Patent Description:
As the information society has developed, the demand for display devices is increasing in various forms, and accordingly, in recent years, various display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electroluminescent display (ELD), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, have been studied and used.

Thereamong, a liquid crystal panel of the LCD may include a liquid crystal layer and a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a color filter substrate disposed opposite each other in the state in which the liquid crystal layer is interposed therebetween. The liquid crystal panel may display an image using light from a backlight unit.

With an increase in the resolution of the display device, research on the backlight unit that provides high-quality light to the display panel has been actively conducted in recent years.

<CIT> discloses a display device including a display panel, and a backlight unit disposed below the display panel. <CIT> also constitutes prior art useful for understanding the invention.

An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device including a backlight unit having improved optical efficiency.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of improving image quality.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of securing reliability with respect to physical deformation caused by heat.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a backlight structure capable of providing light having high luminance and uniform distribution to a display panel having a large image display area.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling structure of a display device capable of improving a dark area around a display panel.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a display device as defined in independent claim <NUM>. Preferred aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

The display devices illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are not according to the claimed invention.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used or combined with each other only in consideration of ease in the preparation of the specification, and do not have or serve different meanings. Also, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the idea and scope of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal panel will be described as a display panel. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the liquid crystal panel.

Also, in the following description, a display device <NUM> may include a first long side LS1, a second long side LS2 opposite the first long side LS1, a first short side SS1 adjacent to the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2, and a second short side SS2 opposite the first short side SS1.

Here, the first short side SS1 may be referred to as a first side area, the second short side SS2 may be referred to as a second side area opposite the first side area, the first long side LS1 may be referred to as a third side area adjacent to the first side area and the second side area and located between the first side area and the second side area, and the second long side LS2 may be referred to as a fourth side area adjacent to the first side area and the second side area, located between the first side area and the second side area, and opposite the third side area.

In addition, although the lengths of the first and second long sides LS1 and LS2 are shown and described as being greater than the lengths of the first and second short sides SS1 and SS2 for convenience of description, the lengths of the first and second long sides LS1 and LS2 may be almost equal to the lengths of the first and second short sides SS1 and SS2.

Also, in the following description, a first direction DR1 may be a direction parallel to the long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM>, and a second direction DR2 may be a direction parallel to the short sides SS1 and SS2 of the display device <NUM>. A third direction DR3 may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and/or the second direction DR2.

The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be commonly referred to as a horizontal direction. In addition, the third direction DR3 may be referred to as a vertical direction.

The side of the display device on which an image is displayed may be referred to as a front, a front surface, or a front side. The side of the display device <NUM> from which no image is viewed when the display device <NUM> displays an image may be referred to as a rear, a back, a rear surface, a rear side, a back surface, or a back side. When the display device <NUM> is viewed from the front or the front surface thereof, the first long side LS1 may be referred to as a top, a top surface, an upper surface, or an upper side, and the second long side LS2 may be referred to as a bottom, a bottom surface, a lower surface, or a lower side. The first short side SS1 may be referred to as a right, a right surface, or a right side, and the second short side SS2 may be referred to as a left, a left surface, or a left side.

The first long side LS1, the second long side LS2, the first short side SS1, and the second short side SS2 may be referred to as edges of the display device <NUM>. In addition, the points at which the first long side LS1, the second long side LS2, the first short side SS1, and the second short side SS2 join with each other may be referred to as corners. For example, the point at which the first long side LS1 and the first short side SS1 join with each other may be referred to as a first corner C1, the point at which the first long side LS1 and the second short side SS2 join with each other may be referred to as a second corner C2, the point at which the second short side SS2 and the second long side LS2 join with each other may be referred to as a third corner C3, and the point at which the second long side LS2 and the first short side SS1 join with each other may be referred to as a fourth corner C4.

Here, the direction from the first short side SS1 to the second short side SS2 or the direction from the second short side SS2 to the first short side SS1 may be referred to as a leftward-rightward direction LR. The direction from the first long side LS1 to the second long side LS2 or the direction from the second long side LS2 to the first long side LS1 may be referred to as a upward-downward direction UD.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a display panel <NUM> may be located at the front of the display device <NUM>, and may display an image. The display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels, and may output an image with color, brightness, and saturation adjusted per pixel.

The display panel <NUM> is divided into an active area in which an image is displayed and an inactive area in which no image is displayed. The display panel <NUM> may include a front substrate and a rear substrate opposite each other while a liquid crystal layer is interposed therebetween.

The front substrate may include a plurality of pixels, each of which includes red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels. The front substrate may generate light corresponding to red, green, or blue in accordance with a control signal.

The rear substrate may include switching elements. The rear surface may switch a pixel electrode. For example, the pixel electrode may change molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal layer in accordance with a control signal applied from the outside. The liquid crystal layer may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules may be changed in response to a voltage difference between the pixel electrode and a common electrode. The liquid crystal layer may transmit light from a backlight unit <NUM> to the front substrate.

A front cover <NUM> may cover at least a portion of each of the front surface and the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> may have a hollow rectangular frame shape.

The front cover <NUM> may be divided into a front surface cover and a lateral surface cover. That is, the front cover <NUM> may be divided into a front surface cover located at the front surface of the display panel <NUM> and a lateral surface cover located at the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>. The front surface cover and the lateral surface cover may be separately configured. One of the front surface cover and the lateral surface cover may be omitted. For example, only the lateral surface cover may be provided without the front surface cover for beautiful design.

A guide panel <NUM> is located at the rear of the display panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may support a portion of the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may be brought into contact with the contour of the display panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> is coupled to a frame <NUM>.

The backlight unit <NUM> is located at the rear of the display panel <NUM>. The backlight unit <NUM> may include a plurality of light sources. The backlight unit <NUM> may be a direct type backlight unit or an edge type backlight unit. In the case in which the backlight unit <NUM> is an edge type backlight unit, the backlight unit <NUM> may further include a light guide panel (LGP).

