Patent Description:
In general, a display apparatus is a kind of an output apparatus for converting obtained or stored electrical information into visual information and displaying the visual information for users. The display apparatus is used in various fields, such as homes, businesses, etc..

Display apparatuses include a monitor connected to a personal computer, a server computer, etc., a portable terminal (for example, a portable computer, a navigation terminal, a general television, an Internet Protocol television (IPTV), a smart phone, a tablet PC, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a cellular phone), various display apparatuses used for reproducing images such as advertisements or movies in industrial sites, or other various kinds of audio/video systems.

A display apparatus includes a light source module for converting electrical information into visual information, and the light source module includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light independently.

The plurality of light sources include, for example, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). For example, the LEDs or OLEDs are mounted on a circuit board or a substrate.

While the display apparatus is manufactured, used, maintained, or repaired, static electricity may occur to damage the light sources. To prevent or suppress such static electricity, each light source generally includes an electrostatic discharge protection circuit (for example, a Zener diode), together with a LED.

However, lately, the number of light sources is increasing to improve a contrast ratio, and due to an increase in number of light sources, an area assigned to LEDs and Zener diodes becomes narrow.

<CIT> relates to a display device. The display device includes a substrate and at least one light assembly disposed on the substrate to be spaced apart from each other. The optical assembly includes a light source and a lens for shielding the top and sides of the light source. The lens includes a refracting part positioned on the upper surface of the light source, and a reflecting part spaced apart from the side surface of the light source. According to <CIT>, the lens includes the reflecting part positioned on the side of the light source, thereby improving the light efficiency of the backlight unit.

<CIT> relates to a liquid crystal display device having an improved electrostatic discharge structure which includes: a liquid crystal panel on which an image is formed; a light emitting diode (LED) unit for irradiating a backlight to the liquid crystal panel; a chassis in which the liquid crystal panel and the LED unit are installed; a LED circuit board including a LED chip that is installed to electrically contact the chassis and to control the LED unit; and a main circuit board connected to the liquid crystal panel and the LED circuit board. A grounding line is connected to the main circuit board and is formed on the LED circuit board. Accordingly, the static electricity that has flowed from the outside through the chassis <NUM> may be immediately discharged through the grounding line, and electronic components in the liquid crystal display device may be protected from the static electricity.

<CIT> relates to a display device including a light source which comprises a first line receiving power, a second line connected to a ground terminal, a plurality of light source units generating light, first to k-th conductive patterns connecting the light source units to the first and second lines in series, where k is a natural number greater than <NUM>, and a discharge pattern disposed adjacent to the conductive patterns and the second line, and leading static electricity flowing into the conductive patterns to the second line.

<CIT> relates to light emitting device including a plurality of oblong flexible substrates, each flexible substrate comprising a sheet-shaped base body and a wiring pattern formed on one face of the base body, and each flexible substrate having a plurality of light emitting sections disposed thereon; a plurality of a reflective layers, each reflective layer being disposed at a periphery of a respective light emitting section above a respective flexible substrate; an insulating reflective sheet made of a light reflecting resin, the reflective sheet having a plurality of through holes located such that the light emitting sections and at least a portion of the reflective layers are exposed via the through holes; and a plurality of adhesive members, each adhesive member adhering a respective flexible substrate to the reflective sheet in regions where the reflective layer is not formed.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a display apparatus including a plurality of light sources each including a light emitting diode without a Zener diode.

It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a display apparatus including an antistatic member for suppressing or preventing a plurality of light sources from being damaged by static electricity generated around the light sources.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the display apparatus including the plurality of light sources each including a light emitting diode without a Zener diode may be provided. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the display apparatus including the antistatic member positioned around the plurality of light sources to prevent or suppress the light sources from being damaged by static electricity may be provided.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout this specification. This specification does not describe all components of the embodiments, and general information in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs or overlapping information between the embodiments will not be described. The terms "portion", "module", "element", and "block", as used herein, may be implemented as software or hardware, and according to embodiments, a plurality of "portion", "module", "element", and "block" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "portion", "module", "element", and "block" may include a plurality of components.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to another component, it may be connected to the other component through a wireless communication network.

Also, it will be understood that when the terms "includes," "comprises," "including," and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of a stated component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components.

In the entire specification, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" or "over" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

Also, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference numerals used in operations are provided for convenience of description, without describing the order of the operations, and the operations can be executed in a different order from the stated order unless a specific order is definitely specified in the context.

Hereinafter, an operation principle and embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> shows an outer appearance of a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

A display apparatus <NUM> may be an apparatus of processing image signals received from outside and visually displaying the processed signals as images. Hereinafter, a television will be described as an example of the display apparatus <NUM>. However, the display apparatus <NUM> is not limited to a television. For example, the display apparatus <NUM> may be implemented as various types, such as a monitor, a portable multimedia device, a portable communication device, etc. That is, the type of the display apparatus <NUM> is not limited as long as the display apparatus <NUM> is capable of visually displaying images.

Also, the display apparatus <NUM> may be a Large Format Display (LFD) that is installed outdoor, such as the roof of a building or a bus stop. Herein, the outdoor is not necessarily limited to outside, and the display apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be installed at any place where many people come in and out, such as subway stations, shopping malls, movie theaters, places of business, stores, etc., although the place is indoor.

The display apparatus <NUM> may receive content data including video data and audio data from various content sources, and output video and audio corresponding to the video data and audio data. For example, the display apparatus <NUM> may receive content data from a broadcast receiving antenna or a wired cable, from a content reproducing apparatus, or from a content provider's content providing server.

As shown in <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> may include a main body <NUM>, a screen <NUM> for displaying an image I, and a support <NUM> provided at a lower portion of the main body <NUM> to support the main body <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may form an outer appearance of the display apparatus <NUM>, and components for enabling the display apparatus <NUM> to display the image I or perform various functions may be installed inside the main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be in a shape of a flat plate. However, the shape of the main body <NUM> is not limited to that shown in <FIG>. For example, the main body <NUM> may be in a shape of a curved plate.

The screen <NUM> may be formed on a front surface of the main body <NUM> and display an image I. For example, the screen <NUM> may display a still image or a moving image. Also, the screen <NUM> may display a 2Dimensional (2D) planar image or a 3Dimensional (3D) stereoscopic image using a user's binocular eyes.

On the screen <NUM>, a plurality of pixels P may be formed, and the image I displayed on the screen <NUM> may be formed by light emitted from the plurality of pixels P. For example, light emitted from the plurality of pixels P may be combined into a mosaic, and formed as the image I on the screen <NUM>.

The plurality of pixels P may emit light having various brightness levels and various colors. For example, each of the plurality of pixels P may include a self-emissive panel (for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel) capable of itself emitting light, or a non-emissive panel (for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel) capable of transmitting or blocking light emitted by a light source device.

To emit light of various colors, each of the plurality of pixels P may include sub pixels PR, PG, and PB.

