JP2008305556A - Light source unit and display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source unit or a display in which the stoppage of light emission caused by unevenness in the temperature distribution of a light source and an adverse effect on a life time can be prevented or suppressed. <P>SOLUTION: A body of the light source unit 1 comprising a chassis 11, a light source lamp 12, a reflection sheet 13, optical sheets 14, a side holder 15, and a frame 16 is supported by a supporting tool 17 for supporting the body rotatably so that the body can be changed from a posture at which one end of the light source lamp 12 is located at the upper end side to at least a posture at which one end is located at the lower end side. When the light source unit is used in the posture at which one end is located at the upper end side for a predetermined time, an informing means urges the supporting tool to rotate the body of the light source unit by 180°. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source unit and a display device, and particularly preferably to a light source unit and display device for a display device including a fluorescent tube as a light source.

  A liquid crystal display device including a transmissive liquid crystal display panel generally has a configuration in which a light source unit is disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal display panel. As a light source incorporated in the light source unit, for example, a fluorescent tube such as a hot cathode tube or a cold cathode tube is widely used.

  A general fluorescent tube includes a tube formed of glass or the like, and electrodes disposed in the vicinity of both ends of the tube. A rare gas and mercury are sealed inside the tube, and a thin film layer of phosphor is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tube.

  If the temperature distribution of the tube becomes non-uniform during use of the fluorescent tube, the mercury vapor pressure is locally localized in the low-temperature part inside the tube. It declines and mercury collects there. If the use of the fluorescent tube is continued in such a state, mercury will decrease in parts other than the low temperature part inside the tube, and after a certain period of time has the mercury vapor pressure in the light emitting part insufficient? The light emission may decrease or stop at the place. In addition, when the mercury vapor pressure around the electrode is insufficient, the action of the mercury vapor to relieve the force of the electrons colliding with the electrode is weakened, the damage to the electrode is increased, and the life of the fluorescent tube is adversely affected. There is a fear. Therefore, it is recommended that the fluorescent tube be used in a state where the temperature distribution of the tube body is uniform.

  For this reason, many conventional light source units for general display devices are configured such that the axis of the tube of the fluorescent tube is oriented in the horizontal direction. A display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel is disposed on the front side of the light source unit. Since this display panel is generally disposed in a landscape orientation, the display device is generally a tube of a fluorescent tube. The axis is arranged parallel to the long side of the display panel.

  When such a light source unit or display device is used, if the air around the fluorescent tube is heated by the heat generated by the fluorescent tube or other members, the temperature-increased air rises above the space in which the fluorescent tube is accommodated. The cold air moves and moves down the space. For this reason, the temperature distribution in the vertical direction is not uniform in this space, but the temperature distribution in the horizontal direction is not uniform. Therefore, if the axis of the tube of the fluorescent tube is oriented in the horizontal direction, a uniform temperature is maintained over the entire length of the tube of the fluorescent tube to such an extent that light emission is not stopped and electrode destruction does not occur due to insufficient mercury vapor pressure. .

JP 2002-237257 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-92019 JP 2003-100130 A JP 2004-63245 A

  By the way, there is a demand for using such a display device with a display panel arranged in a portrait orientation. For example, such a request is large in an advertising display device. However, in the above display device, when the display panel is arranged in a vertically long orientation, the fluorescent tube incorporated in the light source unit also stands substantially vertically.

  If the use of the display device is continued in this state, the heated air gathers at the upper end side of the fluorescent tube, and the low temperature air gathers at the lower end side of the fluorescent tube, and the upper end side and lower end side of the tube of the fluorescent tube And a temperature difference occurs. Mercury collects at the lower end of the tube where the temperature is low, making it difficult to diffuse effectively as mercury vapor. In addition, due to gravity, mercury collects on the lower end side of the tube body, and it becomes difficult to effectively diffuse as mercury vapor. Therefore, mercury is insufficient in portions other than the vicinity of the lower end of the tube of the fluorescent tube. As a result, if the use is continued for a certain period of time, the light emission from the fluorescent tubes other than the vicinity of the lower end of the tube or all of the effective light emitting portions may stop. Moreover, there is a possibility that damage to the upper end side electrode lacking in the surrounding mercury is increased. Further, mercury collected on the lower end side is easily taken into the tube wall near the electrode on the lower end side by the sputtering effect, and the effective reduction of mercury effective for evaporating in the tube is accelerated, and the life of the fluorescent tube may be shortened.

