Image display apparatus and support pin

An image display apparatus includes: a back frame disposed on a rear-surface side of a display panel; a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on a front-surface side of the back frame; a luminance uniforming plate which is disposed on a front-surface side of the plurality of LEDs to cover the plurality of LEDs, and makes uniform luminance of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs; a diffuser plate which is disposed on a front-surface side of the luminance uniforming plate, and diffuses light transmitted through the luminance uniforming plate; and a support pin which is fixed to the back frame, extends to penetrate through the luminance uniforming plate, and has a tip end that supports the diffuser plate. The tip end of the support pin has a shape of a convex curve.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an image display apparatus including a display panel such as a liquid-crystal cell, and a support pin included in the image display apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

One example of an image display apparatus such as a liquid-crystal display apparatus includes a light source unit which emits light toward a display panel such as a liquid-crystal module, a luminance uniforming plate (light conductive reflector) which makes uniform luminance of the light emitted by the light source unit, a diffuser plate which diffuses the light of which the luminance is made uniform by the luminance uniforming plate, and a back frame which holds the display panel, the light source unit, the luminance uniforming plate, and the diffuser plate.

In addition, the image display apparatus as described above may include, behind the diffuser plate, a plurality of support pins for keeping the position of the diffuser plate (see, for example, Patent Literature (PTL) 1). The plurality of support pins are disposed on the back frame and penetrate through the luminance uniforming plate, thereby supporting the diffuser plate.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

The present disclosure provides an image display apparatus and a support pin which are capable of inhibiting luminance unevenness due to the support pin.

Solutions to Problem

An image display apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a back frame disposed on a rear-surface side of a display panel; a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on a front-surface side of the back frame; a luminance uniforming plate which is disposed on a front-surface side of the plurality of LEDs to cover the plurality of LEDs, and makes uniform luminance of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs; a diffuser plate which is disposed on a front-surface side of the luminance uniforming plate, and diffuses light transmitted through the luminance uniforming plate; and a support pin which is fixed to the back frame, extends to penetrate through the luminance uniforming plate, and has a tip end that supports the diffuser plate. In the image display apparatus, the tip end of the support pin has a shape of a convex curve.

In addition, the support pin according to present disclosure is a support pin included in an image display apparatus that includes: a back frame disposed on a rear-surface side of a display panel; a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on a front-surface side of the back frame; a luminance uniforming plate which is disposed on a front-surface side of the plurality of LEDs to cover the plurality of LEDs, and makes uniform luminance of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs; and a diffuser plate which is disposed on a front-surface side of the luminance uniforming plate, and diffuses light transmitted through the luminance uniforming plate. The support pin is fixed to the back frame, extends to penetrate through the luminance uniforming plate, and includes a support which has a tip end that supports the diffuser plate, and the tip end of the support has a shape of a convex curve.

Advantageous Effect of Invention

With the present disclosure, it is possible to inhibit luminance unevenness due to the support pin.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The inventors have found the following problems with the conventional image display apparatus. The conventional image display apparatus such as a liquid-crystal television set includes a diffuser plate, a luminance uniforming plate, a reflection sheet, and an LED sheet which are disposed between a display panel that is a liquid-crystal panel, for example, and a back frame disposed on a rear-surface side of the display panel. In addition, a support pin is fixed to the back frame. The support pin fixed to the back frame supports the diffuser plate when the support pin penetrates through the luminance uniforming plate.

The following describes a positional relationship between the conventional support pin and components arranged in proximity to the conventional support pin.

FIG. 16is an explanatory diagram which illustrates a positional relationship between conventional support pin900and components arranged in proximity to support pin900. As illustrated inFIG. 16, reflection sheet920is disposed on a front-surface side of back frame910. A plurality of openings922for individually exposing a plurality of LEDs921of an LED sheet are provided in reflection sheet920. Luminance uniforming plate930is disposed on a front-surface side of reflection sheet920with a predetermined space therebetween. Diffuser plate940is disposed on a front-surface side of luminance uniforming plate930with a predetermined space therebetween.

