Patent Document

The present invention claims the benefit of the Korean Application No. P2002-33252 filed in Korea on Jun. 14, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a backlight device and a method of fabricating the same, and more particularly, to a direct-type backlight device and a method of fabricating the same for a liquid crystal display. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     In general, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are commonly employed as display devices for televisions, ATM machines, and information terminals. However, CRTs fail to meet the current trend of miniature light weight electronic products due to their size and weight. Thus, efforts have been made to study and develop various types of display devices as substitutions for CRTs, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display panels (PDPs), electro-luminescence display (ELD) devices, and vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs). For example, LCD devices have been actively developed as flat display panels in laptop computers, desktop computers, and large-sized information displays because of their high quality image, light weight, small thickness, compact size, and low power consumption. Most LCD devices are passive devices in which images are displayed by controlling an amount of light input from an outside light source. Thus, a separate light source (backlight device) is generally employed for irradiating a LCD. 
     There are two types of backlight device, an edge light-type and a direct-type, based upon arrangement of the cylindrical fluorescent lamp within the device. An edge light-type backlight device has a lamp unit installed at a side portion of a light guiding plate for guiding light. Further, the lamp unit includes a lamp for emitting light, a lamp holder inserted at both ends of the lamp for protecting the lamp, and a lamp reflective plate for enclosing an outer circumference of the lamp, such that the reflective plate reflects the light generated from the lamp toward the light guiding plate. Alternatively, lamp units can be installed at opposing side portions of the light guiding plate to form a dual edge light-type backlight device, such that if one lamp unit fails to turn ON, the luminance of the screen is lowered, but an image can still be displayed as a whole on a LCD panel. Moreover, the edge light-type backlight devices are commonly employed in small-sized LCD devices of laptop computer and desktop computers because they produce uniform light having high endurance. 
     A direct-type backlight device has a plurality of lamps arranged in series to directly irradiate an entire surface of a LCD panel. The direct-type backlight devices are mainly used in large-sized LCD devices (20 inches or more), and have higher efficiency of light usage and longer operational lifetime than the edge light-type backlight devices. However, LCD devices employing the direct-type backlight device are more susceptible to a failed lamp, such that if one lamp unit fails, the portion where the lamp is not turned ON becomes remarkably dark and a portion of an image may be lost on a LCD panel. Accordingly, the lamps of the direct-type backlight devices are frequently replaced. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an edge light-type backlight device according to the related art, and  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a connector connected with a fluorescent lamp of an edge light-type backlight device according to the related art. In  FIG. 1 , an edge light-type backlight device of a LCD includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps  1 , an outer case  3  for fixedly supporting the fluorescent lamps  1 , and a light scattering system  5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  arranged between the fluorescent lamps  1  and the LCD panel (not shown). The light scattering system  5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  prevents the shape of the fluorescent lamps  1  from appearing on a display surface of the LCD panel, and uniformly distribute light generated from the fluorescent lamps  1 . The light scattering system  5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  includes a plurality of diffusion sheets and diffusion plates. Further, a reflective plate  7  is formed on an inner bottom surface of the outer case  3  to reflect the light generated from the fluorescent lamps  1  toward the display surface of the LCD panel, thereby maximizing the luminance of the LCD panel. 
     In  FIG. 2 , a fluorescent lamp  1  is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp having internal electrodes  2  and  2   a  at the ends thereof, such that the fluorescent lamp  1  emits light when a power is applied to the electrodes  2  and  2   a . In  FIG. 1 , the ends of the fluorescent lamp  1  are inserted in openings formed at opposing faces of the outer case  3 . Power incoming lines  9  and  9   a  are connected to the ends of the fluorescent lamp  1  and to a connector  11  for transferring a lamp driving power to the fluorescent lamp  1  from a driving circuit (not shown). 