  In view of the above circumstances, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light source unit or a display device that can prevent or suppress light emission stop and adverse effects on the lifetime due to uneven temperature distribution of the light source, When the display panel is placed vertically and used with the light source standing almost vertically, light emission is stopped due to the temperature difference between the upper and lower ends of the light source, and this temperature difference is the function of the light source. It is an object to provide a light source unit or a display device that can prevent or suppress adverse effects on lifespan and the like.

  In order to solve such a problem, the main body portion in which the light source of the display device or the light source unit is incorporated is oriented so that one end of the linearly formed light source is positioned on the upper end side. And at least one end is supported so as to be able to be reversed to a posture positioned on the lower end side. And it is set as the structure which can replace the upper end side and lower end side of a light source.

  Here, as a result of the measurement of the elapsed time by the time measuring means capable of measuring the elapsed time from the predetermined timing so that the user or the administrator can be notified of the timing of changing the direction of the light source, It is preferable to provide notifying means for urging the user, the administrator, and the like to switch the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source when a predetermined time has elapsed from the predetermined timing.

  In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined timing, the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source can be automatically switched based on the result of the elapsed time measurement by the time measuring means. The structure provided with the drive means which replaces an upper end side and a lower end side may be sufficient.

  Then, it is detected whether one end of the linearly formed light source is located on the upper end side or the lower end side, or whether the linearly formed light source is arranged substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. It is preferable to further include posture detection means. In this case, the timing means may be operated based on the output from the attitude detection means.

  According to such a light source unit or display device, when the use of the light source lamp in a substantially vertical direction reaches or reaches a predetermined time, the main body of the display device or the light source unit is rotated. Thus, the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source can be interchanged. For this reason, it is possible to prevent or / or eliminate the unevenness of mercury in the tube of the light source lamp, and to prevent light emission from stopping due to the unevenness of mercury and adverse effects on the lifetime.

  If the timing at which the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source are switched is informed by the notification means to the user, the administrator, etc., the user, the administrator, etc. can display the display device or the light source unit according to the notification by the notification means. The upper end side and the lower end side of the light source can be switched by rotating the main body. Therefore, the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source can be reliably exchanged before the light emission of the light source is stopped or before the lifetime is adversely affected. Moreover, if it is the structure provided with the drive means which automatically replaces the upper end side and lower end side of a light source, it can change an attitude | position reliably at a predetermined timing.

  Further, if the configuration is such that the elapsed time during which the light source is detected to be in the vertical direction is detected by the posture detection means, the mode in which mercury is biased or the mode in which mercury is biased continues. The usage time can be measured. Therefore, the preferred timing for changing the posture can be calculated more accurately.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The following embodiments of the present invention are applied to a light source unit incorporated in a liquid crystal display device. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the upper side in FIG. 1 is referred to as “front side” of the light source unit, and the lower side is referred to as “back side”.

  The light source unit 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a chassis 11, a light source lamp 12, a reflection sheet 13 that diffusely reflects light emitted from the light source lamp 12, and an optical sheet that adjusts characteristics of light emitted from the light source lamp 12. A group 14, a side holder 15 that functions as a spacer of the optical sheet 14, and a frame 16 that functions to hold the optical sheet 14 and the like in the chassis 11. In addition, other predetermined members such as a light source driving circuit board (not shown) for driving the light source lamp 12 and a light source driving circuit board cover (not shown) for covering the circuit board are provided.

  Further, the light source unit 1 calculates the timing for switching the support 17 that rotatably supports the chassis 11 on a support base, a wall surface, and the like, and the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source lamp 12 to the user or administrator. An inversion timing notification circuit (not shown) for notification is provided.

  The chassis 11 is a substantially quadrilateral member, and is integrally formed of a metal plate material or the like using press working or the like. The chassis 11 has a bottom surface 113 formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and side walls 111 that stand up in a screen-like manner toward the front side are provided at the peripheral edges of the long sides facing each other. A mounting surface 112 that is substantially parallel to the surface direction of the bottom surface 113 is formed at the upper end of the side wall 111, that is, the front surface side. The placement surface 112 is a surface on which the peripheral edge of the optical sheet 14 is placed.

  As the light source lamp 12, for example, a fluorescent tube such as a cold cathode tube or a hot cathode tube can be applied. Briefly, the light source lamp 12 includes a linear tube formed of glass or the like, and electrodes disposed in the vicinity of both ends of the tube. A rare gas and mercury are enclosed inside the tube, and a phosphor thin film is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tube.

  The reflection sheet 13 is a sheet-like or plate-like member that diffusely reflects light emitted from the light source lamp 12. For example, it is made of foamed PET resin (polyethylene terephthalate resin). Here, the optical sheet 14 refers to a plate-like or sheet-like member for adjusting the characteristics of light emitted from the light source lamp 12 or a set of these. Specifically, for example, a diffusion plate, a lens sheet, a polarizing reflection film, and the like are included. In general, these are used by being stacked.

