Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`(19)Korean Intellectual Property Office(KR)
`(12) Publication of Unexamined Patent Application (A)
`
`(51) 。Int. Cl.8
`G02F 1/13357 (Jan. 2006)
`
`(21) Application No.
`(22) Application Date
`
`10-2004-0064922
`August 18, 2004
`
`(11) Publication No.
`10-2006-0016469
`(43) Publication Date February 22, 2006
`
`(71) Applicant
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
`416, Maetan-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
`
`Na Dong-gyun
`487-5, Sanggal-ri, Giheung-eup, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
`
`(74) Agent
`
`Park Young-woo
`
`Request for Examination None
`
`(54) Backlight Unit and Liquid Crystal Display Device Including the Same
`
`Abstract
`
`A backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device including the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a light generator and a
`storage container. The light generator generates light. The storage container accommodates the light generator, and an intake unit through
`which external air is sucked and an exhaust unit through which internal air is discharged are formed. Accordingly, the thickness and weight
`of the backlight unit are reduced, and the cooling effect is increased.
`
`Figure Accompanying the Abstract
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Index Words
`
`Backlight unit, Cooling, Convection
`
`Specification
`
`Brief Description of the Drawing
`
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 1 from the bottom.
`
`FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 4 from the bottom.
`
`FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 7 from the bottom.
`
`- 1 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.001
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`
`FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 7.
`
`FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`
`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`FIG. 11 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 10 from the bottom.
`
`FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 10.
`
`FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a liquid crystal display device having the backlight unit of FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a liquid crystal display device having the backlight unit of FIG. 7.
`
`<Description of Symbols for the Main Parts of the Drawing>
`
`100: Areal light source device 110: Reflective plate
`
`112: Coupling hole 120: Sidewall
`
`130: Driving substrate 140: LED light source
`
`200, 300: Storage container 210, 310: Bottom plate
`
`220, 320: First sidewall 230, 330: Second sidewall
`
`240, 340: Third sidewall 250, 350: Fourth sidewall
`
`260, 360: Inner space 212, 312: Through-hole
`
`214, 314: First driving circuit unit Fan
`
`222b, 322b, 332b, 342b, 352b: Fan 224, 324: Second driving circuit unit
`
`500, 600: Backlight unit 800, 900: Liquid crystal display device
`
`820: Optical sheet 840: Liquid crystal display panel
`
`842: Thin film transistor substrate Liquid crystal
`
`846: Color filter substrate 848: Driving module
`
`860: Chassis
`
`Detailed Description of the Invention
`
`Object of the Invention
`
`Field of the Invention and its Related Art
`
`
`
`
`The present invention relates to a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device including the same, and more particularly, to a
`backlight unit capable of improving a cooling effect and a liquid crystal display device including the same.
`
`In general, a liquid crystal display device uses the electrical and optical characteristics of liquid crystal to display an image. The liquid
`crystal display device has the advantage of being very small in volume and light in weight compared to a CRT and the like, and thus is
`widely used for portable computers, communication devices, liquid crystal TVs, etc.
`
`In order to control the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal display device requires a liquid crystal control part for controlling the liquid crystal
`
`- 2 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.002
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`
`and a light supply part for supplying light to the liquid crystal. As the light supply part of the liquid crystal display, a cold cathode
`fluorescent lamp (CCFL) having a bar shape or a light emitting diode (LED) having a dot shape is mainly used.
`
`The light emitting diode has an advantage of high color reproducibility. However, the light emitting diode generates a lot of heat due to its
`light emitting characteristics. In particular, since the light emitting diode emits a lot of heat from the back of a liquid crystal display device,
`the temperature of a storage container accommodating the light emitting diode is very high.
`
`In order to prevent an increase in the temperature of the storage container, the storage container may include a heat sink or the like having
`a metal material such as aluminum. However, even when the storage container includes the heat sink, the thickness and weight of the
`storage container increase, so that the thickness and weight of the liquid crystal display device also increase.