The backlight unit <NUM> may be located at the front surface of the frame <NUM>. For example, the plurality of light sources may be disposed at the front surface of the frame <NUM>. In this case, the backlight unit <NUM> may be commonly referred to as a direct type backlight unit.

The backlight unit <NUM> may be driven using an entire driving method or a partial driving method, such as local dimming or impulsive driving. The backlight unit <NUM> may include an optical sheet <NUM> and an optical layer <NUM>.

The optical sheet <NUM> may disperse light from the light sources. The optical sheet <NUM> may include a plurality of layers. For example, the optical sheet <NUM> may include at least one prism sheet and/or at least one diffusion sheet.

The optical sheet <NUM> may include at least one coupling part 125d. The coupling part 125d may be coupled to the front cover <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and/or a back cover <NUM>. That is, the coupling part 125d may be directly coupled to the front cover <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and/or the back cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the coupling part 125d may be coupled to a structure coupled to the front cover <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and/or the back cover <NUM>. That is, the coupling part 125d may be indirectly coupled to the front cover <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and/or the back cover <NUM>.

The optical layer <NUM> may include a light source. The details of the optical layer <NUM> will be described later.

The frame <NUM> may support components of the display device <NUM>. For example, the backlight unit <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may include a metal material, such as an aluminum alloy.

The back cover <NUM> may be located at the rear of the display device <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may protect components disposed therein. At least a portion of the back cover <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM> and/or the front cover <NUM>. For example, the back cover <NUM> may be a member formed by resin injection.

Referring to <FIG>, the backlight unit <NUM> includes an optical layer <NUM> including a substrate <NUM>, at least one light assembly <NUM>, and may include a reflection sheet <NUM>, and a diffusion plate <NUM> and an optical sheet <NUM> located at the front of the optical layer <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may be configured in the form of a plurality of straps extending in the first direction while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The at least one light assembly <NUM> may be mounted on the substrate <NUM>. An electrode pattern configured to interconnect an adaptor and the light assembly <NUM> may be formed on the substrate <NUM>. For example, the electrode pattern may be a carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode pattern.

The substrate <NUM> may be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), and silicon. The substrate <NUM> may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

The light assemblies <NUM> may be disposed at the substrate <NUM> while being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance in the first direction. The diameter of the light assembly <NUM> may be greater than the width of the substrate <NUM>. That is, the diameter of the light assembly <NUM> may be greater than the length of the substrate <NUM> in the second direction.

The light assembly <NUM> may be a light-emitting diode (LED) chip or a light-emitting diode package including at least one light-emitting diode chip.

The light assembly <NUM> may include a color LED configured to emit at least one of red, blue, and green or a white LED. The color LED may include at least one of a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED.

The light source included in the light assembly <NUM> may be chip-on-board (COB) type light source. In the COB type light source, the light source, i.e. the LED chip, is directly coupled to the substrate <NUM>. In this case, the manufacturing process may be simplified. In addition, resistance may be reduced, whereby the amount of energy that is lost as heat may be reduced. That is, power efficiency of the light assembly <NUM> may be increased. The COB type light source may provide brighter light. The COB type light source may have a smaller thickness and weight than conventional light sources.

The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located at the front surface of the substrate <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may have a through hole <NUM>, and the light assembly may be inserted into the through hole <NUM>.

The reflection sheet <NUM> may reflect light from the light assembly <NUM> forwards. In addition, the reflection sheet <NUM> may reflect light reflected by the diffusion plate <NUM> toward the diffusion plate <NUM>.

The reflection sheet <NUM> may include at least one of a metal and a metal oxide as a reflective material. For example, the reflection sheet <NUM> may include a metal and/or a metal oxide having high reflectance, e.g. at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), and titanium dioxide (TiO<NUM>).

The reflection sheet <NUM> may be formed on the substrate <NUM> by deposition and/or coating of a metal and a metal oxide. Ink including a metal material may be printed on the reflection sheet <NUM>. A deposition layer may be formed on the reflection sheet <NUM> using a vacuum deposition method, such as a thermal deposition method, an evaporation method, or a sputtering method. A coating layer and/or a print layer may be formed on the reflection sheet <NUM> using a printing method, a gravure coating method, or a silk screen method.

An air gap may be located between the reflection sheet <NUM> and the diffusion plate <NUM>. The air gap may widely spread light from the light assembly <NUM>. In order to maintain the air gap, a support <NUM> may be located between the reflection sheet <NUM> and the diffusion plate <NUM>. The air gap may be referred to as an optical gap.

Resin may be deposited on the light assembly <NUM> and/or the reflection sheet <NUM>. The resin may diffuse light from the light assembly <NUM>. The diffusion plate <NUM> may diffuse light from the light assembly <NUM> upwards.

The optical sheet <NUM> may be located at the front of the diffusion plate <NUM>. The rear surface of the optical sheet <NUM> may be opposite the diffusion plate <NUM>, and the front surface of the optical sheet <NUM> may be opposite the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>.

The optical sheet <NUM> may include at least one sheet. Specifically, the optical sheet <NUM> may include at least one prism sheet and/or at least one diffusion sheet. The plurality of sheets included in the optical sheet <NUM> may be in an adhered state or in a tight contact state.

The optical sheet <NUM> may include a plurality of sheets having different functions. For example, the optical sheet <NUM> may include first to third optical sheets 125a to 125c. The first optical sheet 125a may have the function of a diffusion sheet, and each of the second and third optical sheets 125b and 125c may have the function of a prism sheet. The number and/or position of the diffusion sheet and the prism sheet may be changed.

The diffusion sheet may prevent partial concentration of light from the diffusion plate such that light distribution is further uniform. The prism sheet may condense light from the diffusion sheet such that light is intensively incident on the display panel <NUM>.

