Display apparatus with main body supporting image forming unit

A display apparatus including: a main body having an opening at the front part; a backlight unit configured to generate light; and an image forming unit provided in the front part of the main body, and configured to block or transmit the light generated by the backlight unit to create an image, where the image forming unit includes: a pair of transparent substrates disposed to be opposite to each other; a cable configured to transmit image data to the pair of transparent substrates; and a pair of polarizing films respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the pair of transparent substrates, and wherein an edge part of at least one transparent substrate of the pair of transparent substrates protrudes to connect to the cable, and at least one polarizing film of the pair of polarizing films extends to the main body in a direction in which the at least one transparent substrate protrudes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0118973, filed on Aug. 24, 2015 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display apparatus, and more particularly, to a bezel-less display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A display apparatus is a kind of output device that converts acquired or stored electrical information into visual information, and displays the visual information for a user. The display apparatus is widely used in various fields including home appliances and industrial machines.

The display apparatus includes a monitor connected to a Personal Computer (PC) or a server computer, a portable computer device, a navigation system, a general Television (TV), an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), a portable terminal (for example, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a cellular phone), various kinds of displays used to reproduce advertisement films or movie films in industrial sites, and various kinds of audio/video systems.

The display apparatus can display still images or moving images using various kinds of display means. The display means includes Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), a Light-Emitting Diode (LED), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active-Matrix Light-Emitting Diode (AMLED), a liquid crystal, or electronic paper.

Generally, in the front edges of the display apparatus, a bezel is formed to fix the internal components of the display apparatus.

However, the bezel increases an area in which no image is displayed on the front surface of the display apparatus, and reduces a user's sense of immersion in images.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a bezel-less display apparatus.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a bezel-less display apparatus in which no internal components are shown to the outside.

It is still another embodiment of the present disclosure to provide a bezel-less display apparatus in which cables of connecting an image forming unit to a power/control unit are not shown to the outside.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a display apparatus includes: a main body having an opening at the front part; a backlight unit configured to generate light; and an image forming unit provided in the front part of the main body, and configured to block or transmit the light generated by the backlight unit in order to create an image, wherein the image forming unit includes: a pair of transparent substrates disposed to be opposite to each other; a cable configured to transmit image data to the pair of transparent substrates; and a pair of polarizing films respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the pair of transparent substrates, and wherein an edge part of at least one transparent substrate of the pair of transparent substrates protrudes to connect to the cable, and at least one polarizing film of the pair of polarizing films extends to the main body in a direction in which the at least one transparent substrate protrudes.

The image forming unit may further include a subsidiary polarizing film disposed at an extended part of the at least one polarizing film.

A polarization direction of the subsidiary polarizing film may be vertical (or perpendicular) to a polarization direction of the at least one polarizing film.

The subsidiary polarizing film may be attached on a front surface or a rear surface of the extended part of the at least one polarizing film.

The image forming unit may further include a support material disposed on the extended part of the at least one polarizing film, and configured to support the at least one polarizing film.

The support material may fill space between a protruded part of the at least one substrate and the extended part of the at least one polarizing film.

The image forming unit may further include a dummy film disposed at an area which no cable contacts in a protruded part of the at least one transparent substrate.

The image forming unit may further include a shading material disposed at an extended part of the at least one polarizing film, and configured to block light.

The shading material may include a black ultraviolet curing agent.

The shading material may fill space between the extended part of the at least one polarizing film and the protruded part of the at least one transparent substrate.

The shading material may be applied on a surface of the extended part of the at least one polarizing film.

The image forming unit may further include a shading film disposed at an extended part of the at least one polarizing film, and configured to block light.

The shading film may include a black polymer film.

The shading film may be attached on a front surface or a rear surface of the extended part of the at least one polarizing film.

The image forming unit may further include a support material disposed at the extended part of the at least one polarizing film, and configured to support the at least one polarizing film.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a display apparatus includes: a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate disposed to be opposite to each other; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; a cable configured to transmit image data to the second transparent substrate; a first polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the first transparent substrate; and a second polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the second transparent substrate, wherein an edge part of the second transparent substrate protrudes to be connected to the cable, and the first polarizing film extends to at least a protruded width of the second transparent substrate in a direction in which the second transparent substrate protrudes.

The display apparatus may further include a third polarizing film disposed at an extended part of the first polarizing film.

A polarization direction of the third polarizing film may be vertical to a polarization direction of the first polarizing film.

The display apparatus may further include a shading material disposed at an extended part of the first polarizing film, and configured to block light.

The display apparatus may further include a shading film disposed at an extended part of the first polarizing film, and configured to block light.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a display apparatus includes: a main body having an opening at the front part; and an image forming unit provided inside the main body, wherein the image forming unit includes: a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate disposed to be opposite to each other; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; a cable configured to transmit image data to the second transparent substrate; a first polarizing film and a second polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the first transparent substrate and an outer surface of the second transparent substrate, respectively; and a shading member positioned to correspond to the cable, and configured to prevent the cable from being exposed to the outside.

The shading member may include a third polarizing film and a fourth polarizing film, and a polarization direction of the third polarizing film may be vertical (or perpendicular) to a polarization direction of the fourth polarizing film.

The shading member may include a shading material to fill space between the main body and the image forming unit.

The shading material may include a black ultraviolet curing agent.

The shading member may include a shading film disposed between the main body and the image forming unit.

The shading film may include a black polymer film.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming unit of a display includes a pair of transparent substrates disposed opposite each other on each side of an LCD layer and at least one transparent substrate of the pair having a protruding edge, a cable connected to the protruding edge to transmit image data to the at least one transparent substrate of the pair having the protruding edge and a pair of polarizing films respectively disposed on outer surfaces of the pair of transparent substrates where at least one polarizing film of the pair of polarizing films extends in a direction in which the at least one transparent substrate protrudes.

The image forming unit may include an extended part of the at least one polarizing film has a subsidiary film with a polarization perpendicular to the polarization of the at least one polarizing film.

The image forming unit may provide for the cable to be visually obscured from a front of the unit of the display by the extending polarizing film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible when filing the present application.

FIG. 1shows an outer appearance of a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A display apparatus100is equipment for processing image signals received from the outside to visually display the processed signals as an image. InFIG. 1, an example in which the display apparatus100is television (TV) is shown, however, the display apparatus100is not limited to TV. For example, the display apparatus100may be one of various kinds of displays, such as a monitor, a portable multimedia device, and a portable communication device, which are capable of visually displaying images.

As shown inFIG. 1, the display apparatus100may include a main body101, a screen102for displaying an image, and a supporter103connected to the lower part of the main body101to support the main body101.

The main body101may form an outer appearance of the display apparatus100, and include components to enable the display apparatus100to display images or to perform various functions. The main body101may be in the shape of a flat plate as shown inFIG. 1; however, the shape of the main body101is not limited to the flat plate. For example, the main body101may be in the shape of a curved plate whose center part is recessed.

The supporter103may connect to the lower part of the main body101, and maintain the main body101at its stable position against a bottom surface. Also, selectively, the supporter103may connect to the back side of the main body101, and firmly fix the main body101on a wall.

The supporter103shown inFIG. 1may be in the shape of a bar protruding forward from the lower part of the main body101. However, the shape of the supporter103is not limited to the bar shape shown inFIG. 1, and may have any other shape as long as it can support the main body101stably.

The screen102may be formed in the front side of the main body101, and display images that are visual information. For example, the screen102may display a still image, a moving image, a 2Dimensional (2D) planar image, or a 3Dimensional (3D) stereoscopic image using a user's binocular disparity.

The screen102may include a plurality of pixels P, and the plurality of pixels P may emit light to form an image on the screen102. Light emitted from the plurality of pixels P may be combined to form a still image, like mosaics, on the screen102.

The individual pixels P may emit light of various brightness levels and various colors. In order to represent various colors, each pixel P may include a red pixel R, a green pixel G, and a blue pixel B.

The red pixel R may emit red light of various brightness levels, the green pixel G may emit green light of various brightness levels, and the blue pixel B may emit blue light of various brightness levels. The red light may be light corresponding to a wavelength region of about 620 nm (nanometer, 1/1,000,000,000 m) to 750 nm, the green light may be light corresponding to a wavelength region of about 495 nm to 570 nm, and the blue light may be light corresponding to a wavelength region of about 450 nm to 495 nm.

Red light from the red pixel R, green light from the green pixel G, and blue light from the blue pixel B may be combined so that the pixel P can create light of various colors.

For example, the display apparatus100may include a red light source to emit red light, a green light source to emit green light, and a blue light source to emit blue light, wherein the red light source, the green light source, and the blue light source constitute a red pixel (R), a green pixel (G), and a blue pixel (B), respectively.

As another example, the display apparatus100may include a light source to emit white light including red light, green light, and blue light, and a color filter to selectively transmit red light, green light, and blue light. Also, a red filter to transmit red light, a green filter to transmit green light, and a blue filter to transmit blue light may constitute a red pixel R, a green pixel G, and a blue pixel, respectively.

Hereinafter, the display apparatus100including the light source to emit white light and the color filter to selectively transmit red light, green light, and blue light will be described.

FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of the display apparatus100shown inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 2, in the main body101, various components to create images on the screen102may be installed.

More specifically, in the main body101, a backlight unit140to emit surface light forward, an image forming unit120to create an image using light emitted from the backlight unit140, and a power/control unit160to control overall operations of the backlight unit140and the image forming unit120may be installed. Also, the main body101may include a front chassis110, a mold frame130, a rear chassis150, and a rear cover170to support and fix the image forming unit110, the backlight unit140, and the power/control unit160.

The backlight unit140may include a plurality of point light sources to emit monochromatic light or white light, and refract, reflect, and scatter light emitted from the point light sources in order to convert the light into uniform surface light. As such, by refracting, reflecting, and scattering light, the backlight unit140can emit uniform surface light forward.

The configuration and functions of the backlight unit140will be described in more detail, below.

The image forming unit120may be provided in front of the backlight unit140, and configured to block or transmit light emitted from the backlight unit140in order to form an image.

The front surface of the image forming unit120may form the screen102of the display apparatus100, and be configured with a plurality of pixels P. The plurality of pixels P included in the image forming unit120may block or transmit light emitted from the backlight unit140independently, and light transmitted by the plurality of pixels P may create an image that the display apparatus100displays.

The image forming unit120may be a liquid crystal panel with optical properties changing according to an electric field.

The configuration and functions of the image forming unit120will be described in more detail, below.

The power/control unit160may include a power circuit unit (not shown) to supply power to the backlight unit140and the image forming unit120, and a control circuit unit (not shown) to control operations of the backlight unit140and the image forming unit120.

The power circuit unit may supply power to the backlight unit140to enable the backlight unit140to emit surface light, and supply power to the image forming unit120to enable the image forming unit120to transmit or block light.

Also, the control circuit unit may control power that is supplied to the backlight unit140in order to adjust the intensity of light that is emitted by the backlight unit140, and may output image data to control the image forming unit120to form an image on the screen102. The individual pixels P included in the image forming unit120may transmit or block light according to image data from the control circuit unit so as to display an image on the screen102.

The power/control unit160may be configured with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and various circuits mounted on the PCB.

For example, the power circuit unit may include a power circuit composed of capacitors, coils, resistors, a microprocessor, etc., and a power circuit board on which the power circuit is mounted. Also, the control circuit unit may include a memory to store control programs and control data, a microprocessor to process control data according to a control program stored in a non-volatile memory, and a control circuit board on which the memory and the microprocessor are mounted.

Also, between the image forming unit120and the power/control unit160, a plurality of cables120ato transfer image data from the power/control unit160to the image forming unit120may be provided.

The cable120amay be a flexible cable that can get bent when an external force is applied thereto. For example, the cable120amay be a film cable, a Chip On Film (COF), or a Tape Carrier Packet (TCP). If the cable120ais a COF or TCP, some circuits of the power/control unit160may be mounted on the cable120a.

The front chassis110may be in the shape of a rectangular frame having an opening, and may fix the image forming unit120, the mold frame130, and the backlight unit140, together with the rear chassis150.

Particularly, the front chassis110according to an embodiment may include no bezel, and may support the image forming unit120, the mold frame130, the backlight unit140, the rear chassis150, and the rear cover170at the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the display apparatus100.

Typically, a front chassis may fix an image forming unit together with a mold frame, and a bezel is formed on the front surface of the front chassis so that the edge parts of the image forming unit are not exposed to the outside. However, the bezel may increase an area at which no image is displayed on the front surface of the display apparatus, and reduce a user's sense of immersion in images.

The display apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may remove such a bezel of the front chassis110to thereby minimize an area at which no image is displayed on the front surface of the display apparatus100and improve a user's sense of immersion in images.

The mold frame130may be disposed between the image forming unit120and the backlight unit140, and separate the image forming unit120from the backlight unit140and fix them. More specifically, the mold frame130may fix the image forming unit120, together with the front chassis110, and fix the backlight unit140, together with the rear chassis150.

The rear chassis150may be disposed behind the backlight unit140. Also, the rear chassis150may be in the shape of a thin box whose front part opens, and accommodate the image forming unit120and the backlight unit140therein.

Also, the power/control unit160may be fixed on the back surface of the rear chassis150. For example, the PCB of the power/control unit160may be fixed on the back surface of the rear chassis150through fixing members such as bolts and nuts.

The rear cover170may be disposed at the rearmost part of the display apparatus100, and prevent the power/control unit160from being exposed to the outside, while protecting the power/control unit160from an external force.

The backlight unit140can be classified into a direct-type backlight unit and an edge-type backlight unit according to the position of light sources. In the direct-type backlight unit, light sources may be positioned at the back part of the backlight unit, and in the edge-type backlight unit, light sources may be positioned at the lateral sides of the backlight unit.

First, the direct-type backlight unit will be described below.

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of an example of a backlight unit included in the display apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the backlight unit shown inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, a direct-type backlight unit200may include a light-emitting module210to generate light, a reflector sheet220to reflect light, a diffuser plate230to diffuse light, and an optical sheet240to improve the brightness of light.

The light-emitting module210may include a plurality of light sources211to emit light, and a supporter212to support and fix the plurality of light sources211.

The plurality of light sources211may be arranged uniformly in the rearmost part of the backlight unit200, as shown inFIG. 4, to emit light forward.

Also, the plurality of light sources211may be arranged in a predetermined pattern such that light emitted from the plurality of light sources211has uniform brightness as possible. More specifically, the plurality of light sources211may be arranged such that distances between neighboring light sources are the same.

For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the plurality of light sources211may be arranged in a matrix pattern such that four neighboring light sources form a square. As a result, each light source may be positioned adjacent to four light sources, and distances between the light source and its neighboring light sources may be the same.

As another example, the plurality of light sources211may be arranged in a plurality of rows, and a light source belonging to each row may be positioned to correspond to the mid-point between two neighboring light sources belonging to the adjacent row. As a result, the plurality of light sources211may be arranged such that three neighboring light sources form a regular triangle. Also, each light source may be positioned adjacent to six light sources such that distances between the light source and its adjacent six light sources are the same.

However, a pattern in which the plurality of light sources211are arranged is not limited to the above-described patterns. That is, the plurality of light sources211may be arranged in any other pattern as long as light emitted from the plurality of light sources211has uniform brightness.

The light sources211may be implemented as devices that can emit monochromatic light (light of a specific wavelength, for example, blue light) or white light (mixed light resulting from mixing light of various wavelengths) in all directions when power is supplied.

For example, the light sources211may be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Cold Cathode Fluorescence Lamps (CCFLs) having low heat generation.

In the case in which the light sources211emits white light, each light source211may include a blue light-emitting diode to emit blue light which is high energy light, and a Red/Green (RG) phosphor to absorb blue light to emit green light and red light. White light may be defined as mixed light resulting from mixing red light, green light, and blue light, or mixed light resulting from mixing blue light and yellow light.

Also, each light source211may include a blue light-emitting diode to emit blue light which is high energy light, and a Yellow (YAG) phosphor to absorb blue light to emit yellow light.

Also, each light source211may include a red light-emitting diode to emit red light, a green-emitting diode to emit green light, a blue light-emitting diode to emit blue light, and a light mixer to mix monochromatic light.

The supporter212may fix the plurality of light sources211so that the positions of the light sources211do not change. Also, the supporter212may supply power to the individual light sources211so that the light sources211can emit light.

Also, there may be provided a plurality of supporters212according to the arrangement of the plurality of light sources211. For example, when the plurality of light sources211are arranged in rows, as shown inFIG. 3, the same number of supporters212as the number of the rows of the plurality of light sources211may be provided, and each supporter212may fix light sources211belonging to the row corresponding to the supporter212.

The supporters212may be fabricated with a synthetic resin which fixes the plurality of light sources211and on which conductive power supply lines for supplying power to the light sources211are formed. Alternatively, the supporters212may be fabricated with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

The reflector sheet220may reflect light traveling backward from the backlight unit200to send the light in a forward or near-forward direction.

The reflector sheet220may include a plurality of through holes220ain correspondence to the locations of the light sources211of the light-emitting module210. Also, the light sources211of the light-emitting module210may pass through the through holes220aand protrude from the reflector sheet220, as shown inFIG. 4, so that the light sources211can emit light forward from the reflector sheet220.

The reflector sheet220may be formed by coating a base material with a material having high reflectivity. For example, the reflector sheet220may be formed by coating a base material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with polymer having high reflectivity.

The diffuser plate230may be provided in front of the light-emitting module210and the reflector sheet220, and uniformly diffuse light emitted from the light sources211of the light-emitting module210.

As described above, the light sources211may be positioned at regular intervals in the back part of the backlight unit200. Although the light sources211are equally arranged or spaced in the back part of the backlight unit200, non-uniform brightness distribution may occur according to the positions of the light sources211.

The diffuser plate230may diffuse light emitted from the light sources211in order to remove non-uniform brightness distribution due to the light sources211. In other words, the diffuser plate230may receive non-uniform light from the light sources211, and emit uniform light forward. Particularly, the diffuser plate230may have a milky-white color so that the uniformity of brightness is not lost when light emitted from the light sources211directly passes through the diffuser plate230.