`
`Therefore, when the light emitting diode is used as a light supply part of a liquid crystal display device, or when other devices that generate
`a lot of heat other than the light emitting diode are used as a light supply part, the temperature of the storage container increases or the
`thickness and weight thereof increase.
`
`
`Technical Problems to Be Solved by the Invention
`
`
`Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a backlight unit with increased cooling effect and reduced thickness and
`
`weight.
`
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device having the above-described backlight unit.
`
`Structure and Operation of the Invention
`
`
`In order to embody an object of the present invention as described above, the present invention provides a backlight unit including a light
`generator and a storage container. The light generator generates light. The storage container accommodates the light generator, and an
`intake unit for sucking external air and an exhaust unit for discharging internal air are formed.
`
`In order to embody another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a backlight unit including a light generator and a
`storage container. The light generator generates light. The storage container accommodates the light generator, and an intake unit for
`sucking external air and an exhaust unit for discharging internal air are formed.
`
`In order to embody still another object of the present invention, the present invention includes a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display
`panel. The backlight unit includes a light generator that generates light, and a storage container where the light generator is accommodated
`and an intake unit through which external air is sucked and an exhaust unit through which internal air is discharged are formed. The liquid
`crystal display panel uses the light emitted from the light generator to display an image.
`
`In order to embody still another object of the present invention, the present invention includes a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display
`panel. The backlight unit includes a light generator that generates light, and a storage container where the light generator is accommodated
`and an intake unit through which external air is sucked and an exhaust unit through which internal air is discharged are formed. The liquid
`crystal display panel uses the light emitted from the light generator to display an image.
`
`According to the present invention, the thickness and weight of the backlight unit are reduced, and the cooling effect is increased. In
`addition, deterioration of the luminance and contrast ratio of the backlight unit is prevented.
`
`Hereinafter, a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device including the same according to preferred exemplary embodiments of the
`present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures, but the present invention is not limited or
`restricted to the following exemplary embodiments.
`
`
`
`Backlight Unit
`
`Exemplary Embodiment 1
`
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a
`top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 1 from the bottom.
`
`
`- 3 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.003
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a backlight unit 500 includes an areal light source device 100 and a storage container 200.
`
`The areal light source device 100 includes a reflective plate 110, a sidewall 120, a driving substrate 130, and a plurality of light emitting
`diode light sources 140.
`
`The reflective plate 110 has a square flat plate shape, and reflects downwardly directed light among the light emitted from the light
`emitting diode light sources 140 upward. A plurality of coupling holes 112 are formed in the reflective plate 110 so that the light emitting
`diode light sources 140 can be coupled.
`
`The sidewall 120 is formed on the edge portion of the reflective plate 110, so that the areal light source device 100 is easily coupled to the
`storage container 200. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 120 is formed on a pair of opposite edge portions of the
`reflective plate 110.
`
`The driving substrate 130 is arranged side by side at the lower part of the reflective plate 110. A drive power source is applied to the
`driving substrate 130 to illuminate the light emitting diode light sources 140.
`
`The light emitting diode light sources 140 are arranged in a line on the driving substrate 130, pass through the coupling holes 112 and are
`coupled to be positioned on the upper surface of the reflective plate 110. Preferably, the light emitting diode light sources 140 include a red
`light emitting diode (R) emitting red light, a green light emitting diode (G) emitting green light, and a blue light emitting diode (B)
`emitting blue light. The red light, green light, and blue light emitting diodes, R, G, and B, emit white light according to a predetermined
`combination ratio. For example, the ratio of the number of the red light emitting diode R, the green light emitting diode G, and the blue
`light emitting diode B may be configured to be 2:1:1 or 2:2:1. In addition, the red light, green light and blue light emitting diodes, R, G,
`and B, may be disposed more than the number shown in FIG. 1. On the contrary, the light emitting diode light sources 140 may include a
`white light emitting diode emitting white light.
`
`The storage container 200 accommodates the areal light source device 100. The storage container 200 includes a bottom plate 210, a first
`sidewall 220, a second sidewall 230, a third sidewall 240, and a fourth sidewall 250.