  The side holder 15 is a substantially rod-shaped member that functions as a spacer or the like for placing the optical sheets 14. The side holder 15 is integrally formed of, for example, a resin material. The frame 16 is a member for holding members such as the light source lamp 12 and the optical sheets 14 on the chassis 11. The frame 16 is formed in a substantially quadrilateral shape that is opened using, for example, a metal plate or the like by pressing. The light source driving circuit board (not shown) is a circuit board on which an electronic circuit and an electric circuit for driving the light source lamp 12 are constructed.

  Since these chassis 11, light source lamp 12, reflection sheet 13, optical sheet 14, side holder 15, frame 16, and light source drive circuit board can be those conventionally used, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The support tool 17 is a member for rotatably installing the light source unit 1 on a wall surface or a support base during use. The support 17 includes a front-side member 171 and a back-side member 172, and the front-side member 171 and the back-side member 172 travel around the Z axis in the XY plane of the coordinate system in FIG. Are mutually rotatable (in the direction of arrow a in the figure) by at least 180 ° or more.

  The assembly of the light source unit 1 including such a member is as follows. A reflection sheet 13 is laid on the front side of the chassis 11, and the light source lamp 12 is arranged on the front side. In this state, the side holder 15 is placed on the peripheral edge of the short side of the chassis 11. Then, the optical sheets 14 are placed on the placement surface 112 of the chassis 11 and the front side of the side holder 15, and the frame 16 is mounted from the front side. On the other hand, a light source drive circuit board (not shown), a light source drive circuit board cover (not shown), a board (not shown) on which an inversion timing notification circuit is configured, and a support 17 are mounted on the rear side of the chassis 11. To do.

  A member 171 on the front side of the support 17 is fixed to the chassis 11, and a member 172 on the back side is fixed to, for example, a wall surface or a support stand (both not shown) that stands in a substantially vertical direction. Thereby, the main-body part of the light source unit 1 can rotate at least 180 degree | times around the Z-axis in the XY plane, for example. At this time, the chassis 11 is configured to be rotatable from a state where one short side is the upper side to a state where the other short side is the upper side. The “main part” of the light source unit here means an assembly of the chassis 11, the light source lamp 12, the reflection sheet 13, the optical sheets 14, the side holder 15, and the frame 16, and includes the support 17. (The same shall apply hereinafter).

  The light source unit 1 having such a configuration can be used by rotating the main body portion so that the main body portion is arranged in a landscape orientation, and can also be used in a portrait orientation. When the main body is arranged in a vertically long direction, it can be arbitrarily set which side of the short side is the upper side or the lower side.

  When the main body is arranged in a landscape orientation, the axis of the tube of each light source lamp 12 incorporated in the light source unit 1 is directed in a substantially horizontal direction. For this reason, the temperature distribution of the tube of each light source lamp 12 is kept substantially uniform. On the other hand, when the main body portion is arranged in a vertically long direction, the tube of each light source lamp 12 is in a substantially vertical state. Therefore, if the use is continued in this posture, a temperature difference is generated between the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source lamp 12, and a state in which the temperature difference is generated is maintained.

  However, since the main body is configured to be able to rotate approximately 180 ° in the vertical plane, the lower end side and the upper end side of the light source lamp 12 can be interchanged. For this reason, when the main body is used in a vertically long orientation, the main body is rotated every time a predetermined time elapses, so that the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source lamp 12 are switched, and thereby the mercury It is possible to prevent the bias or the biased state from continuing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light source lamp 12 from stopping light emission due to mercury bias, and to suppress adverse effects on the function and life of the light source lamp 12.

  When the main body is arranged in a vertically long direction, the calculation of the timing for rotating the main body of the light source unit 1 in order to exchange the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source lamp 12, and for users, managers, etc. The inversion timing notification circuit performs notification of the arrival of this timing. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inversion timing notification circuit. The inversion timing notification circuit 2a includes an attitude detection unit 21, an attitude storage unit 22, an attitude collation unit 23, a timing unit 25, an elapsed time storage unit 26, a setting storage unit 27a, and an inversion timing calculation unit 24a. And notification means 28a.