     However, in the aforementioned backlight device, a connector is necessary for every fluorescent lamp, such that the interconnection of the plurality of fluorescent lamps becomes complicated. Also, to decrease the thickness of the backlight device, a further step of bending the power incoming lines is needed when the power incoming lines are connected to the connector, thereby increasing production time and production cost. Furthermore, an opening of the outer case has to be made to hold the fluorescent lamp and to expose the electrodes of the fluorescent lamp, thereby making maintenance and repair of the fluorescent lamp difficult. Moreover, the outer case confines an effective luminous area generated from light emitted from the fluorescent lamp, such that the effective luminous area is narrow and the luminance at an adjacent portion to ends of the fluorescent lamp becomes unstable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a backlight device and a method of fabricating the same that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a backlight device adapted for enhancing the lamp efficiency by decreasing the non-luminous area. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a backlight device adapted for extending the life of the lamp by lengthening the lamp electrode part and lowering the driving voltage of the fluorescent lamp. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a backlight device includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps each having a tube and lamp electrodes formed at opposing ends of the tube arranged parallel with each other along a first direction, a lower lamp fixing assembly of a first height having a first plurality of grooves disposed along a second direction for holding the ends of the plurality of fluorescent lamps, and an upper lamp fixing assembly of a second height, the upper lamp fixing assembly having a second plurality of grooves, a first end portion have a first width facing the lower lamp fixing assembly, and a second end portion having a second width smaller than the first width, wherein portions of the ends of each of the tubes are exposed at an exterior of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies. 
     In another aspect, a backlight device includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps arranged in parallel with each other along a first direction, each having a tube and lamp electrodes formed at opposite ends of the tube to form an effective luminous area, first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies arranged facing each other along a second direction at a first interval along the first direction corresponding to a length of the fluorescent lamps, each of the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies have a first height and a first plurality of grooves for accommodating the opposite ends of the tubes, and first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies each having a second plurality of grooves for affixing and supporting each of the fluorescent lamps, each of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies have a second height, wherein the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies are arranged at the first interval and each have a first end portion of a first width adjacent to one of the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies and a second end portion of a second width smaller than the first width. 
     In another aspect, a method of fabricating a backlight device includes arranging opposite ends of a plurality of fluorescent lamps within a first plurality of grooves of a lower lamp fixing assembly, each of the fluorescent lamps have lamp electrodes formed at opposite ends, and arranging an upper lamp fixing assembly having a second plurality of grooves to face the lower lamp fixing assembly to affix the opposite ends of each of the fluorescent lamps into the first and second pluralities of grooves, wherein portions of each of the fluorescent lamp electrodes are exposed at an exterior of the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an edge light-type backlight device according to the related art; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a connector connected with a fluorescent lamp of an edge light-type backlight device according to the related art; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of exemplary fluorescent lamps of a backlight device according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of an exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in  FIG. 6B ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in FIG.  8 A. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of exemplary fluorescent lamps of a backlight device according to the present invention. In  FIG. 3A , an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL)  31  may have external electrodes  33  and  33   a  formed at both ends of the EEFL lamp  31 , such that light is emitted when a power is applied to the external electrodes  33  and  33   a . An insulating layer  32  may partially enclose the external electrodes  33  and  33   a.    
     In  FIG. 3B , a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL)  31   a  may have internal electrodes  34  and  34   a  at both ends of the CCFL lamp  31   a , such that light is emitted when a power is applied to the internal electrodes  34  and  34   a . In addition, lamp holders  35  and  35   a  may be formed at both ends of the CCFL lamps  31   a  for holding the internal electrodes  34  and  34   a  and the power incoming lines  36  and  36   a.    
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of an exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention, and  FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in FIG.  4 B. In  FIG. 4A , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps  31  arranged parallel to each other, first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  41   a  and  41   b  arranged facing each other, first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b  arranged facing each other, and conductive layers  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  formed along sides of the lamp fixing assemblies  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a , and  43   b . The fluorescent lamps  31  may be EEFL lamps and may have external electrodes  33  and  33   a , and insulating layers  32  at both ends thereof. 