`
`The bottom plate 210 has a rectangular flat plate shape, and includes a first driving circuit unit 214 and a plurality of through-holes 212.
`The first driving circuit unit 214 is disposed on the bottom plate 210 and drives the areal light source device 100. The through-holes 212
`are formed in portions except for the portion where the first driving circuit unit 214 is disposed, and are formed through the bottom plate
`210. Air may move through the through-holes 212. In the present exemplary embodiment, the through-holes 212 function as an intake unit
`through which external air is sucked.
`
`The first to fourth sidewalls 220, 230, 240, and 250 extend from the edge portions of the bottom plate 210, respectively, to form a storage
`space and an inner space.
`
`The first sidewall 220 is disposed on one edge portion of the bottom plate 210, and is preferably not perpendicular to the bottom plate 210.
`Specifically, the first sidewall 220 is inclined outwardly towards the bottom plate 210. On the contrary, the first sidewall 220 may be
`perpendicular to the bottom plate 210. The second to fourth sidewalls 230, 240, and 250 are respectively disposed on other edge portions
`of the bottom plate 210 and are perpendicular to the bottom plate 210. The second sidewall 230 is disposed adjacent to the first sidewall
`220. The third sidewall 240 is disposed adjacent to the second sidewall 230 and faces the first sidewall 220. The fourth sidewall 250 is
`disposed adjacent to the first and third sidewalls 220 and 240, and faces the second sidewall 230.
`
` A
`
` plurality of fans 222a are formed on the first sidewall 220. The fans 222a are operated to flow air from the inner space to the outside.
`Thus, the heat generated by the areal light source device 100 is transferred from the inner space to the outside. In the present exemplary
`embodiment, the fans 222a function as an exhaust unit for discharging internal air.
`
`The first sidewall 220 may further include a second driving circuit unit 224. The second driving circuit unit 224 is disposed on the first
`sidewall 220, and may be used to drive the components of the device (e.g., the liquid crystal display panel of a liquid crystal display device)
`having a backlight unit 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment as the light supply part. On the contrary, the second driving
`circuit unit 224 may be disposed on the second to fourth sidewalls 230, 240, and 250.
`
`Meanwhile, the first to fourth sidewalls 220, 230, 240, and 250 may be coupled to the reflective plate 110 of the areal light source device
`100 in a manner of hook coupling or the like.
`
`Hereinafter, a cooling process of the backlight unit having the above-described structure will be described in detail with reference to the
`
`drawings.
`
`- 4 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.004
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 1.
`
`Referring to FIG. 3, the light emitting diode array substrate 110 of the areal light source device 100 is driven to generate heat. The
`temperature of the air remaining in the inner space 260 between the areal light source device 100 and the storage container 200 increases
`by the heat. The air whose temperature is increased is discharged to the outside of the backlight unit 500 by a plurality of fans 222a formed
`on the first sidewall 220 . When the high-temperature air is discharged to the outside of the backlight unit 1000, the pressure in the inner
`space 260 is lowered. Thus, low-temperature air cooler than the high-temperature air in the inner space 260 is introduced from the outside
`of the backlight unit 500 through the through-holes 212. Accordingly, the processes of discharging high-temperature internal air and
`introducing low-temperature external air are continuously repeated, and as a result, the heat generated in the areal light source device 100
`is cooled by the flow of air.
`
`In particular, the cooling process according to the present exemplary embodiment is mainly performed by the phenomenon of free
`convection of air. That is, the temperature of the air in the inner space 260 rises by the heat generated in the areal light source device 100,
`and the high-temperature air rises upward in the inner space 260 by the convection action, so that it is discharged by the fans 222a to the
`outside. Then, the external low-temperature air is introduced into the inner space 260 through the through-holes 212, and the temperature
`rises again by the heat generated from the areal light source device and increases by the convection action.
`
`In the present exemplary embodiment, although the through-holes are formed on the bottom plate, the through-holes may be further
`formed in the first to fourth sidewalls, or may be formed only in the first to fourth sidewalls. That is, the through-holes may be formed on
`a bottom plate and in any one or more of the first to fourth sidewalls.