The diffuser plate230may be configured with a core to transmit and diffuse light, and a pair of skins to protect the core and diffuse light. The core may be made of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC) containing a diffusing agent for light diffusion. The skins may be made of PMMA or PC containing a sunscreen composition for protecting the core.

The optical sheet240may include various sheets for improving brightness and the uniformity of brightness. More specifically, the optical sheet240may include a diffuser sheet241, a first prism sheet242, a second prism sheet243, a double brightness enhancement film (DBEF)244, and a protection sheet245.

The diffuser sheet241may diffuse light in order to improve the uniformity of brightness. Light emitted from the light sources211may be diffused by the diffuser plate230, and then again diffused by the diffuser sheet241included in the optical sheet240.

The diffuser plate230and the diffuser sheet241may be used to remove non-uniform brightness distribution due to point light sources so that light having uniform brightness and uniform colors can be emitted through the entire screen102of the display apparatus100.

Light passing through the diffuser sheet241may be diffused in a direction that is vertical to the surface of the diffuser sheet241, thereby sharply reducing brightness.

The first and second prism sheets242and243may focus the light diffused by the diffuser sheet241to thereby increase brightness.

The first and second prism sheets242and243may include a plurality of prism patterns each having a trigonal prism shape, wherein the plurality of the prism patterns are arranged adjacent to each other to form a plurality of bands.

A direction in which the prism patterns of the first prism sheet242are arranged may be vertical to a direction in which the prism patterns of the second prism sheet243are arranged. For example, if the first prism sheet242is arranged in a left-right direction, the second prism sheet243may be arranged in an up-down direction.

Light passed through the first and second prism sheets242and243may have a viewing angle of about 70 degrees while having improved brightness, and travel toward the front part of the backlight unit200.

The double brightness enhancement film244, which is a kind of a polarizing film, is also called a reflective polarizing film. The double brightness enhancement film244may transmit a part of incident light, and reflect the remaining light. For example, the double brightness enhancement film244may transmit polarized light traveling in a predetermined polarization direction, and reflect polarized light traveling in different directions from the predetermined polarization direction.

Also, light reflected from the double brightness enhancement film244may be recycled in the inside of the backlight unit200, and due to the recycling of light, the brightness of the display apparatus100may be improved.

The protection sheet245may protect the optical sheet240from external impacts or the inflow of foreign materials.

However, components included in the optical sheet240are not limited to the above-described sheets or films, and the optical sheet240may further include various sheets or films such as a protection sheet.

Also, the order in which the diffuser sheet241, the first prism sheet242, the second prism sheet243, the double brightness enhancement film244, and the protection sheet245are stacked is not limited to that as shown inFIG. 4.

As described above, the direct-type backlight unit140may emit surface light having uniform brightness forward.

The above description relates to the direct-type backlight unit in which light sources are positioned at the back part.

Hereinafter, the edge-type backlight unit in which light sources are positioned at the lateral sides will be described.

FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view of another example of a backlight unit included in the display apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of the backlight unit shown inFIG. 5.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, an edge-type backlight unit300may include a light-emitting module310to generate light, a waveguide plate320to diffuse light, a reflector sheet330to reflect light, and an optical sheet340to improve the brightness of light.

The light-emitting module310may include a plurality of light sources311to emit light, and a supporter312to support and fix the plurality of light sources311.

The plurality of light sources311may be arranged at regular intervals in the lateral sides of the backlight unit300, and may emit light toward the center of the backlight unit300, as shown inFIG. 5.

The plurality of light sources311may be equally arranged so that light emitted by the plurality of light sources311has uniform brightness as possible.

For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the plurality of light sources311may be equally arranged in the left and right lateral sides of the backlight unit300. However, the light sources311may be arranged in any one of the left and right lateral sides of the backlight unit300.

The light sources311may be implemented as devices that can emit monochromatic light (light of a specific wavelength, for example, blue light) or white light (light obtained by mixing light of various wavelengths) in all directions when power is supplied.

For example, the light sources311may be implemented as LEDs or CCFLs having low heat generation.

In the case in which the light sources311emits white light, each light source311may include a blue light-emitting diode to emit blue light which is high energy light, and a R/G phosphor to absorb blue light to emit green light and red light. Also, each light source311may include a blue light-emitting diode to emit blue light which is high energy light, and a YAG phosphor to absorb blue light to emit yellow light.

Also, each light source311may include a red light-emitting diode to emit red light, a green-emitting diode to emit green light, a blue light-emitting diode to emit blue light, and a light mixer to mix monochromatic light.

The supporter312may fix the plurality of light sources311so that the positions of the light sources311do not change. Also, the supporter312may supply power to the individual light sources311so that the light sources311can emit light.

The supporter312may be disposed, together with the light sources311, in the lateral sides of the backlight unit300. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, two supporters312may be disposed in the left and right lateral sides of the backlight unit300. However, one supporter312may be disposed in any one of the left and right lateral sides of the backlight unit300.

The supporter312may be fabricated with a synthetic resin which fixes the plurality of light sources311and on which conductive power supply lines for supplying power to the light sources311are formed. Alternatively, the supporter312may be fabricated with a PCB.

The waveguide plate320may change the traveling direction of light incident to the lateral surfaces from the light sources311so as to emit the light forward. Also, the waveguide plate320may diffuse light incident from the light sources311, and then emit the diffused light through the front surface320a.

In order to diffuse light to change the traveling direction of light, a plurality of convex stripes may be formed on the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320, and a plurality of dots may be formed on the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320. Also, the size and interval of the convex stripes and dots may be adjusted such that uniform light can exit the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320. Also, the convex stripes formed on the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320may be embossed by a printing method, and the dots formed on the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320may be engraved using laser.

Since the light sources311are arranged in both lateral sides of the backlight unit300, as described above, non-uniform brightness distribution may occur due to the positions of the light sources311.

The waveguide plate320may diffuse light emitted from the light sources311in order to remove non-uniform brightness distribution due to the light sources311. Particularly, the waveguide plate320may have a milky-white color so that the uniformity of brightness is not lost when light emitted from the light sources311directly passes through the waveguide plate320.

The light incident to the inside of the waveguide plate320may travel in various directions according to the incident angle. For example, light incident toward the front of the waveguide plate320may be reflected from the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320and then proceed toward the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320, or may be refracted from the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320and then incident to the optical sheet340. Also, light incident toward the back of the waveguide plate320may be reflected from the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320or scattered by the dots formed on the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320and then proceed toward the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320.

Due to light reflection generated in the front and rear surfaces320aand320bof the waveguide plate320, light incident to the lateral surfaces of the waveguide plate320may proceed to the center area of the waveguide plate320. Also, due to light scattering generated in the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320and light refraction generated in the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320, light incident to the inside of the waveguide plate320may be emitted from the front surface320aof the waveguide plate320.

The waveguide plate320may be fabricated with PMMA or PC.

The reflector sheet330may reflect light traveling backward from the backlight unit300to send the light in a forward or near-forward direction.

The reflector sheet330may reflect light exiting the rear surface320bof the waveguide plate320to make the light incident to the waveguide plate320.

The reflector sheet330may be formed by coating a base material with a material having high reflectivity. For example, the reflector sheet330may be formed by coating a base material such as PET with polymer having high reflectivity.

The optical sheet340may include various sheets for improving brightness or the uniformity of brightness. More specifically, the optical sheet340may include a diffuser sheet341, a first prism sheet342, a second prism sheet343, a selective light absorption sheet344, and a double brightness enhancement film (DBEF)345.

The diffuser sheet341may diffuse light to improve the uniformity of brightness. Light emitted from the light sources311may be diffused by the waveguide plate320and then again diffused by the diffuser sheet341included in the optical sheet340.

Light passed through the diffuser sheet341may be diffused in a direction that is vertical to the surface of the diffuser sheet341, thereby sharply reducing brightness.

The first and second prism sheets342and343may focus the light diffused by the diffuser sheet341to thereby increase brightness.

The first and second prism sheets342and343may include a plurality of prism patterns each having a trigonal prism shape, wherein the plurality of the prism patterns are arranged adjacent to each other to form a plurality of bands. A direction in which the prism patterns of the first prism sheet342are arranged may be vertical to a direction in which the prism patterns of the second prism sheet343are arranged.

Light passed through the first and second prism sheets342and343may have a viewing angle of about 70 degrees while having improved brightness, and travel toward the front of the backlight unit300.

The double brightness enhancement film345, which is a kind of a polarizing film, is also called a reflective polarizing film. The double brightness enhancement film345may transmit a part of incident light and reflect the remaining light. For example, the double brightness enhancement film345may transmit polarized light traveling in a predetermined polarization direction, and reflect polarized light traveling in different directions from the predetermined polarization direction.

Also, light reflected from the double brightness enhancement film345may be recycled in the inside of the backlight unit300, and due to the recycling of light, the brightness of the display apparatus100may be improved.

The protection sheet345may protect the optical sheet340from external impacts or the inflow of foreign materials.

However, components included in the optical sheet340are not limited to the above-described sheets or films, and the optical sheet340may further include various sheets or films such as a protection sheet.