  The posture detection means 21 detects the posture of the light source unit 1. Here, “the orientation of the light source unit” means that when the light source lamp 12 is in a landscape orientation, a portrait orientation, or a portrait orientation, either end is on the upper side or the lower side. It shall mean whether it exists. Specifically, for example, an electrical switch or an acceleration sensor can be applied as the posture detection means 21. A mechanism for detecting the posture of the light source unit using an acceleration sensor or an electric switch will be described later. The posture storage unit 22 can store the posture of the light source unit detected by the posture detection unit 21. Further, the posture collating unit 23 can compare and collate the posture of the light source unit detected by the posture detecting unit 21 with the posture of the light source unit stored in the posture storage unit 22.

  The time measuring means 25 can measure the elapsed time from a specific timing. The elapsed time storage unit 26 can store the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit 25.

  When the one end of the light source lamp 12 incorporated in the light source unit 1 is used in an attitude positioned on the upper side or the lower side, the setting storage unit 27a stores an allowable time that can be used in that attitude. This allowable time is a time during which the light source lamp 12 can be used without stopping light emission or adversely affecting the function or life due to the bias of mercury when the light source lamp 12 is used in a vertically oriented posture. This allowable time is appropriately determined in consideration of the internal temperature distribution when the light source unit 1 is used, the characteristics of the light source lamp 12, other usage conditions, and the safety factor.

  The inversion timing calculation unit 24a rotates the light source unit 1 main body based on the output from the posture collation unit 23, the stored contents of the elapsed time storage unit 22 and the setting storage unit 27a, and the upper end side and the lower end side of the light source lamp 12. And the timing for replacing.

  Based on the calculation result of the inversion timing calculation unit 24a, the notification unit 28a has reached a timing at which the main body of the light source unit 1 should be rotated in order to switch the upper end side and the lower end side with respect to a user, an administrator, or the like. Or that this timing is approaching. The notification means 28a is not particularly limited as long as it can emit a signal that can be recognized by a user, an administrator, or the like. For example, a loudspeaker such as a speaker, a light emitting unit such as a light bulb or an LED, a display unit that can display some message such as a small liquid crystal display panel can be applied. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which is equipped with several types of alerting | reporting means and a user, an administrator, etc. can select suitably.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the principle of detecting the posture of the light source unit using an acceleration sensor. As shown in FIG. 3, the acceleration sensor 31 or the substrate 3 on which the acceleration sensor 31 is mounted is disposed at any position on the main body of the light source unit 1 and is configured to rotate integrally with the main body. The Here, as the acceleration sensor 31, a sensor that can detect acceleration in one axis direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the acceleration sensor 31 is arranged so that an output of 1G (gravity acceleration) can be obtained when one end of the light source lamp 12 is positioned on the upper side. With such an arrangement, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), when the main body is rotated 180 ° and the one end is positioned on the lower side, an output of −1G is obtained from the acceleration sensor 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the axis of the light source lamp 12 is set to be in the horizontally long direction, the output from the acceleration sensor 31 becomes zero. Therefore, when the tube of the light source lamp 12 is in a posture facing in the landscape direction, in a posture in the portrait orientation, or in a posture in the portrait orientation, any one end is on the upper side. Or it can detect whether it exists in the lower side.

  In addition, as a configuration using an electric switch, a switch that is turned on when one end of the light source lamp 12 is positioned on the upper side as shown in FIG. 3A, as shown in FIG. 3B. A switch that is turned on when one end of the light source lamp 12 is positioned on the lower side, and a switch that is turned on when the light source lamp 12 is oriented in the landscape direction as shown in FIG. The structure which provides can be applied. According to this configuration, depending on which switch is ON, whether the tube body of the light source lamp 12 is in a landscape orientation, a portrait orientation, or a portrait orientation. In the case of a facing posture, it is possible to detect which one end is on the upper side or the lower side.

  Next, the operation of the inversion timing notification circuit will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inversion timing notification circuit. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to this figure.

  When the use of the light source unit 1 is started, the current posture of the light source unit 1 (that is, the direction of the light source lamp 12) is first detected based on the output of the posture detection means 21 (S-1a). If the light source lamp 12 is oriented in the horizontally long direction, the process is not allowed to proceed until the light source lamp 12 is oriented in a direction other than the horizontally long direction (“No” in S-2a).

  On the other hand, when the light source lamp 12 is oriented in the vertically long direction (“Yes” in S-2a), it is detected which end portion is on the upper side or the lower side, Compare (S-3a). Here, the posture storage means 22 stores the posture of the light source unit when the light source lamp 12 is used with the light source lamp 12 being vertically long last time, that is, which end of the light source lamp 12 was on the upper side or the lower side. Yes.

