Patent Publication Number: US-2012032963-A1

Title: Display apparatus and frame to accommodate display panel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2010-0076530, filed on Aug. 9, 2010 and No. 10-2011-0020702, filed on Mar. 9, 2011 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Apparatuses consistent with the exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus to display an image on a display panel, and more particularly, to a display apparatus in which a frame to accommodate a display panel has an improved structure. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A display apparatus is a device which includes a display panel to display an image and displays various formats of image data, and may be realized as a television (TV), a monitor, and the like. The display panel may be provided in various forms depending on characteristics thereof, such as a liquid crystal display and a plasma display panel, and may be applied to a variety of display apparatuses. Here, when the display panel is a liquid crystal display which does not generate light by itself, the display apparatus includes a light source to generate light to be provided to the display panel. 
     The display apparatus employs a light emitting diode (LED) having excellent environmental characteristics and response speed as a light source as compared with a cold cathode fluorescent lamp used in the related art. The display apparatus is classified as a direct type display apparatus and an edge type display apparatus depending on a relative location of a light source to a light guide plate. 
     Meanwhile, with the development of technology, the demand of users, etc., there is a growing trend toward a slim structure for the display apparatus. However, if the thickness of the display apparatus is decreased, the display apparatus has a low strength and is vulnerable to thermal deformation due to heat generated from the light source. That is, the display apparatus may become twisted due to thermal deformation while being used. Thus, in light of keeping the display panel flat, it is important to prevent the slim structure of the display apparatus from being deformed by heat generated from the light source. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, one or more exemplary embodiments provide a display apparatus in which a frame to accommodate a display panel has an improved structure. 
     The foregoing and/or other aspects may be achieved by providing a display apparatus including: a display panel which displays an image based on an image signal; a main frame which includes a first frame supporting a front side of the display panel and a second frame supporting a rear side of the display panel; a sub-frame which is coupled to the main frame; and a light source module which is disposed behind the display panel and provides light to the display panel, wherein at least one of the first frame, the second frame and the sub-frame, where the light source module is supported, has smaller thermal expansivity than the others of the first frame, the second frame and the sub-frame, where the light source module is not supported. 
     The first frame, the second frame and the sub-frame may be thermally deformed by heat from the light source module to correspond to one another while the light source module operates. 
     The sub-frame may be accommodated in, and interposed between, the first frame and the second frame. 
     The sub-frame may be supported by at least one of the first frame and the second frame. 
     The sub-frame may be shaped like a bar having a polygonal cross-section, and may include a first surface contacting the first frame, a second surface arranged in a reverse manner to the first surface and contacting the second frame, and a third surface interposed between the first surface and the second surface and contacting the light source module. 
     At least one of the first surface and the second surface of the sub frame may be coupled to at least one of the first frame and the second frame by at least one of a fastener, a double-sided tape and an adhesive. 
     The first frame may have a rectangular or circular shape extending along four edges—top, bottom, right, and left edges of the display panel, and the sub-frame may have a bar shape extending along the first frame. 
     If the light source modules are supported by one of the sub-frame and the second frame, the frame supporting the light source module may have smaller thermal expansivity than the other frame which does not support the light source module, and the thermal expansivity of the other frame which does not support the light source module may be smaller than the thermal expansivity of the first frame supporting the light source module. 
     If the light source modules are respectively supported by the sub-frame and the second frame, the sub-frame and the second frame may have smaller thermal expansivity than the first frame. 
     The light source module may include a light source and a light source board having one surface on which the light source is mounted, and the other surface supported by at least one of the sub-frame and the second frame. 
     The display apparatus may further include a base supported on a predetermined installation surface and a stand coupled to the base and supporting the main frame against the base. 
     The display apparatus may further include: an image signal receiver which receives an image signal; an image signal processor which processes the image signal received by the image signal receiver to be displayed on the display panel; and a light source driver which drives the light source module, wherein at least one of the light source driver, the image signal receiver, and the image signal processor is coupled to at least one of the main frame and the base. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a lateral cross-sectional view of an area A of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 , taken along a line I-I; 
         FIG. 3  is a lateral cross-sectional view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 2  disassembled; 
         FIG. 4  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to a fifth exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a configuration of a display apparatus according to a sixth exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to a seventh exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to an eighth exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Below, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings so as to be easily realized by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art. The exemplary embodiments may be embodied in various forms without being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Descriptions of well-known parts are omitted for clarity, and like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Exemplary embodiments will be described regarding elements that directly relate to the spirit of the inventive concept, and descriptions of other elements will be omitted. However, it does not mean that the elements whose descriptions are omitted are unnecessary for embodying a display apparatus  1  having the spirit of the inventive concept. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus  1  according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the display apparatus  1  according to the present exemplary embodiment may be configured as a desktop or wall-mountable TV or a computer monitor, but is not limited thereto. 