Also, the order in which the diffuser sheet341, the first prism sheet342, the second prism sheet343, the double brightness enhancement film344, and the protection sheet345are stacked is not limited to that as shown inFIG. 6.

As described above, the edge-type backlight unit300may emit surface light having uniform brightness forward.

The above description relates to a backlight unit of generating uniform surface light.

Hereinafter, an image forming unit that transmits or blocks light emitted from a backlight unit to create an image will be described.

FIG. 7shows an image forming unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of a pixel included in the image forming unit shown inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, an image forming unit400according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The image forming unit400may include a first polarizing film410, a second polarizing film420, a first transparent plate430, a second transparent plate440, and a liquid crystal layer450. The first polarizing film410, the second polarizing film420, the first transparent plate430, the second transparent plate440, and the liquid crystal layer450may be stacked in the order of the second polarizing film420, the second transparent plate440, the liquid crystal layer450, the first transparent plate430, and the first polarizing film410, from the back, as shown inFIG. 7.

The first transparent plate430may be opposite to the second transparent plate440, and the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate430and the outer surface of the second transparent plate440, respectively.

Each of the first and second polarizing films410and420may transmit light traveling in a predetermined polarization direction and block light traveling in different directions from the predetermined polarization direction.

Light may be composed of a pair of an electric field and a magnetic field vibrating in a direction that is vertical to the traveling direction of the light. The electric field and the magnetic field may vibrate in all directions that are vertical to the traveling direction of the light.

A phenomenon in which an electric field or a magnetic field vibrates in a specific direction is called polarization, and a direction in which the electric field or the magnetic field vibrates is referred to as a polarization direction.

Also, a film to transmit light including an electric field or a magnetic field vibrating in a predetermined direction and block light including an electric field and a magnetic field vibrating in the other directions among light including electric fields and magnetic fields vibrating in arbitrary directions is called a polarizing film.

In other words, a polarizing film may transmit light vibrating in a predetermined polarization direction, and block light vibrating in the other directions.

The first polarizing film410may transmit light vibrating in a first polarization direction, and block light vibrating in the other directions. Also, the second polarizing film420may transmit light vibrating in a second polarization direction, and block light vibrating in the other directions.

Also, the first polarization direction may be vertical (or perpendicular) to the second polarization direction. In other words, the polarization direction of light transmitted through the first polarizing film410may be vertical to the polarization (or perpendicular) direction of light transmitted through the second polarizing film420. As a result, light cannot be transmitted through both the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420at the same time.

The liquid crystal layer450may be provided between the first transparent plate430and the second transparent plate440, and may be filled with the liquid crystal molecules451.

Liquid crystal means an intermediate state between a solid (crystal) state and a liquid state. When a material in a solid state is heated, the material changes from the solid state to a transparent liquid state at its melting temperature. However, when a liquid crystal material in a solid state is heated, the liquid crystal material changes to an opaque, turbid liquid at its melting temperature, and then changes to a transparent liquid state. The term “liquid crystal” represents a liquid crystal state which is an intermediate state between a solid state and a liquid state, or represents a material in a liquid crystal state.

Most of liquid crystal materials are organic compounds. A molecule of a liquid crystal material is in the shape of a thin rod. Also, the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal material is irregular when seen in a specific direction, but appears as a regular crystalloid pattern when seen in another direction. Accordingly, the liquid crystal has both the fluidity of a liquid and the optical anisotropy of a solid.

Also, the liquid crystal shows optical properties according to a change of an electric field. For example, the liquid crystal may change the orientation of the molecular arrangement according to a change of an electric field.

For example, if an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, the liquid crystal molecules451of the liquid crystal layer450may be aligned according to the direction of the electric field, and if no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, the liquid crystal molecules451may be twisted due to orientation layers (not shown) formed on the inner surfaces of the first transparent plate430and the second transparent plate440.

More specifically, a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules451are aligned by the orientation layer of the first transparent plate430may be vertical to a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules451are aligned by the orientation layer of the second transparent plate440. Accordingly, when no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, the liquid crystal molecules451located near the first transparent plate430may be arranged vertically with respect to the liquid crystal molecules451located near the second transparent plate440so that the liquid crystal molecules451are twisted by 90 degrees or 270 degrees in the inside of the liquid crystal layer450.

As such, since the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules451changes according to existence/absence of an electric field, the optical properties of the liquid crystal layer450may also change according to existence/absence of an electric field in the liquid crystal layer450.

For example, when an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, light polarized by the second polarizing film420cannot pass through the first polarizing film410due to the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules451in the liquid crystal layer450. In other words, when an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, light may be blocked by the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420.

Meanwhile, when no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, light polarized by the second polarizing film420can pass through the first polarizing film410due to the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules451in the liquid crystal layer450. In other words, when no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, light may be transmitted through both the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420.

As described above, when no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer450, the liquid crystal molecules451of the liquid crystal layer450may be twisted by 90 degrees or 270 degrees, and a polarization direction of light polarized by the second polarizing film420may also rotate by 90 degrees or 270 degrees according to the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules451. As a result, a polarization direction of light passed through the liquid crystal layer450may become the same as the polarization direction of the first polarizing film410.

As such, the liquid crystal layer450may change its optical properties according to existence/absence of an electric field.

As described above, the first transparent plate430may be opposite to the second transparent plate440.

The first transparent plate430may include a first transparent substrate431, a color filter432, and a transparent common electrode433, and the second transparent plate440may include a second transparent substrate441, a plurality of thin-film transistors442, and a plurality of transparent pixel electrodes443.

The first and second transparent substrates431and441may be made of tempered glass or a transparent film.

The color filter432may be disposed on the inner surface of the first transparent substrate431.

The color filter432may include a red filter432rto selectively transmit red light, a green filter432gto selectively transmit green light, and a blue filter432bto selectively transmit blue light. The red filter432r,the green filter432g,and the blue filter432bmay be arranged side by side, as shown inFIG. 8.

The color filter432may transmit light of a specific color (that is, light of a specific wavelength region) among white light emitted from the backlight unit140(seeFIG. 2), and block the other light. For example, the red filter432rmay transmit red light, and block the other light. Also, the green filter432gmay transmit green light, and block the other light, and the blue filter432bmay transmit blue light, and block the other light.

Also, the color film432may be formed to correspond to each pixel P. More specifically, the red film432rmay be formed to correspond to the red pixel R, the green film432gmay be formed to correspond to the green pixel G, and the blue film452bmay be formed to correspond to the blue pixel B.

In other words, the red pixel R may emit red light by the red filter432r,the green pixel G may emit green light by the green filter432g,and also, the blue pixel B may emit blue light by the blue filter432b.

Also, red light emitted by the red pixel R, green light emitted by the green pixel B, and blue light emitted by the blue pixel B may be combined so that the pixel P can emit light of various colors.

The transparent common electrode433may be disposed on the inner surface of the color filter432.

The transparent common electrode433may create a reference potential to form an electric field in the liquid crystal layer450. For example, the transparent common electrode433may be grounded.

The transparent common electrode433may be formed with a transparent material having low electrical resistance and light transmittance, through which electricity can flow and light can be transmitted.

For example, the transparent common electrode433may be formed with Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), Ag nano wire, carbon nano tube (CNT), graphene, or 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT).

The thin-film transistors442may be arranged on the inner surface of the second transparent substrate441.

The thin-film transistors442may control current that is supplied to the pixel electrodes443.

More specifically, if the thin-film transistors442are turned on (activated or closed), current may flow to/from the transparent pixel electrodes443according to image data. As a result, the potential of the transparent pixel electrodes443may increase or decrease so that an electric field is formed or removed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433.

For example, when image data “1” is input and the thin-film transistors442are turned on, an electric field may be formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433. Also, when image data “0” is input and the thin-film transistors442are turned on, an electric field formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433may be removed.

Also, when the thin-film transistors442are turned off (deactivated or opened), the flow of current to the transparent pixel electrodes443may be blocked. As a result, the potential of the transparent pixel electrodes443may be maintained so that a state in which an electric field is formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433may be maintained or a state in which no electric field is formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433may be maintained.

For example, if the thin-film transistors442are turned off when image data “1” is input, a state in which an electric field is formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433may be maintained. Also, if the thin-film transistors442are turned off when image data “0” is input, a state in which no electric field is formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433may be maintained.

The thin-film transistors442may be made of poly-silicon, and may be fabricated using a semiconductor process, such as lithography, deposition, or ion implantation.

As a result, the thin-film transistors442cannot transmit light, unlike the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433. Accordingly, the thin-film transistors442may be disposed between the color filters432r,432g,and432b. In other words, the thin-film transistors442may be disposed between the color pixels R, G, and B.

Each transparent pixel electrode443may be disposed between two neighboring thin-film transistors442.

As described above, the transparent pixel electrodes443may be electrically connected to the thin-film transistors442, and the potential of the transparent pixel electrodes443may change according to image data. As a result, a potential difference may be made between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433according to the image data, and due to the potential difference between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433, an electric field may be formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433.

The electric field formed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433may change the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules451in the liquid crystal layer450.