The coupling part 125d may be formed at one side or at least one of the edges of the optical sheet <NUM>. The coupling part 125d may be formed at at least one of the first to third optical sheets 125a to 125c.

The coupling part 125d may be formed at the long sides or the edges of the optical sheet <NUM>. The coupling part 125d formed at the first long side and the coupling part 125d formed at the second long side may be asymmetric. For example, the position and/or number of the coupling part 125d at the first long side and the coupling part 125d at the second long side may be different from each other.

Referring to <FIG>, a substrate <NUM> including a plurality of straps extending in the first direction while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be provided on the frame <NUM>. One side of the plurality of straps of the substrate <NUM> may be connected to a wiring electrode <NUM>.

The wiring electrode <NUM> may extend in the second direction. The wiring electrode <NUM> may be connected to one side of the substrate <NUM> while being spaced apart from the substrate <NUM> by a predetermined distance in the second direction.

A wiring hole <NUM> may be formed at one end of the wiring electrode <NUM>. The wiring hole <NUM> may be a microhole formed through the frame <NUM>. The wiring hole <NUM> may extend to the rear surface of the frame <NUM> via the wiring hole <NUM>. The wiring hole <NUM> may be electrically connected to an adaptor (not shown) located at the rear surface of the frame <NUM> via the wiring hole <NUM>.

The light assemblies <NUM> may be mounted on the substrate <NUM> while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the first direction. The diameter of each of the light assemblies <NUM> may be greater than the width of the substrate <NUM> in the second direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the frame <NUM> may include a flat part <NUM> and an inclined part <NUM>. The flat part <NUM> may have a flat shape. The inclined part <NUM> may have a uniform inclination relative to the flat part <NUM>, and may extend forwards from the flat part <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may generally have a tub shape. The reflection sheet <NUM> may generally have a tub shape, which may correspond to the shape of the frame <NUM>. A space may be formed between the inclined part <NUM> and the reflection sheet <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may be mounted or disposed on the flat part <NUM>. A plurality of substrates <NUM> may be sequentially disposed. The plurality of substrates <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other. For example, a first substrate 122A may extend long in the leftward-rightward direction LR of the frame <NUM>, and the leftward-rightward direction LR of the frame <NUM> may be disposed in the longitudinal direction. A second substrate 122B may extend long in the leftward-rightward direction LR of the frame <NUM>, and may be mounted on the frame <NUM> while being spaced apart from the first substrate 122A. A third substrate 122C may extend long in the leftward-rightward direction LR of the frame <NUM>, and may be mounted on the frame <NUM> while being spaced apart from the second substrate 122B.

The distance between the substrates <NUM> may vary depending on the number of pixels of the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>). For example, the distance between the substrates <NUM> necessary to provide light to an <NUM>-resolution display panel <NUM> may be less than the distance between the substrates <NUM> necessary to provide light to a <NUM>-resolution display panel <NUM>. In the case in which the number of pixels of the display panel <NUM> is increased or the resolution of the display panel <NUM> is increased, the light transmission ratio of the display panel <NUM> may be low. In order to increase luminance of light from the backlight unit <NUM> (see <FIG>), a large number of substrates <NUM> may be disposed.

The reflection sheet <NUM> may include a plurality of through holes <NUM>. The plurality of through holes <NUM> may correspond in number to the plurality of light assemblies <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may be placed on the frame <NUM> and/or the substrate <NUM>. At this time, lenses 124b of the plurality of light assemblies <NUM> may protrude from the upper surface of the reflection sheet <NUM> through the plurality of through holes <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may be coupled or fixed to the frame <NUM> via a fixing member <NUM>. The support <NUM> may be mounted on the reflection sheet <NUM>.

Coupling ribs <NUM> and 130V may be formed on the upper end of the inclined part <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, and the reflection sheet <NUM> may have coupling holes VH and HH such that the coupling ribs <NUM> and 130V are inserted into the coupling holes VH and HH. Consequently, the reflection sheet <NUM> may be fixed to the frame <NUM>.

The guide panel <NUM> may be located on the contour of the reflection sheet <NUM>, and may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may support the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>). The guide panel <NUM> may be located at four sides of the reflection sheet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the wiring electrode <NUM> extending from the front surface of the frame <NUM> via the wiring hole <NUM> may be electrically connected to a power supply <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be a printed circuit board configured to supply power to the display device <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may convert AC power into DC power.

The power supply <NUM> may supply current to the light assembly <NUM> via the wiring electrode <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be electrically connected to a main board <NUM> via the wiring electrode <NUM>. The main board <NUM> may be spaced apart from the power supply <NUM> by a predetermined distance.

The main board <NUM> may be a printed circuit board configured to provide an interface for operation of the display device <NUM>. In addition, the main board <NUM> may inspect and manage the operation of each component of the display device <NUM>.

The main board <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> may be electrically connected to a T-con board <NUM> via the wiring electrode <NUM>. The T-con board <NUM> may be a printed circuit board configured to transmit power or a signal from the power supply <NUM> or the main board <NUM> to the display panel <NUM>. The T-con board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the display panel at the front surface of the frame <NUM> via a flexible flat cable (FFC) <NUM>.

The printed circuit boards are shown as being connected to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. At least some of the printed circuit boards may be connected to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, a light assembly <NUM> may be placed at the front of a frame <NUM>. The light assembly <NUM> may include boards, light sources mounted on the boards, and lenses configured to cover the light sources.

A guide panel <NUM> may be located adjacent to the edge of the frame <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may include a first part 330a, a second part 330b, a third part 330c, and a fourth part 330d. The first part 330a may extend long along a first long side LS1 of the frame <NUM>, the second part 330b may extend long along a first short side SS1 of the frame <NUM>, the third part 330c may extend long along a second short side SS2 of the frame <NUM>, and the fourth part 330d may extend long along a second long side LS2 of the frame <NUM>. The first part 330a, the second part 330b, the third part 330c, and the fourth part 330d of the guide panel <NUM> may be individually or integrally formed.