`
`Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fans are formed on the first sidewall, but the fans may be additionally formed on a bottom
`plate and any one or more of the second to fourth sidewalls.
`
`Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the areal light source device including the light emitting diode is used as a light
`generator, but devices including other light sources requiring cooling may also be applied as the light generator of the present invention.
`
`According to the present exemplary embodiment, components directly performing a cooling function are formed in the storage container of
`the backlight unit. Thus, the thickness and weight of the backlight unit are reduced. In addition, the cooling effect is increased by the free
`convection phenomenon resulting from the operation of the components. Accordingly, a decrease in luminance and contrast ratio of the
`backlight unit is prevented.
`
`Exemplary Embodiment 2
`
`FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
`5 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 4 from the bottom.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a backlight unit 600 includes an areal light source device 100 and a storage container 300.
`
`Since the areal light source device 100 employed in the present exemplary embodiment has the same structure and function as the areal
`light source device shown in FIG. 1, a repeated description will be omitted.
`
`The storage container 300 accommodates the areal light source device 100. The storage container 300 includes a bottom plate 310, a first
`sidewall 320, a second sidewall 330, a third sidewall 340, and a fourth sidewall 350.
`
`The bottom plate 310 has a rectangular flat plate shape, and includes a first driving circuit unit 314 and a plurality of through-holes 312.
`The first driving circuit unit 314 is disposed on the bottom plate 310 and drives the areal light source device 100. The through-holes 312
`are formed in portions except for the portion where the first driving circuit unit 314 is disposed, and are formed through the bottom plate
`310. Air may move through the through-holes 312. In the present exemplary embodiment, the through-holes 312 function as an intake unit
`through which external air is sucked.
`
`The first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350 extend from the edge portions of the bottom plate 310, respectively, to form a storage
`space and an inner space.
`
`The first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350 are respectively disposed on one edge of the bottom plate 310, and are preferably not
`perpendicular to the bottom plate 310. Specifically, the first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350 are inclined outwardly towards the
`bottom plate 310. On the contrary, some or all of the first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340 and 350 may be perpendicular to the bottom
`plate 310. The first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350 are sequentially disposed adjacent to each other. The first sidewall 320 and
`the third sidewall 340 face each other, and the second sidewall 330 and the fourth sidewall 350 face each other.
`
`- 5 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.005
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`A plurality of fans 322a, 332a, 342a, and 352a are respectively formed on the first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350. The fans
`322a, 332a, 342a, 352a are operated to flow air from the inner space to the outside. Therefore, the heat generated by the areal light source
`device 100 is transferred from the inner space to the outside. In the present exemplary embodiment, the fans 322a, 332a, 342a, and 352a
`function as an exhaust unit for discharging internal air.
`
`The first sidewall 320 may further include a second driving circuit unit 324. The second driving circuit unit 324 is disposed on the first
`sidewall 320, and may be used to drive the components of the device (e.g., the liquid crystal display panel of a liquid crystal display device)
`having a backlight unit 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment as the light supply part. On the contrary, the second driving
`circuit unit 324 may be disposed on the second to fourth sidewalls 330, 340, and 350.
`
`Meanwhile, the first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350 may be coupled to the reflective plate 110 of the areal light source device
`100 in a manner of hook coupling or the like.
`
`Hereinafter, a cooling process of the backlight unit having the above-described structure will be described in detail with reference to the
`
`drawings.
`
`FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 4.
`
`Referring to FIG. 6, the driving substrate 130 of the areal light source device 100 is driven to generate heat. The temperature of the air
`remaining in the inner space 360 between the areal light source device 100 and the storage container 300 is increased by the heat. The air
`with the temperature increased is discharged to the outside of the backlight unit 2000 by a plurality of fans 322a, 332a, 342a, and 352a
`formed on the first to fourth sidewalls 320, 330, 340, and 350. When the high-temperature air is released to the outside of the backlight
`unit 2000, the pressure in the inner space 360 is lowered. Thus, low-temperature air cooler than the high-temperature air in the inner space
`360 is introduced from the outside of the backlight unit 2000 through the through-holes 312. Accordingly, the processes of discharging
`high-temperature internal air and introducing low-temperature external air are continuously repeated, and as a result, the heat generated in
`the areal light source device 100 is cooled by the flow of air.