     The display apparatus  1  includes a display body  10 , a base  20  supported on an installation surface such as the ground, and a stand  30  coupled to the base  20  and supporting the display body  10  against the base  20 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus  1  includes the base  20  and the stand  30 , but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the display body  10  may be supported on an installation surface such as a wall perpendicular to the ground without the base  20  and the stand  30 . 
     First, directions shown in the drawings are defined. Basically, X, Y and Z directions indicate the width, the length and the height, respectively. When the display body  10  stands erect on the base  20  via the stand  30 , the base  20  is disposed on an XY-plane, the stand  30  extends in a z-axis, and the display body  10  is disposed on an XZ-plane. Hereinafter, the drawings and exemplary embodiments will be described based on the above definition. Here, the opposite X, Y and Z directions are expressed as −X, −Y and −Z directions, respectively, and the XY-plane means a plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis. 
     The display body  10  includes a display panel  100  having a display region where an image is displayed and a main frame  300  to accommodate the display panel  100  so that the display region is exposed to a viewer facing a front side of the display panel. 
     Hereinafter, a configuration of the display body  10  is described further with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
       FIG. 2  is a lateral cross-sectional view of an area A of the display apparatus  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along a line I-I parallel with the x-axis, and  FIG. 3  is a lateral cross-sectional view of components shown in  FIG. 2  disassembled. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the display body  10  includes the display panel  100  having the display region where an image is displayed in a front side of the display panel, a backlight unit  200  disposed behind the display panel  100 , and the main frame  300  to accommodate the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200 . 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the display panel  100  is realized as a liquid crystal panel. The display panel  100  includes two substrates (not shown) and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) interposed therebetween and displays an image, by adjusting the arrangement of liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer (not shown) by application of a driving signal. The display panel  100  does not emit light by itself and is provided with light from the backlight unit  200  to display an image in the display region. 
     The backlight unit  200  includes a light source module  210  disposed on an edge area of the display apparatus  1 , a light guide plate  220  disposed parallel with the display panel  100  through which light from the light source module  210  enters, a first reflective plate  230  disposed on a lower surface of the light guide plate  220 , and optical sheets  250  disposed between the upper surface of the light guide plate  220  and a lower surface of the display panel  100 . 
     At this time, the first reflective plate  230  may be achieved by a separate sheet, and coated with a specific material. Further, a second reflective plate  240  may be disposed on an edge area of an upper surface of the light guide plate  220 . 
     The light source module  210  of the backlight unit  200  in the display apparatus  1  according to an exemplary embodiment, generates light which is provided to the display panel  100 . The light source module  210  is disposed on an edge area of the backlight unit  200  to face a lateral side of the light guide plate  220 . The light source module  210  is disposed on at least one of two opposite edge areas, or one of long and short side edge areas of the display body  10 , which are up, down, right, and left. 
     The light source module  210  includes a plurality of light sources  211 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , disposed in order along the lateral side of the light guide plate  220  and a light source board  213  on which the light sources  211  are mounted. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the light sources  211  are configured as a light emitting diode (LED) and provided with a driving power and an on and off control signal through the light source board  213 . The light sources  211  may include a blue LED, a green LED, and a red LED, and blue light, green light, and red light emitted from the respective colors of LEDs are mixed to generate white light having superior color reproducibility. However, the above configuration is an illustrative example, but the light sources  211  may include a white LED to generate white light. 
     The light source board  213  extends along an edge area of the display body  10  and is connected to a separate power supply (not shown) to provide power to the light sources  211  mounted thereon. In the present exemplary embodiment, the light source board  213  is disposed to stand erect so that light from the light sources  211  enters the lateral side of the light guide plate  220 . 
     Further, the light source board  213  may be coated with an electric wire pattern layer, or may be formed by a metal board having good thermal conductivity or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). 
