applied to the lens 300 , which may be configured in various shapes.

As shown in FIG. 33 , the third surface 33 may have a shape inclined at a predetermined angle. For example, the third surface S 3 may have a shape inclined to the inside by an angle 53 D from the vertical line.

The third surface S 3 may include a straight surface S 31 and a curved surface S 32 . The curved surface 332 may be connected to the second surface 32 .

The third area A 2 R may be formed on the second concave portion A 2 . Namely, a curved surface may be formed in an area extended from the lower side of the second concave portion A 2 to the bottom surface BS. The light emitted from the light source may be distributed due to the third area A 2 R. In particular, the third area A 2 R may improve the uniformity of the light emitted from the side of the light source.

As shown in FIG. 34 , a predetermined curved surface S 32 may be formed in an area where the third surface S 3 of the lens 300 and the bottom surface BS meet.

Third areas A 2 R 1 and A 2 R 2 may be formed on the second concave portion A 2 . Namely, a curved surface may be formed in a portion of an area where the second concave portion A 2 and the bottom surface BS meet. The third areas A 2 R 1 and A 2 R 2 may include a 3 a area A 2 R 1 and a 3 b area A 2 R 2 . Namely, a plurality of curved surfaces may be formed in a plurality of areas where the second concave portion A 2 and the bottom surface BS meet.

As shown in FIG. 35 , a curved surface S 32 may be formed in an area where the third surface S 3 of the lens 300 and the bottom surface BS meet. The third area A 2 R of the curved surface may be formed on the second concave portion A 2 .

FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate a disposition of a light assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 , the light assembly 124 may be positioned on the frame 130 . The light assembly 124 may be configured in various shapes depending on a location. The light assembly 124 may include at least one of the lenses 300 having the above-described shapes. Thus, a contrast or a hot spot resulting from the lens 300 may be prevented from being generated.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 36 , the light assembly 124 may be positioned on the frame 130 . In FIGS. 36 and 37 , alphabets “A” and “B” indicate the light assembly 124 . Namely, the light assemblies 124 may be arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions.

The light assemblies 124 shown in (a) of FIG. 36 may the A-type light assemblies 124 . For example, the light assembly 124 including the lens 300 of a specific shape may be positioned.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 36 , the A-type light assemblies 124 and the B-type light assemblies 124 may be arranged. For example, the light assemblies 124 including two types of lenses 300 may be arranged. In this instance, the B-type light assemblies 124 may be arranged on the outermost side of an array of the light assemblies 124 , and the A-type light assemblies 124 may be arranged in an inner area of the array.

The light assemblies 124 different from the light assemblies 124 arranged in the inner area of the array may be arranged on the outermost side of the array. Thus, the light assembly 124 positioned on the outermost side of the array may include the lens 300 different from the light assembly 124 positioned in the inner area of the array, so as to uniformly distribute light.

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 37 , at least two types of light assemblies 124 may be alternately arranged. For example, the light assemblies 124 each including the A-type lens 300 and the light assemblies 124 each including the B-type lens 300 may be alternately arranged in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.

The embodiments and/or the configurations of the invention may be combined with each other. For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the invention and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the invention and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the instance where it is described that the combination is impossible. This is certain considering that the embodiment of the invention relates to the display device.

In one aspect, there is provided a backlight unit including a frame including a bottom area and a sidewall area extended from the bottom area; at least one substrate positioned at a front surface of the frame, a plurality of light sources being mounted on the at least one substrate; a reflective sheet positioned at a front surface of the at least one substrate and including a strip area in at least a portion of the reflective sheet, a reflectance of the at least the portion of the reflective sheet being different from a reflectance of at least another portion of the reflective sheet; and an optical sheet positioned at a front surface of the reflective sheet.

The reflective sheet may include a first sheet area contacting the bottom area of the frame and including a plurality of lens holes, and a second sheet area spaced apart from the bottom area of the frame. The strip area may be disposed in the second sheet area.

The strip area may include a first strip area disposed in parallel with a long side of the reflective sheet and a second strip area disposed in parallel with a short side of the reflective sheet.

The reflective sheet may include a first sheet area contacting the bottom area of the frame and including a plurality of lens holes. The strip area may include a plurality of strip areas. The plurality of strip areas may be disposed corresponding to the plurality of lens holes.

The strip area may include a plurality of lines spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance.

At least one of the plurality of lines may be different from at least another of the plurality of lines in at least one of a length, a width, and a color.

A distance between two lines of the plurality of lines may be different from a distance between two other lines of the plurality of lines.

At least one of the plurality of lines may have different widths at a first location and a second location.

The reflective sheet may further include a dot area.

The reflective sheet may include a first sheet area contacting the bottom area of the frame and including a plurality of lens holes, and a second sheet area spaced apart from the bottom area of the frame. The strip area and the dot area may be disposed in the second sheet area.

The dot area may be positioned between an outermost lens hole of the plurality of lens holes and the strip area.

In another aspect, there is provided a display device including a frame including a bottom area and a sidewall area extended from the bottom area; at least one substrate on which a plurality of light sources is mounted; a reflective sheet positioned at a front surface of the at least one substrate and including a strip area in at least a portion of the reflective sheet, a reflectance of the at least the portion of the reflective sheet being different from a reflectance of at least another portion of the reflective sheet; an optical sheet positioned at a front surface of the reflective sheet; and a display panel positioned at a front surface of the optical sheet.

The reflective sheet may include a first sheet area contacting the bottom area of the frame and including a plurality of lens holes, and a second sheet area spaced apart from the bottom area of the frame. The strip area may be disposed in the second sheet area.

The strip area may include a first strip area disposed in parallel with a long side of the reflective sheet and a second strip area disposed in parallel with a short side of the reflective sheet.

The reflective sheet may include a first sheet area contacting the bottom area of the frame and including a plurality of lens holes, and a second sheet area spaced apart from the bottom area of the frame. A dot area and the strip area are disposed in the second sheet area.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.