Patent Publication Number: US-7901231-B2

Title: Lamp holding unit

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/037,678, filed on Feb. 26, 2008, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 2007-19777, filed on Feb. 27, 2007, and Korean Patent Application No. 2007-19778, filed on Feb. 27, 2007, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a lamp holding unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lamp holding unit used for a backlight assembly to decrease defects such as noise or spark caused by mal-connection. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A liquid crystal display television (LCD-TV) receiver set, in general, requires high luminance. Thus, the LCD-TV receiver set includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps. For example, an LCD device having a screen size of less than about 37 inches includes an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), and an LCD device having a screen size of more than about 37 inches includes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). 
     A lamp holding unit is used for holding the fluorescent lamps, and connects the fluorescent lamps to wires. A conventional lamp holding unit is disclosed in a Korean Patent Application 2005-66019. 
       FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a conventional lamp holding unit of a related art. 
     The conventional lamp holding unit  200  holds the lamp using an elastic strength of an inner plate  212  and an outer plate  214 . However, the inner and outer plates  212  and  214  are formed by a thin metal plate having a thickness of about 0.15 mm, so that the inner and outer plates  212  and  214  do not have enough elastic strength to securely hold the lamp. Thus, the lamp may be separated from the lamp holding unit  200  by an external impact during or after assembling processes. Also, electric connection between the lamp and the lamp holding unit  200  may be deteriorated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a lamp holding unit used for a backlight assembly to decrease defects such as noise or spark caused by mal-connection. 
     A lamp holding unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a coupling terminal and a main body. The coupling terminal includes a coupling plate extended in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of a lamp. The coupling plate has a cutout portion to receive a lead line of the lamp so that the cutout portion of the coupling plate making contact with the lead line. The main body is coupled with the coupling terminal and guiding the lamp. 
     The lamp holding unit may further include a securing part connected to the main body to press a side of the coupling terminal, so that the lead line is securely combined with the coupling terminal. 
     The coupling terminal may further include two horizontal plates spaced apart from each other and extended in the longitudinal direction, two coupling plates extended from the horizontal plates, respectively, and a connecting plate that connects upper surfaces of the coupling plates. A slit may be formed through the connecting plate to guide the lead line. 
     The coupling plates and the connecting plate may form a U-shape when viewed from a side of the lamp holding unit. 
     A cutting slit may be formed through the coupling plate under the lead line. 
     A lamp holding unit in accordance another embodiment of the present invention includes a coupling terminal, a main body and a securing part. The coupling terminal includes a coupling plate extended in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of a lamp. The coupling plate has a cutout portion to receive a lead line of the lamp so that the coupling plate making contact with the lead line. The main body is coupled with the coupling terminal and guiding the lamp. The securing part is connected to the main body, so that the lead line is securely combined with the coupling terminal. 
     The securing part may press a side of the coupling terminal. 
     The coupling plate may include a compressing portion that has a stepwise shape. 
     The securing part may press the lead line from an upper portion of the cutout portion. 
     A lamp holding unit in accordance with still another aspect of the present invention includes a coupling terminal and a main body. The coupling terminal includes a plurality of coupling plates extended in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of a lamp, and a connecting plate that connects the coupling plates. Each of the coupling plates has a cutout portion to receive a lead line of the lamp so that the cutout portions of the coupling plates making contact with the lead line. The coupling plates and the connecting plate form a U-shape when viewed from a side of the lamp holding unit. The main body is coupled with the coupling terminal and guiding the lamp. 
     The coupling terminal may further include a plurality of horizontal plates connected to the coupling plates, respectively. 
     The connecting plate connects upper surfaces of the coupling plates, and a slit is formed through the connecting plate to guide the lead line. 
     A lamp holding unit in accordance with further still another aspect of the present invention includes a conductive base and a cover. The conductive base includes a base plate including metal, and a plurality of coupling terminals protruded from the base plate. The coupling terminals are spaced apart from each other. A cutout portion is formed through an upper portion of each of the coupling terminals. A lead line of a lamp is received in the coupling portion so that the lead line is electrically connected to the conductive base. The cover is received on the conductive base. A throughhole is formed through the cover corresponding to each of the coupling terminals to guide the lead line. 
     Sides of the base plate may be folded to form U-shape with respect to a longitudinal direction of the lamp, and the coupling terminals may be integrally formed with the base plate. 
     A plurality of holes may be spaced apart from each other is formed through the folded side of the base plate. 
     An upper corner of each of the coupling terminals may be chamfered. 
     A cutting slit may be formed through each of the coupling terminals under the lead line. 
     The cover may include an upper plate having an extended shape, a first side plate bent toward a lower portion of the lamp holding unit and having the throughhole, and a second side plate bent toward the lower portion of the lamp holding unit. 
     The cover may include a synthetic resin. 
     The cover may further have a plurality of compressing portions that surround the chamfered corners of the coupling terminals and press the chamfered corners. 
     The cover may further include a partition wall interposed between adjacent compressing portions, and the partition wall is integrally formed with the upper plate. 