     In addition, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  41   a  and  41   b  may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps  31 , and may have a plurality of grooves  45  formed along the sides thereof. Further, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b  may be arranged at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  41   a  and  41   b , and may have a plurality of grooves  45   a  formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves  45 . The grooves  45  and  45   a  may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps  31  completely penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  43   a ,  43   b ,  41   a , and  41   b . Also, the grooves  45  may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps  31  and the grooves  45   a  may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp  31 . Accordingly, the ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  may be securely fixed within the grooves  45  and  45   a  of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a , and  43   b , as shown in  FIG. 4B , thereby making the installment/replacement of the fluorescent lamps  31  easier. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the conductive layers  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  may contact the ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  for applying a power to the fluorescent lamps  31 . The conductive layers  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  may be formed by filling a conductive material inside a trench along the sides of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a , and  43   b . Alternatively, the conductive layers  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  may be formed by coating a conductive material on a surface of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  41   a ,  41   b ,  43   a , and  43   b . Also, a connector  61  may connect the conductive layers  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  to a driving circuit (not shown) for driving and supplying a power to the fluorescent lamps  31 . Accordingly, the number of connectors used within the backlight device may be reduced and the interconnection between the fluorescent lamps and the driving circuit may be simplified. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4C , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b  may have a tapering width, wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies  41   a  and  41   b  may be larger than a width A of the opposing surfaces. For example, the first and second lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b  may have an inclined angle θ of about 10° to about 30°. Also, the external electrodes  33  and  33   a  may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area, and the partially exposed portions may have a length X. The length X may depend on the incline angle θ and a height h of the first upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  41   a  or of the second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  43   b  and  41   b . For example, the exposed length X of the electrodes  33  and  33   a  may be within about 35% of the height h of the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  43   a ,  43   b ,  41   a , and  41   b , i.e., x≦0.35h. If the incline angle θ is set at a range of about 20-24°, the length X may correspond to about 20% of the height h, i.e., X=0.2h. Accordingly, the width A of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b  may be reduced and the luminance at both ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  may be enhanced without diminishing quality of image within the effective luminous area. 
     Furthermore, the partially exposed portions of the external electrodes  33  and  33   a  may be covered with the insulating layer  32  to avoid formation of a dark line around ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  caused by oxidization of the external electrodes  33  and  33   a . For example, the insulating layer  32  may be made of a white insulating material. 
     In  FIG. 4C , the backlight device may further include a non-luminous area, wherein luminance within the area drops to a value of less than about ½ of the luminance of an effective luminous area of the device. Generally, the non-luminous area of a unit fluorescent module is influenced by the width A of an upper surface of the upper lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b , such that the narrower the width A is, the smaller the non-luminous area. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the width A by exposing the electrodes  33  and  33   a  outside the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  43   a ,  43   b ,  41   a , and  41   b , and by covering the exposed portion of the electrodes  33  and  33   a  with the insulating film  32 . Further, it is possible to lengthen the electrodes  33  and  33   a , thereby reducing the amount and the frequency of driving voltage applied thereto. With a reduced amount of driving voltage, less heat may be generated and the life of the fluorescent lamp may be extended. 
     In addition, the backlight device may further include a light scattering member (not shown), such as a diffusion sheet or a diffusion plate, arranged above the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  43   a  and  43   b  for uniformly distributing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps  31  onto a LCD panel (not shown). The backlight device may also include a reflection plate (not shown) arranged below the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  41   a  and  41   b  for directing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps  31  onto a center portion of the LCD panel. In addition, the height h of the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  43   a ,  43   b ,  41   a , and  41   b  may be defined by a length from an upper surface of the reflection plate to a lower surface of the light scattering member. 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention, and  FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in FIG.  5 A. In  FIG. 5A , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps  31   a  arranged parallel to each other, first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  51   a  and  51   b  arranged facing each other, first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b  arranged facing each other, and power-incoming lines  36  and  36   a . The fluorescent lamps  31   a  may be CCFL lamps and may have internal electrodes  34  and  34   a  at both ends thereof. In addition, the fluorescent lamps  31   a  may have a plurality of lamp holders  35  and  35   a  formed at both ends of the fluorescent lamps  31   a  for holding the internal electrodes  34  and  34   a  and the power incoming lines  36  and  36   a . Furthermore, the power-incoming lines  36  and  36   a  may connect the electrodes  34  and  34   a  to a driving circuit (not shown) via a single connector (not shown) for driving and supplying a power to the fluorescent lamps  31   a . Accordingly, the number of connectors used within the backlight device may be reduced and the interconnection between the fluorescent lamps and the driving circuit may be simplified. 