The sub pixels PR, PG, and PB may include a red sub pixel PR capable of emitting red light, a green sub pixel PG capable of emitting green light, and a blue sub pixel PB capable of emitting blue light. For example, red light may correspond to light of a wavelength range from about <NUM> (nanometer, one billionth of a meter) to about <NUM>, green light may correspond to light of a wavelength range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and blue light may correspond to light of a wavelength range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

By a combination of red light from the red sub pixel PR, green light from the green sub pixel PG and blue light from the blue sub pixel PB, the plurality of pixels P may emit light of various brightness levels and various colors.

As shown in <FIG>, various components for generating the image I on the screen S may be installed inside the main body <NUM>.

For example, the main body <NUM> may include a light source device <NUM> which is a surface light source, a liquid crystal panel <NUM> for blocking or transmitting light emitted from the light source device <NUM>, a control assembly <NUM> for controlling operations of the light source device <NUM> and the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, and a power supply assembly <NUM> for supplying power to the light source device <NUM> and the liquid crystal panel <NUM>. Also, the main body <NUM> may include a bezel <NUM>, a frame middle mold <NUM>, a bottom chassis <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM> for supporting and fixing the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, the light source device <NUM>, the control assembly <NUM>, and the power supply assembly <NUM>. According to the claimed invention, the display apparatus comprises a liquid crystal panel and a light source device.

The light source device <NUM> may include a point light source for emitting monochromatic light or white light, and may refract, reflect, and scatter light to convert light emitted from the point light source into uniform surface light. For example, the light source device <NUM> may include a plurality of light sources for emitting monochromatic light or white light, a diffuser plate for diffusing light emitted from the plurality of light sources, a reflective sheet for reflecting light emitted from the plurality of light sources and a rear surface of the diffuser plate, and an optical sheet for refracting and scattering light emitted from a front surface of the diffuser plate.

As such, the light source device <NUM> may emit uniform surface light toward a front direction by refracting, reflecting, and scattering light emitted from the light sources.

A configuration of the light source device <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

The liquid crystal panel <NUM> may be positioned in front of the light source device <NUM>, and block or transmit light emitted from the light source device <NUM> to form an image I.

A front surface of the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may form the screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> described above, and the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may form the plurality of pixels P. The plurality of pixels P of the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may independently block or transmit light of the light source device <NUM>, and light transmitted through the plurality of pixels P may form an image I that is displayed on the screen S.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may include a first polarizing film <NUM>, a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a pixel electrode <NUM>, a thin film transistor (TFT) <NUM>, a liquid crystal layer <NUM>, a common electrode <NUM>, a color filter <NUM>, a second transparent substrate <NUM>, and a second polarizing film <NUM>.

The first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM> may fix and support the pixel electrode <NUM>, the thin film transistor <NUM>, the liquid crystal layer <NUM>, the common electrode <NUM>, and the color filter <NUM>. The first and second transparent substrates <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of tempered glass or a transparent resin.

On outer surfaces of the first and second transparent substrates <NUM> and <NUM>, the first polarizing film <NUM> and the second polarizing film <NUM> may be respectively positioned.

The first polarizing film <NUM> and the second polarizing film <NUM> may transmit specific light and block the other light. For example, the first polarizing film <NUM> may transmit light having a magnetic field vibrating in a first direction and block the other light. Also, the second polarizing film <NUM> may transmit light having a magnetic field vibrating in a second direction and block the other light, wherein the second direction may be orthogonal to the first direction. Accordingly, a polarizing direction of light transmitted by the first polarizing film <NUM> may be orthogonal to a vibration direction of light transmitted by the second polarizing film <NUM>. As a result, light may be generally not transmitted through the first polarizing film <NUM> and the second polarizing film <NUM> simultaneously.

The color filer <NUM> may be positioned on an inner surface of the second transparent substrate <NUM>.

The color filter <NUM> may include a red filter 27R transmitting red light, a green filter <NUM> transmitting green light, and a blue filter 27B transmitting blue light, wherein the red filter 27R, the green filter <NUM>, and the blue filter 27B may be positioned side by side. An area in which the color filter <NUM> is formed may correspond to the pixels P described above. An area in which the red filter 27R is formed may correspond to the red sub pixel PR, an area in which the green filter <NUM> is formed may correspond to the green sub pixel PG, and an area in which the blue filter 27B is formed may correspond to the blue sub pixel PB.

On an inner surface of the first transparent substrate <NUM>, the pixel electrode <NUM> may be positioned, and on an inner surface of the second transparent substrate <NUM>, the common electrode <NUM> may be positioned.

The pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM> may be made of a metal material carrying electricity, and generate an electric field for changing alignment of liquid crystal molecules 25a configuring the liquid crystal layer <NUM> which will be described below.

The pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM> may be made of a transparent material, and transmit light received from outside. For example, the pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM> may be made of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), an Ag nano wire, a carbon nano tube (CNT), graphene, or <NUM>,<NUM>-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT).

On the inner surface of the first transparent substrate <NUM>, the thin film transistor <NUM> may be positioned.

The thin film transistor <NUM> may transmit or block current flowing through the pixel electrode <NUM>. For example, according to turning-on (closing) or turning-off (opening) of the thin film transistor <NUM>, an electric field may be formed or removed between the pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM>.

The thin film transistor <NUM> may be made of poly-silicon, and formed by a semiconductor process, such as lithography, deposition, ion implantation, etc..

The liquid crystal layer <NUM> may be formed between the pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM>, and the liquid crystal layer <NUM> may be filled with the liquid crystal molecules 25a.

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

Also, liquid crystal may show an optical property according to a change in electric field. For example, the direction of the molecular arrangement of liquid crystal may change according to a change in electric field. In the case in which an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer <NUM>, liquid crystal molecules 115a of the liquid crystal layer <NUM> may be arranged according to the direction of the electric field, and in the case in which no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer <NUM>, the liquid crystal molecules 115a may be arranged irregularly or according to an alignment layer (not shown). As a result, the optical property of the liquid crystal layer <NUM> may change according to the presence/absence of an electric field passing through the liquid crystal layer <NUM>.

In one edge of the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, a cable 20a for transmitting image data to the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) (hereinafter, referred to as a 'driver IC') <NUM> for processing digital image data and outputting an analog image signal may be positioned.

The cable 20a may electrically connect the control assembly <NUM> or the power supply assembly <NUM> to the driver IC <NUM>, and also, electrically connect the driver IC <NUM> to the liquid crystal panel <NUM>. The cable 20a may include a flexible flat cable or a film cable.

The driver IC <NUM> may receive image data and power from the control assembly <NUM> or the power supply assembly <NUM> through the cable 20a, and transmit image data and driving current to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> through the cable 20a.

Also, the cable 20a and the driver IC <NUM> may be implemented as a film cable, a chip on film (COF), a tape carrier packet (TCP), etc. In other words, the driver IC <NUM> may be positioned on the cable 110b, although not limited thereto. Also, the driver IC <NUM> may be positioned on the liquid crystal panel <NUM>.