Support pin900is fixed to back frame910. Support pin900extends to penetrate through luminance uniforming plate930in a state in which support pin900is fixed to back frame910, and has a tip end that supports diffuser plate940. The tip end of support pin900is flat so as to maintain certain strength. However, with such a flat shape, light L10emitted from LED921is blocked by the tip end of support pin900, leading to dark portion d produced above diffuser plate940. As a result, luminance unevenness is produced in an image display apparatus.

In view of the above, it might be considered that the amount of light L10blocked by support pin900can be reduced by thinning support pin900. However, by doing so, the strength of support pin900itself might be decreased, and thus there is a possibility that diffuser plate940cannot be stably supported. There is also a possibility that support pin900itself might be damaged.

The present disclosure has been conceived on the basis of such underlying knowledge, and as a result of earnest investigation, the inventors have conceived configurations of an image display apparatus and a support pin which are capable of inhibiting luminance unevenness caused by the support pin while maintaining strength of the support pin.

The following describes an embodiment with reference to the drawings as necessary. However, unnecessarily detailed description will be omitted in some cases. For example, there are instances where detailed description of well-known matter and redundant description of substantially identical components may be omitted. This is to prevent the following description from being unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding of those skilled in the art.

It should be understood that the accompanying Drawings and subsequent description are provided by the inventors to allow a person of ordinary skill in the art to adequately understand the present disclosure, and are thus not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter recited in the Claims.

In addition, in the embodiment below, the Y-axis directions correspond to the up and down directions, the Z-axis directions correspond to the back and front directions, and the X-axis directions correspond to the right and left directions, for convenience of description. However, such correspondences do not limit orientations of the image display apparatus according to present disclosure at the time of manufacturing or usage. In addition, in the description below, for example, an X-axis plus side refers to the direction of arrow of the X-axis, and an X-axis minus side refers to the side opposite to the X-axis plus side. The same holds true for the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

The following describes the embodiment with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 15. First, with reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, a schematic configuration of an image display apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

(1-1. Schematic Configuration of Image Display Apparatus)

FIG. 1is an external perspective view of image display apparatus10according to the embodiment.FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of liquid-crystal module100according to the embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, image display apparatus10according to the present embodiment includes liquid-crystal module100, back cover103, stand250which supports liquid-crystal module100.

Liquid-crystal module100is a device which displays a still image and video, and includes display panel102and bezel120provided along a peripheral edge of display panel102. According to the present embodiment, display panel102is what is known as a liquid-crystal cell, and an element in which liquid crystal is contained between a plurality of glass plates. Display panel102is controlled according to an image signal input to liquid-crystal module100, and displays an image. Liquid-crystal module100including display panel102that is a liquid-crystal cell is referred to as, for example, a liquid-crystal module, etc., in some cases.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, bezel120is a component which has front portion121located on a front-surface side of display panel102, and is fixed to back frame140(seeFIG. 2). In other words, bezel120is a component which protects periphery portions of elements such as display panel102, etc., and forms a frame by front portion121. According to the present embodiment, for example, resin such as polycarbonate (PC) is employed as a material of bezel120. Bezel120and back frame140sandwich the components from display panel102to back frame140therebetween.

Back cover103is a component that covers a rear surface of liquid-crystal module100, and includes resin such as PC as with bezel120, or metal such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), etc. It should be noted that back cover103may be a part of liquid-crystal module100.

Mold frame130supports display panel102. Mold frame130and back frame140sandwich a plurality of components from optical sheet unit105to LED sheet109and relay sheet110(what is known as a backlight).

Optical sheet unit105has a configuration in which two or three types of sheets having different optical properties are stacked. Optical sheet unit105includes, for example, a vertical prism sheet, a crosswise prism sheet, a diffuser sheet, etc.

Diffuser plate106diffuses light emitted from a plurality of LEDs1091(seeFIG. 15) disposed on LED sheet109. Luminance uniforming plate107makes uniform luminance of the light which is emitted from the plurality of LEDs1091disposed on LED sheet109. Luminance uniforming plate107is also referred to as Flatter (registered trademark), for example. Luminance uniforming plate107is a component in which a plurality of openings107ahaving different diameters (seeFIG. 15) are provided. More specifically, in luminance uniforming plate107, an opening with a significantly small diameter is formed directly above each of the plurality of LEDs1091. The diameter of openings increases with an increase in distance from LED1091. The above-described configuration allows luminance uniforming plate107to smooth distribution properties of light emitted from each of LEDs1091.