     In addition, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  51   a  and  51   b  may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps  31   a , and may have a plurality of grooves  55  formed along the sides thereof. Further, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b  may be arranged at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  51   a  and  51   b , and may have a plurality of grooves  55   a  formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves  55 . The grooves  55  and  55   a  may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps  31   a  completely penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  53   a ,  53   b ,  51   a , and  51   b . Also, the lamp holders  35  and  35   a  may have the same diameter, such that the grooves  55  may accommodate about half of the diameter of the lamp holders  35  and  35   a , and the grooves  55   a  may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the lamp holders  35  and  35   a . Accordingly, the ends of the fluorescent lamps  31   a  may be securely fixed within the grooves  55  and  55   a  of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  51   a ,  51   b ,  53   a , and  53   b , thereby making the installment/replacement of the fluorescent lamps  31   a  easier. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b  may have a tapering width, wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies  51   a  and  51   b  may be larger than the width A of the opposing surfaces. For example, the first and second lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b  may have an inclined angle θ of about 10° to about 30°. Also, the electrodes  34  and  34   a  may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area, and the partially exposed portions may have a length X. The length X may depend on the incline angle θ and a height h of the first upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  51   a  or of the second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  53   b  and  51   b . For example, the exposed length X of the electrodes  34  and  34   a  may be within about 35% of the height h of the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  53   a ,  53   b ,  51   a , and  51   b , i.e., X≦0.35h. If the incline angle θ is set at a range of about 20-24°, the length X may correspond to about 20% of the height h, i.e., X=0.2h. Accordingly, the width A of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b  may be reduced and the luminance at both ends of the fluorescent lamps  31   a  may be enhanced without diminishing quality of image within the effective luminous area. 
     The backlight device may further include a non-luminous area, wherein luminance within the area drops to a value of less than about ½ of the luminance of an effective luminous area of the device. Generally, the non-luminous area of a unit fluorescent module is influenced by the width A of an upper surface of the upper lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b , such that the narrower the width A is, the smaller the non-luminous area. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the width A by exposing the electrodes  34  and  34   a  outside the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  53   a ,  53   b ,  51   a , and  51   b . Further, it is possible to lengthen the electrodes  34  and  34   a , thereby reducing the amount and the frequency of driving voltage applied thereto. With a reduced amount of driving voltage, less heat may be generated and the life of the fluorescent lamp may be extended. 
     In addition, the backlight device may further include a light scattering member (not shown), such as a diffusion sheet or a diffusion plate, arranged above the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  53   a  and  53   b  for uniformly distributing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps  31   a  onto a LCD panel (not shown). The backlight device may also include a reflection plate (not shown) arranged below the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  51   a  and  51   b  for directing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps  31   a  onto a center portion of the LCD panel. In addition, the height h of the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  53   a ,  53   b ,  51   a , and  51   b  may be defined by a length from an upper surface of the reflection plate to a lower surface of the light scattering means. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention, and  FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in FIG.  6 B. In  FIG. 6A , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps  31  arranged parallel to each other, first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  61   a  and  61   b  arranged facing each other, first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  63   b  arranged facing each other, and conductive layers  67   a ,  67   b ,  67   c , and  67   d  formed along the sides of the lamp fixing assemblies  61   a ,  61   b ,  63   a , and  63   b . The fluorescent lamps  31  may be EEFL lamps and may have external electrodes  33  and  33   a , and insulating layers  32  at both ends thereof. Alternatively, the fluorescent lamps  31  may be replaced by the CCFL lamps  31   a , shown in  FIG. 3B , such that only the power-incoming lines  9  and  9   a  may be extended outside of the lamp fixing assemblies  61   a ,  61   b ,  63   a , and  63   b.    