The control assembly <NUM> may include a control circuit for controlling operations of the liquid crystal panel <NUM> and the light source device <NUM>. The control circuit may process image data received from an external content source, transmit the image data to the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, and transmit dimming data to the light source device <NUM>.

The power supply assembly <NUM> may supply power to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> and the light source device <NUM> such that the light source device <NUM> outputs surface light and the liquid crystal panel <NUM> blocks or transmits light emitted from the light source device <NUM>.

The control assembly <NUM> and the power supply assembly <NUM> may be implemented as a printed circuit board and various circuits mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, a power circuit may include a condenser, a coil, a resistor, a processor, and a power circuit board on which they are mounted. Also, a control circuit may include a memory, a processor, and a control circuit board on which they are mounted.

Hereinafter, the light source device <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a light source device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows coupling of a reflective sheet and a light source module included in a light source device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The light source device <NUM> includes a light source module <NUM> for generating light, a reflective sheet <NUM> for reflecting light, and may include a diffuser plate <NUM> for uniformly diffusing light, and an optical sheet <NUM> for improving brightness of emitted light.

The light source module <NUM> includes a plurality of light sources <NUM> for emitting light, and a board <NUM> for supporting/fixing the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

The plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in a preset pattern to emit light with uniform brightness. The plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged such that distances between a light source and its neighboring light sources are the same.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in rows and columns positioned at regular intervals. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged such that four adjacent light sources have a substantially square shape. Also, a light source may be adjacent to four light sources, and the distances between the light source and the four adjacent light sources may be substantially the same.

According to another example, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in a plurality of rows, and a light source belonging to each row may be positioned on a center line of two light sources belonging to its adjacent row. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged such that three adjacent light sources form substantially an equilateral triangle. In this case, a light source may be adjacent to six light sources, and distances between the light source and the six light sources may be substantially the same.

However, an arrangement pattern of the plurality of light sources <NUM> is not limited to the above-described patterns, and the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in various patterns as long as the patterns emit light with uniform brightness.

Each light source <NUM> may adopt a device capable of emitting, upon receiving power, monochromatic light (light having a specific wavelength, for example, blue light) or white light (mixed light of red light, green light, and blue light) in various directions. According to the invention, the light source <NUM> includes a light emitting diode.

The board <NUM> may fix the plurality of light sources <NUM> such that the light sources <NUM> do not change their positions. Also, the board <NUM> may supply power to the individual light sources <NUM> to enable the light sources <NUM> to emit light.

The board <NUM> may be configured with a synthetic resin, tempered glass, or a printed circuit board (PCB), which fixes the plurality of light sources <NUM> and on which a conductive power supply line for supplying power to the light sources <NUM> is formed.

The reflective sheet <NUM> may reflect light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> in a front direction or in a direction that is close to the front direction.

In the reflective sheet <NUM>, a plurality of through holes 120a is formed at locations respectively corresponding to the plurality of light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM>. Also, the light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> pass through the through holes 120a to protrude in the front direction from the reflective sheet <NUM>.

For example, as shown in an upper part of <FIG>, the plurality of light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> may be inserted into the plurality of through holes 120a formed in the reflective sheet <NUM> during a process of assembling the reflective sheet <NUM> with the light source module <NUM>. Accordingly, as shown in a lower part of <FIG>, the board <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> may be positioned behind the reflective sheet <NUM>, while the plurality of light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> may be positioned in front of the reflective sheet <NUM>.

Accordingly, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may emit light in front of the reflective sheet <NUM>.

The plurality of light sources <NUM> may emit light in various directions in front of the reflective sheet <NUM>. The light may be emitted from the light sources <NUM> toward the reflective sheet <NUM>, as well as toward the diffuser plate <NUM>, and the reflective sheet <NUM> may reflect the light emitted toward the reflective sheet <NUM> toward the diffuser plate <NUM>.

Light emitted from the light sources <NUM> may pass through various objects, such as the diffuser plate <NUM> and the optical sheet <NUM>. While incident light passes through the diffuser plate <NUM> and the optical sheet <NUM>, a part of the incident light may be reflected from surfaces of the diffuser plate <NUM> and the optical sheet <NUM>. The reflective sheet <NUM> may reflect light reflected by the diffuser plate <NUM> and the optical sheet <NUM>.

The diffuser plate <NUM> may be positioned in front of the optical module <NUM> and the reflective sheet <NUM>, and uniformly diffuse light emitted from the light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM>.

As described above, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be positioned at preset locations on a rear surface of the light source device <NUM>. Although the plurality of light sources <NUM> are arranged at equidistance intervals on the rear surface of the light source device <NUM>, non-uniformity of brightness may occur according to the positions of the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

The diffuser plate <NUM> may diffuse light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> within the diffuser plate <NUM> to remove non-uniformity of brightness caused by the plurality of light sources <NUM>. In other words, the diffuser plate <NUM> may uniformly emit non-uniform light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> through the front surface.

The optical sheet <NUM> may include various sheets for improving brightness and uniformity of brightness. For example, the optical sheet <NUM> may include a diffuser sheet <NUM>, a first prism sheet <NUM>, a second prism sheet <NUM>, and a reflective polarizing sheet <NUM>.

The diffuser sheet <NUM> may diffuse light for uniformity of brightness. Light emitted from each light source <NUM> may be diffused by the diffuser plate <NUM>, and again diffused by the diffusing sheet <NUM> included in the optical sheet <NUM>.

The first and second prism sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may concentrate the light diffused by the diffusing sheet <NUM> to increase brightness. The first and second prism sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may include a prism pattern being in a shape of a trigonal prism, and a plurality of prism patterns may be arranged to be adjacent to each other, thereby forming a plurality of bands.

The reflective polarizing sheet <NUM> may be a kind of a polarizing film to transmit a part of incident light and reflect the other portion of the incident light to improve brightness. For example, the reflective polarizing sheet <NUM> may transmit polarized light traveling in a preset polarization direction of the reflective polarizing sheet <NUM>, and reflect polarized light traveling in a polarization direction that is different from the preset polarization direction of the reflective polarizing sheet <NUM>. Also, light reflected by the reflective polarizing sheet <NUM> may be recycled inside the light source device <NUM>, and brightness of the display apparatus <NUM> may be improved by such light recycle.

The optical sheet <NUM> is not limited to the sheets or films shown in <FIG>, and may include various sheets or films, such as a protection sheet, etc..

<FIG> is a perspective view of a light source included in a light source device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the light source shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the light source shown in <FIG>, taken in a A-A' direction of <FIG>. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the light source shown in <FIG>, taken in a B-B' direction of <FIG>. <FIG> is a top view of a light source included in a light source device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows equivalent circuits of a light source included in a light source device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows an example of electrostatic discharge in a light source included in a light source device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Hereinafter, the light sources <NUM> of the light source device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As described above, the light source module <NUM> includes the plurality of light sources <NUM>. The plurality of light sources <NUM> passes through the through holes 120a from behind the reflective sheet <NUM> and protrude toward the front direction of the reflective sheet <NUM>. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the light sources <NUM> and some areas of the board <NUM> are exposed toward the front direction of the reflective sheet <NUM> through the through holes 120a.