An optical plate <NUM> is located between a display panel <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM>. The optical plate <NUM> may condense and/or disperse light from the light assembly <NUM>, and may provide the light to the display panel <NUM>. The optical plate <NUM> may be placed on the guide panel <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> is placed on the optical plate <NUM>. The optical plate <NUM> may have physical properties identical or similar to those of the display panel <NUM>.

A side frame <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, and may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The side frame <NUM> may include a first part <NUM>, a second part <NUM>, a third part <NUM>, a fourth part <NUM>, a fifth part <NUM>, and a sixth part <NUM>.

The first part <NUM> may be located adjacent to a first long side LS1 of the display panel <NUM>, and may extend long along the first long side LS1 of the frame <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may be bent from the first part <NUM>, may cover a first short side SS1 of the display panel <NUM>, and may extend long along a first short side SS1 of the frame <NUM>. The third part <NUM> may be bent from the first part <NUM>, may cover a second short side SS2 of the display panel <NUM>, and may extend long along the second short side SS2 of the frame <NUM>.

The fourth part <NUM> may be bent from the second part <NUM>, and may cover a portion of a second long side LS2 of the display panel <NUM>. The fifth part <NUM> may be bent from the third part <NUM>, and may cover a portion of the second long side LS2 of the display panel <NUM>. The sixth part <NUM> may cover the second long side LS2 of the display panel <NUM>, and may be located between the fifth part <NUM> and the fourth part <NUM>. The sixth part <NUM> may be coupled to the fourth part <NUM> and/or the fifth part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the optical plate <NUM> includes a glass panel <NUM>, a first optical sheet <NUM>, and a second optical sheet <NUM>. For example, the glass panel <NUM> may be a light guide panel. The area or size of the glass panel <NUM> may correspond to the area or size of the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>). The physical properties of the glass panel <NUM> may be identical to those of the display panel <NUM>.

The first optical sheet <NUM> is located at the lower surface of the glass panel <NUM>. The first optical sheet <NUM> may be laminated with or adhered to the lower surface of the glass panel <NUM>. For example, the first optical sheet <NUM> may be a diffusion sheet. The first optical sheet <NUM> may include protrusions 321a formed on the lower surface thereof. The protrusions 321a may form a pattern or an embossed structure. The first optical sheet <NUM> may include spacers 321b formed on the upper surface thereof. The spacers 321b may protrude from the upper surface of the first optical sheet <NUM>, and may form a pattern. The spacers 321b may form an air gap between the first optical sheet <NUM> and the glass panel <NUM>.

The second optical sheet <NUM> is laminated with or adhered to the upper surface of the glass panel <NUM>. The second optical sheet <NUM> may include a diffusion sheet <NUM>, a prism sheet <NUM>, a high-luminance sheet <NUM>, and a protective film <NUM>.

The diffusion sheet <NUM> may include protrusions 324a formed on the lower surface thereof. The protrusions 324a may form a pattern or an embossed structure. The diffusion sheet <NUM> may include spacers 324b formed on the upper surface thereof. The spacers 324b may protrude from the upper surface of the diffusion sheet <NUM>, and may form a pattern. The spacers 324b may form an air gap between the prism sheet <NUM> and the glass panel <NUM>.

The prism sheet <NUM> may be located on the diffusion sheet <NUM>. The prism sheet <NUM> may be adhered to or laminated with the upper surface of the diffusion sheet <NUM> and/or the high-luminance sheet <NUM>. The prism sheet <NUM> may have a triangular pattern 325a formed on the upper surface thereof. An air gap may be formed between the triangular pattern 325a and the high-luminance sheet <NUM>.

The protective sheet <NUM> may be adhered to or laminated with the high-luminance sheet <NUM>. The protective sheet <NUM> may cover the upper surface of the second optical sheet <NUM>. The protective sheet <NUM> may be opposite or may be brought into contact with the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, a substrate <NUM> is placed on the frame <NUM>. A lens <NUM> may cover a light source mounted on the substrate <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may be coupled to the edge of the frame <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may include a coupling surface <NUM>, a vertical surface <NUM>, and an inclined surface <NUM>.

The coupling surface <NUM> may define the lower surface of the guide panel <NUM>. The coupling surface <NUM> may form a step at the lower surface of the guide panel <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be fixed to the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>.

The vertical surface <NUM> may extend from the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> in a direction intersecting the coupling surface <NUM>. The vertical surface <NUM> may be opposite the side frame <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may interconnect the vertical surface <NUM> and the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may form an obtuse angle relative to the substrate <NUM>.

A reflection sheet <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM> and/or the inclined surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM>, and may be located between the substrate <NUM> and the lens <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may extend from the first part <NUM>, and may be located on the inclined surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>.

The optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may have a seating surface <NUM>. The seating surface <NUM> may be formed at the upper end of the guide panel <NUM>. The area or size of the first optical sheet <NUM> and/or the second optical sheet <NUM> may be less than the area or size of the glass panel <NUM>. For example, the length of the first optical sheet <NUM> and/or the second optical sheet <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the optical plate <NUM> may be less than the length of the glass panel <NUM>.

A portion of the upper surface and a portion of the lower surface of the glass panel <NUM> are exposed outside in the state of being adjacent to opposite ends of the glass panel <NUM>. The optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> via an adhesive member <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed by UV bonding or thermosetting bonding. The adhesive member <NUM> is adhered to the exposed lower surface of the glass panel <NUM> adjacent to the edge thereof.