`
`In the present exemplary embodiment, the through-holes are formed on the bottom plate, but the through-holes may be further formed in
`the first to fourth sidewalls, or may be formed only in the first to fourth sidewalls. That is, the through-holes may be formed on a bottom
`plate and in any one or more of the first to fourth sidewalls.
`
`In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fans are formed on the first to fourth sidewalls, but the fans may be further formed
`on the bottom plate, or the fans are formed on a bottom plate and only some of the first to fourth sidewalls. That is, the fans may be
`formed on a bottom plate and any one or more of the first to fourth sidewalls.
`
`Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the areal light source device including the light emitting diode is used as a light
`generator, but devices including other light sources requiring cooling may also be applied as the light generator of the present invention.
`
`According to the present exemplary embodiment, components directly performing a cooling function are formed in the storage container of
`the backlight unit. In particular, the fans are formed on various sidewalls of the storage container to further improve the cooling function.
`Thus, the thickness and weight of the backlight unit are reduced. In addition, the cooling effect is increased by the free convection
`phenomenon resulting from the operation of the components. Accordingly, a decrease in luminance and contrast ratio of the backlight unit
`is prevented.
`
`Exemplary Embodiment 3
`
`FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
`FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 7 from the bottom. In the third exemplary embodiment, components having
`the same structure and function as those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed
`descriptions thereof are omitted.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , a plurality of fans 222b are formed on the first sidewall 220. The fans 222b are operated to flow air from the
`outside to the inner space. Thus, the heat generated by the areal light source device 100 is cooled by the low-temperature air introduced
`from the outside. In the present exemplary embodiment, the fans 222b function as an intake unit for sucking external air. In addition, the
`fans 222b function as a cooler to actively cool the areal light source device 100.
`
`Hereinafter, a cooling process of the backlight unit having the above-described structure will be described in detail with reference to the
`
`- 6 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.006
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`drawings.
`
`FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 7.
`
`Referring to FIG. 9, the driving substrate 130 of the areal light source device 100 is driven to generate heat. The temperature of the air
`remaining in the inner space 260 between the areal light source device 100 and the storage container 200 may be increased by the heat.
`Here, the fans 222b inject low-temperature external air of the backlight unit 500 into the inner space 260 at high speed. The injected
`external air collides with a reflective plate 110 generating heat to cool the reflective plate 110. In the meantime, since the external air is
`introduced into the inside by the fans 222b, the internal pressure increases. Therefore, the air in the inner space 260 is discharged to the
`outside of the backlight unit 500 through the through-holes 212. Accordingly, the processes of introducing the low-temperature external air
`and discharging the high-temperature internal air are continuously repeated, and as a result, the heat generated in the areal light source
`device 100 is cooled by the flow of air.
`
`In particular, the cooling process according to the present exemplary embodiment is mainly achieved by a forced convection phenomenon
`of the fans 222b functioning as the cooler. That is, the low-temperature external air introduced by the fans 222b collides at high speed with
`the areal light source device 100 generating heat to cool the areal light source device 100. Therefore, while the fans 222a according to the
`first exemplary embodiment described above have a passive function of discharging the high-temperature air of the inner space 260 to the
`outside, the fans 222b according to the present exemplary embodiment function actively as the cooler. In general, the heat transfer effect
`by a forced convection phenomenon is greater than the heat transfer effect by a free convection phenomenon. Therefore, cooling according
`to the present exemplary embodiment can be more effective.
`
`In the present exemplary embodiment, the through-holes are formed on a bottom plate, but the through-holes may be additionally formed
`in the first to fourth sidewalls, or may be formed only in the first to fourth sidewalls. That is, the through-holes may be formed on the
`bottom plate and in any one or more of the first to fourth sidewalls.