The light sources <NUM> may include electrical/mechanical structures located at areas defined by the through holes 120a of the reflective sheet <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of light sources <NUM> includes a light emitting diode <NUM> and an optical dome <NUM>.

To improve uniformity of surface light emitted by the light source device <NUM> and improve a contrast rate by local dimming, the number of the light sources <NUM> may increase. Due to an increase in number of the light sources <NUM>, an area occupied by each of the plurality of light sources <NUM> may become narrow.

To reduce an area occupied by each of the plurality of light sources <NUM>, the light source <NUM> may not include an antistatic circuit (for example, a Zener diode) for preventing or suppressing the light emitting diode <NUM> from being damaged by electrostatic discharge. In other words, the light source <NUM> may not include a Zener diode connected in parallel with the light emitting diode <NUM>.

The light emitting diode <NUM> may include a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor for emitting light by recombination of holes and electrons. Also, the light emitting diode <NUM> may include a pair of electrodes 210a for supplying holes and electrons to the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor.

The light emitting diode <NUM> may convert electrical energy into light energy. In other words, the light emitting diode <NUM> may emit light having a maximum strength in a preset wavelength to which power is supplied. For example, the light emitting diode <NUM> may emit blue light having a peak value in a wavelength (for example, a wavelength ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>) that displays a blue color.

The light emitting diode <NUM> may be attached directly on the board <NUM> by a Chip On Board (COB) method. In other words, the light sources <NUM> may include the light emitting diode <NUM> in which a light emitting diode chip or a light emitting diode die is attached directly on the board <NUM> without any packaging.

To reduce an area occupied by the light emitting diode <NUM>, the light emitting diode <NUM> may be manufactured as a flip chip type including no Zener diode. The light emitting diode <NUM> of the flip chip type may be manufactured by welding, upon attaching the light emitting diode <NUM> being a semiconductor device onto the board <NUM>, an electrode pattern of a semiconductor device as it is on the board <NUM> without using an intermediate medium such as a metal lead (wire) or a ball grid array (BGA).

As such, by omitting a metal lead (wire) or a ball grid array, each light source <NUM> including the light emitting diode <NUM> of the flip chip type may be miniaturized.

To miniaturize the light source <NUM>, the light source module <NUM> in which the light emitting diode <NUM> of the flip chip type is attached on the board <NUM> by the COB method may be manufactured.

On the board <NUM>, a feed line <NUM> and a feed pad <NUM> for supplying power to the light emitting diode <NUM> of the flip chip type may be provided. According to the claimed invention, a feed pad is provided on the first surface of the board and contacts a corresponding light emitting diode.

On the board <NUM>, the feed line <NUM> for supplying an electrical signal and/or power from the control assembly <NUM> and/or the power supply assembly <NUM> to the light emitting diode <NUM> may be provided.

As shown in <FIG>, the board <NUM> may be formed by alternately stacking an insulation layer <NUM> having non-conductivity and a conduction layer <NUM> having conductivity.

On the conduction layer <NUM>, lines or patterns through which power and/or an electrical signal is transmitted may be formed. The conduction layer <NUM> may be formed of various materials having electrical conductivity. For example, the conduction layer <NUM> may be formed of various metal materials, such as copper (Cu), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), or an alloy thereof.

A dielectric layer of the insulation layer <NUM> may insulate between the lines or patterns of the conduction layer <NUM>. The insulation layer <NUM> may be formed of a dielectric for electrical insulation, for example, FR-<NUM>.

The feed line <NUM> may be implemented by the lines or patterns formed on the conduction layer <NUM>.

The feed line <NUM> may be electrically connected to the light emitting diode <NUM> through the feed pad <NUM>.

The feed pad <NUM> may be formed by exposing the feed line <NUM> to outside.

On an outermost surface of the board <NUM>, a protection layer <NUM> for preventing the board <NUM> from being damaged by an external impact, a chemical action (for example, corrosion, etc.), and/or an optical action may be formed. The protection layer <NUM> may include a Photo Solder Resist (PSR).

As shown in <FIG>, the protection layer <NUM> may cover the feed line <NUM> to prevent the feed line <NUM> from being exposed to the outside.

To enable the feed line <NUM> to electrically contact the light emitting diode <NUM>, a window for exposing a portion of the feed line <NUM> to the outside may be formed in the protection layer <NUM>. The portion of the feed line <NUM>, exposed to the outside by the window of the protection layer <NUM>, may form the feed pad <NUM>.

On the feed pad <NUM>, a conductive adhesive material 240a may be applied for an electrical contact of the feed line <NUM> exposed to the outside to the electrode 210a of the light emitting diode <NUM>. The conductive adhesive material 240a may be applied in the window of the protection layer <NUM>.

The electrode 210a of the light emitting diode <NUM> may contact the conductive adhesive material 240a, and the light emitting diode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the feed line <NUM> through the conductive adhesive material 240a.

The conductive adhesive material 240a may include, for example, a solder having electrical conductivity, although not limited thereto. Also, the conductive adhesive material 240a may include electrically conductive epoxy adhesives having electrical conductivity.

Power may be supplied to the light emitting diode <NUM> through the feed line <NUM> and the feed pad <NUM>, and the light emitting diode <NUM> may receive the power to emit light. A pair of feed pads <NUM> respectively corresponding to the pair of electrodes 210a included in the light emitting diode <NUM> of the flip chip type may be provided.

The optical dome <NUM> covers the light emitting diode <NUM>. The optical dome <NUM> may prevent or suppress the light emitting diode <NUM> from being damaged by an external mechanical action and/or by a chemical action.

The optical dome <NUM> may be in a shape of a dome resulting from cutting, for example, a sphere with a plane not including a center of the sphere, or in a shape of a hemisphere resulting from cutting a sphere with a plane including a center of the sphere. A vertical section of the optical dome <NUM> may be in a shape of, for example, a segment of a circle or a semicircle.

The optical dome <NUM> may be formed of silicon or an epoxy resin. For example, the optical dome <NUM> may be formed by discharging molten silicon or a molten epoxy resin onto the light emitting diode <NUM> through a nozzle, etc. and then hardening the discharged silicon or epoxy resin.

Accordingly, the optical dome <NUM> may have various shapes according to viscosity of liquid silicon or an epoxy resin. For example, in the case in which the optical dome <NUM> is manufactured with silicon having a thixotropic index of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (preferably, <NUM>), the optical dome <NUM> may have a dome ratio of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (preferably, <NUM>), wherein the dome ratio represents a ratio (the height of the dome/the diameter of the base side of the dome) of a height of the dome with respect to a diameter of a base side of the dome. For example, a diameter of the base side of the optical dome <NUM> manufactured with silicon having a thixotropic index of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (preferably, <NUM>) may be about <NUM>, and a height of the optical dome <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

The optical dome <NUM> may be optically transparent or translucent. Light emitted from the light emitting diode <NUM> may pass through the optical dome <NUM> and be emitted to the outside.