The display panel <NUM> is located at the upper side of the optical plate <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may include a front substrate <NUM>, a rear substrate <NUM>, a front polarizing film <NUM>, a rear polarizing film <NUM>, an inactive part <NUM>, and a sealant <NUM>. The front substrate <NUM> and the rear substrate <NUM> may opposite each other. The front polarizing film <NUM> may be adhered or fixed to the front substrate <NUM>. The rear polarizing film <NUM> may be adhered or fixed to the rear substrate <NUM>. The inactive part <NUM> may be formed at the distal end of the display panel <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be formed at the lateral surface of the inactive part <NUM>.

The width W1 of the inactive part <NUM> may correspond to the width S2 of the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. For example, the width W1 of the inactive part <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, the width W3 of the glass panel <NUM> exposed outside may correspond to the width S2 of the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> and/or the width W1 of the inactive part <NUM>. As the display panel <NUM> is placed on the optical plate <NUM>, an adhesive member <NUM> is located between the inactive part <NUM> and the glass panel <NUM> exposed outside. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed by UV bonding or thermosetting bonding.

The side frame <NUM> may include a horizontal part <NUM> and a vertical part 360V. The vertical part 360V may cover the vertical surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> may extend from the vertical part 360V to the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> and/or the rear surface of the frame <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surface of the frame <NUM>.

A barrier <NUM> may be located between the guide panel <NUM> and the side frame <NUM>. The barrier <NUM> may be referred to as a shielding plate <NUM> or a reflection plate <NUM>. The barrier <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>. The barrier <NUM> may be brought into contact with the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM> in order to shield light. For example, the barrier <NUM> may include an absorptive material or a reflective material. The barrier <NUM> may prevent leakage of light to the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> is applied to the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The glass panel <NUM> may press the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the seating surface <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be UV resin or thermosetting resin. The adhesive member <NUM> may be UV-hardened or thermally hardened in the state in which the optical plate <NUM> is placed on the guide panel <NUM>. At this time, the adhesive member <NUM> may permeate the optical plate <NUM>, which may deteriorate optical properties of the optical plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> has a receiving surface 334a. The receiving surface 334a may be formed as the result of the seating surface <NUM> being stepped. The receiving surface 334a may be lower than the seating surface <NUM>. The receiving surface 334a may be connected to the vertical surface <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> is applied to the receiving surface 334a of the guide panel <NUM>. The glass panel <NUM> may press the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the receiving surface 334a.

For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be UV resin or thermosetting resin. The adhesive member <NUM> may be UV-hardened or thermally hardened in the state in which the optical plate <NUM> is placed on the guide panel <NUM>. As a result, the adhesive member <NUM> may be securely fixed to the guide panel <NUM>, whereby optical properties of the optical plate <NUM> may not be affected.

Referring to <FIG>, the optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> has a receiving surface 334b. The receiving surface 334b may be inclined relative to the seating surface <NUM>. The receiving surface 334b may intersect the seating surface <NUM>. The receiving surface 334b may be connected to the vertical surface <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> is applied to the receiving surface 334b of the guide panel <NUM>. The glass panel <NUM> may press the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the receiving surface 334b.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> is fixed to the optical plate <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> is applied to the optical plate <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may press the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the optical plate <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be UV resin or thermosetting resin. The adhesive member <NUM> may be hardened between the glass panel <NUM>, the second optical sheet <NUM>, and the display panel <NUM>.

The width W3 of the glass panel <NUM> exposed outside may be greater than the width W1 of the inactive part <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>. The sum WO of the width W1 of the inactive part <NUM> and the width of the sealant <NUM> may be less than the width W3 of the glass panel <NUM> exposed outside.

The width W4 of the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the upper surface of the glass panel <NUM> so as to cover the lateral surface of the sealant <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> and the sum WO of the width of the inactive part <NUM> and the width of the sealant <NUM> may be less than the width W3 of the glass panel <NUM> exposed outside. For example, the width W4 of the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the upper surface of the glass panel <NUM> so as to cover the lateral surface of the sealant <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> may be <NUM> or more.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate <NUM> may be placed on the frame <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may cover a light source mounted on the substrate <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may be coupled to the edge of the frame <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> may include a coupling surface <NUM>, a vertical surface <NUM>, and an inclined surface <NUM>.

The optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The guide panel <NUM> has a seating surface <NUM>. The seating surface <NUM> may be formed at the upper end of the guide panel <NUM>. The area or size of the first optical sheet <NUM> and/or the second optical sheet <NUM> is less than the area or size of the glass panel <NUM>. For example, the length of the first optical sheet <NUM> and/or the second optical sheet <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the optical plate <NUM> may be less than the length of the glass panel <NUM>.

A portion of the upper surface and a portion of the lower surface of the glass panel <NUM> is exposed outside (W3) in the state of being adjacent to opposite ends of the glass panel <NUM>. The optical plate <NUM> is fixed to the seating surface <NUM> and the receiving surface 334a of the guide panel <NUM> via an adhesive member <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed by UV bonding or thermosetting bonding. The adhesive member <NUM> may be brought into contact with or may be adhered to the exposed lower surface of the glass panel <NUM> adjacent to the edge thereof.

The display panel <NUM> is fixed to the optical plate <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> is applied to the optical plate <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may press the adhesive member <NUM> applied to the optical plate <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be UV resin or thermosetting resin. The adhesive member <NUM> may be hardened between the glass panel <NUM>, the second optical sheet <NUM>, and the display panel <NUM>.

At an area A2 defined between the glass panel <NUM> and the vertical part 360V of the side frame <NUM>, light may be discharged outside. The light may be monitored from the front surface of the display device.

Referring to <FIG>, the barrier <NUM> may be located between the guide panel <NUM> and the side frame <NUM>. The barrier <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>. The barrier <NUM> may be brought into contact with the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM> in order to shield light. For example, the barrier <NUM> may include an absorptive material or a reflective material. The barrier <NUM> may prevent leakage of light to the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>.