     The light guide plate  220  is a plastic lens realized by acryl injection molding and transmits light provided from the light source module  210  uniformly to the entire display region of the display panel  100 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the light guide plate  220  may have a size and a shape corresponding to the display panel  100  and is disposed behind the display panel  100 . 
     The light guide plate  220  has a light guide plate pattern or optical pattern formed on the lower surface facing the first reflective plate  230  to diffuse light, thereby improving uniformity of light exiting from the light guide plate  220  and adjusting an amount of exiting light. That is, brightness in the display region may be different depending on how the optical pattern is formed. 
     The first reflective plate  230  is disposed on the lower surface of the light guide plate  220  and reflects light emitted from the light source module  210  to the light guide plate in a direction of the display panel  100 . 
     The second reflective plate  240  is disposed on the edge area of the upper surface of the light guide plate  220  where the display panel  100  and the optical sheets  250  are not disposed. The second reflective sheet  240  reflects part of light exiting from the light guide plate  220  to the main frame  300  back to the light guide plate  220  so that light from the light source module  210  is guided to the display panel  100 . 
     The optical sheets  250  include at least one sheet disposed parallel with the display panel  100  between the display panel  100  and the light guide plate  220 . The optical sheets  250  include a prism sheet, a diffusion sheet, a protection sheet, and the like, and adjust characteristics of light exiting from the light guide plate  220  to be transmitted to the display panel  100 . 
     The main frame  300  accommodates the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200  therein and supports four edges—top, bottom, right and left edges and a rear side of the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200 . 
     Here, the display body  10  of the present exemplary embodiment includes a sub-frame  400  coupled in a first region of the main frame  300  and supporting the light source module  210 . The sub-frame  400  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a material having a relatively low thermal expansivity as compared with a thermal expansivity of the first region of the main frame  300 . 
     Accordingly, a phenomenon of minimizing the bending of an edge area of the display body  10  where the light source module  210  is installed occurs. This phenomenon will be described further. 
     Hereinafter, a configuration of the main frame  300  and the sub-frame  400  is further described. 
     The main frame  300  includes a front frame  310  to support a front side and a lateral edge of the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200  so that the display region of the display panel  100  is exposed at a front side of the display panel, and a rear frame  320  to cover the rear side of the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200 . 
     The front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  are limited in the material of which they are composed, but are composed of substantially the same material. For example, the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  may include an aluminum material to improve heat radiation of the display apparatus  1  and to contribute to lightness of the display apparatus  1 . 
     The front frame  310  has a rectangular or circular shape extended along four edges—top, bottom, right, and left edges of the display panel  100 . The front frame  310  supports the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200  disposed on the XZ-plane in the X, −X, Z and −Z directions to form an external appearance of the display body  10 . 
     The front frame  310  includes a front frame lateral wall  311  disposed on the four edges of the display panel. Further, the front frame  310  includes a sub-frame supporting part  313  to support the inside sub-frame  400 , a second reflective plate supporting part  315  to support the second reflective plate  240 , and a panel supporting part  317  to support the display panel  100 . 
     The sub-frame supporting part  313 , the second reflective plate supporting part  315 , and the panel supporting part  317  are sequentially formed in a direction from the front frame lateral wall  311  to the display panel  100  and have a stepped part to be distinguished from each other. However, the sub-frame supporting part  313 , the second reflective plate supporting part  315 , and the panel supporting part  317  are named for convenience, and the names, shapes, or figures may not limit the present exemplary embodiment. 
     The sub-frame supporting part  313  is a portion where the sub-frame  400  is coupled and supported in the front frame  310 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the sub-frame  400  is coupled to the sub-frame supporting part  313  using a thermal conductive double-sided tape  510  but may be attached to the sub-frame supporting part  313  using an adhesive. However, the coupling of the sub-frame  400  to the sub-frame supporting part  313  is not limited thereto. 
     The rear frame  320  covers the rear side of the display panel  100  and the backlight unit  200  is accommodated within the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320 . Here, the rear frame  320  of the present exemplary embodiment may be configured as a plate-shaped cover but is not limited thereto. The rear frame  320  may have various shapes. 