At this time, the optical dome <NUM> being in a shape of a dome may refract the light, like a lens. For example, light emitted from the light emitting diode <NUM> may be refracted by the optical dome <NUM> and dispersed.

As such, the optical dome <NUM> may protect the light emitting diode <NUM> from an external mechanical action, chemical action, and/or electrical action, and disperse light emitted from the light emitting diode <NUM>.

Around the optical dome <NUM>, an antistatic member <NUM> for protecting the light emitting diode <NUM> from electrostatic discharge is formed.

The antistatic member <NUM> may absorb an electrical impact caused by electrostatic discharge generated around the optical dome <NUM>.

As described above, the optical dome <NUM> may protect the light emitting diode <NUM> from an external electrical action. Charges generated by electrostatic discharge may not pass through the optical dome <NUM> and may flow along an outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>. The charges flowing along the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> may arrive at the light emitting diode <NUM> along a boundary between the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>. The light emitting diode <NUM> may be damaged by an electrical impact caused by the charges permeated along the boundary between the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>. To prevent or suppress such a flow of charges, that is, current, the antistatic member <NUM> is provided around the optical dome <NUM>.

The antistatic member <NUM> may include an antistatic line <NUM> and an antistatic pad <NUM>.

The antistatic line <NUM> may provide a path of current caused by electrostatic discharge generated around the optical dome <NUM>. In other words, the antistatic line <NUM> may guide charges generated by electrostatic discharge to flow to the ground. The antistatic line <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the feed line <NUM>. For example, the antistatic line <NUM> may be formed of various metal materials, such as copper (Cu), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), or an alloy thereof.

For example, the board <NUM> may be formed by alternately stacking the insulation layer <NUM> having non-conductivity and the conduction layer <NUM> having conductivity. The conduction layer <NUM> may be formed of various metal materials, such as copper (Cu), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), or an alloy thereof.

The antistatic line <NUM> may be implemented by a line or pattern formed on the conduction layer <NUM>.

As described in <FIG>, the antistatic line <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the antistatic pad <NUM>.

The protection layer <NUM> may cover the antistatic line <NUM> to prevent the antistatic line <NUM> from being exposed to the outside. In the protection layer <NUM>, a window may be formed to form the antistatic pad <NUM> for capturing current generated by electrostatic discharge. The antistatic line <NUM> may be exposed to the outside by the window of the protection layer <NUM>, and a portion of the antistatic line <NUM> exposed to the outside may form the antistatic pad <NUM>.

As such, the antistatic pad <NUM> may be formed by exposing a portion of the antistatic line <NUM> to the outside. The antistatic pad <NUM> may be provided separately from the feed pad <NUM> contacting the light emitting diode <NUM>, and the antistatic pad <NUM> may not contact the light emitting diode <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the antistatic pad <NUM> may include a first antistatic pad <NUM> and a second antistatic pad <NUM>. The first antistatic pad <NUM> and the second antistatic pad <NUM> may be positioned to both sides of the optical dome <NUM>.

The first antistatic pad <NUM> and the second antistatic pad <NUM> may be maximally spaced from each other on a circumference of an virtual circle surrounding the light source <NUM>. For example, the first antistatic pad <NUM> and the second antistatic pad <NUM> may be positioned to form an angle of about <NUM> degrees with respect to each other along a circumference of an virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>.

However, an arrangement of the first antistatic pad <NUM> and the second antistatic pad <NUM> is not limited to that shown in <FIG>, and the first antistatic pad <NUM> and the second antistatic pad <NUM> may have any arrangement capable of preventing or suppressing current caused by electrostatic discharge from flowing to the light emitting diode <NUM> along the feed line <NUM> or the boundary between the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>. For example, the first antistatic pad <NUM> and the second antistatic pad <NUM> may be arranged to form an angle of about <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees with respect to each other along a circumference of an virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>.

A size of the antistatic pad <NUM> may depend on various factors. For example, a large size of the antistatic pad <NUM> may increase a potential difference capable of preventing or suppressing current generated by electrostatic discharge from flowing to the light emitting diode <NUM>. In other words, as the size of the antistatic pad <NUM> increases, antistatic performance of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be improved.

Meanwhile, as the size of the antistatic pad <NUM> increases, optical interference of the antistatic pad <NUM> may increase accordingly. For example, in the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is formed of copper, the antistatic pad <NUM> may have an intrinsic color (for example, brown) of copper. In this case, monochromatic light (for example, blue light) emitted from the light source <NUM> may be reflected from the antistatic pad <NUM>.

While the monochromatic light is reflected from the antistatic pad <NUM>, the intrinsic color of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be added. For example, monochromatic light emitted from the light source <NUM> may be blue light having a peak value in a wavelength range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In this case, a spectrum of light reflected from the antistatic pad <NUM> may have a plurality of peaks, and at least some of the plurality of peaks may deviate from the wavelength range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In other words, due to the antistatic pad <NUM>, light having a peak deviating from the wavelength range of monochromatic light may be emitted.

As such, due to the antistatic pad <NUM>, a spectrum of light emitted from the light source <NUM> may be distorted, which may reduce a color gamut of the display apparatus <NUM>. Furthermore, the distortion of the spectrum of light emitted from the light source <NUM> may cause a mura phenomenon.

Accordingly, the size of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be determined by considering antistatic performance and a color distortion.

The size of the antistatic pad <NUM> determined by considering antistatic performance may depend on a size of the optical dome <NUM>.

A ratio of an area of the antistatic pad <NUM> to an area of the base side of the optical dome <NUM> may be preferably at least <NUM>:<NUM> or more. In the case in which a diameter of the base side of the optical dome <NUM> is <NUM> (a radius of <NUM> and an area of about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM><NUM>), an area of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM> or more. In the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is in a shape of a circle, a diameter of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be about <NUM> or more. Also, in the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is in a shape of a square, a length of a side of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be about <NUM> or more. For example, the area of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be preferably about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM> (a ratio of the area of the antistatic pad <NUM> to the area of the base side of the optical dome <NUM> is about <NUM>:<NUM>). In the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is in a shape of a circle, a diameter of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be preferably about <NUM>. Also, in the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is in a shape of a square, a length of a side of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be preferably about <NUM>.

The above-described ratios are examples of a ratio of an area of the antistatic pad <NUM> to an area of the base side of the optical dome <NUM>, and a ratio of an area of the antistatic pad <NUM> to an area of the base side of the optical dome <NUM> is not limited to the above-described examples.

A location (a distance to the optical dome <NUM>) of the antistatic pad <NUM>, which is determined by considering antistatic performance, may depend on the size of the optical dome <NUM>.

The antistatic pad <NUM> may have higher antistatic performance at a closer distance to the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>. However, in the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is positioned to the inner side from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>, optical interference may occur. Accordingly, the antistatic pad <NUM> may be preferably positioned to the outer side from an outline of the optical dome <NUM>. At least one portion of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be preferably exposed outside an area defined by the optical dome <NUM>.