Diffuser plate106further diffuses the light emitted from each of LEDs1091and having distribution properties smoothed by luminance uniforming plate107. Accordingly, diffuser plate106emits light with less luminance unevenness.

Reflection sheet108is provided with openings1081(seeFIG. 15, etc.) at positions corresponding to the plurality of LEDs1091disposed on LED sheet109. LED sheet109is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) on which the plurality of LEDs1091are disposed. Of two main surfaces of the FPC, one surface on which the plurality of LEDs1091are disposed is provided with a reflection layer. Of the two main surfaces of the FPC, the other surface is provided with a bonding layer. Relay sheet110is an FPC on which an electric path for supplying power, a control signal, etc., to the plurality of LEDs1091is formed. Relay sheet110is provided with a reflection layer, as with LED sheet109.

Back frame140is made of a thin sheet metal, and supports LED sheet109and relay sheet110. Back frame140is also referred to as a base plate, in some cases. More specifically, after LED sheet109and relay sheet110are attached to back frame140, reflection sheet108is applied to back frame140such that LEDs1091are exposed respectively from the plurality of openings1081. Light emitted from each of LEDs1091is reflected by the reflection layer disposed above the FPC and reflection sheet108, and travels toward the Z-axis plus side.

Support pins200are mounted from above reflection sheet108such that support pins200and back frame140hold reflection sheet108therebetween. Support pins200extend to penetrate through luminance uniforming plate107in a state in which support pins200are fixed to back frame140, and support diffuser plate106at tips thereof.

Luminance uniforming plate107is provided with a plurality of openings into which support pins200are inserted, and support pins200are inserted into the respective openings.

Diffuser plate106is supported by the tips of support pins200, and supported by back frame140at the peripheral edge portion of diffuser plate106.

Back frame140has one side including a cut-and-raised portion for hanging optical sheet unit105. The one side of back frame140is an upper portion when image display apparatus10is installed. Optical sheet unit105includes a tab having a rectangular opening to be engaged with the above-described cut-and-raised portion.

In liquid-crystal module100having the above-described configuration, support pins200support diffuser plate106in such a manner that appearance of dark portion d (seeFIG. 16) is kept to a minimum.

(1-2. Configuration of Support Pin)

Next, support pin200will be described in detail.

FIG. 3is a front view which illustrates a schematic configuration of support pin200according to the embodiment.FIG. 4is a side view which illustrates a schematic configuration of support pin200according to the embodiment.FIG. 5is a bottom view which illustrates a schematic configuration of support pin200according to the embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 3toFIG. 5, support pin200is a resin component which includes pedestal210to be fixed to back frame140, and support220extending from pedestal210toward the front-surface side of display panel102.

First portion211is a plate portion which has an elliptic shape in a plan view, and is in contact with first surface142of back frame140. More specifically, in the longitudinal direction of first portion211(X-axis direction according to the present embodiment), the center portion of first portion211is thin, and the end portions of first portion211are thick. As described above, since the center portion of first portion211is thin, first portion211is easily bent at the center portion. First portion211includes, at the end portions thereof, a pair of claws214which engage with opening portion141formed in back frame140. Each of the pair of claws214has a triangular shape in a front view as illustrated inFIG. 3. In the triangular shape of claw214, a side adjacent to the center portion of first portion211is tilted to a smaller degree than a side adjacent to the end portion of first portion211. In addition, each of the pair of claws214has a hexagonal shape in a bottom view as illustrated inFIG. 5. Regions215which are the end portions, other than the pair of claws214, of first portion211are in contact with first surface142of back frame140.

Second portion212is a plate portion which has an elliptic shape in a plan view, and is in contact with second surface143of back frame140. More specifically, the longitudinal direction of second portion212is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of first portion211(the Y-axis direction, according to the present embodiment). Second portion212is disposed within the center portion of first portion211in a plan view.

FIG. 6is an enlarged side view of second portion212according to the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 6, second portion212has surface216which faces first portion211. Surface216is stepped. More specifically, surface216has a center portion that protrudes from end portions. The end portions of surface216is lower-step surface217, and the center portion of surface216is upper-step surface218. Space H2between lower-step surface217and region215of first portion211is greater than space H1between upper-step surface218and region215of first portion211. Back frame140and back frame140aare different in thickness, and each fitted in either space H1or space H2(seeFIG. 11andFIG. 14). When back frame140or back frame140ais fitted in, first portion211and second portion212hold therebetween back frame140or back frame140ain a thickness direction of back frame140or back frame140a. In other words, first portion211and second portion212serve as a holding portion.