Also, the transparent pixel electrodes443may be disposed in correspondence to the locations of the color filters432r,432g,and432b,as shown inFIG. 8. As a result, electric fields may be formed at areas of the liquid crystal layer450corresponding to the locations of the color filters432r,432g,and432bso as to change the optical properties of the areas of the liquid crystal layer450corresponding to the locations of the color filters432r,432g,and432b.

In other words, the image forming unit400may transmit or block light at areas corresponding to the locations of the color filters432r,432g,and432b.Also, when light is transmitted at the areas corresponding to the locations of the color filters432r,432g,and432b,light of colors corresponding to the color filters432r,432g,and432bmay be emitted.

As described above, the inner surface of the first transparent plate430may be opposite to the inner surface of the second transparent plate440, and the liquid crystal layer450may be provided between the first transparent plate430and the second transparent plate440. Also, the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420may be respectively attached on the outer surface of the first transparent plate430and the outer surface of the second transparent plate440.

Also, the first transparent plate430may include the color filters432and the transparent common electrode433, the second transparent plate440may include the thin-film transistors442and the transparent pixel electrodes443, and an electric field may be formed in the liquid crystal layer450between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433.

At one edge of the second transparent plate440, a plurality of cables460may be disposed to provide image data to the thin-film transistors442and the transparent pixel electrodes443, as shown inFIG. 7.

One ends of the cables460may be connected to the second transparent plate440of the image forming unit400, and the other ends of the cables460may be connected to the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2).

The cables460may transfer image data output from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate440of the image forming unit400, so that the transparent pixel electrodes443and the thin-film transistors442of the second transparent plate440can form an electric field in the liquid crystal layer450according to the image data.

The cable460may be a flexible cable that can get bent when an external force is applied thereto. For example, the cable460may be a film cable, a COF, or a TCP. If the cable460is a COF or TCP, some circuits of the power/control unit160may be mounted on the cable460.

Also, the second transparent plate440may protrude downward rather than the first transparent plate430and the liquid crystal layer450, as shown inFIG. 7, and may be connected to the cables460at the protruded part.

Since the front chassis110(seeFIG. 2) included in the display apparatus100(seeFIG. 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes no bezel, the second transparent plate440protruding downward and the cables460connected to the second transparent plate440may be shown to a user.

In order to prevent a part of the second transparent plate440and a part of the cables46from being shown to a user, the first polarizing film410located at the front most part of the image forming unit400may extend downward.

Hereinafter, the protruding of the second transparent plate440and the extending of the first polarizing film410will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view of the upper edge part of the image forming unit400shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of the lower edge part of the image forming unit400shown inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the image forming unit400may be fixed by the mold frame130and the front chassis110at the edge parts. More specifically, the image forming unit400may be firmly fixed at the mold frame130by an adhesive130aapplied on the mold frame130.

Also, as shown inFIG. 9, at the upper edge part of the image forming unit400, the first polarizing film410, the first transparent plate430, the liquid crystal layer450, the second transparent plate440, and the second polarizing film420may be aligned along a first reference line RL1.

More specifically, the upper edges of the first polarizing film410, the first transparent plate430, the liquid crystal layer450, the second transparent plate440, and the second polarizing film420may be aligned, although there may be a few deviations.

Also, at the upper edge part of the image forming unit400, the inside of the image forming unit400may be not shown to the user due to the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420. In other words, no image may be displayed at the upper edge part of the image forming unit400so that the upper edge part of the image forming unit400may appear dark.

As not shown in the drawings, at the right and left edge parts of the image forming unit400, likewise, the edges of the first polarizing film410, the first transparent plate430, the liquid crystal layer450, the second transparent plate440, and the second polarizing film420may be aligned. Also, at the right and left edge parts of the image forming unit400, the inside of the image forming unit400may be not shown to the user due to the first polarizing film410and the second polarizing film420.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 10, at the lower edge part of the image forming unit400to which the cables460are connected, the first polarizing film410, the first transparent plate430, the liquid crystal layer450, the second transparent plate440, and the second polarizing film420may be not aligned.

More specifically, the first transparent plate430and the liquid crystal layer450may be aligned along a second reference line RL2, and the second transparent plate440may protrude by about a first length D1from the second reference line RL2in order to connect to the cables460.

In other words, the lower edge430bof the first transparent plate430and the lower edge450bof the liquid crystal layer450may be aligned along the second reference line RL2, and the lower edge440bof the second transparent plate440may protrude by about the first length D1downward from the second reference line RL2.

As described above, the cables460may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) disposed on the back surface of the rear chassis150(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate440. Also, the thin-film transistors442included in the second transparent plate440may be turned on or off according to the image data to transfer the image data to the transparent pixel electrodes443. Also, an electric field may be formed or removed between the transparent pixel electrodes443and the transparent common electrode433according to the image data.

Since the thin-film transistors442and the transparent pixel electrodes443are mounted on the front surface of the second transparent plate440, the second transparent plate440may protrude rather than the first transparent plate430, the liquid crystal layer450, and the second polarizing film420in order to electrically connect to the cables460.

As such, if the second transparent plate440protrudes downward rather than the first transparent plate430, the liquid crystal layer450, and the second polarizing film420, the edge part of the second transparent plate440and the cables460may be shown to a user.

Accordingly, in order to prevent the edge part of the second transparent plate440and the cables460from being shown to the user, the first polarizing film410may extend by about a second length D2from the second reference line RL2. More specifically, the first polarizing film410may extend to or close to the front chassis110. Also, the second length D2which is the extended length of the first polarizing film410may be equal to or longer than the first length D1which is the protruded length of the second transparent plate440.

As such, if the first polarizing film410extends to or close to the front chassis110, the lower edge410bof the first polarizing film410may contact the front chassis110, or may be disposed adjacent to the front chassis110, as shown inFIG. 10.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate440included in the image forming unit400may protrude downward to contact the cables460, and the first polarizing film410may extend downward close to the front chassis110so that the protruded part of the second transparent plate440and the cables460are not shown to a user.

As such, since the front chassis110has no bezel, a user's sense of immersion in images displayed on the screen102(seeFIG. 1) can be improved.

Also, since the first polarizing film410disposed at the front most part of the image forming unit400extends downward, the user cannot recognize the protruded part of the second transparent plate440and the cables460.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate440including the thin-film transistors442and the transparent pixel electrodes443may be provided behind the liquid crystal layer450. However, the second transparent plate440may be provided in front of the liquid crystal layer450.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables460may be connected to the second transparent plate440at the lower edge part of the image forming unit400. However, the cables460may be connected to the second transparent plate440at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit400.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate440may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film410may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate440may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables460, and the first polarizing film410may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate440protrudes.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 11, an image forming unit500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film510, a second polarizing film520, a first transparent plate530, a second transparent plate540, and a liquid crystal layer550.

The first transparent plate530may be opposite to the second transparent plate540, and the first polarizing film510and the second polarizing film520may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate530and the outer surface of the second transparent plate540, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer550may be provided between the first transparent plate530and the second transparent plate540.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate540, a plurality of cables560may be provided. The cables560may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate540, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate540at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate540.

Also, the second transparent plate540may protrude downward rather than the first transparent plate530and the liquid crystal layer550in order to connect to the cables560. For example, the lower edge530aof the first transparent plate530and the lower edge550aof the liquid crystal layer550may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge540aof the second transparent plate540may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate540and the cables560from being shown to the user, the first polarizing film510may extend by about a second length D2from the reference line RL. The first polarizing film510may extend to or close to the front chassis110. Also, the second length D2may be equal to or longer than the first length D1by which the second transparent plate540protrudes.

Also, in order to completely block light at the protruded part of the second transparent plate540, a third polarizing film570may be disposed on the rear surface of the lower edge510aof the first polarizing film510. For example, as shown inFIG. 11, the third polarizing film570may be attached on the rear surface of the first polarizing film510.

The width of the third polarizing film570may correspond to the second length D2by which the first polarizing film510extends from the first transparent plate530and the liquid crystal layer550. In other words, the third polarizing film570may be attached between the lower edge510aof the first polarizing film510and the lower edge530aof the first transparent plate530.

As another example, the width of the third polarizing film570may correspond to the first length D1by which the second transparent plate540protrudes from the first transparent plate530and the liquid crystal layer550. In other words, the third polarizing film570may be attached between the lower edge540aof the second transparent plate540and the lower edge530aof the first transparent plate530.

Also, the width of the third polarizing film570may correspond to an arbitrary length between the second length D2and the first length D1.

The polarization direction of the third polarizing film570may be vertical to that of the first polarizing film510. In other words, the polarization direction of the third polarizing film570may be the same as that of the second polarizing film520.

If the third polarizing film570is provided at the extended part of the first polarizing film510, light can be completely blocked at the extended part of the first polarizing film510due to the first polarizing film510and the third polarizing film570.

Also, the protruded part of the second transparent plate540and the cables560may be not shown to the user due to the first polarizing film510and the third polarizing film570.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate540included in the image forming unit500may protrude downward to contact the cables560, and the first polarizing film510may extend downward close to the front chassis110so that the protruded part of the second transparent plate540and the cables560are not shown to the user.

