Backlight assembly, display device provided with the same, and method for assembling backlight assembly

A backlight assembly, a display device provided with the backlight assembly, and a method of assembly the backlight assembly are provided. The backlight assembly includes a light source unit having a light source emitting light and a fixing member fixing the light source unit. The light source unit is inserted from an outer side of the fixing member into an opening portion formed in the fixing member to emit light through the opening.

This application claims priority to Korean patent application No. 2005-0048737 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jun. 8, 2005, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a backlight assembly, a display device provided with the backlight assembly, and a method for assembling the backlight assembly, and more particularly, a backlight assembly having a structure allowed to be simply assembled, a display device provided with the backlight assembly, and a method for assembling the backlight assembly.

(b) Description of the Related Art

As semiconductor techniques are rapidly developed, demands for light, compact display devices increase greatly.

As an example of the display devices, there are liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) and organic light emitting display (OLED).

Since such light, compact display devices also display relatively clear images, these display device have been gradually used as a substitute for a conventional cathode ray tube (CRT). Recently, these display devices have been used for display devices such as TV sets, monitors, and mobile phones.

Among then, the liquid crystal display device is a non-emission type device which cannot emit light. The liquid crystal display device mainly includes a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight assembly for supplying light thereto. The backlight assembly includes a light source for emitting light. As an example of the light source, there are a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) and so on. Recently, instead of the lamps, a light emitting diode (LED) has been used.

Due to released heat, the backlight assembly may be easily damaged during operation thereof. Since the light source is fixed in an inner portion of the backlight assembly, the backlight assembly needs to be entirely dismantled in order to repair the disordered light source. After the light source is repaired, the dismantled backlight assembly is assembled again. However, since some parts of the backlight assembly are attached with adhesive, the parts may not be easy to dismantle. In addition, since a large number of parts are included in the backlight assembly, too much time is taken to entirely dismantle the backlight assembly.

Particularly, in a case where defects of the light source are detected during a process for manufacturing the backlight assembly, the backlight assembly must be subject to rework. However, since the backlight assembly is not easy to dismantle, rework time is too long, and tasks of the rework are too complicated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One exemplary embodiment provides a backlight assembly having a structure allowed to be simply assembled.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a display device provided with the backlight assembly.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a method for assembling the backlight assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment there is provided a backlight assembly including a light source unit having a light source emitting light and a fixing member fixing the light source unit. The light source unit is inserted from an outer side of the fixing member into an opening portion formed in the fixing member to emit light through the opening.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light source may be disposed protruding into an inner portion of the fixing member through the opening portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, only the light source may be disposed protruding through the opening portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light source unit may further include a printed circuit board on which the light source is mounted and the printed circuit board may drive the light source.

In another exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board may be constructed with a metal plate.

In one exemplary embodiment, the metal plate is made of aluminum.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light source unit may further include a step portion formed along a periphery of the light source unit and the step portion may be fixed on outer side of the fixing member.

In one exemplary embodiment, the step portion may be engaged with the fixing member with screws.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member further includes hooks formed on a periphery of the opening portion of the fixing member and the light source unit may be fixed to the fixing member with the hooks

In another exemplary embodiment, the step portion is directly adjacent to the fixing member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member further includes guide rails formed at edges of the opening portion in a predetermined direction so as to surround edges of the light source unit, and the light source unit may be inserted into the guide rails in a sliding manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light source unit further comprises a step portion formed along a periphery of the light source unit and may be fixed to the opening portion of the fixing member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member may include a bottom portion in which the opening portion is formed and a side wall portion which is formed to be extended from edges of the bottom portion, and the opening portion may be formed in the side wall portion and the bottom portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the backlight assembly may further include a cover member covering the light source unit and fixed at outer side of the fixing member.

In one exemplary embodiment, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED).

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a backlight assembly including a light source unit having a light source emitting light and a fixing member fixing the light source unit. The fixing member includes a bottom portion and a side wall for surrounding a periphery of the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the side wall are detachable from each other.