Connecting portion213is a rectangular column which connects first portion211and second portion212. Connecting portion213extends from the center portion of first portion211to upper-step surface218of second portion212. Connecting portion213is disposed in opening portions141and141aof back frames140and140a, respectively (seeFIG. 11andFIG. 14).

Base portion221is an end portion of support220which is adjacent to pedestal210. Base portion221is connected to the center portion of pedestal210.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view which illustrates base portion221of support220according to the embodiment. More specifically,FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII indicated inFIG. 3. As illustrated inFIG. 7, base portion221is formed radially about axis S1of support220when viewed in the axis direction of support220. More specifically, base portion221is formed into a cross shape when viewed in the axis direction of support220. Here, the two-dot chain line indicated inFIG. 7is virtual circle C having a diameter substantially equivalent to width W of base portion221. The base portion of a support may have a cylindrical structure as indicated by virtual circle C, for example. However, with base portion221which is formed radially, it is possible to reduce materials while securing a certain level of strength.

It should be noted that base portion221may have a shape other than the cross shape, as long as base portion221is formed radially about axis S1when viewed in the axis direction of support220. Other examples of the shape of base portion221include, for example, a multiangular star shape, a Y-shape, etc.

Middle portion222is a portion between base portion221and tip portion223. Middle portion222includes, at an end portion adjacent to tip portion223, fitting portion224which has a cylindrical shape and is fitted in opening107aof luminance uniforming plate107. In addition, fitting portion224includes flange225at a position adjacent to middle portion222. Flange225has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of fitting portion224. Flange225prevents luminance uniforming plate107from moving toward base portion221. In addition, a portion between flange225and base portion221in middle portion222is thinner than base portion221.

Tip portion223is a portion supporting diffuser plate106, and extends from middle portion222in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, a tip end of tip portion223has a shape of a convex curve, and the tip supports diffuser plate106.

In addition, slit229which is parallel to a ZX plane is formed from the tip of tip portion223to a position halfway to middle portion222. When tip portion223penetrates through opening107aof luminance uniforming plate107, external force is applied to tip portion223from luminance uniforming plate107via opening107a. Since tip portion223is restrained by the external force, slit229is narrowed and tip portion223is thinner as a whole. Accordingly, tip portion223penetrates through opening107aof luminance uniforming plate107. In addition, tip portion223is released from restraint after tip portion223penetrates through opening107a, and thus tip portion223elastically returns to the original shape. At this time, fitting portion224is fitted in luminance uniforming plate107through opening107a.

(1-3. Assembling of Support Pin and Back Frame)

Next, assembling of support pin200and back frames140and140awill be described.

Here, back frames140and140adiffer in thickness. More specifically, back frame140has a thickness corresponding to space H2, and back frame140ahas a thickness corresponding to space H1. In other words, back frame140has a greater thickness than back frame140a.

First, opening portion141of back frame140will be described.FIG. 8is a plan view which illustrates a schematic configuration of opening portion141of back frame140according to the embodiment. Opening portion141is a through-hole elongated in the X-axis direction. Opening portion141includes first engagement opening1411, second engagement opening1412, and intermediate opening1413. First engagement opening1411and second engagement opening1412are end portions of opening portion141in the longitudinal direction. In other words, first engagement opening1411and second engagement opening1412are a pair of edge portions located at opposing positions in the longitudinal direction. Intermediate opening1413is a portion between first engagement opening1411and second engagement opening1412.

First engagement opening1411is one end of opening portion141in the longitudinal direction. First engagement opening1411protrudes, in a rectangular shape, from one end of intermediate opening1413. One of the pair of claws214of support pin200engages with first engagement opening1411.