Also, at the extended part of the first polarizing film510, the third polarizing film570having a polarization direction that is vertical to the polarization direction of the first polarizing film510may be provided. As a result, the protruded part of the second transparent plate540and the cables560may be not shown to the user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate540is disposed behind the liquid crystal layer550. However, the second transparent plate540may be disposed in front of the liquid crystal layer550.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables560may be connected to the second transparent plate540at the lower edge part of the image forming unit500. However, the cables550may be connected to the second transparent plate540at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit500.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate540may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film510may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate540may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables560, and the first polarizing film510may extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate540protrudes.

FIGS. 12 and 13are cross-sectional views of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 12, an image forming unit600according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film610, a second polarizing film620, a first transparent plate630, a second transparent plate640, and a liquid crystal layer650.

The first transparent plate630may be opposite to the second transparent plate640, and the first polarizing film610and the second polarizing film620may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate630and the outer surface of the second transparent plate640, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer650may be disposed between the first transparent plate630and the second transparent plate640.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate640, a plurality of cables660may be provided. The cables660may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate640, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate640at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate640.

Also, the second transparent plate640may protrude downward rather than the first transparent plate630and the liquid crystal layer650in order to connect to the cables660. For example, the lower edge630aof the first transparent plate630and the lower edge650aof the liquid crystal layer650may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge640aof the second transparent plate640may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate640and the cables660from being shown to a user, the first polarizing film610may extend by about a second length D2from the reference line RL. The first polarizing film610may extend to or close to the front chassis110. Also, the second length D2may be equal to or longer than the first length D1by which the second transparent plate640protrudes.

Also, in order to completely block light at the protruded part of the second transparent plate640, a third polarizing film670may be disposed on the rear surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film610.

For example, the third polarizing film670may be attached on the rear surface of the first polarizing film610, as shown inFIG. 12, or on the front surface of the first polarizing film610, as shown inFIG. 13.

The width of the third polarizing film670may correspond to the second length D2by which the first polarizing film610extends from the first transparent plate630and the liquid crystal layer650, or may correspond to the first length D1by which the second transparent plate640protrudes from the first transparent plate630and the liquid crystal layer650. Also, the width of the third polarizing film670may correspond to an arbitrary length between the second length D2and the first length D1.

The polarization direction of the third polarizing film670may be vertical to the polarization direction of the first polarizing film610. Accordingly, due to the third polarizing film670having a polarization direction that is vertical to that of the first polarizing film610, light may be blocked at the extended part of the first polarizing film610.

Also, the cables660may contact a portion of the protruded part of the second transparent plate640. Accordingly, a step and a color difference may be made between the protruded part of the second transparent plate640and the cables660. Due to the step and color difference, the boundary line between the protruded part of the second transparent plate640and the cables660may be shown to a user.

In order to prevent the boundary line between the protruded part of the second transparent plate640and the cables660from being shown to the user, a dummy film680may be mounted at an area of the protruded part of the second transparent plate640on which the cables660are not mounted.

The dummy film680may be positioned between the lower edge650aof the liquid crystal layer650and the cables660.

The thickness of the dummy film680may be the same as that of the cables680, and the color of the dummy film680may also be the same as or similar to that of the cables660. As such, by providing the dummy film680having a thickness and color similar to those of the cables660, the user may not recognize the boundary line between the dummy film660and the cables660.

The first polarizing film610may be formed with a flexible material, and the extended part of the first polarizing film610may get bent when an external force is applied thereto.

In order to prevent the extended part of the first polarizing film610from getting bent when an external force is applied thereto, a support material690may be filled between the first polarizing film610/the third polarizing film670and the dummy film680/the cables660.

The support material690may support the first polarizing film610and the third polarizing film670. Also, when the third polarizing film670is attached on the rear surface of the first polarizing film610, as shown inFIG. 12, the support material690may fix the third polarizing film670at the first polarizing film610.

Also, the support material690may fix the dummy film680and the cables660on the second transparent plate640so that the dummy film680and the cables660do not deviate from the second transparent plate640.

Also, in some cases, the support material690may block light at the extended part of the first polarizing film610.

The support material690may be silicon, poron (microcellular urethane foam), an adhesive, or the like. However, the support material690may be any other material as long as it can support the first polarizing film610and the third polarizing film670.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate640included in the image forming unit600may protrude downward to contact the cables660, and the first polarizing film610may extend downward close to the front chassis110so that the protruded part of the second transparent plate640and the cables660are not shown to a user.

Also, at the extended part of the first polarizing film610, the third polarizing film670having a polarization direction that is vertical to the polarization direction of the first polarizing film610may be provided. As a result, the protruded part of the second transparent plate640and the cables660may be not shown to the user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate640is disposed behind the liquid crystal layer650. However, the second transparent plate640may be disposed in front of the liquid crystal layer650.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables660may be connected to the second transparent plate640at the lower edge part of the image forming unit600. However, the cables660may be connected to the second transparent plate640at the upper, right, or left edge parts of the image forming unit600.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate640may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film610may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate640may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables660, and the first polarizing film610may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to a direction in which the second transparent plate640protrudes.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 14, an image forming unit700according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film710, a second polarizing film720, a first transparent plate730, a second transparent plate740, and a liquid crystal layer750.

The first transparent plate730may be opposite to the second transparent plate740, and the first polarizing film710and the second polarizing film720may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate730and the outer surface of the second transparent plate740, respectively.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate740, a plurality of cables760may be provided. The cables760may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate740, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate740at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate740.

Also, the second transparent plate740may protrude downward rather than the first transparent plate730and the liquid crystal layer750in order to connect to the cables760. For example, the lower edge730aof the first transparent plate730and the lower edge750aof the liquid crystal layer750may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge740aof the second transparent plate740may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate740and the cables760from being shown to a user, the first polarizing film710may extend by about a second length D2from the reference line RL. The first polarizing film710may extend to or close to the front chassis110. Also, the second length D2may be equal to or longer than the first length D1by which the second transparent plate740protrudes.

Also, in order to completely block light at the protruded part of the second transparent plate740, a shading material770may be filled between the first polarizing film710and the second transparent plate740.

Since the shading material770filled between the first polarizing film710and the second transparent plate740can completely block light passed through the first polarizing film710, the user may not recognize the protruded part of the second transparent plate740and the cables760.

Also, the shading material770may prevent the extended part of the first polarizing film710from getting bent or the cables760from deviating from the second transparent plate740by an external force.

Since the first polarizing film710is formed with a flexible material, the extended part of the first polarizing film710may get bent when an external force is applied thereto. Also, since the cables760are pressed to be fixed at the second transparent plate740, in some cases, the cables760may deviate from the second transparent plate740.

Since the shading material770fills space between the first polarizing film710and the second transparent plate740, the first polarizing film710can be supported by the shading material770, and the cables760can be more firmly fixed on the second transparent plate740by the shading material770.

A degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films710and720may be different from a degree at which light is blocked by the shading material770. Accordingly, a boundary line between a part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films710and720and a part in which light is blocked by the shading material770may be recognized by the user.

Accordingly, the shading material770may be a material capable of blocking light to a degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films710and720.

For example, the shading material770may be a black ultraviolet curing agent. The black ultraviolet curing agent may show a color that is similar to that shown when light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films710and720. Accordingly, if the black ultraviolet curing agent is used as the shading material770, the boundary line between the part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films710and720and the part in which light is blocked by the shading material770may be not recognized by the user.

The black ultraviolet curing agent may be filled between the first polarizing film710and the second transparent plate740by an injection and exposure process. For example, a black ultraviolet curing agent in a liquid state may be injected between the first polarizing film710and the second transparent plate740through a nozzle or the like, and then, ultraviolet light may be irradiated on an area to which the black ultraviolet curing agent in the liquid state is injected so as to harden the black ultraviolet curing agent.

However, the shading material770is not limited to the black ultraviolet curing agent, and various kinds of materials including a black poron and a black adhesive, capable of blocking light, may be used as the shading material770.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate740included in the image forming unit700may protrude downward to contact the cables760, and the first polarizing film710may extend downward close to the front chassis110so that the protruded part of the second transparent plate740and the cables760are not shown to a user.

Also, the shading material770may be provided between the extended part of the first polarizing film710and the protruded part of the second transparent plate740. As a result, the protruded part of the second transparent plate740and the cables760may be not recognized by the user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate740may be disposed behind the liquid crystal layer750. However, the second transparent plate740may be disposed in front of the liquid crystal layer750.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables760may be connected to the second transparent plate740at the lower edge part of the image forming unit700, however, the cables760may be connected to the second transparent plate740at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit700.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate740may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film710may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate740may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the position of the cables760, and the first polarizing film710may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate740protrudes.

FIGS. 15 and 16are cross-sectional views of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, an image forming unit800according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film810, a second polarizing film820, a first transparent plate830, a second transparent plate840, and a liquid crystal layer850.

The first transparent plate830may be opposite to the second transparent plate840, and the first polarizing film810and the second polarizing film820may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate830and the outer surface of the second transparent plate840, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer850may be disposed between the first transparent plate830and the second transparent plate840.

A plurality of cables860may be provided at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate840. The cables860may transfer image data output from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate840, and be electrically connected to the second transparent plate840at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate840.