Also, to prevent or suppress charges generated by electrostatic discharge from arriving at the feed pad <NUM>, it may be preferable that a shortest distance from the outline of the optical dome <NUM> to the antistatic pad <NUM> is shorter than a shortest distance from the outline of the optical dome <NUM> to the feed pad <NUM>.

The shortest distance from the outline of the optical dome <NUM> to the antistatic pad <NUM> may be shorter than a radius of the optical dome <NUM>. In the case in which the diameter of the base side of the optical dome <NUM> is <NUM> (in the case in which the radius of the optical dome <NUM> is <NUM>), a distance from the outline of the optical dome <NUM> to the antistatic pad <NUM> may be about <NUM> or less. For example, a shortest distance from the outline of the optical dome <NUM> to the antistatic pad <NUM> may be preferably <NUM> or less.

Equivalent circuits of the light source <NUM> including the light emitting diode <NUM> and the antistatic member <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

The light emitting diode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the feed line <NUM> through the feed pad <NUM>, and the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned around the light emitting diode <NUM>.

As shown in (a) of <FIG>, the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the ground by the antistatic line <NUM>. Charges captured by the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may flow to the ground along the antistatic line <NUM>.

Also, as shown in (b) of <FIG>, the antistatic line <NUM> connected to the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled with the ground by parasitic capacitance, without being directly connected to the ground. Charges captured by the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may flow to the ground by the parasitic capacitance along the antistatic line <NUM>.

By the antistatic member <NUM>, electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be improved.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, in the case in which an object CO charged with negative charges approaches or contacts the light source <NUM>, the negative charges may be emitted from the charged object CO.

The emitted negative charges may not pass through the inside of the optical dome <NUM> made of a non-conductive material, and may move along the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>.

The negative charges moving along the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> may move to the antistatic pad <NUM> along the outer surface of the board <NUM> at the boundary of the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>, or move to the feed pad <NUM> along the boundary of the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>.

In the case in which the antistatic pad <NUM> is located close to the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>, a large portion of the negative charges may move to the antistatic pad <NUM>, and an extreamly small portion of the negative charges may move to the feed pad <NUM>. In other words, current generated by electrostatic discharge may flow to the ground through the antistatic pad <NUM>, and extreamly small current may flow to the light emitting diode <NUM> through the feed pad <NUM>.

Therefore, the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be improved. In other words, a voltage caused by electrostatic discharge, which the light source <NUM> is capable of tolerating, may increase.

According to an experiment, electrostatic discharge tolerance of a light source having an optical dome of which the diameter of the base side is <NUM> and of which the height is <NUM> was measured as about <NUM> kV. Meanwhile, in the case in which an antistatic pad of <NUM> * <NUM> (width * height) is positioned within <NUM> from an optical dome having the same size, electrostatic discharge tolerance of the corresponding light source was improved to about <NUM> kV.

An arrangement and shape of the antistatic pad <NUM> for improving the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may change variously.

Hereinafter, various arrangements and shapes of the antistatic pad <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a light source including three or more antistatic pads, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> positioned around the light source <NUM>, however, the number of the antistatic pad <NUM> is not limited to that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include a third antistatic pad <NUM> positioned around the light source <NUM>. A structure (side cross-section) and shape of the third antistatic pad <NUM> may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The third antistatic pad <NUM> may be positioned in a direction in which electrostatic discharge mainly occurs.

For example, in the case in which electrostatic discharge frequently occurs at a specific location of the light source device <NUM>, the third antistatic pad <NUM> may be positioned toward the specific location. In other words, the third antistatic pad <NUM> may be positioned closer to the specific location than the light emitting diode <NUM> of the light source <NUM> and/or the feed pad <NUM>.

Also, in the case in which electrostatic discharge more frequently occurs at an outer portion of the light source device <NUM> than at a center portion of the light source device <NUM>, the antistatic pad <NUM> may be positioned closer to the outer portion of the light source device <NUM> than the light emitting diode <NUM> of the light source <NUM> and/or the feed pad <NUM>.

Because the third antistatic pad <NUM> is positioned, the antistatic member <NUM> may protect the light emitting diode <NUM> from electrostatic discharge frequently occurring at a specific location.

In addition, by reducing the number of the antistatic pad <NUM>, optical interference that is generated by the intrinsic color of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be reduced. Accordingly, a distortion in color of light emitted from the light source device <NUM> may be reduced.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c provided around the light source <NUM>. A structure and shape of each of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> described above.

The three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may surround the optical dome <NUM>.

The three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be maximally spaced from each other on a circumference of a virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>. For example, the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be positioned at substantially equidistant intervals along the circumference of the virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>. The three fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be positioned to form an angle of about <NUM> degrees with respect to each other along the circumference of the virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>. Also, as shown in <FIG>, six antistatic pads may be positioned to form an angle of about <NUM> degrees with respect to each other along the circumference of the virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>. In this case, the light emitting diode <NUM> and/or the feed pad <NUM> may be positioned at a center of the virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>.

Because the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c are positioned around the optical dome <NUM>, the antistatic member <NUM> may protect the light emitting diode <NUM> from electrostatic discharge generated in substantially all directions with respect to the optical dome <NUM>. In other words, because the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c are positioned around the optical dome <NUM>, distances from a location at which electrostatic discharge occurs on the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> to the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be reduced. Therefore, a portion of electrostatic discharged charges captured by the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may further increase, and the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be further improved.

Optical interference caused by the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be removed by reducing sizes of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c. In other words, the sizes of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be reduced such that a total area of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c becomes a preset area.

<FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad being in a shape of a circle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad being in a shape of an arc, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> each being in a shape of substantially a rectangle, however, the shape of the antistatic pad <NUM> is not limited to that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include fifth and sixth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> each being in a shape of substantially a circle. Structures (side cross-sections) of the fifth and sixth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> being in the shape of the circle may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Because a circular antistatic pad has no directivity, the fifth and sixth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may easily capture charges generated by electrostatic discharge occurred around the fifth and sixth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM>.

The shape of the antistatic pad <NUM> is not limited to a rectangle and a circle. For example, the shape of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be a polygon including a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc. Also, the shape of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be a circle, an oval, a semicircle, a segment of a circle, etc..

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include seventh and eighth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> each being in a shape of substantially an arc, which surround the optical dome <NUM>.

A structure (side cross-section) of the antistatic pad <NUM> being in the shape of the arc may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Unlike the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c arranged at substantially equidistant intervals on the circumference of the virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>, each of the seventh and eighth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be in a shape of an arc of an virtual circle surrounding the optical dome <NUM>.