     A plurality of protrusions may be formed on the first and second side plates corresponding to the holes of the base plate, and the protrusions may be received in the holes of the base plate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a lamp holding unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially cutout perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are perspective views illustrating a method of assembling a backlight assembly having the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a coupling terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a coupling terminal in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a lamp holding unit in accordance with further still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a partially cutout perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′ shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D′ shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 16A to 16C  are perspective views illustrating a method of assembling a backlight assembly having the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lamp holding unit in accordance with further still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view illustrating a backlight assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a conventional lamp holding unit of a related art. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a lamp holding unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lamp holding unit  10  includes a main body  20 , a coupling terminal  30  and a securing part  40 . The main body  20  connects the coupling terminal  30  to a lead line  110  of a fluorescent lamp  100 . The main body  20  has a box shape, and an upper portion of the main body  20  is opened. A throughhole  27  is formed through the main body  20  to receive the coupling terminal  30  in the throughhole  27 . A lamp supporting hole  25  is formed on a side of the main body  20  to support the fluorescent lamp  100 . 
     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a first divided space  21  and a second divided space  22  are formed in the main body  20  by a partition wall  26 . The lamp supporting hole  25  for supporting the fluorescent lamp  100  is formed on a side of the first divided space  21 , and a lead supporting hole  23  is formed on an upper portion of the partition wall  26  to support the lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100 . 
     The throughhole  27  is formed in the second divided space  22  adjacent to the partition wall  26  to receive the coupling terminal  30 . A hole  24  is formed adjacent to the second divided space  22  to receive a protrusion  44  of the cap  40 . Also, a guiding groove  265  is formed on the partition wall  26  in the second divided space  22  along a vertical direction. 
     A compressing portion  43  is formed on an inner surface in the second divided space  22  of the main body  20  to presses two sides of a connecting plate  33  of the coupling terminal  30  which is disposed under the compressing portion  43 . 
     For example, a metal plate is bent to form the coupling terminal  30  having a horizontal plate  32 , a coupling plate  31  and the connecting plate  33 . The connecting plate  33  has a plate shape. For example, two coupling plates  31  are bent from two sides of the connecting plate  33  toward a lower portion of the lamp holding unit  10 . The horizontal plate  32  is protruded from a lower side of the coupling plate  31  toward an exterior to the coupling terminal  30 . 
     A cutout portion  35  is formed on an upper portion of the coupling plate  31  connected to the connecting plate  33 . The lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100  is received in the cutout portion  35 . A slit  340  is formed through the connecting plate  33  to connect the cutout portions  35  through the slit  340 , so that the lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100  is received in cutout holes  353  of the cutout portion  35 . An upper portion of the cutout portion  35  has a guiding surface  355  that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that the lead line  110  may be easily received in the cutout hole  353 . 
     A cutting slit  351  is formed through the coupling plate  33  under the lead line  110  so that the coupling plate  33  may have elasticity. An end portion of the cutting slit  351  has a rounded shaped to dissipate a stress applied to the end portion of the cutting slit  351 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partially cutout perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The coupling plate  31  has a compressing portion  311  on a lower portion of the coupling plate  31 . In  FIG. 3 , the compressing portion  311  has a stepwise shape inclined toward a lower portion of the lamp holding unit  10 , so that the compressing portion  311  having the stepwise shape may be hooked with the main body  20 . 
     The securing part  40  includes an upper plate  41  having U shape and a side plate  42  extended from the lower surface of the upper plate  41 . A protrusion  44  is formed on an outer surface of the side plate  42  to be received in the hole  24  of the main body  20 . 
     A compressing portion  43  is formed in the side plate  42  of the securing part  40  to press the connecting plate  33  of the coupling terminal  30  which is received in the main body  20 , thereby fixing the coupling terminal  30  to the lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100 . In  FIG. 3 , a guiding protrusion  425  is formed on the side plate  42  and the upper plate  41  to slide into the guiding groove  265 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are perspective views illustrating a method of assembling a backlight assembly having the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  7  and  8 , the coupling terminal  30  is inserted into the main body  20  from a lower portion of the main body  20 . The compressing portion  311  formed in the coupling terminal  30  is inserted into the throughhole  27  of the second divided space  22 , so that the stepwise portion of the compressing portion  311  is fitted to an inner surface of the throughhole  27 . The fluorescent lamp  100  is received on the lamp supporting hole  25  of the main body  20 , and the lead line  110  is received in the cutout portion  35  of the coupling terminal  30 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the cap  40  is received in the second divided space  22  of the main body  20  toward the lower portion of the lamp holding unit  10 , and the guiding protrusion  425  is received in the guiding hole  265 . Also, the protrusion  44  formed on the outer surface of the side plate  42  is received in the hole  24  of the main body  20 . In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the compressing surface  43  of the cap  40  presses the sides of the connecting plate  33  of the coupling terminal  30 , so that the lead line  110  is securely combined with the cutout portion  353 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a coupling terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The lamp holding unit of  FIG. 9  is same as in  FIGS. 1 to 8  except a coupling terminal. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in  FIGS. 1 to 8  and any further explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the cutout portion  35  of the coupling terminal  30  includes a cutting slit  351  and a cutout hole  353 . The cutout hole  353  is extended in a vertical direction of the lamp holding unit. For example, the compressing portion may be omitted. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a coupling terminal in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. The lamp holding unit of  FIG. 10  is same as in  FIGS. 1 to 8  except a cutout portion. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in  FIGS. 1 to 8  and any further explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the cutout portion  35  includes a cutting slit  351 , a contacting hole  353  and a guiding surface  355 . The contacting hole  353  is spaced apart from the guiding surface  355 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a lamp holding unit in accordance with further still another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a partially cutout perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lamp holding unit  10  includes a conductive base  30  and a cover  20 . 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 to 13 , the conductive base  30  may be formed by cutting a metal plate and bending the cutted metal plate. In  FIG. 13 , the metal plate is bent to form two side frames  33  and a base plate  31 , so that the conductive base  30  has a U-shape. A plurality of holes  35  is formed through the side frames  33 . A plurality of protrusions  28  of the cover  20  is received in the holes  35  of the conductive base  30 . 