Also, the second transparent plate840may protrude downward rather than the first transparent plate830and the liquid crystal layer850, in order to connect to the cables860. For example, the lower edge830aof the first transparent plate830and the lower edge850aof the liquid crystal layer850may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge840aof the second transparent plate840may protrude by about a first length D1downward from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate840and the cables860from being shown to a user, the first polarizing film810may extend by about a second length D2from the reference line RL. The first polarizing film810may extend to or close to the front chassis110. Also, the second length D2may be equal to or longer than the first length D1by which the second transparent plate840protrudes.

Also, in order to completely block light at the protruded part of the second transparent plate840, a shading material870may be applied on the extended part of the first polarizing film810. For example, the shading material870may be applied on the front surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film810, as shown inFIG. 15, or on the rear surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film810, as shown inFIG. 16.

Since the shading material870can completely block light passed through the first polarizing film810, the user can recognize neither the protruded part of the second transparent plate840nor the cables860.

A degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films810and820may be different from a degree at which light is blocked by the shading material870. Accordingly, a boundary line between a part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films810and820and a part in which light is blocked by the shading material870may be recognized by the user.

Accordingly, the shading material870may be a material capable of blocking light to a degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films810and820.

For example, the shading material870may be a black ultraviolet curing agent. The black ultraviolet curing agent may show a color that is similar to that shown when light is blocked by the first polarizing film810and the second polarizing film820. Accordingly, if the black ultraviolet curing agent is used as the shading material870, the boundary line between the part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films810and820and the part in which light is blocked by the shading material870may be not recognized by the user.

The black ultraviolet curing agent may be applied on the front or rear surface of the first polarizing film810by coating and exposure processes. For example, a print process or a spray process may be performed to coat a black ultraviolet curing agent in a liquid state on the front or rear surface of the first polarizing film510, and then, ultraviolet light may be irradiated on an area on which the black ultraviolet curing agent in the liquid state is coated so as to harden the black ultraviolet curing agent.

The first polarizing film810may be formed with a flexible material, and the extended part of the first polarizing film810may get bent when an external force is applied thereto. Also, since the cables860are pressed to be fixed at the second transparent plate840, the cables860may deviate from the second transparent plate840.

In order to prevent the extended part of the first polarizing film810from getting bent or the cables860from deviating from the second transparent plate840by an external force, a support material880may be filled between the first polarizing film810and the second transparent plate840.

Since the support material880fills space between the first polarizing film810and the second transparent plate840, the first polarizing film810can be supported by the support material880, and the cables860can be more firmly fixed on the second transparent plate840by the support material880.

Also, the support material880may block light in the extended part of the first polarizing film810.

The support material880may be silicon, poron, an adhesive, or the like. However, the support material880may be any other material as long as it can support the first polarizing film810.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate840included in the image forming unit800may protrude downward to contact the cables860, and the first polarizing film810may extend downward close to the front chassis110so that the protruded part of the second transparent plate840and the cables860are not shown to a user.

Also, a shading material870may be applied on the front or rear surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film810. As a result, the protruded part of the second transparent plate840and the cables860may be not recognized by the user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate840is provided behind the liquid crystal layer850. However, the second transparent plate840may be provided in front of the liquid crystal layer850.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables860may be connected to the second transparent plate840at the lower edge part of the image forming unit800. However, the cables860may be connected to the second transparent plate840at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit800.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate840may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film810may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate840may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables860, and the first polarizing film810may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate840protrudes.

FIGS. 17 and 18are cross-sectional views of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, an image forming unit900according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film910, a second polarizing film920, a first transparent plate930, a second transparent plate940, and a liquid crystal layer950.

The first transparent plate930may be opposite to the second transparent plate940, and the first polarizing film910and the second polarizing film920may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate930and the outer surface of the second transparent plate940, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer950may be provided between the first transparent plate930and the second transparent plate940.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate940, a plurality of cables960may be provided. The cables960may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate940, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate940at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate940.

Also, the second transparent plate940may protrude downward rather than the first transparent plate930and the liquid crystal layer950in order to connect to the cables560. For example, the lower edge930aof the first transparent plate930and the lower edge950aof the liquid crystal layer950may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge940aof the second transparent plate940may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate540and the cables960from being shown to the user, the first polarizing film910may extend by about a second length D2from the reference line RL. The first polarizing film910may extend to or close to the front chassis110. Also, the second length D2may be equal to or longer than the first length D1by which the second transparent plate940protrudes.

Also, in order to completely block light at the protruded part of the second transparent plate940, a shading film970may be disposed on the extended part of the first polarizing film910. For example, the shading film970may be attached on the front surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film910, as shown inFIG. 17, or on the rear surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film910, as shown inFIG. 18.

Since the shading film970can completely block light passed through the first polarizing film910, the user may not recognize the protruded part of the second transparent plate940and the cables960.

A degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films910and920may be different from a degree at which light is blocked by the shading film970. Accordingly, a boundary line between a part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films910and920and a part in which light is blocked by the shading film970may be recognized by a user.

Accordingly, the shading film970may be a material capable of blocking light to a degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films910and920.

The shading film970may be a black polymer film. For example, the shading film970may be a black polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a black polyester film, a black polycarbonate (PC) film, a black polyethylene (PE) film, or the like.

Such a black polymer film may show a color that is similar to that shown when light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films910and920. Accordingly, if a block polymer film is used as the shading film970, the boundary line between the part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films910and920and the part in which light is blocked by the shading film970may be not recognized by the user.

The first polarizing film910and the shading film970may be formed with a flexible material. Accordingly, the extended part of the first polarizing film710and the shading film970may get bent when an external force is applied thereto. Also, since the cables960are pressed to be fixed at the second transparent plate940, the cables960may deviate from the second transparent plate940.

In order to prevent the extended part of the first polarizing film910from getting bent or the cables960from deviating from the second transparent plate940by an external force, a support material980may be filled between the first polarizing film910and the second transparent plate940.

The support material980may block light at the extended part of the first polarizing film910.

The support material980may be silicon, poron, an adhesive, or the like. However, the support material980may be any other material as long as it can support the first polarizing film910.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate940included in the image forming unit900may protrude downward to contact the cables960, and the first polarizing film910may extend downward close to the front chassis110so that the protruded part of the second transparent plate940and the cables960are not shown to a user.

Also, a shading film970may be applied on the front or rear surface of the extended part of the first polarizing film910. As a result, the protruded part of the second transparent plate940and the cables960may be not recognized by the user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate940is provided behind the liquid crystal layer850. However, the second transparent plate940may be provided in front of the liquid crystal layer950.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables960may be connected to the second transparent plate940at the lower edge part of the image forming unit900. However, the cables960may be connected to the second transparent plate940at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit900.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plat940may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film910may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate940may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables960, and the first polarizing film910may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate940protrudes.

FIGS. 19 and 20are cross-sectional views of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 19 and 20, an image forming unit1000according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film1010, a second polarizing film1020, a first transparent plate1030, a second transparent plate1040, and a liquid crystal layer1050.

The first transparent plate1030may be opposite to the second transparent plate1040, and the first polarizing film1010and the second polarizing film1020may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate1030and the outer surface of the second transparent plate1040, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer1050may be provided between the first transparent plate1030and the second transparent plate1040.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate1040, a plurality of cables1060may be provided. The cables1060may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate1040, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate1040at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate1040.

Also, the second transparent plate1040may protrude downward rather than the first polarizing film1010, the first transparent plate1030, and the liquid crystal layer1050in order to connect to the cables1060. For example, the lower edge1010aof the first polarizing film1010, the lower edge1030aof the first transparent plate1030, and the lower edge1050aof the liquid crystal layer1050may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge1040aof the second transparent plate1040may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040and the cables1060from being shown to a user, a shading member1070may be provided at the lower part of the first polarizing film1010.

More specifically, the shading member1070may be provided between the lower edge1010aof the first polarizing film1010and the front chassis110. The width of the shading member1070may be a first length D1that is the width of the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040, or may be a second length D2that is longer than the width of the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040.

The shading member1070may include a third polarizing film1071and a fourth polarizing film1072. The third polarizing film1071may face the fourth polarizing film1072. For example, as shown inFIG. 19, the fourth polarizing film1072may be located in front of the third polarizing film1071such that the rear surface of the fourth polarizing film1072contacts the front surface of the third polarizing film1071. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 20, the third polarizing film1071may be located in front of the fourth polarizing film1072such that the rear surface of the third polarizing film1071contacts the front surface of the fourth polarizing film1072.

Also, the polarization direction of the third polarizing film1071may be vertical to the polarization direction of the fourth polarizing film1072. For example, the polarization direction of the third polarizing film1071may be the same as that of the second polarizing film1020, and the polarization direction of the fourth polarizing film1072may be the same as that of the first polarizing film1010. Accordingly, light may be blocked by the third polarizing film1071and the fourth polarizing film1072.

Also, the cables1060may contact a part of the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040. Accordingly, a step and a color difference may be made between the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040and the cables1060. Due to the step and color difference, the boundary line between the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040and the cables1060may be shown to a user.