Second engagement opening1412is the other end of opening portion141in the longitudinal direction. Second engagement opening1412protrudes, in a rectangular shape, from the other end of intermediate opening1413. Second engagement opening1412protrudes to have a longer protrusion length than a protrusion length of first engagement opening1411. The other of the pair of claws214of support pin200is guided into second engagement opening1412and engages with second engagement opening1412. In addition, second engagement opening1412has a width same as width W1of upper-step surface218of second portion212, and upper-step surface218is fitted in second engagement opening1412(seeFIG. 11).

Intermediate opening1413has a size that allows second portion212of support pin200to penetrate through in a non-contact manner. The other end of intermediate opening1413has an oblique shape in a plan view such that the width of intermediate opening1413gradually decreases toward second engagement opening1412. The other end of intermediate opening1413serves as a guide portion for guiding upper-step surface218of second portion212into second engagement opening1412at the time of attaching support pin200into opening portion141

Next, a procedure of attaching support pin200into opening portion141of back frame140will be described.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10are explanatory diagrams which illustrate a process of the procedure of assembling support pin200to back frame140according to the embodiment.FIG. 11is a side view of pedestal210of support pin200and back frame140according to the embodiment. It should be noted that only back frame140is illustrated in a cross-sectional view inFIG. 11.

First, as illustrated inFIG. 9, an operator inserts the other of the pair of claws214of support pin200into second engagement opening1412of opening portion141, and inserts second portion212into intermediate opening1413. At this time, the operator bends the center portion of first portion211of support pin200, thereby facilitating the above-described inserting operation.

Subsequently, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the operator slides the other of the pair of claws214along second engagement opening1412, and thereby moves the other of the pair of claws214to a tip end portion of second engagement opening1412. By doing so, the one of the pair of claws214also enters and engages with first engagement opening1411.

In addition, when the other of the pair of claws214is slid, the other end of intermediate opening1413guides upper-step surface218of second portion212to second engagement opening1412. Upper-step surface218is eventually fitted in second engagement opening1412, as illustrated inFIG. 11. In this state, back frame140is fitted in space H2. More specifically, region215of first portion211is in contact with first surface142of back frame140, and lower-step surface217of second portion212is in contact with second surface143of back frame140. Accordingly, the holding portion (first portion211and second portion212) holds back frame140between first portion211and second portion212in the thickness direction.

Next, opening portion141aof back frame140athat is a back frame different from back frame140will be described.FIG. 12is a plan view which illustrates a schematic configuration of opening portion141aof back frame140aaccording to the embodiment. Opening portion141ais different from opening portion141in that enlarged-width area1414ais included in second engagement opening1412a. Accordingly, in the description below, the same portions as opening portion141are assigned with the same reference signs, and the description for the same portions will be omitted.

Second engagement opening1412aincludes, at an end portion adjacent to intermediate opening1413, enlarged-width area1414awhich has a width greater than the other portion of second engagement opening1412a. The width of enlarged-width area1414ais the same as width W2of connecting portion213such that connecting portion213is fitted in enlarged-width area1414a(seeFIG. 14).

Here, support pin200is also attached to back frame140aaccording to a procedure same as or similar to the above-described procedure applied to back frame140.

FIG. 13is a bottom view of pedestal210which illustrates a state after back frame140aand support pin200are assembled together, according to the embodiment.FIG. 14is a side view of pedestal210of support pin200and back frame140aaccording to the embodiment. It should be noted that only back frame140ais illustrated in a cross-sectional view inFIG. 14.

As illustrated inFIG. 13andFIG. 14, after assembling, connecting portion213is fitted in enlarged-width area1414a. In this state, back frame140ais fitted in space H1. More specifically, region215of first portion211is in contact with first surface142aof back frame140a, and upper-step surface218of second portion212is in contact with second surface143aof back frame140a. Accordingly, the holding portion (first portion211and second portion212) holds back frame140abetween first portion211and second portion212in the thickness direction.

It should be noted that, although the case where the longitudinal direction of opening portions141and141ais the X-axis direction is described as an example, the longitudinal direction of opening portions141and141amay be arbitrarily arranged in the XY plane.

(1-4. Positional Relationship Between Support Pin and Surrounding Components)

The following describes a positional relationship between support pin200and components disposed in proximity to support pin200, after assembling, according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15is an explanatory diagram which illustrates a positional relationship between support pin200and components disposed in proximity to support pin200, according to the embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, reflection sheet108is disposed on a front-surface side of back frame140. A plurality of openings1081for individually exposing a plurality of LEDs1091of LED sheet109(illustration omitted) are provided in reflection sheet108. Luminance uniforming plate107is disposed on a front-surface side of reflection sheet108with a predetermined space therebetween. Diffuser plate106is disposed on a front-surface side of luminance uniforming plate107with a predetermined space therebetween.