A side cover <NUM> may be located at the lateral surface of the glass panel <NUM>. The side cover <NUM> may cover the entire lateral surface of the glass panel <NUM>. The side cover <NUM> may be adhered to, applied to, or printed on the lateral surface of the glass panel <NUM>. For example, the side cover <NUM> may include an absorptive material or a reflective material. The side cover <NUM> may prevent leakage of light to the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a flexible cable <NUM> may interconnect the display panel <NUM> and a source PCB <NUM>. For example, the flexible cable <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a chip on film (COF). The flexible cable <NUM> may be located between the barrier <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM> may be located between the guide panel <NUM> and the barrier <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM> may extend from the display panel <NUM> to the source PCB <NUM>.

A light source <NUM> is mounted on the substrate <NUM>.

As an example, the light source <NUM> may be an LED. As another example, the light source <NUM> may be a chip on board (COB). The lens <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM> while covering the light source <NUM>.

A reflection sheet <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located between the lens <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located only on the substrate <NUM>, and the guide panel <NUM> may include a reflective material or a white color in order to replace the reflection sheet.

A second optical distance OG2 between the top of the lens <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM> may be less than a first optical distance OG1 between the reflection sheet <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>. For example, the second optical distance OG2 may be less than half of the first optical distance OG1.

In the case in which the optical distance is reduced in order to provide high luminance to the display panel, a large amount of heat may be applied to the display panel and the optical sheets, whereby image quality may be reduced due to thermal expansion and contraction thereof.

In the case in which an optical plate <NUM> having physical properties identical or similar to those of the display panel <NUM> is used, high image quality may be maintained even in thermal expansion and contraction situations. Light intensity having high luminance may be provided to the display panel <NUM>, whereby image quality of the display device may be improved.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible cable <NUM> may interconnect the display panel <NUM> and the source PCB <NUM>. For example, the flexible cable <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a chip on film (COF). The flexible cable <NUM> may extend from the display panel <NUM> to the source PCB <NUM>.

The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located between the lens <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located only on the substrate <NUM>, and the guide panel <NUM> may include a reflective material or a white color in order to replace the reflection sheet. The distal end of the reflection sheet <NUM> may be adjacent to the guide panel <NUM>.

The second optical distance OG2 between the top of the lens <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM> may be less than the first optical distance OG1 between the reflection sheet <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may include a body 342a and a support 342b. The support 342b may protrude from the upper surface of the body 342a, and may extend toward the optical plate <NUM>. A plurality of supports 342b may be formed at the upper surface of the body 342a. The upper end of the support 342b may be adjacent to or in contact with the lower surface of the optical plate <NUM>. The support 342b may support the optical plate <NUM>. The second optical distance OG2 may correspond to the height of the support 342b.

Consequently, drooping of the optical plate <NUM> and/or the display panel <NUM>, which may occur in a large-size display device, may be prevented. In addition, the lens <NUM> having the support 342b may effectively provide light from the light source <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the display panel <NUM>. The support 342b may change a path of light in the body 342a.

The second optical distance OG2 between the top of the lens <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM> may be less than the first optical distance OG1 between the reflection sheet <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>.

The guide panel <NUM> is fixed to the frame <NUM>. A coupling member f may extend through the front surface from the rear surface of the frame <NUM>, and may then be coupled to the guide panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a cover film 310C may be coupled to the display panel <NUM>. The cover film 310C may include a front part 301F, a first side part <NUM>, a second side part <NUM>, and a third side part <NUM>. The front part 310F may cover the front surface of the display panel <NUM>. The front part 310F may be adhered to the front surface of the display panel <NUM>. The front part 310F may be transparent. Hereinafter, a description of one of the side parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be applied to the others of the side parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, the cover film 310C may be an anti-reflection (AR) film.

The first side part <NUM> may extend from a first long side LS1 of the front part 310F. The first side part <NUM> may wrap the first long side LS1 of the display panel <NUM>. The second side part <NUM> may extend from a second short side SS2 of the front part 310F. The second side part <NUM> may wrap the second short side SS2 of the display panel <NUM>. The third side part <NUM> may extend from a first short side SS1 of the front part 310F. The third side part <NUM> may wrap the first short side SS1 of the display panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first side part <NUM> may include a vertical part 317V and a horizontal part <NUM>. The vertical part 317V may extend from and may be bent from the front part 310F. The horizontal part <NUM> may extend from and may be bent from the vertical part 317V. A coupling hole 317f may be formed in the horizontal part <NUM>.

The third side part <NUM> may include a vertical part 319V and a horizontal part <NUM>. The vertical part 319V may extend from and may be bent from the front part 310F. The horizontal part <NUM> may extend from and may be bent from the vertical part 319V. Coupling holes 319f may be formed in the horizontal part <NUM>.

The front part 310F may be transparent. The first side part <NUM> and/or the third side part <NUM> may be opaque or semitransparent. Alternatively, the first side part <NUM> and/or the third side part <NUM> may include a black color.

The flexible cable <NUM> may extend from the display panel <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM> may extend from one side or the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM> may be electrically connected to a thin film transistor (TFT) provided in the display panel <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM> may electrically interconnect the TFT and the source PCB <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover film 310C (see <FIG>) may be fixed to the front surface of the display panel <NUM>, and may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM> may extend from the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>. The cover film 310C may not cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, from which the flexible cable <NUM> extends, and therefore the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM> may be open.

The third side part <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the guide panel <NUM>, and may be fixed to the frame <NUM>. The vertical part 319V of the third side part <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the guide panel <NUM>.

The horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be inserted between the frame <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM> while wrapping the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be press-fit between the distal end of the frame <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be coupled to the guide panel <NUM> in the state in which the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> is placed at the guide panel <NUM>, whereby the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be fixed to the frame <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM>. The fastening member f may be coupled to the guide panel <NUM>. At this time, the fastening member f may extend through the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM>. Consequently, the cover film 310C may be securely coupled, and packaging of the display panel <NUM>, the optical plate <NUM>, the guide panel <NUM>, and the frame <NUM> may be secured.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate display devices not according to the claimed invention.

The reflection sheet <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM> and/or the inclined surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The reflection sheet <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> may be located on the substrate <NUM>, and may be located between the substrate <NUM> and the lens <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may extend from the first part <NUM>, and may be located on the inclined surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>.

An optical bar <NUM> may be located on or fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The optical bar <NUM> may be located between the guide panel <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>. The optical bar <NUM> may have a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, an inclined surface <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> may be opposite each other. The first surface <NUM> may be fixed to the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> via an adhesive member <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> may be opposite or may be brought into contact with the glass panel <NUM> of the optical plate <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may interconnect the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> may be opposite the inclined surface <NUM>. The area of the second surface <NUM> may be greater than the area of the first surface <NUM>. The overall section of the optical bar <NUM> may have an inverse trapezoidal shape.

The inclined surface <NUM> may be referred to as an incidence surface <NUM>, and the second surface <NUM> may be referred to as an exit surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> may be referred to as reflective surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Light incident on the inclined surface <NUM> may be totally reflected and/or reflected in the optical bar <NUM>, and may be discharged to the glass panel <NUM> through the second surface <NUM>. Consequently, light may be uniformly provided even to the contour of the display panel <NUM>.

The optical plate <NUM> may be located on or fixed to the optical bar <NUM>. The area or size of the first optical sheet <NUM> and/or the second optical sheet <NUM> may be less than the area or size of the glass panel <NUM>. For example, the length of the first optical sheet <NUM> and/or the second optical sheet <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the optical plate <NUM> may be less than the length of the glass panel <NUM>.

The optical bar <NUM> may be fixed to the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> via an adhesive member <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed by UV bonding or thermosetting bonding. The adhesive member <NUM> may be brought into contact with or may be adhered to the first surface <NUM> of the optical bar <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may be located at the upper side of the optical plate <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may include a front substrate <NUM>, a rear substrate <NUM>, a front polarizing film <NUM>, and a rear polarizing film <NUM>. The front substrate <NUM> and the rear substrate <NUM> may be opposite each other. The front polarizing film <NUM> may be adhered or fixed to the front substrate <NUM>. The rear polarizing film <NUM> may be adhered or fixed to the rear substrate <NUM>. An inactive part <NUM> may be formed at the lateral surface of the front substrate <NUM> and/or the rear substrate <NUM>. For example, the inactive part may be a black matrix.

An adhesive member <NUM> may be located between the display panel <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed by UV bonding or thermosetting bonding. The adhesive member <NUM> may be transparent.

The side frame <NUM> may include a horizontal part <NUM> and a vertical part 360V. The vertical part 360V may cover the vertical surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> wrapped by the cover film 310C (see <FIG>), the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> may extend from the vertical part 360V to the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> and/or the rear surface of the frame <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surface of the frame <NUM>.

The third side part <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, the outer surface <NUM> of the optical bar <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the guide panel <NUM>, and may be fixed to the frame <NUM>. The vertical part 319V of the third side part <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, the outer surface <NUM> of the optical bar <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the guide panel <NUM>. As an example, the vertical part 319V of the third side part <NUM> of the cover film 310C may include a reflective material or an absorptive material. As another example, the vertical part 319V of the third side part <NUM> may be a black film.

The horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be inserted between the frame <NUM> and the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be coupled to the guide panel <NUM> while pushing the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> placed on the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the optical bar <NUM> may be located on or fixed to the guide panel <NUM>. The optical bar <NUM> may be located between the guide panel <NUM> and the optical plate <NUM>.

The optical bar <NUM> may have a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, an inclined surface <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> may be opposite each other. The first surface <NUM> may be fixed to the seating surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM> via an adhesive member <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> may be opposite or may be brought into contact with the glass panel <NUM> of the optical plate <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may interconnect the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> may be opposite the inclined surface <NUM>. The area of the second surface <NUM> may be greater than the area of the first surface <NUM>. The overall section of the optical bar <NUM> may have an inverse trapezoidal shape.

The third side part <NUM> of the cover film 310C may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, the outer surface of the optical bar <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the guide panel <NUM>, and may be fixed to the frame <NUM>. The vertical part 319V of the third side part <NUM> may cover the lateral surface of the display panel <NUM>, the lateral surface of the optical plate <NUM>, the outer surface of the optical bar <NUM>, and the lateral surface of the guide panel <NUM>.

The barrier <NUM> may be located inside the third side part <NUM> of the cover film 310C. The barrier <NUM> may be located between the optical plate <NUM>, the optical bar <NUM>, the guide panel <NUM>, and the vertical part 319V of the third side part <NUM> of the cover film 310C. For example, the barrier <NUM> may be a reflective sheet or an absorptive sheet.

The horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be inserted between the frame <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM> while wrapping the coupling surface <NUM> of the guide panel <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be press-fit between the distal end of the frame <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> may be coupled to the guide panel <NUM> in the state in which the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> is placed at the guide panel <NUM>, whereby the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM> may be fixed to the frame <NUM> and the guide panel <NUM>. The fastening member f may be coupled to the guide panel <NUM>. At this time, the fastening member f may extend through the horizontal part <NUM> of the third side part <NUM>. Consequently, the cover film 310C may be securely coupled, and packaging of the display panel <NUM>, the optical plate <NUM>, the optical bar <NUM>, the guide panel <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and the barrier <NUM> may be secured.