In order to prevent the boundary line between the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040and the cables1060from being shown to the user, a dummy film1080may be mounted at an area of the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040on which the cables1060are not mounted.

The dummy film1080may be positioned between the lower edge1050aof the liquid crystal layer1050and the cables1060.

The thickness of the dummy film1080may be the same as that of the cables1080, and the color of the dummy film1080may also be the same as or similar to that of the cables1060. As such, by providing the dummy film1080having a thickness and color similar to those of the cables1060, the user may not recognize the boundary line between the dummy film1060and the cables1060.

In order to support the shading member1070, a support material1090may be filled between the shading member1070and the dummy film1080/cables1060.

The support material1090may support the shading member1070, and may fix the dummy film1080and the cables1060on the second transparent plate1040so that the dummy film1080and the cables1060do not deviate from the second transparent plate1040.

Also, in some cases, the support material1090may block light at an area in which the shading member1070is provided.

The support material1090may be silicon, poron, an adhesive, or the like. However, the support material1090may be any other material as long as it can support the shading member1070.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate1040included in the image forming unit1000may protrude downward to contact the cables1060, and the shading member1070may be provided to correspond to the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040. The shading member1070may include the third polarizing film1071and the fourth polarizing film1072, wherein the polarization direction of the third polarizing film1071is vertical to the polarization direction of the fourth polarizing film1072. As a result, due to the shading member1070, the protruded part of the second transparent plate1040and the cables1060may be not recognized by a user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate1040may be provided behind the liquid crystal layer1050, however, the second transparent plate1040may be provided in front of the liquid crystal layer1050.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables1060may be connected to the second transparent plate1040at the lower edge part of the image forming unit1000, however, the cables1060may be connected to the second transparent plate440at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit1000.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate1040may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film1010may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate1040may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables1060, and the first polarizing film1010may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate1040protrudes.

FIG. 21is a cross-sectional view of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 21, an image forming unit1100may include a first polarizing film1110, a second polarizing film1120, a first transparent plate1130, a second transparent plate1140, and a liquid crystal layer1150.

The first transparent plate1130may be opposite to the second transparent plate1140, and the first polarizing film1110and the second polarizing film1120may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate1130and the outer surface of the second transparent plate1140, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer1150may be provided between the first transparent plate1130and the second transparent plate1140.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate1140, a plurality of cables1160may be provided. The cables1160may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate1140, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate1140at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate1140.

Also, the second transparent plate1140may protrude downward rather than the first polarizing film1110, the first transparent plate1130, and the liquid crystal layer1150in order to connect to the cables1160. For example, the lower edge1110aof the first polarizing film1110, the lower edge1130aof the first transparent plate1130, and the lower edge1150aof the liquid crystal layer1150may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge1140aof the second transparent plate1140may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate1140and the cables1160from being shown to a user, a shading material1170may be filled between the image forming unit1100and the front chassis110.

Since the shading material1170blocks light between the image forming unit1100and the front chassis110, the user may not recognize the protruded part of the second transparent plate1140and the cables1160.

Also, since the shading material1170fills space between the image forming unit1100and the front chassis110, the image forming unit1100may be firmly fixed at the front chassis110.

A degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1110and1120may be different from a degree at which light is blocked by the shading material1170. Accordingly, a boundary line between a part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1110and1120and a part in which light is blocked by the shading material1170may be recognized by a user.

Accordingly, the shading material1170may be a material capable of blocking light to a degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1110and1120.

For example, the shading material1170may be a black ultraviolet curing agent. The black ultraviolet curing agent may show a color that is similar to that shown when light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1110and1120. Accordingly, if the black ultraviolet curing agent is used as the shading material1170, the boundary line between the part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1110and1120and the part in which light is blocked by the shading material1170may be not recognized by the user.

The black ultraviolet curing agent may be filled between the image forming unit1100and the front chassis110by an injection and exposure process. For example, a black ultraviolet curing agent in a liquid state may be injected between the image forming unit1100and the front chassis110through a nozzle or the like, and then, ultraviolet light may be irradiated on an area to which the black ultraviolet curing agent in the liquid state is injected so as to harden the black ultraviolet curing agent.

However, the shading material1170is not limited to the black ultraviolet curing agent, and various kinds of materials including a black poron and a black adhesive, capable of blocking light, may be used as the shading material1170.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate1140included in the image forming unit1100may protrude downward to contact the cables1160, and the shading material1170may be provided between the image forming unit1100and the front chassis110. As a result, the protruded part of the second transparent plate1140and the cables1160may be not shown to a user.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate1140may be provided behind the liquid crystal layer1150. However, the second transparent plate1140may be provided in front of the liquid crystal layer1150.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables1160may be connected to the second transparent plate1140at the lower edge part of the image forming unit1100. However, the cables1160may be connected to the second transparent plate1140at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit1100.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate1140may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film1110may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate1140may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables1160, and the first polarizing film1110may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate1140protrudes.

FIG. 22is a cross-sectional view of the lower edge part of an image forming unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 22, an image forming unit1200according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first polarizing film1210, a second polarizing film1220, a first transparent plate1230, a second transparent plate1240, and a liquid crystal layer1250.

The first transparent plate1230may be opposite to the second transparent plate1240, and the first polarizing film1210and the second polarizing film1220may be disposed on the outer surface of the first transparent plate1230and the outer surface of the second transparent plate1240, respectively. Also, the liquid crystal layer1250may be provided between the first transparent plate1230and the second transparent plate1240.

At the lower edge part of the second transparent plate1240, a plurality of cables1260may be provided. The cables1260may transmit image data from the power/control unit160(seeFIG. 2) to the second transparent plate1240, and may electrically connect to the second transparent plate1240at the lower edge part of the second transparent plate1240.

Also, the second transparent plate1240may protrude downward rather than the first polarizing film1210, the first transparent plate1230, and the liquid crystal layer1250in order to connect to the cables1260. For example, the lower edge1210aof the first polarizing film1210, the lower edge1230aof the first transparent plate1230, and the lower edge1250aof the liquid crystal layer550may be aligned along a reference line RL, and the lower edge1240aof the second transparent plate1240may protrude downward by about a first length D1from the reference line RL.

Also, in order to prevent the protruded part of the second transparent plate1240and the cables1260from being shown to a user, a shading film1270may be provided below the first polarizing film1210.

More specifically, the shading film1270may be provided between the lower edge1210aof the first polarizing film1210and the front chassis110. The width of the shading member1270may be a first length D1that is the width of the protruded part of the second transparent plate1240, or may be a second length D2that is longer than the width of the protruded part of the second transparent plate1240.

Since the shading film1270can block light, a user may not recognize the protruded part of the second transparent plate1240and the cables1260.

A degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1210and1220may be different from a degree at which light is blocked by the shading film1270. Accordingly, a boundary line between a part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1210and1220and a part in which light is blocked by the shading film1270may be recognized by a user.

Accordingly, the shading film1270may be a material capable of blocking light to a degree at which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1210and1220.

The shading film1270may be a black polymer film. For example, the shading film1270may be a black PET film, a black polyester film, a black PC film, a black PE film, or the like.

Such a black polymer film may show a color that is similar to that shown when light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1210and1220. Accordingly, if a block polymer film is used as the shading film1270, the boundary line between the part in which light is blocked by the first and second polarizing films1210and1220and the part in which light is blocked by the shading film1270may be not recognized by a user.

Also, in order to support the shading film1270, a support material1290may be filled between the shading film1270and the second transparent plate1240.

The support material1290may support the shading film1270, and may fix the cables1260on the second transparent plate1240so that the dummy film1080and the cables1060do not deviate from the second transparent plate1240.

Also, in some cases, the support material1290may block light at an area in which the shading film1270is provided.

The support material1290may be silicon, poron, an adhesive, or the like. However, the support material1290may be any other material as long as it can support the shading member1270.

As described above, in the display apparatus100including the front chassis110having no bezel, the second transparent plate1240included in the image forming unit1200may protrude downward to contact the cables1260, and the shading film1270for blocking light may be provided to correspond to the protruded part of the second transparent plate1240. As a result, a user may not recognize the protruded part of the second transparent plate1240and the cables1260.

In the current embodiment, the second transparent plate1240may be provided behind the liquid crystal layer1250, however, the second transparent plate1240may be provided in front of the liquid crystal layer1250.

Also, in the current embodiment, the cables1260may be connected to the second transparent plate1240at the lower edge part of the image forming unit1200, however, the cables1260may be connected to the second transparent plate1240at the upper, right, or left edge part of the image forming unit1200.

Also, in the current embodiment, the second transparent plate1240may protrude downward, and the first polarizing film1210may also extend downward. However, the second transparent plate1240may protrude upward, rightward, or leftward according to the location of the cables1260, and the first polarizing film1210may also extend upward, rightward, or leftward according to the direction in which the second transparent plate1240protrudes.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a bezel-less display apparatus may be provided.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bezel-less display apparatus whose internal components are not shown to the outside may be provided.

According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a bezel-less display apparatus in which cables of connecting an image forming unit to a power/control unit are not shown to the outside may be provided.