Support pin200includes support220which extends to penetrate through luminance uniforming plate107in a state in which support pin200is fixed to back frame140. Support220includes fitting portion224which is fitted in opening107aof luminance uniforming plate107. In addition, a tip end of tip portion223of support220has a shape of a convex curve, and thus is in point contact with diffuser plate106. In this manner, since the tip end of support pin200is in point contact with diffuser plate106, light L emitted by LED1091is less likely to be blocked, and thus it is possible to inhibit production of dark portion d (seeFIG. 16) which is often seen with the conventional techniques.

As described above, image display apparatus10according to the present embodiment includes: back frame140or140adisposed on a rear-surface side of display panel102; a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)1091disposed on a front-surface side of back frame140or140a; luminance uniforming plate107which is disposed on a front-surface side of the plurality of LEDs1091to cover the plurality of LEDs1091, and makes uniform luminance of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs1091; diffuser plate106which is disposed on a front-surface side of luminance uniforming plate107, and diffuses light transmitted through luminance uniforming plate107; and support pin200which is fixed to back frame140or140a, extends to penetrate through luminance uniforming plate107, and has a tip end that supports diffuser plate106. The tip end of support pin200has a shape of a convex curve.

In addition, support pin200according to the present embodiment is fixed to back frame140or140a, extends to penetrate through luminance uniforming plate107, and includes support220which has a tip end that supports diffuser plate106, and the tip end of support220has a shape of a convex curve.

According to the above-described configuration, since the tip end of support pin200which supports diffuser plate106has a shape of a convex curve, and thus the tip end of support pin200is in point contact with diffuser plate106. It is thus possible to reduce the amount of light L blocked by support pin200, making it possible to inhibit luminance unevenness. In addition, since support220does not have to be thinned as a whole, it is also possible to maintain the strength of support220. As a result, it is possible to inhibit luminance unevenness caused by support pin200while maintaining the strength of support pin200.

In addition, a plurality of support pins200support luminance uniforming plate107in a state in which the plurality of support pins200penetrate through luminance uniforming plate107. There are instances where accumulation of dimensional tolerances or installation errors due to individual variability among support pins200causes slight misalignment in positional relationships between the plurality of openings107aof luminance uniforming plate107and the plurality of support pins200. When the plurality of support pins200are attached to luminance uniforming plate107while there is such misalignment, some support pins200may be tilted in some cases. Even when support pin200is tilted, the tip end of support pin200has a shape of a convex curve, and thus the tip end of support pin200is in point contact with diffuser plate106. It is thus possible to inhibit luminance unevenness even when support pin200is tilted. Moreover, as described above, since the strength of support pin200is maintained, support pin200is less susceptible to damage even when external force in a direction in which support pin200is tilted is applied to support pin200.

In addition, support pin200includes: pedestal210fixed to back frame140or140a; and support220which includes the tip end, and extends from pedestal210toward a front-surface side of display panel102. Support pin200includes, between pedestal210and a part (fitting portion224) at which support220is fitted in luminance uniforming plate107, a portion (portion between flange225and base portion221) formed thinner than remaining portions (base portion221) between pedestal210and the part.

According to the above-described configuration, since support220includes a portion formed thinner between fitting portion224and pedestal210than the remaining portion between fitting portion224and pedestal210, support pin200is easily elastically deformed at the portion formed thinner. As described above, when external force in a direction in which support pin200is tilted is applied to support pin200, the portion formed thinner is elastically deformed. In other words, the external force applied by luminance uniforming plate107is easily absorbed by support pin200, and this it is possible to maintain planarity of luminance uniforming plate107.

In addition, support220has an end portion (base portion221) adjacent to pedestal210, the end portion being formed radially about an axis of support220when viewed in an axis direction of support220.

According to the above-described configuration, since base portion221is formed radially, it is possible to reduce materials while securing the strength of base portion221.