`
`Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fans are formed on the first sidewall, but the fans may be additionally formed on a bottom
`plate and any one or more of the second to fourth sidewalls.
`
`Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the areal light source device including the light emitting diode is used as a light
`generator, but devices including other light sources requiring cooling may also be applied as the light generator of the present invention.
`
`According to the present exemplary embodiment, components directly performing a cooling function are formed in the storage container of
`the backlight unit. Thus, the thickness and weight of the backlight unit are reduced. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the
`cooling effect is increased by the forced convection phenomenon resulting from the operation of the components. Accordingly, a decrease
`in luminance and contrast ratio of the backlight unit is prevented.
`
`Exemplary Embodiment 4
`
`FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight unit according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
`FIG. 11 is a top plan view illustrating the backlight unit of FIG. 10 from the bottom. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, components
`having the same structure and function as those in the second exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and
`detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of fans 322b, 332b, 342b, and 352b are respectively formed on the first to fourth sidewalls 320,
`330, 340, and 350. The fans 322b, 332b, 342b, and 352b may cool the heat generated by the areal light source device 100 by sucking low-
`temperature external air. In the present exemplary embodiment, the fans 322b, 332b, 342b, and 352b function as an intake unit for sucking
`external air. In addition, the fans 322b, 332b, 342b, and 352b function as a cooler for actively cooling the areal light source device 100.
`
`Hereinafter, a cooling process of the backlight unit having the above-described structure will be described in detail with reference to the
`
`drawings.
`
`FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining a cooling process of the backlight unit of FIG. 10.
`
`Referring to FIG. 12, the driving substrate 130 of the areal light source device 100 is driven to generate heat. The temperature of the air
`remaining in an inner space 360 between the areal light source device 100 and the storage container 300 may be increased by the heat.
`Here, the fans 322b, 332b, 342b, and 352b inject low-temperature external air of the backlight unit 600 into the inner space 360 at high
`speed. The injected external air collides with a reflective plate 110 generating heat to cool the reflective plate 110. In the meantime, since
`the external air is introduced into the inside by the fans 322b, 332b, 342b, and 352b, the internal pressure increases. Therefore, the air in
`the inner space 360 is discharged to the outside of the backlight unit 600 through the through-holes 312. Accordingly, the processes of
`
`- 7 -
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1010.007
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`Unexamined Patent 10-2006-0016469
`
`
`introducing the low-temperature external air and discharging the high-temperature internal air are continuously repeated, and as a result,
`the heat generated in the areal light source device 100 is cooled by the flow of air.
`
`In the present exemplary embodiment, the through-holes are formed on a bottom plate, but the through-holes may be additionally formed
`in the first to fourth sidewalls, or may be formed only in the first to fourth sidewalls. That is, the through-holes may be formed on the
`bottom plate and in any one or more of the first to fourth sidewalls.
`
`In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fans are formed on the first to fourth sidewalls, but the fans may be further formed
`on the bottom plate, or the fans are formed on a bottom plate and only some of the first to fourth sidewalls. That is, the fans may be
`formed on a bottom plate and any one or more of the first to fourth sidewalls.
`
`Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the areal light source device including the light emitting diode is used as a light
`generator, but devices including other light sources requiring cooling may also be applied as the light generator of the present invention.
`
`According to the present exemplary embodiment, components directly performing a cooling function are formed in the storage container of
`the backlight unit. In particular, the fans are formed on various sidewalls of the storage container to further improve the cooling function.
`Therefore, the thickness and weight of the backlight unit are reduced. In addition, the cooling effect is increased by the forced convection
`phenomenon resulting from the operation of the components. Accordingly, a decrease in luminance and contrast ratio of the backlight unit
`is prevented.
`
`Liquid Crystal Display Device
`
`Exemplary Embodiment 5
`
`FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a liquid crystal display device having the backlight unit of FIG. 1.
`
`Referring to FIG. 13, a liquid crystal display device 800 includes a backlight unit 500, a liquid crystal display panel 840, and a chassis 860.
`
`Since the backlight unit 500 employed in the present exemplary embodiment has the same structure and function as the