     The rear frame  320  includes an upper surface  321  facing the front frame  310 , a lower surface  323  opposite to the upper surface  321 , and a first coupling hole  325  formed through the rear frame  320 . The sub-frame  400  is coupled on an edge area of the upper surface  321  of the rear frame  320 , where the first coupling hole  325  is formed, and the first reflective plate  230  is supported in a center area of the upper surface  321 . 
     The first coupling hole  325  is coupled with a second coupling hole  440  formed in the sub-frame  400  by a fastener  520  so that the sub-frame  400  is coupled to the rear frame  320 . 
     The fastener  520  may use various coupling components such as a screw, a rivet, a clip, but is not limited thereto. 
     The sub-frame  400  may have a bar shape extending along the front frame  310  and may have a polygonal cross-section. The sub-frame  400  is interposed between the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320 . An upper surface  410  of the sub-frame  400  is in contact with, and coupled to, the sub-frame supporting part  313 , and a lower surface  420  of the sub-frame  400  is in contact with, and coupled to, the upper surface  321  of the rear frame  320 . A lateral side  430  of the sub-frame  400  facing the light guide plate supports the light source module  210 , and particularly the light source board  213 . 
     A configuration in which the light source module  210  is supported by the lateral side  430  of the sub-frame  400  may be applied in various forms. For example, a coupling hole (not shown) may be formed in the lateral side  430  to couple the lateral side  430  with the light source board  213  by a fastener (not shown), or the lateral side  430  may be attached to the light source board  213  by using an adhesive or a thermal conductive double-sided tape. 
     Heat generated from the light source module  210  is first transmitted to the sub-frame  400 , and the heat transmitted to the sub-frame  400  is then transmitted to the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  to be discharged. When temperatures are simultaneously detected in the sub-frame  400 , the sub-frame supporting part  313  of the front frame  310 , and an edge area of the rear frame  320  while the light source module  210  is driven, the sub-frame  400  has the highest temperature. 
     In order to compare with the present exemplary embodiment, there is a case where, without the sub-frame  400 , the light source module  210  is supported by the front frame  310 , and the rear frame  320  is coupled to the front frame  310 . A portion of the front frame  310  supporting the light source module  210  has a higher temperature than the rear frame  320 , and thus the portion of the front frame  310  has a higher thermal deformation than the rear frame  320  when the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  have the same thermal expansivity. Thus, the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  may be bent in an area where the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  are coupled to each other. 
     In order to prevent a bending phenomenon, in the present exemplary embodiment, the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  are respectively coupled to the sub-frame  400 , and the sub-frame  400  supports the light source module  210  but has a relatively low thermal expansivity as compared with a thermal expansivity of at least one of the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320 . Here, a thermal expansivity of the sub-frame  400  is determined so that the front frame  310 , the rear frame  320  and the sub-frame  400  can be deformed to correspond to one another, i.e., substantially equally deformed by heat generated from the light source module  210  when the light source module  210  is driven to operate the light source module  210 . 
     Accordingly, when the sub-frame  400  has a relatively high temperature by heat from the light source module  210 , the thermal deformation of the sub-frame  400  becomes substantially the same as the thermal deformation of the front frame  310  or the rear frame  320 , the bending phenomenon may be prevented or minimized. 
     The sub-frame  400  is not limited in material but may include various materials. For example, when the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320  include aluminum, the sub-frame  400  may include steel, stainless steel, copper, and the like. The sub-frame  400  generally includes a higher-strength material than the front frame  310  and the rear frame  320 , and thus overall durability of the display apparatus  1  may be improved. 
     Regarding a coupling component between the sub-frame  400  and the main frame  300  in the first exemplary embodiment, the double-sided tape  510  is used to couple the front frame  310  with the sub-frame  400 , and the fastener  520  such as a screw is used to couple the rear frame  320  with the sub-frame  400 . However, the coupling component is not limited thereto, and different coupling components from in the first exemplary embodiment are described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 6 . 
       FIG. 4  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus  2  according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the display apparatus  2  according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a display panel  100 , a light source module  210 , a light guide plate  220 , a first reflective plate  230 , a second reflective plate  240 , and optical sheets  250 . The above components are substantially the same as the components in the first exemplary embodiment, and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
     The display apparatus  2  includes a front frame  311 , a rear frame  321 , and a sub-frame  401  interposed between the front frame  311  and the rear frame  321  to support the light source module  210 . 