Because the seventh and eighth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> being in the shape of the arc surrounding the optical dome <NUM> are provided, the light emitting diode <NUM> may be protected from electrostatic discharge occurring in all directions with respect to the optical dome <NUM>. In other words, because the seventh and eighth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> being in the shape of the arc are positioned around the optical dome <NUM>, distances from a location at which electrostatic discharge occurs on the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> to the seventh and eighth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be greatly reduced. Therefore, a portion of electrostatic discharged charges captured by the seventh and eighth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may further increase, and the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be further improved.

However, the shape of the antistatic pad <NUM> is not limited to an arc shape, and the antistatic pad <NUM> may be in a shape of a ring. In other words, the antistatic pad <NUM> may be in a shape of a ring surrounding the optical dome <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad of which a portion overlaps with an optical dome, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad overlapping with an optical dome and an antistatic pad not overlapping with the optical dome, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad overlapping with an optical dome and an antistatic pad not overlapping with the optical dome, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a light source including three or more antistatic pads overlapping with an optical dome and three or more antistatic pads not overlapping with the optical dome, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a light source including three or more antistatic pads of which portions overlap with an optical dome, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> not overlapping with the optical dome <NUM>, and a relative arrangement of the optical dome <NUM> and the antistatic pad <NUM> is not limited to the arrangement shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include ninth and tenth antistatic pad <NUM> and <NUM> of which portions overlap with the optical dome <NUM>. Structures (side cross-sections) of the ninth and tenth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The ninth and tenth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> of which portions overlap with the optical dome <NUM> may be positioned at an area at which the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> crosses the board <NUM>. As described above, charges generated by electrostatic discharge may move to the boundary between the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM> along the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>. Because the ninth and tenth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned at the boundary between the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>, charges moving along the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> may move to the ninth and tenth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, a probability that charges moving along the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> will be captured by the antistatic member <NUM> may further increase. Also, the antistatic performance of the antistatic member <NUM> may be improved, and the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be improved.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> positioned outside the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>, and eleventh and twelfth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> positioned to the inner side from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>. Structures (side cross-sections) and shapes of the ninth and twelfth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As described above, the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may capture charges moving outward from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>. Also, the eleventh and twelfth antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may capture charges moving inward from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> along the boundary between the optical dome <NUM> and the board <NUM>.

Accordingly, the antistatic member <NUM> including the antistatic pads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> positioned to the outer and inner sides from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM> may capture a major portion of charges generated by electrostatic discharge. Accordingly, the antistatic performance of the antistatic member <NUM> may be improved, and the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be improved.

As shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include the third antistatic pad <NUM> positioned to the outer side from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>, and a thirteenth antistatic pad <NUM> positioned to the inner side from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>. A structure (side cross-section) and shape of the thirteenth antistatic pad <NUM> may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

By minimizing the number of the antistatic pad <NUM>, optical interference due to the intrinsic color of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be reduced. Accordingly, a distortion in color of light emitted from the light source device <NUM> may be reduced.

As shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c positioned outside the light source <NUM>, and three or more fourteenth antistatic pads 294a, 294b, and 294c positioned inside the light source <NUM>. Structures and shapes of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c and the three or more fourteenth antistatic pads 294a, 294b, and 294c may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> described above.

The three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may surround the optical dome <NUM>. The three or more fourteenth antistatic pads 294a, 294b, and 294c may surround the light emitting diode <NUM> and the feed pad <NUM>. An arrangement of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c may be the same as that of the three or more fourth antistatic pads 284a, 284b, and 284c shown in <FIG>.

The three or more fourteenth antistatic pads 294a, 294b, and 294c may be arranged on a circumference of an virtual circle surrounding the light emitting diode <NUM> and the feed pad <NUM>, and maximally spaced from each other on the circumference of the virtual circle. For example, the three or more fourteenth antistatic pads 294a, 294b, and 294c may be arranged at substantially equidistant intervals along the circumference of the virtual circle surrounding the light emitting diode <NUM> and the feed pad <NUM>. Six antistatic pads as shown in <FIG> may be arranged to form an angle of about <NUM> degrees with respect to each other along the circumference of the virtual circle surrounding the light emitting diode <NUM> and the feed pad <NUM>.

Because the three or more fourteenth antistatic pads 294a, 294b, and 294c are provided inside the optical dome <NUM>, the antistatic member <NUM> may capture charges generated by electrostatic discharge in substantially all directions, the charges being permeated into the inside of the optical dome <NUM>. Therefore, a portion of electrostatic discharged charges captured by the antistatic member <NUM> may further increase, and the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be further improved.

As shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include three or more fifteenth antistatic pads 295a, 295b, and 295c of which portions overlap with the optical dome <NUM>. Structures and shapes of the three or more fifteenth antistatic pads 295a, 295b, and 295c may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> described above.

The three or more fifteenth antistatic pads 295a, 295b, and 295c may be arranged on a circumference of an virtual circle corresponding to an outermost portion of the optical dome <NUM>, and maximally spaced from each other on the circumference of the virtual circle. For example, the three or more fifteenth antistatic pads 295a, 295b, and 295c may be arranged at substantially equidistant intervals along the outermost portion of the optical dome <NUM>.

Because the three or more fifteenth antistatic pads 295a, 295b, and 295c of which portions overlap with the optical dome <NUM> are provided, the antistatic member <NUM> may capture charges generated by electrostatic discharge in substantially all directions, the charges being permeated into the inside of the optical dome <NUM>. Therefore, a portion of electrostatic discharged charges captured by the antistatic member <NUM> may further increase, and the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be further improved.

As described above, the antistatic pad <NUM> for protecting the light emitting diode <NUM> from electrostatic discharge may be various in number, shape, and arrangement as necessary.

Also, the structure (side cross-section) of the antistatic pad <NUM> is also not limited to that shown in <FIG>, and the antistatic pad <NUM> may be formed with various structures.

<FIG> shows a light source including an antistatic pad for protecting a feed line, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the antistatic member <NUM> may include the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> arranged around the optical dome <NUM>, and sixteenth antistatic pads 296a and 296b and seventeenth antistatic pads 297a and 297b arranged around the feed line <NUM>. Structures (side cross-sections) and shapes of the sixteenth and seventeenth antistatic pads 296a, 296b, 297c, and 297b may be the same as those of the first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The first and second antistatic pads <NUM> and <NUM> may capture charges moving outward from the outer surface of the optical dome <NUM>.

The protection layer <NUM> may be configured generally with an insulator, and protect a feed circuit such as the feed line <NUM> from electrostatic discharge. However, because the protection layer <NUM> has a thin thickness compared to the optical dome <NUM>, the protection layer <NUM> may have a lower voltage level capable of protecting the feed circuit such as the feed line <NUM> from electrostatic discharge than the optical dome <NUM>. Accordingly, charges may permeate into the feed line <NUM> by electrostatic discharge generated around the feed line <NUM>, and the charges may damage the light emitting diode <NUM> via the feed line <NUM>.

To prevent or suppress permeation of charges through the feed line <NUM>, the sixteenth and seventeenth antistatic pads 296a, 296b, 297a, and 297b may be provided around the feed line <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the sixteenth antistatic pads 296a and 296b may be arranged to both sides of the feed line <NUM> along the feed line <NUM>. The seventeenth antistatic pads 297a and 297b may be also arranged to both sides of the feed line <NUM> along the feed line <NUM>.