     In addition, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  61   a  and  61   b  may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps  31 , and may have a plurality of grooves  65  formed along the sides thereof. Further, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  63   b  may be arranged at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  61   a  and  61   b , and may have a plurality of grooves  65   a  formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves  65 . The grooves  65  and  65   a  may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps  31  only partially penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  63   a ,  63   b ,  61   a , and  61   b . Also, the grooves  65  may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps  31  and the grooves  65   a  may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp  31 . Accordingly, the ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  may be securely fixed within the grooves  65  and  65   a  of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  61   a ,  61   b ,  63   a , and  63   b , as shown in  FIG. 6B , thereby making the installment/replacement of the fluorescent lamps  31  easier and reducing external impact on the fluorescent lamps  31 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  63   b  may have a tapering width, wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies  61   a  and  61   b  may be larger than a width A of the opposing surfaces. For example, the first and second lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  63   b  may have an inclined angle θ of about 10° to about 30°. Also, the external electrodes  63  and  63   a  may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area, and the partially exposed portions may have a length of X. The length X may depend on the incline angle θ and a height h of the first upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  61   a  or of the second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  63   b  and  61   b . For example, the exposed length X of the electrodes  33  and  33   a  may be within about 35% of the height h of the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  63   a ,  63   b ,  61   a , and  61   b , i.e., X≦0.35h. If the incline angle θ is set at a range of about 20-24°, the length X may correspond to about 20% of the height h, i.e., X=0.2h. Accordingly, the width A of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  63   b  may be reduced and the luminance at both ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  may be enhanced without diminishing quality of image within the effective luminous area. 
     The backlight device may further include a non-luminous area, wherein luminance within the area drops to a value of less than about ½ of the luminance of an effective luminance area of the device. Generally, the non-luminous area of a unit fluorescent module is influenced by the width A of an upper surface of the upper lamp fixing assemblies  63   a  and  63   b , such that the narrower the width A is, the smaller the non-luminous area. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the width A by exposing the electrodes  33  and  33   a  outside the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  63   a ,  63   b ,  61   a , and  61   b , and by covering the exposed portion of the electrodes  33  and  33   a  with the insulating film  32 . Further, it is possible to lengthen the electrodes  33  and  33   a , thereby reducing the amount and the frequency of driving voltage applied thereto. With a reduced amount of driving voltage, less heat may be generated and the life of the fluorescent lamp may be extended. 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention, and  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in FIG.  7 A. In  FIG. 7A , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps  31  arranged parallel to each other, first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  arranged facing each other, a lower supporting system  91   a ,  91   b , and  91   c  formed between the lower lamp fixing assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  for supporting the lower assemblies  71   a  and  71   b , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  73   a  and  73   b  arranged facing each other, and conductive layers  77   a ,  77   b ,  77   c , and  77   d  formed along the sides of the lamp fixing assemblies  71   a ,  71   b ,  73   a , and  73   b . The fluorescent lamps  31  may be EEFL lamps and may have external electrodes  33  and  33   a , and insulating layers  32  at both ends thereof. Alternatively, the fluorescent lamps  31  may be replaced by the CCFL lamps  31   a , shown in  FIG. 3B , such that only the power-incoming lines  9  and  9   a  may be extended outside of the lamp fixing assemblies  71   a ,  71   b ,  73   a , and  73   b.    
     The first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  may also have a plurality of grooves  75  formed along the sides thereof. Further, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  73   a  and  73   b  may have a plurality of grooves  75   a  formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves  75 . The grooves  75  and  75   a  may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps  31  completely or partially penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  73   a ,  73   b ,  71   a , and  71   b . Also, the grooves  75  may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps  31  and the grooves  75   a  may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp  31 . Accordingly, the ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  may be securely fixed within the grooves  75  and  75   a  of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  71   a ,  71   b ,  73   a , and  73   b , as shown in  FIG. 7B , thereby making the installment/replacement of the fluorescent lamps  31  easier. 