     Here, the sub-frame  401  is coupled with the front frame  311  by a screw  521  on one side and is attached to the rear frame  321  by a double-sided tape  511  on another side. A coupling hole (not shown) is formed in the sub-frame  401  and the front frame  311  for coupling by the screw  521 . The first exemplary embodiment may be applicable to the other components, and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
       FIG. 5  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus  3  according to a third exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the display apparatus  3  according to the third exemplary embodiment includes a display panel  100 , a light source module  210 , a light guide plate  220 , a first reflective plate  230 , a second reflective plate  240 , and optical sheets  250 . The above components are substantially the same as the components in the first exemplary embodiment, and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
     The display apparatus  3  includes a front frame  312 , a rear frame  322 , and a sub-frame  402  interposed between the front frame  312  and the rear frame  322  to support the light source module  210 . 
     Here, the sub-frame  402  is coupled with the front frame  312  by a screw  522  on one side and is coupled with the rear frame  322  by a screw  523  on another side. A coupling hole (not shown) is formed in the sub-frame  402 , the front frame  312 , and the rear frame  322  for coupling by the screws  522  and  523 . The first exemplary embodiment may be applicable to the other components, and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
       FIG. 6  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus  4  according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the display apparatus  4  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment includes a display panel  100 , a light source module  210 , a light guide plate  220 , a first reflective plate  230 , a second reflective plate  240 , and optical sheets  250 . The above components are substantially the same as the components in the first exemplary embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. 
     The display apparatus  4  includes a front frame  313 , a rear frame  323 , and a sub-frame  403  interposed between the front frame  313  and the rear frame  323  to support the light source module  210 . 
     Here, the sub-frame  403  is attached to the front frame  313  by a double-sided tape  512  on one side and is attached to the rear frame  323  by a double-sided tape  513  on another side. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used instead of the double-sided tapes  512  and  513 . The first exemplary embodiment may be applicable to the other components, and thus description thereof is omitted. 
       FIG. 7  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus  5  according to a fifth exemplary embodiment having a different backlight unit compared to the above exemplary embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the display apparatus  5  according to the fifth exemplary embodiment includes a display panel  100 , a backlight unit  600 , a front frame  314 , a rear frame  324 , and a sub-frame  404 . 
     The backlight unit  600  includes a light source module  610  to generate light, a first reflective plate  620  to reflect light emitted from the light source module  610  to the display panel  100 , a second reflective plate  630  to reflect light emitted to the front frame  314  toward the first reflective plate  620 , and optical sheets  640  to adjust characteristics of light reflected on the first reflective plate  620  to so that light is emitted to the display panel  100 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the backlight unit  600  does not include a light guide plate  220 . 
     The sub-frame  404  is disposed between the front frame  314  and the rear frame  324 . The sub-frame  404  is attached to the front frame  314  by a double-sided tape  514  on one side, and is coupled to the rear frame  324  by a screw  524  on another side. The first exemplary embodiment may be applicable to the other components, and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
     The light source module  610  is supported by the sub-frame  404  and emits light to the first reflective plate  620 . Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , a lens to adjust characteristics of light from the light source module  610  may be installed on a light path between the light source module  610  and the first reflective sheet  620 . 
     The first reflective sheet  620  is supported on the rear frame  324  and reflects light from the light source module  610  to the display panel  100 . Here, the first reflective plate  620  is formed to slant closer to the display panel  100  as becoming distant from the light source module  610 . Strength of light decreases as the distance from the light source module  610  increases, and thus the first reflective plate  620  having the above structure may improve uniformity of overall brightness in a display region. 
     The second reflective plate  630  reflects light emitted from the light source module  610  to the second reflective plate  630  toward the first reflective plate  620 . The second reflective plate  630  may be coupled to the front frame  314  by a screw  525  or the like and may be provided to support the display panel  100  and the optical sheets  640  along with the front frame  314 . 
     The first exemplary embodiment may be applicable to the other components, and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
     Here, the display apparatuses  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  according to the above exemplary embodiments receive an image signal from an external source to display an image, which is described in a control configuration with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a configuration of a display apparatus  6  according to a sixth exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the display apparatus  6  according to the sixth exemplary embodiment includes a display panel  710 , a backlight unit  720 , an image signal receiver  730  to receive an image signal, an image signal processor  740  to process an image signal received by the image signal receiver  730  to be displayed on the display panel  710 , and a light source driver  750  to drive a light source module (not shown) of the backlight unit  720 . 