     For example, two coupling terminals  40  are spaced apart from each other on the base plate  31 . The coupling terminals  40  may be formed by bending a portion of the base plate  31 . Alternatively, the coupling terminals  40  may be attached to the base plate  31  by welding, soldering, etc. 
     In  FIG. 13 , the coupling terminal  40  includes two chamfered surfaces  45 , and a cutout portion  41  is formed on an upper portion of the coupling terminal  40  between the chamfered surfaces  45 . A cutting slit  43  is formed under the cutout portion  41 . A lead line  110  of a fluorescent lamp  100  is received in the cutout portion  41 . The chamfered surfaces  45  are inclined with respect to a vertical direction of the lamp holding unit so that the chamfered surfaces  45  may be pressed toward a center of the coupling terminal  40  by compression of a compressing portion  27 . 
     The cover  20  received on the conductive base  30  may include a synthetic resin. The cover  20  includes an upper plate  23  having an extended shape, a first side plate  21  bent toward a lower portion of the lamp holding unit  10  and having the throughhole, and a second side plate  22  bent toward the lower portion of the lamp holding unit  10 . 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′ shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D′ shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 to 15 , a plurality of throughholes  29  is formed through the first side plate  21 . The lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100  passes through the throughhole  29 , and is received in the cutout portion  41  of the coupling terminal  40 . Thus, a distance between adjacent throughholes  29  is substantially the same as a distance between adjacent coupling terminals  40 . For example, the throughhole  29  may be extended from the first side plate  21  toward the upper plate  23 . 
     A compressing portion  27  may be formed on the upper plate  23  of the cover  20 . The compressing portion  27  has U-shaped cross-section, and an inner surface of the compressing portion  27  is inclined with respect to the vertical direction of the lamp holding unit  10 . The compressing portion  27  presses the chamfered surface  43  of the coupling terminal  40 , so that the chamfered surface  43  of the coupling terminal  40  is pressed toward a center of the coupling terminal  40 . Thus, the lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100  is securely combined with the cutout portion  41 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , the protrusions  28  are formed on inner surfaces of the first and second side plates  21  and  22  of the cover  20 , and are received in the holes  35  formed through the side frame  33  of the conductive base  30 . Thus, the cover  20  is combined with the conductive base  30 . 
       FIGS. 16A to 16C  are perspective views illustrating a method of assembling a backlight assembly having the lamp holding unit shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16A , while the cover  2  is separated from the conductive base  30 , the lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100  is received in two coupling terminals  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16B , after the lead line  110  of the fluorescent lamp  100  is received in the cutout portion  41  of the coupling terminal  40 , the cover  20  is pressed toward the conductive base  30 . The protrusions  28  formed on the inner surfaces of the first and second side plates  21  and  22  are received in the holes  35  formed through the side frames  33 , so that the cover  20  is combined with the conductive base  30 . The lead line  110  is securely combined with the cutout portion  29 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16C , the chamfered surfaces  45  of the coupling terminal  40  are compressed toward the center of the coupling terminal  40  by the compressing portions  27 , so that the lead line  110  is securely combined with the cutout portion  41 . 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lamp holding unit in accordance with further still another embodiment of the present invention. The lamp holding unit of  FIG. 17  is same as in  FIGS. 11 to 15  except a partition wall. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in  FIGS. 1 to 8  and any further explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , two partition walls  25  are formed on sides of compressing portions  27 . The partition walls  25  may be formed through molding with the upper plate  23 . The partition walls  25  may be combined with an upper surface of side frames  33  of a conductive base  30  to support the cover  20 . 
       FIG. 18  is a plan view illustrating a backlight assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the lamp holding unit  10  is combined with a plurality of fluorescent lamps  10  to form the backlight assembly. 
     According to the present invention, a lamp holding unit is securely combined with a lamp so that an electrical connection between the lamp holding unit and a lead line of the lamp is stabilized. Thus, noise or spark caused by mal-connection is prevented. 
     In addition, a plurality of fluorescent lamps used for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device may be easily assembled through simplified processes. 
     This invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments. It is evident, however, that many alternative modifications and variations will be apparent to those having skill in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention embraces all such alternative modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.