In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom portion may be engaged with the side wall by screws.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member further includes hooks and the bottom portion may be engaged with the side wall by the hooks.

In one exemplary embodiment, the fixing member further includes engagement parts formed on the bottom portion and the hooks may be formed on an outer surface of the side wall portion to be engaged with engagement parts

In another exemplary embodiment, the engagement parts may include a first engagement part including an engagement hole to be engaged with the hook and a second engagement part disposed to be separated by a predetermined distance from the first engagement part.

In one exemplary embodiment, the side wall portion may be inserted and fixed between the first and second engagement parts.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member further includes an opening portion and the light source unit may be inserted from an outer side of the fixing member into the opening portion and emit light through the opening portion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display device including a panel unit for displaying images, a light source unit including a light source for supplying light to the panel unit and a fixing member for fixing the light source unit and including an opening portion. The light source unit is inserted from an outer side of the fixing member into the opening portion to emit light through the opening portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light source unit may further include a printed circuit board on which the light source is mounted, and the printed circuit board may drive the light source.

In one exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board may be constructed with a metal plate.

In another exemplary embodiment, the light source unit further includes a step portion formed along a periphery of the light source unit and fixed on outer side of the fixing member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member may further include guide rails formed at edges of the opening portion of the fixing member in a predetermined direction so as to surround the light source unit, and the light source unit may be inserted into the guide rails in a sliding manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member may include a bottom portion in which the opening portion is formed and a side wall portion which is formed protruded from edges of the bottom portion, and the opening portion may be formed to pass through the side wall portion and the bottom portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the panel unit may be a liquid crystal display panel.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display device including a panel unit displaying images, a light source unit including a light source supplying light to the panel unit; and a fixing member having an opening portion to fix the light source unit. The fixing member includes a bottom portion on which the opening portion is formed and a side wall for surrounding a periphery of the bottom portion, and the bottom portion and the side wall is detachable from each other.

In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom portion may be engaged with the side wall using screws.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for assembling a backlight assembly. The method includes preparing a fixing member in which an opening portion is formed, inserting a light source unit including a light source from an outer side of the fixing member into the opening portion and detachably fixing the light source unit to the backlight assembly.

In one exemplary embodiment, the inserting the light source unit may include inserting the light source unit in a sliding manner along guide rails formed in edges of the opening portion of the fixing member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the detachably fixing the light source includes fastening the light source unit to the fixing member with a fastening member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing member further includes a first portion and a second portion detachable from each other, the opening being formed in the first portion, and the detachably fixing the light source unit includes fastening the first portion to the second portion with a fastening member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described with referenceFIGS. 1 to 10. The embodiments of the present invention are exemplary ones, and the present invention is not limited thereto.FIG. 1shows an exemplary embodiment of a backlight assembly60according to the present invention. The backlight assembly60as shown inFIG. 1is a direct type backlight assembly which is mainly used for a large-sized display device such as an LCD TV. The structure of the backlight assembly60shown inFIG. 1is an exemplary one for the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, other structures may be used for the backlight assembly according to the present invention.

The backlight assembly60is constructed by assembling a plurality of optical sheets62, a diffuser plate64, and a plurality of light source units66. The backlight assembly60further includes a frame member61and a fixing member65for fixing the aforementioned components. Elements of the backlight assembly60are fixed by using the frame member61and the fixing member65. The fixing member65includes a bottom portion and side portions protruding in an upward (Z-axis) direction from the bottom portion defining an inner portion of the fixing member65.

In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 1, the backlight assembly60may be substantially frame shaped. For orientation purposes, a Cartesian coordinate system may be used where a first side of the backlight assembly extends along a Y-axis direction, and a second side of the display device extends along an X-axis direction, where the Y-axis is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and a Z-axis direction is substantially perpendicular to both the X and Y axes.

The light source units66includes light sources661for emitting light and a printed circuit board (PCB)663for driving the light sources661mounted thereon. A plurality of the light source units66are accommodated in the fixing member65. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of the light source units66are arrayed in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions. The light sources661may be arranged substantially along a longitudinal direction of the PCB663.