In addition, the tip end of support220is split, and when support220penetrates through luminance uniforming plate107, the tip end is restrained by luminance uniforming plate107and is thinner in comparison to a state before the tip end is restrained.

According to the above-described configuration, when restrained by luminance uniforming plate107, support220having a split tip end is thinner in comparison to the state before support220is restrained. It is thus possible to smoothly attach support pin200to luminance uniforming plate107.

In addition, pedestal210of support pin200includes a holding portion (first portion211and second portion212) which holds back frame140or140abetween first portion211and second portion212in the thickness direction. A portion of the holding portion on which back frame140or140ais disposed is stepped.

According to the above-described configuration, since the portion on which back frame140or140ais disposed in the holding portion is stepped, spaces H1and H2having different sizes are formed in the holding portion. With this, it is possible to apply a single support pin200for back frames140and140awhich are different in thickness. It is thus possible to implement support pin200which is attachable to back frames140and140awhich are different in thickness.

In addition, the holding portion includes: first portion211which is in contact with first surface142of back frame140or first surface142aof back frame140a; and second portion212which faces first portion211, and is in contact with second surface143of back frame140or second surface143aof back frame140a. At least one of first portion211and second portion212is stepped.

According to the above-described configuration, since at least one of first portion211and second portion212is stepped, it is possible to form spaces H1and H2which are different in size with a simple configuration.

In addition, pedestal210includes a pair of claws214which engage with a pair of edge portions (first engagement opening1411and second engagement opening1412or1412a) located at opposing positions in opening portion141of back frame140or opening portion141aof back frame140a.

According to the above-described configuration, since the pair of claws214of pedestal210respectively engage with the pair of edge portions located at opposing positions in opening portion141or opening portion141a, it is possible to stably secure pedestal210to back frame140or140a.

As presented above, the embodiment has been described as an example of the techniques disclosed in the present application. However, the technique according to the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiment, and can also be applied to embodiments to which a change, substitution, addition, or omission is executed as necessary. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the structural components described in the above-described embodiment, into a new embodiment. In view of the above, the following describes other exemplary embodiments.

For example, an edge-lit backlight unit which emits light that is incident on an end surface of a light guide toward display panel102from a front surface of the light guide may be included in liquid-crystal module100.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, image display apparatus10includes liquid-crystal module100as an apparatus which displays a still image and video. However, the configuration of liquid-crystal module100may be applied to, for example, a monitor display or the like for use in a personal computer.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where second portion212of support pin200is stepped has been described as an example. However, it is also possible to form the second portion in a flat shape, and form the first portion into a stepped shape. Alternatively, each of the first portion and the second portion may be stepped.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, resin such as PC is employed for mold frame130. However, metal such as steel use stainless (SUS) may be employed as a material for mold frame130. When metal is employed for four side (linear portions) of mold frame130, four corners may be formed using resin rather than metal.

In addition, the stepped shape of support pin200may be defined by three or more steps. With this, since three or more spaces which are different in size are formed, it is possible to implement a support pin which can be applied to larger number of types of back frames.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where support220includes a portion (i.e., a portion between flange225and base portion221) formed thinner between fitting portion224and pedestal210than the remaining portion (base portion221) between fitting portion224and pedestal210has been described as an example. However, the portion (i.e., a portion between flange225and base portion221) may be formed to have a width equal to or larger than a width of the remaining portion (base portion221).

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where base portion221is formed radially has been described as an example. However, base portion221need not be formed radially. Other examples of the shape of the base portion include, for example, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, etc.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where support220has a split end has been described as an example. However, support220may have a shape without a split end.

As described above, exemplary embodiments have been described as exemplifications of the techniques according to the present disclosure. The accompanying Drawings and the detailed description have been provided for that purpose.

Accordingly, the structural components described in the accompanying Drawings and the detailed description may include not only the structural components which are essential for solving the problems but also the structural components which are not essential for solving the problems but used for exemplifying the above-described techniques. As such, description of these non-essential structural components in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description should not be taken to mean that these non-essential structural components are essential.

Moreover, since the above-described embodiments show examples of the techniques according to present disclosure, various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and so on, can be carried out within the scope of the Claims or its equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to an image display apparatus which includes, for example, a support pin. More specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a television receiver, a monitor display, a digital signage, a table-type display apparatus, etc.