     In addition, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  71  a and  71   b  may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps  31 , and the lower supporting system  91   a ,  91   b , and  91   c . Furthermore, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  may be integrally formed with the lower supporting system  91   a ,  91   b , and  91   c . Accordingly, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  may be accurately arranged to securely affix the fluorescent lamps  31 . Inner surfaces of the first and second lower assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  and the lower supporting systems  91   a ,  91   b , and  91   c  may be formed of material having good light reflection ability, such as synthetic resin, to perform as a reflection plate. Alternatively, a reflective material may be coated onto the inner surfaces of the first and second lower assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  and the lower supporting systems  91   a ,  91   b , and  91   c . Accordingly, a reflection plate may be formed, thereby irradiating light emitted from the fluorescent lamps  31  toward a LCD panel (not shown). 
     Furthermore, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  73   a  and  73   b  may have a tapering width, wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies  71   a  and  71   b  may be larger than a width A of the opposing surfaces. For example, the first and second lamp fixing assemblies  73   a  and  73   b  may have an inclined angle θ of about 10° to about 30°. Also, the external electrodes  33  and  33   a  may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area, and the partially exposed portions may have a length of X. 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another exemplary direct-type backlight device according to the present invention, and  FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in FIG.  8 A. In  FIG. 8A , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps  31  arranged parallel to each other, first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  arranged facing each other, a lower supporting system  191   a ,  191   b , and  191   c  formed between the lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  for supporting the lower assemblies  81   a  and  81   b , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  arranged facing each other, an upper supporting system  100   a  and  100   b  formed between the upper lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b , and conductive layers  87   a ,  87   b ,  87   c , and  87   d  formed along the sides of the lamp fixing assemblies  81   a ,  81   b ,  83   a , and  83   b . The fluorescent lamps  31  may be EEFL lamps and may have external electrodes  33  and  33   a , and insulating layers  32  at both ends thereof. Alternatively, the fluorescent lamps  31  may be replaced by the CCFL lamps  31   a , shown in  FIG. 3B , such that only the power-incoming lines  9  and  9   a  may be extended outside of the lamp fixing assemblies  81   a ,  81   b ,  83   a , and  83   b.    
     The first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  may also have a plurality of grooves  85  formed along the sides thereof. Further, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  may have a plurality of grooves  85   a  formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves  85 . The grooves  85  and  85   a  may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps  31  completely or partially penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies  83   a ,  83   b ,  81   a , and  81   b . Also, the grooves  85  may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps  31  and the grooves  85   a  may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp  31 . Accordingly, the ends of the fluorescent lamps  31  may be securely fixed within the grooves  85  and  85   a  of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies  81   a ,  81   b ,  83   a , and  83   b , as shown in  FIG. 8B , thereby making the installment/replacement of the fluorescent lamps  31  easier. 
     In addition, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps  31 , and the lower supporting system  191   a ,  191   b , and  191   c . Furthermore, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  may be integrally formed with the lower supporting system  191   a ,  191   b , and  191   c . Accordingly, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  may be accurately arranged to securely affix the fluorescent lamps  31 . The first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  may face each other at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b . Further, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  may be integrally formed with the upper supporting system  100   a  and  100   b . Accordingly, the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  may be accurately arranged to securely affix the fluorescent lamps  31 . 
     Furthermore, the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  may have a tapering width, wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies  81   a  and  81   b  is larger than a width A of the opposing surfaces. For example, the first and second lamp fixing assemblies  83   a  and  83   b  may have an inclined angle θ of about 10° to about 30°. Also, the external electrodes  33  and  33   a  may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area, and the partially exposed portions may have a length of X. 
     The aforementioned backlight devices may be used as light sources at a rear side or a front side of a display, or as a light emitting device by themselves. The aforementioned backlight device of the present invention has the following effects. First, lamp electrodes may expose in an effective luminous area of the backlight device, thereby decreasing a width of the upper lamp fixing assemblies and enhancing efficiency of the device. Second, lamp electrodes may be lengthened, thereby lowering the driving voltage and extending the life of the fluorescent lamps. Third, the upper lamp fixing assemblies may have a tapering width, thereby widening the effective luminous area. Fourth, supporting systems for supporting the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies may be formed, thereby accurately arranging the lamp fixing assemblies and securely affixing the fluorescent lamps. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the backlight device and the method of fabricating the same of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 3