     The above exemplary embodiments may be applied to the display panel  710  and the backlight unit  720 , and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
     The image signal receiver  730  receives and transmits an image signal to the image signal processor  740 , and may be configured in various types corresponding to a standard of a received image signal and a form of the display apparatus  6 . 
     For example, when the display apparatus  6  is a TV, the image signal receiver  730  receives a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from a broadcasting station (not shown) by wireless means or image signals in composite video, component video, super video, SCART, and high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) standards through a cable. When an image signal is a broadcasting signal, the image signal receiver  730  includes a tuner to tune the broadcasting signal for each channel. 
     The image signal processor  740  conducts various preset image processing processes on an image signal. The image signal processor  740  performs the processes to output an image signal to the display panel  710  and controls an operation of the light source driver  750 , so that an image is displayed on a display region of the display panel  710 . 
     For example, the image signal processor  740  may conduct, not limited, decoding and encoding corresponding to various image formats, de-interlacing, frame refresh rate conversion, scaling, noise reduction to improve image quality, and detail enhancement. However, the processes performed by the image signal processor are not limited thereto. The image signal processor  740  may be provided as a separate component to independently conduct each process or an integrated component which is multi-functional. 
     The light source driver  750  controls the turning on and off of the light source module (not shown) of the backlight unit  720  corresponding to a process of the image signal processor  740 . 
     The image signal receiver  730 , the image signal processor  740 , and the light source driver  750  may be formed on a single or a plurality of printed circuit boards (not shown) to be coupled to the front frame  310  or the rear frame  320  or to be provided in a base  20 . 
     Further, although not shown in  FIG. 8 , a main frame  300  and a sub-frame  400  having a structure according to the above exemplary embodiments may be applied to the present exemplary embodiment. The above exemplary embodiments may be applied to the main frame  300  and the sub-frame  400 , and a description thereof is thus omitted. The foregoing exemplary embodiments disclose the display apparatus  1  having an edge type structure where the light source module  210  is supported by the sub frame  400  and disposed in an edge area of the display apparatus  1 , but not limited thereto. Alternatively, the exemplary embodiment may be applied to a display apparatus  7  having a direct type structure where a light source module  260  is supported on the surface of the rear frame  325  facing the display panel  100  and thus is disposed in a parallel manner along a rear side of the display panel  100 . With this configuration, a seventh exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to the seventh exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the display apparatus  7  includes a display panel  100 , a light source module  260 , a light guide plate  220 , and optical sheets  250 . Further, the display apparatus  7  includes front and rear frames  315  and  325  respectively supporting and accommodating front and rear sides of the above elements, and a sub-frame  405  interposed between the front and rear frames  315  and  325  and respectively coupled to the front and rear frames  315  and  325 . These correspond to those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and repetitive descriptions thereof will thus be avoided. 
     Also, the sub-frame  405  is coupled to the rear frame  325  by a screw  525 , and coupled to the front frame  315  by a double-sided tape  515 . However, as described in the foregoing exemplary embodiment, a method of coupling the sub frame  405  with the front and rear frames  315  and  325  may be variously determined and applied. 
     Here, a plurality of light source modules  260  is provided. The plurality of light source modules  260  is disposed in a parallel manner along the rear sides of the display panel  100  and light guide plate  220 . 
     A light source board  263  of each light source module  260  is coupled to or supported on the surface of the rear frame  325  facing the light guide plate  220  and the display panel  100 . Further, contrary to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, light generated from a light source  261  on the light source board  263  enters a bottom side of the light guide plate  220 , i.e., a surface of the light guide plate  220  in the Y direction, and exits in the −Y direction of the light guide plate  220 , thereby entering the display panel  100 . 
     If light is generated in the light source module  260  so that an image can be displayed on the display panel  100 , heat generated in the light source module  260  is first transferred to the rear frame  325  since the light source module  260  is supported on the rear frame  325 . The heat transferred to the rear frame  325  is transferred again to the front frame  315  and the sub-frame  405 . 