Alternative exemplary embodiments include configurations where a plurality of wire lines (not shown) are disposed on a rear surface of the fixing member65to connect the light source units66to external members to the backlight assembly60. The connection of the wire lines can be easily understood by the ordinarily skilled in the arts, and thus, detail description thereof is omitted. The wire lines from the light source units66are connected to inverters (not shown) disposed in a lower portion of a cover member67. The inverters convert an external power into driving voltages and apply them to the light source units66.

Referring again toFIG. 1, light sources661are mounted on each of the light source units66. In exemplary embodiments, the light sources661may include light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be colored LEDS. In one exemplary embodiment, a combination of red, green, and blue (RGB) light emitting diodes may be used. The structure of the light source is an exemplary one for the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, other structures may be used for the light source according to the present invention.

Light emitted from the light source units66pass through the diffuser plate64so as to be uniformly diffused. In order to prevent bright-line defects caused by the light source units66, the diffuser plate64is disposed to be separated by a predetermined distance from the light source units66.

Light diffused by the diffuser plate64passes through a plurality of the optical sheets62, so that brightness of the light increases. In exemplary embodiments, optical sheets62may include a prism sheet to improve straightness of light. Advantageously, light with uniformity and high brightness may be supplied in an upward direction (Z-axis direction) of the backlight assembly60.

As shown inFIG. 1, the light source units66may be inserted from an outer side of the fixing member65into opening portions651formed in the fixing member65. The light source units66are securely fastening to the fixing member65by a fastening member665, such as screws. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the fastening member to secure the light source units66to the fixing member65may include adhesive or any of a number of materials as is suitable for the purpose described herein. Once the light source units66are fixed to the fixing member65, the light source units66are covered with the cover member67. The cover member67extends to an outer edge or side of the fixing member65so as to protect the light source units66from external impacts.

In an exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling the backlight assembly60, the fixing member65in which the opening portions651are formed is prepared. The light source units66, including the light sources661, are inserted from the outer side of the fixing member65into the opening portions651. The opening portions651substantially correspond to the light source units66, such as corresponding to the size and shape of the PCB663. Finally, the light source units66are covered with the cover member67. Alternative exemplary embodiments may include configurations where the cover member67may be omitted as needed.

The light source units66may be easily detached from the outer side of the fixing member65. The light source units66may be easily assembled into the backlight assembly60and the light source units66may be easily detached from the backlight assembly60as the light source units66are removably attached to the backlight assembly60. Advantageously, since there is no need to entirely dismantle the backlight assembly60, efficiency of tasks of the rework can be improved.

FIG. 2shows an assembled state of the backlight assembly60shown inFIG. 1. The light sources661mounted on the printed circuit board663emit light in the upward (Z-axis) direction towards the optical sheets62. In exemplary embodiments, the printed circuit board663may be constructed with a metal plate. In one exemplary embodiment, a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) may be used for the printed circuit board663. In another exemplary embodiment, since a large amount of heat may be released from the light sources661, the metal plate may be made of aluminum that has a good heat conductivity. Advantageously, since the heat of the light sources661is efficiently released through the printed circuit board663, it is possible to prevent deterioration in characteristics of internal parts of the backlight assembly60.

FIG. 3Ais a cross sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of portion A taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2. The light source units66are fixed to the outer side of the fixing member65. The light sources661are inserted into the opening portions651of the fixing member65so as to protrude in the inward direction (or inner portion) of the fixing member65and to emit light. Alternative exemplary embodiments may include configurations where wire line patterns are disposed on a surface of the printed circuit board663to apply driving voltages to the light sources661.

A step portion662is formed along the periphery of the light source unit66. When the light source unit66is fixed to the fixing member65, the step portion662is closely attached to the periphery of the opening portion651of the fixing member65. That is, the step portion662may be directly adjacent to or in contact with the periphery of the opening651of the fixing member65as shown inFIG. 3A. The light source units66may be firmly fixed to the fixing member65by using the step portion662. In one exemplary embodiment, the step portion662are attached to the outer side of the fixing member65and fastened thereto by using a separate fastening member665, such as screws, so that the light source units66can be securely fixed to the fixing member65. Since the step portion662is closely attached to the fixing member65, it is possible to efficiently release the heat from the light sources661.