Due to the sixteenth and seventeenth antistatic pads 296a, 296b, 297a, and 297b, the light emitting diode <NUM> may be prevented or suppressed from being damaged by electrostatic discharge generated around the feed line <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another example of a side cross-section of the light source shown in <FIG>, taken in the B-B' direction of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the protection layer <NUM> may cover the antistatic line <NUM> to prevent the antistatic line <NUM> from being exposed to the outside. Herein, a window for forming the antistatic pad <NUM> for capturing current generated by electrostatic discharge may be formed in the protection layer <NUM>. As such, the antistatic line <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the antistatic pad <NUM>.

A conductive adhesive material 280a may be applied on the antistatic pad <NUM>. The conductive adhesive material 280a may be applied in the window of the protection layer <NUM>.

The conductive adhesive material 280a may include a solder having electrical conductivity. The solder is known to have high light reflectivity.

Because the conductive adhesive material 280a having high light reflectivity is applied on the antistatic pad <NUM>, optical interference that is caused by the antistatic line <NUM> exposed through the antistatic pad <NUM> may be reduced. In other words, a spectrum of light emitted from the light source <NUM> may be prevented or suppressed from being distorted by a color of the antistatic pad <NUM> formed with copper.

Accordingly, an area of the antistatic pad <NUM> may be enlarged without causing the mura phenomenon.

As shown in <FIG>, the protection layer <NUM> may cover the antistatic line <NUM> to prevent the antistatic line <NUM> from being exposed to the outside. Herein, in the protection layer <NUM>, a via-hole 270a may be formed to form the antistatic pad <NUM> for capturing current generated by electrostatic discharge. The antistatic pad <NUM> may be formed on the protection layer <NUM>, and the antistatic pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to the antistatic line <NUM> through the via-hole 280a of the protection layer <NUM>.

As such, because the antistatic pad <NUM> is formed on the protection layer <NUM>, performance of the antistatic member <NUM> of capturing charges generated by electrostatic discharge may be improved. Accordingly, the electrostatic discharge tolerance of the light source <NUM> may be further improved.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a light source device may include: a reflective sheet in which a hole is formed; and a light source module exposed through the hole. The light source module may include a board disposed in parallel with the reflective sheet, where a first surface of the board is toward the reflective sheet, a light emitting diode provided in an area defined by the hole on the first surface of the board, a feed pad provided on the first surface of the board and contacting the light emitting diode, an insulating dome provided in the area defined by the hole on the first surface of the board and covering the light emitting diode, and at least one antistatic pad provided in the area defined by the hole on the first surface of the board, without contacting the light emitting diode.

The at least one antistatic pad may capture charges generated by electrostatic discharge. Accordingly, the light emitting diode may be prevented or suppressed from being damaged by electrostatic discharge.

The at least one antistatic pad may be provided outside an area defined by an outline of the insulating dome. Accordingly, light may be prevented or suppressed from being distorted by optical interference caused by an intrinsic color of the antistatic pad, and mura or dark portions of the display apparatus may be prevented or suppressed.

The at least one antistatic pad may include a plurality of antistatic pads arranged on a circumference of a virtual circle surrounding the light emitting diode and the feed pad, and the plurality of antistatic pads may be arranged at substantially equidistant intervals on the circumference of the virtual circle. Accordingly, the plurality of antistatic pads may capture charges generated in all directions by electrostatic discharge, and the electrostatic tolerance of the light source module may be improved.

The at least one antistatic pad may be in a shape of an arc of a virtual circle surrounding the light emitting diode and the feed pad. Accordingly, the plurality of antistatic pads may capture charges generated in all directions by electrostatic discharge, and the electrostatic tolerance of the light source module may be improved.

A portion of the at least one antistatic pad may overlap with the insulating dome. Accordingly, the at least one antistatic pad may capture charges moving along a boundary between the insulating dome and the board.

The at least one antistatic pad may include an external antistatic pad positioned outside an area defined by an outline of the insulating dome, and an internal antistatic pad positioned inside the area defined by the outline of the insulating dome. Accordingly, the at least one antistatic pad may capture charges moving along the boundary between the insulating dome and the board, as well as charges floating outside the insulating dome.

A size of the at least one antistatic pad may be <NUM> % or more of a size of the area defined by the outline of the insulating dome. The at least one antistatic pad may capture a large amount of charges generated by electrostatic discharge, and the electrostatic tolerance of the light source module may be improved.

A shortest distance of the at least one antistatic pad to the outline of the insulating dome may be shorter than or equal to a radius of the area defined by the outline of the insulating dome. The at least one antistatic pad may capture a larger amount of charges generated by electrostatic discharge, and the electrostatic tolerance of the light source module may be improved.

The board may include an antistatic line having conductivity and a protection layer covering a surface of the antistatic line, and the antistatic pad may include the antistatic line exposed to outside by a window formed in the protection layer. The antistatic line may be electrically connected to a ground of the light source device or coupled with the ground by capacitance. Accordingly, the at least one antistatic pad may capture a larger amount of charges generated by electrostatic discharge, and the electrostatic tolerance of the light source module may be improved.

The antistatic pad may further include a solder applied on the antistatic line exposed to the outside by the window formed in the protection layer. Accordingly, light may be prevented or suppressed from being distorted by optical interference caused by the intrinsic color of the antistatic pad, and mura or dark portions of the display apparatus may be prevented or suppressed.

The light emitting diode may directly contact the feed pad without a wire or a ball grid, and the light emitting diode may directly contact the feed pad without a Zener diode connected in parallel with the light emitting diode. Accordingly, the light source emitting light may be miniaturized, uniformity of surface light emitted from the light source device may be improved, and a contrast rate of the display apparatus may also be improved by dimming.

Claim 1:
A display apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a liquid crystal panel (<NUM>);
a reflective sheet (<NUM>) in which a hole (120a) is formed; and
a light source module (<NUM>) exposed through the hole (120a),
wherein the light source module (<NUM>) comprises:
a board (<NUM>) disposed in parallel with the reflective sheet (<NUM>), where a first surface of the board (<NUM>) is toward the reflective sheet (<NUM>),
a light emitting diode (<NUM>) provided in an area defined by the hole (120a) on the first surface of the board (<NUM>),
a feed pad (<NUM>) provided on the first surface of the board (<NUM>) and contacting the light emitting diode (<NUM>),
an insulating dome provided in the area defined by the hole (120a) on the first surface of the board (<NUM>) and covering the light emitting diode (<NUM>), and
at least one antistatic member (<NUM>) for protecting the light emitting diode (<NUM>) from electrostatic discharges and provided in the area defined by the hole (120a) on the first surface of the board (<NUM>), without contacting the light emitting diode (<NUM>) and characterized in that the at least one antistatic member (<NUM>) is provided outside an area defined by an outline of the insulating dome.