In accordance with the claimed invention, provided is a display device including a display panel, a frame located at the rear of the display panel, an optical plate located between the frame and the display panel, a guide panel coupled to the frame, the guide panel being configured to support the optical plate, the guide panel being configured to provide a space between the optical plate and the frame, and a light source and a substrate configured to provide light to the optical plate in the space, wherein the display panel includes an active area configured to display an image and an inactive area formed at the edge of the active area, the inactive area being configured not to display an image, the display panel is coupled to the optical plate via a first adhesive member disposed in contact with the inactive area, and the optical plate is fixed to the guide panel via a second adhesive member disposed in contact with an area corresponding to the inactive area between the optical plate and the guide panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide panel may include a vertical surface extending long from the optical plate in a direction toward the frame, a coupling surface coupled to the frame, a seating surface, on which the second adhesive member is located, the seating surface being connected to the vertical surface, and an inclined surface configured to interconnect the seating surface and the coupling surface, the inclined surface being configured to form an obtuse angle relative to the frame.

In accordance with the claimed invention, the optical plate includes a glass panel configured to form a core, a first optical sheet located between the glass panel and the display panel, the first optical sheet being coupled to one surface of the glass panel, and a second optical sheet disposed opposite the first optical sheet with respect to the glass panel, the second optical sheet being coupled to the other surface of the glass panel, the area of each of the first optical sheet and the second optical sheet is.

less than the area of the glass panel, whereby a portion of the glass panel adjacent to the inactive area of the display panel is exposed outside, the first adhesive member is adhered to the display panel and the glass panel, and the second adhesive member is adhered to an upper surface of the guide panel such as the seating surface of the guide panel and the glass panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a reflection sheet, the reflection sheet including a first part located on the substrate and a second part located at the inclined surface of the guide panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a barrier configured to cover a lateral surface of the optical plate adjacent to the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier may include a reflective material or an absorptive material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide panel may further include a receiving surface formed so as to be lower than the seating surface, a step being formed between the receiving surface and the seating surface, and the second adhesive member may be located at the receiving surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide panel may further include a receiving surface formed from the seating surface to the vertical surface in an inclined state, and the second adhesive member may be located at the receiving surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the display panel may further include a sealant configured to cover the inactive area at a lateral surface of the display panel, and the width of each of the inactive area and the sealant may be less than the width of an exposed surface of the glass panel with which the second adhesive member is in contact.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical plate may further include a side cover formed at a lateral surface of the glass panel adjacent to the first adhesive member, and the side cover may include an absorptive material or a reflective material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a lens configured to cover the light source, the lens being mounted on the substrate, and a reflection sheet located on the substrate, wherein the reflection sheet may be located between the substrate and the lens, and the distal end of the reflection sheet may be located adjacent to the guide panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the lens may include a support protruding from an upper surface of the lens and extending toward the optical plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the support may be adjacent to or in contact with a lower surface of the optical plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide panel may be fixed to the frame via a fastening member extending through the frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a source printed circuit board (PCB) located at the rear of the frame and a flexible cable extending from the lateral surface of the display panel, the flexible cable being connected to the source PCB.

As is apparent from the above description, the display device according to the present disclosure may have the following effects.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device including a backlight unit having improved optical efficiency.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device capable of improving image quality.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device capable of securing reliability with respect to physical deformation caused by heat.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a backlight structure capable of providing light having high luminance and uniform distribution to a display panel having a large image display area.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a coupling structure of a display device capable of improving a dark area around a display panel.

An additional range of applicability of the present disclosure will be clear from the above description. Those skilled in the art will clearly appreciate that the present disclosure may be variously changed and modified without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description and specific embodiments, like preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are therefore to be construed as illustrative.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with each other in configuration or function. In any case, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A display device comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>);
a frame (<NUM>) located at a rear of the display panel (<NUM>);
an optical plate (<NUM>) located between the frame (<NUM>) and the display panel (<NUM>);
a guide panel (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>), the guide panel (<NUM>) being configured to support the optical plate (<NUM>), the guide panel (<NUM>) being configured to provide a space between the optical plate (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>); and
a light source (<NUM>) and a substrate (<NUM>) configured to provide light to the optical plate (<NUM>) in the space,
wherein the display panel (<NUM>) comprises:
an active area configured to display an image; and
an inactive area formed at an edge of the active area, the inactive area being configured not to display an image,
wherein the display panel (<NUM>) is coupled to the optical plate (<NUM>) via a first adhesive member (<NUM>) disposed in contact with the inactive area;
wherein the optical plate (<NUM>) is fixed to the guide panel (<NUM>) via a second adhesive member (<NUM>) disposed in contact with an area corresponding to the inactive area between the optical plate (<NUM>) and the guide panel (<NUM>),
wherein the optical plate (<NUM>) comprises:
a glass panel (<NUM>) configured to form a core;
a first optical sheet (<NUM>) located between the glass panel (<NUM>) and the display panel (<NUM>), the first optical sheet (<NUM>) being coupled to one surface of the glass panel (<NUM>); and
a second optical sheet (<NUM>) disposed opposite the first optical sheet (<NUM>) with respect to the glass panel (<NUM>), the second optical sheet (<NUM>) being coupled to the other surface of the glass panel (<NUM>), characterized in that
an area of each of the first optical sheet (<NUM>) and the second optical sheet (<NUM>) is less than an area of the glass panel (<NUM>), whereby a portion of the glass panel (<NUM>) adjacent to the inactive area of the display panel (<NUM>) is not covered by the first optical sheet (<NUM>) and the second optical sheet (<NUM>),
wherein
the first adhesive member (<NUM>) is adhered to the display panel (<NUM>) and a portion of the one surface of the glass panel (<NUM>) which is not covered by the first sheet (<NUM>), and
the second adhesive member (<NUM>) is adhered to a surface of an upper end of the guide panel (<NUM>) and a portion of the other surface of the glass panel (<NUM>) which is not covered by the second sheet (<NUM>).