FIG. 3Bshows a structure of another exemplary embodiment of a backlight assembly similar to that shown inFIG. 3A. The internal structure of the backlight assembly shown inFIG. 3Bis the same as that shown inFIG. 3Aexcept for the assembled structure of the light source units66and the fixing member65. As shown inFIG. 3B, the light source unit66is fixed to the fixing member65by using hooks667formed along the periphery of the opening portion651of the fixing member65. In exemplary embodiments, the hooks667may be integrally formed as part of the fixing member65, such as by injection molding the fixing member65. Advantageously, the light source unit66may be easily assembled (or removably attached) with the fixing member65by using hooks667without increasing the number of parts.

FIG. 4shows an exploded state of an exemplary embodiment of a backlight assembly69according to the present invention. The backlight assembly69ofFIG. 4is substantially the same as the backlight assembly60ofFIGS. 1-3except a fixing member45. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the fixing member45, opening portions656are formed to allow only light sources661of the light source units66to protrude. Here, opening portions656substantially correspond to the size and shape of light sources661. The printed circuit boards663are disposed to the outer side of the fixing member45and do not protrude into the inner portion of the fixing member45. Advantageously, since there are only the light sources661in the inner portion of the fixing member45, it is possible to reduce light loss greatly. Alternative exemplary embodiments include configurations where a reflector sheet (not shown) may be disposed along the light sources661so as to further minimize the light loss. In addition, the printed circuit board663may be closely attached to the outer side of the fixing member45so as to easily release the heat of the light sources661.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow a structure of a rear surface of another exemplary embodiment of a backlight assembly70according to the present invention. The backlight assembly70includes a frame member71and a fixing member75. A plurality of light source units66, such as eight light source units66are shown inFIG. 5A. Two upper light source units66(relative to the X-axis direction) are shown in a before-assembling state such that the light source units66are not yet assembled to guide rails753, and six lower light source units66are in an after-assembling stage such that the light sources661are fully inserted into the guide rails753.

The backlight assembly70shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Bis similar to the backlight assembly ofFIGS. 1-3. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Sides of the opening portion751of the fixing member75are provided with the guide rails753in a predetermined direction (X-axis direction), such as along a longitudinal direction of the opening portion751. The light source units66are inserted along the guide rails753. The structure of the guide rails753shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Bis an exemplary one, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the guide rails753may be modified with other structures. Alternative exemplary embodiments include configurations where the guide rails753are integrally formed as a part of the fixing member75or are separate features, attached to the fixing member75.

As shown with arrows, the light source units66are inserted in a sliding manner along the guide rails753. The light source unit66may be fixed to the fixing member75by sliding from a side of the fixing member75into the guide rails753. In exemplary embodiments, the light source units66are connected to each other with wire lines.

FIG. 5Bshows an exemplary embodiment of cross sectional structure of the light source unit66inserted into the guide rails753in a sliding manner. The light source unit66is surrounded by the guide rails753so as to be securely fixed. Step portions662are formed in edges of the light source unit66. The step portions662are fixed to the opening portion751of the fixing member75such that the light source unit66is securely fixed to the fixing member75.

An exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling the light source units66to the fixing member75in a sliding manner will be described in the following detail. The fixing member75includes a bottom portion75aand a side wall portion75bsurrounding edges thereof. The opening portions751are formed in the bottom portion75a. The side wall portion75bis formed to be curved or to protrude from the edges of the bottom portion75a. The opening portions751are formed from removing a portion of the bottom portion75aand the side wall portion75b. Forming the opening portions751essentially forms openings77in the side wall75bsurfaces of the fixing member75in the X-axis direction, allowing the light source units66to be inserted in a direction indicated by an arrow (in the X-axis direction).