     In other words, if the temperatures of the front frame  315 , the rear frame  325  and the sub-frame  405  are simultaneously detected while the light source module  260  operates, the temperature of the rear frame  325  is higher than those of the front frame  315  and sub frame  405 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the thermal expansivity of the rear frame  325  where the light source module  260  is supported is smaller than those of the sub-frame  405  and front frame  315  where the light source module  260  is not supported. Thus, the front frame  315 , the rear frame  325  and the sub frame  405  are deformed to correspond to one another by the heat from the light source module  260  while the light source module  260  operates. 
     More specifically, the quantity of heat involved in the rear frame  325  where the light source module  260  is supported is higher than those of the sub-frame  405  and front frame  315  where the light source module  260  is not supported at a time while the light source module  260  operates. 
     Accordingly, if the thermal expansivity of the rear frame  325  is relatively lowered, the front frame  315 , the rear frame  325  and the sub-frame  405  are deformed to correspond to one another, i.e., are substantially equivalently deformed by the heat from the light source module  260 . With this, it is possible to prevent the edge area of the display apparatus  7  from being twisted or bent in the Y or −Y direction with respect to the center area of the display apparatus  7 . 
     Meanwhile, contrary to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, a display apparatus  8  may be configured as a hybrid type in which a light source module  270 ,  280  is not supported by only one of a sub-frame  406  and a rear frame  326  but some ( 270 ) of plural light source modules  270  and  280  may be supported by the sub-frame  406  and the rest ( 280 ) of the light source modules  270 ,  280  may be supported by the rear frame  326 . With this, the display apparatus  8  according to an eighth exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 10  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to an eighth exemplary embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the display apparatus  8  includes a display panel  100 , a front frame  316 , a rear frame  326 , a sub-frame  406 , light source modules  270  and  280 , a light guide plate  220 , and optical sheets  250 . These correspond to those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and repetitive descriptions thereof will thus be avoided. 
     Also, the sub-frame  406  is coupled to the rear frame  326  by a screw  526 , and coupled to the front frame  316  by a double-sided tape  516 . However, as described in the foregoing exemplary embodiment, a method of coupling the sub frame  406  with the front and rear frames  316  and  326  may be variously determined and applied. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, at least light source module  270  among the plural light source modules  270  and  280  may be supported by the sub-frame  406 , and the other light source modules  280  may be supported by the rear frame  326 . Light emitted from the light source module  270  supported by the sub-frame  406  enters a lateral side of the light guide plate  220  in the X direction, and light emitted from the light source module  280  supported by the rear frame  326  enters a lateral side of the light guide plate  220  in the Y direction. That is, the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source module  270  supported by the sub-frame  406  is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source module  280  supported by the rear frame  326 . 
     As the light source modules  270  and  280  are operated, heat is generated from the respective light source modules  270  and  280 . In this case, the light source modules  270  and  280  are respectively supported by the sub-frame  406  and the rear frame  326 , so that the temperature of the sub-frame  406  and rear frame  326  is higher than that of the front frame  316 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the thermal expansivity of the sub-frame  406  and rear frame  325  where the light source modules  270  and  280  are respectively supported is smaller than that of the front frame  316 . Here, the sub-frame  406  and the rear frame  326  may have substantially the same thermal expansivity, or may be different in the thermal expansivity from each other within a preset range in consideration of the characteristics of the light source modules  270  and  280 , but is not limited thereto. 
     With this, it is possible to prevent an edge area of the display apparatus  8  from being twisted or bent in the Y or −Y direction with respect to a center area of the display apparatus  8 . 
     As apparent from the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the light source module is supported by at least one of the rear frame and the sub-frame so as to be disposed at the rear of the display panel. Further, one of the rear frame and the sub-frame, where the light source module is supported, has smaller thermal expansivity than the others of the front frame, the rear frame and the sub-frame, where the light source module is not supported. Thus, it is possible to prevent the display apparatus from being deformed by heat of the light source module. 
     Also, if the plural light source modules are supported by only one of the sub-frame and the second frame, the frame supporting the light source module has smaller thermal expansivity than the other frame which does not support the light source module. Further, the thermal expansivity of the other frame which does not support the light source module is smaller than the thermal expansivity of the first frame. This is because the first frame has a large contact area with the exterior and is relatively advantageous to radiate heat. 
     On the other hand, if the plural light source modules are respectively supported by the sub-frame and the second frame, the sub-frame and the second frame have smaller thermal expansivity than the first frame. Throughout the foregoing descriptions, “support” means direct contact or indirect contact. 
     Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.