In a process of assembling the backlight assembly70shown inFIG. 5, the light source units66are inserted into the fixing member75along the guide rails753thereof. Advantageously, the light source unit66can be securely fixed to the fixing member751. In addition, since the light source unit66can be inserted after the backlight assembly70is assembled, the tasks of the rework are easier to carry out.

FIG. 6shows another exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling a backlight assembly80according to the present invention. The backlight assembly80is substantially the same as that ofFIGS. 1-3. The same reference numerals denote the same elements, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Referring toFIG. 6, light sources661are disposed on a light source unit86in a pattern different from those of the aforementioned embodiments. The structure of the light source unit86is an exemplary one, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

As shown inFIG. 6, a fixing member85includes a bottom portion85aand a side wall portion85b. The bottom portion85aand the side wall portion85bare detachable from each other. After other parts of the backlight assembly80are assembled in advance, the bottom portion85amay be assembled. The light source units86(including the light sources661) and a portion of the fixing member are removably attached from the remaining parts of the backlight assembly80.

Light source units86are fixed on the bottom portion85a, and the side wall portion85bis formed to surround edges of the bottom portion85a. A plurality of fastener engagement holes851are formed on the bottom portion85aso as to be engaged with the side wall portion85bby using fastening members853, such as screws. Advantageously, the bottom portion85aand the side wall portion85bcan be securely assembled.

FIG. 7shows another exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling a backlight assembly90according to the present invention. The backlight assembly90is the same as that ofFIG. 6. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 7, a fixing member95includes a bottom portion95aand a side wall portion95b. The side wall portion95bis formed to surround edges of the bottom portion95a. As shown with arrows inFIG. 7, the bottom portion95ais engaged with the side wall portion95bby using hooks951disposed on the fixing member95. The structure of the hooks951and engagement parts953shown inFIG. 7are exemplary ones, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the hooks and the engagement parts may be modified with other structures.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hooks951are formed on outer surfaces of the side wall portion95b, and the engagement parts953are formed on the bottom portion95a. In exemplary embodiments, the hooks951may be formed as a part of the fixing member95, such as by performing an injection molding process or a press molding process on the side wall portion95b. The hooks951are engaged with the engagement parts953. Since the bottom portion95ais removably attached to the remaining elements of the backlight assembly90and the light source units86are fixed to the bottom portion95aof the fixing member95, the light source unit86can be easily detached from the fixing member95.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the engagement parts953includes first and second engagement parts9531and9533. An engagement hole9531ais formed in the first engagement part9531to be engaged with the hook951. The second engagement part9533is disposed to be separated by a predetermined distance from the first engagement part9531. The first and second engagement parts9531and9533are disposed to face each other. The side wall portion95bis inserted and fixed between the first and second engagement parts9531and9533. Therefore, the side wall portion95bcan be securely fixed to the bottom portion95a, while still being removably attached.

Advantageously, the light source units86can be easily extracted from the backlight assembly90without entirely dismantling the backlight assembly90. Accordingly, the tasks of rework can be simply performed.

FIG. 8shows an exemplary embodiment of a display device100having the backlight assembly60. AlthoughFIG. 8shows the backlight assembly60shown inFIG. 1, the backlight assembly is an exemplary one of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the backlight assemblies according to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used for the display device100.

The panel unit50may employ a liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel is an exemplary one of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The display device100includes the panel unit50and the backlight assembly60. The panel unit50is securely fixed on the backlight assembly60by using a frame member68. A panel unit assembly40includes the panel unit50, driver IC packages (driver integrated circuit packages)43and44, and printed circuit boards41and42. In exemplary embodiments, the driver IC packages may include COP (chip on film), TCP (tape carrier package), or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the printed circuit boards41and42may be enclosed in an inner side surface of the frame member68.

The panel unit50includes a TFT (thin film transistor) panel51including a plurality of TFTs, a color filter panel53disposed over the TFT panel51, and liquid crystal molecules (not shown) injected between the panels. In exemplary embodiments, polarizing plates may be attached on an upper portion of the color filter panel53, and a lower portion of the TFT panel51to polarize light passing through the panel unit50.

The TFT panel51may include a transparent glass substrate where the TFTs are disposed in a matrix. A source port of each TFT is connected to a data line, and a gate port thereof is connected to a gate line. A drain port of each TFT is connected to a pixel electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide).

When electric signals of the printed circuit boards41and42are input to the gate and data lines of the panel unit50, the electric signals are transmitted to the gate and source ports of the TFT. According to the input of the electric signals, the TFT turns on of off, so that an electric signal for forming an image is output to the drain port thereof.

On the other hand, the color filter panel53is disposed to face the TFT panel51. The color filter panel53is a panel where color filters, such as RGB filters, may be formed by using a thin film formation process. The RGB filters represent predetermined colors when light passes the filters. A common electrode made of ITO is disposed on the entire surface of the color filter panel53. When a power is supplied to the gate and source ports to turn on the TFT, an electric field is generated between the pixel electrode of the TFT panel51and the common electrode of the color filter panel53. Due to the electric field, alignment angles of the liquid crystal molecules injected between the TFT panel51and the color filter panel53are changed, so that transmittance of light changes. As a result, desired images can be obtained.

The printed circuit boards41and42which receive external image signals and apply driving signals to the gate and data lines are connected to the driver IC packages43and44attached to the panel unit50. In order to drive the display device100, the gate printed circuit board41transmits gate driving signals, and the data printed circuit board42transmits data driving signals. Namely, the gate and data driving signals are applied through the driver IC packages43and44to the gate and data lines of the panel unit50. A control board (not shown) is disposed on a rear surface of the backlight assembly60. The control board is connected to the data printed circuit board42to convert analog data signals to digital data signals and apply the digital data signals to the panel unit50.

Now, operations of the panel unit50will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10.

The TFT panel51includes a plurality of display signal lines G1to Gnand D1to Dm. The TFT panel51also includes a plurality of pixels which are connected to a plurality of the display signal lines G1to Gnand D1to Dmand arrayed substantially in matrix.

The display signal lines G1to Gnand D1to Dminclude a plurality of gate lines G1to Gnfor transmitting gate signals (sometimes, referred to as a “scan signal”) and a plurality of data lines D1to Dmfor transmitting data signals. The gate lines G1to Gnextend in parallel to each other substantially in a row direction, and the data lines D1to Dmextend in parallel to each other substantially in a column direction.

Each of the pixels PX includes a switching device Q connected to the display signal lines G1to Gnand D1to Dm, a liquid crystal capacitor CLCconnected thereto, and a storage capacitor CST. The storage capacitor CSTmay be omitted as needed.

The switching devices Q is a three-port device such as a thin film transistor disposed in the TFT panel51and having a control port connected to one of the gate lines G1to Gnan input port connected to the data line D1to Dm, and an output port connected to the liquid crystal capacitor CLCand the storage capacitor CST.

Two ports of the liquid crystal capacitor CLCare a pixel electrode190of the TFT panel51and a common electrode270of the color filter panel53, and the liquid crystal layer3interposed between the two electrodes190and270serves as a dielectric member. The pixel electrode190is connected to the switching device Q, and the common electrode270is disposed in the entire surface of the color filter panel53to receive a common voltage Vcom. Unlike this, the common electrode270may be disposed to the TFT panel51, and in this case, at least one of the two electrodes190and270may be formed in a shape of line or bar.

The storage capacitor CSThaving an auxiliary function for the liquid crystal capacitor CLCis constructed by overlapping a separate signal line (not shown) and the pixel electrode190provided to the TFT panel51with an insulating member interposed therebetween, and a predetermined voltage such as the common voltage Vcomis applied to the separate signal line. However, alternatively, the storage capacitor CSTmay be constructed by overlapping the pixel electrode190and a front gate line disposed just above with an insulting member interposed therebetween.

The signal controller600receives input image signals R, G, and B and input control signals for controlling display thereof from an external graphic controller (not shown). As an example of the input control signals, there are a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a main clock MCLK, and a data enable signal DE. The signal controller600processes the input image signals R, G, and B according to an operating condition of the panel unit50based on the input control signals and the input image signals R, G, and B to generate a gate control signal CONT1, a data control signal CONT2, and the like. And after that, the signal controller600transmits the generated gate control signal CONT1to the gate driver400and the generated data control signal CONT2and the processed image signal DAT to the data driver500.

The gate control signal CONT1includes a scan start signal STV for indicating output start of the gate-on voltage Vonand at least one clock signal for controlling an output period of the gate-on voltage Vonand an output voltage.

The data control signal CONT2includes a horizontal synchronization start signal STH for indicating transmission start of the image data DAT, a load signal LOAD for commanding to apply the associated data voltages to the data lines D1to Dm, and a data clock signal HCLK. The data control signal CONT2also includes an inversion signal RVS for inverting a voltage polarity of the data signal with respect to the common voltage Vcom(hereinafter, “the voltage polarity of the data signal with respect to the common voltage Vcom” being abbreviated to a “data signal polarity”).

In addition to the control signals CONT1and CONT2, the signal controller600may transmit to the backlight assembly60other control signals and clock signals for controlling the operations of the backlight assembly60.

In response to the data control signal CONT2from the signal controller600, the data driver500sequentially receives and shifts the digital image data DAT for one pixel row and selects the grayscale voltages corresponding to the digital image data DAT from the grayscale voltages supplied by the grayscale voltage generator800, so that the image data DAT are converted into the associated data voltages. After that, the data voltages are applied to the associated data lines D1to Dm.

The gate driver400applies the gate-on voltage Vonto the gate lines G1to Gnaccording to the gate control signals CONT1from the signal controller600to turn on the switching devices Q connected to the gate lines G1to Gn. As a result, the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to Dmare applied to the associated pixels PX through the turned-on switching devices Q.

A difference between the data voltages applied to the pixel PX and the common voltage Vcombecomes a charge voltage of the liquid crystal capacitors CLC, that is, a pixel voltage. Alignment of the liquid crystal molecules varies according to the intensity of the pixel voltage.

In units of one horizontal period (or 1H), that is, one period of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, the data deriver500and the gate driver400repetitively perform the aforementioned operations for the next pixel. In this manner, during one frame, the gate-on voltages Vonare applied to all the gate lines G1to Gn, so that the data voltages are applied to all the pixels. When one frame ends, the next frame starts, and a state of the inversion signal RVS applied to the data driver500is controlled, so that the polarity of the data signal applied to each of the pixels is opposite to the polarity in the previous frame (frame inversion). At this time, even in one frame, according to the characteristics of the inversion signals RVS, the polarity of the data signal flowing through the one data line may be inverted (row inversion and dot inversion). In addition, the polarities of the data signals applied to the one pixel row may be different form each other (column inversion and dot inversion).

In exemplary embodiments of the display device, the light source units can be extracted from the display device without entirely dismantling the display device. As a result, the tasks of repairing and rework of the light source units can be easily performed.

According to exemplary embodiments of a backlight assembly, since light source units are inserted from an outer side of a fixing member into opening portion formed in the fixing member, tasks of rework of the light source units can be easily performed.

In another exemplary embodiment, since step portions of the light source units are fixed to the outer side of the fixing member, the light source units can be securely fixed to the fixing member.

In another exemplary embodiment, since the step portion of the light source units are closely attached to the fixing member, heat of the light source units can be efficiently released through the fixing member.

Since the light source units are assembled to the fixing member along guide rails thereof in a sliding manner, a process of assembling the backlight assembly can be further simplified.

Since a side wall portion and a bottom portion of the fixing member are detachable from each other, the fixing member can be easily dismantled. Accordingly, the tasks of rework of the light source units can be easily performed.

Although the exemplary embodiments and the modified examples of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples, but may be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims, the detailed description, and the accompanying drawings of the present invention. Therefore, it is natural that such modifications belong to the scope of the present invention.