  As a result of the comparison, if the current direction of the light source lamp 12 is the same as the direction of the light source lamp 12 at the last time when it was used last vertically (“Yes” in S-4a), the time measuring means 25 is activated to measure the time. The added time is added to the time stored in the time storage means 26 (S-6a). On the other hand, if the current orientation of the light source lamp 12 is different from the orientation at the time of the last use in the last portrait, that is, if the main body has been rotated 180 ° from the last use at the last time (in S-4a, “ No "), the contents of the elapsed time storage means 26 are initialized and the elapsed time is set to 0 (S-5a). Thereafter, the time measuring means 25 is operated, and the time measured is stored in the time storage means 26 (S-6a).

  Thereafter, while the time measuring means 25 is operating, the attitude detection means 21 continues to detect the attitude of the light source unit (S-7a).

  When the allowable time stored in the setting storage means 27a has passed without changing the posture of the light source unit 1 ("Yes" in S-8a), the notification means 28a is activated (S-10a). Then, urge the user or administrator to rotate the main body by 180 °. Instead of operating the notification means after the allowable time has elapsed, the notification means may be operated before the allowable time elapses to notify the passage of the allowable time.

  When the posture of the light source unit is changed before the allowable time stored in the setting storage unit 27a has elapsed (“Yes” in S-7a), the posture after the change is the posture in which the light source lamp 12 faces horizontally long. Is detected (S-11a). When the light source is not in a landscape orientation (“No” in S-11a), that is, when the light source is rotated by 180 ° from the orientation before the change, the elapsed time stored in the elapsed time storage unit 26 is set to 0. (S-5a), and the timing is restarted from the beginning (after S-6a).

  On the other hand, if the posture after the change is a posture in which the light source lamp 12 is oriented in the landscape direction (“Yes” in S-11a), the temperature distribution of the tube of the light source lamp 12 becomes uniform, and gravity is a tube. Since it acts in a direction perpendicular to the body axis, the progression of mercury bias stops. For this reason, it is not necessary to take into consideration the calculation of the timing for rotating the main body portion when the light source lamp 12 is in the landscape orientation. Accordingly, when the light source lamp 12 is in the landscape orientation, the measurement of the elapsed time by the time measuring means 25 is interrupted (S-12a).

  After interrupting the time measurement by the time measuring means (S-12a), the process is further interrupted until the posture of the light source unit is changed ("No" in S-13a). When the posture is changed again and the light source lamp 12 is returned to the previous posture before being directed in the landscape direction (“Yes” in S-14a), the time elapsed by the time measuring means 25. Time measurement is resumed (S-15a), and the elapsed time is added to the elapsed time storage means 26.

  On the other hand, when the posture after re-change is a posture rotated by 180 ° from the posture before the light source lamp 12 is directed in the landscape direction (“No” in S-14a), the elapsed time storage means 26 Is set to 0 (S-5a), and the elapsed time is measured again by the time measuring means 25 (from S-7a onward).

  According to such a light source unit 1, when the light source lamp 12 is used in a substantially vertical state for a certain period of time, the direction of the light source unit main body is reversed with respect to the user or the administrator. Can be urged. For this reason, it is possible to prevent mercury from being biased inside the tube of the light source lamp 12, and to prevent light emission from being stopped due to the bias of mercury, and adverse effects on functions and lifetimes. Therefore, it can be suitably used for applications such as displaying an image using a vertically long screen such as an advertising display device.

  The rotation of the main body of the light source unit may be automatically performed by incorporating power into the light source unit in addition to the configuration manually performed by the user as described above. For example, a configuration in which a rotational power source such as an electric motor is attached to one of the front member 171 or the rear member 172 of the support 17 and the rotational shaft of the electric motor is fixed to the other can be applied. Various known rotational power sources such as a general servo motor can be applied to the electric motor.

  And it can be set as the structure which rotates a main-body part automatically with progress of predetermined permissible time. Specifically, the reversal timing notifying circuit includes a reversing drive circuit in which “notifying means notifying means for notifying the user of the reversal timing” is replaced with “rotational driving means for automatically rotating the chassis”. do it.

  Moreover, in the structure which rotates a main-body part automatically, it is good also as a structure which rotates a main-body part instead of progress of permissible time, or in addition to progress, when predetermined conditions are satisfied. For example, there are conditions such as rotating the main body at a timing when the light source unit is not used, or rotating the main body at a predetermined time in the middle of the night.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light source unit inversion control circuit for automatically rotating the main body at a predetermined time.

  The inversion control circuit 2b includes an attitude detection unit 21, an attitude storage unit 22, an attitude collation unit 23, a clock 29, a time measuring unit 25, an elapsed time storage unit 26, a setting storage unit 27b, and an inversion timing calculation. Means 24b and driving means 28b are provided. Of these, the posture detection means 21, the posture storage means 22, the posture collation means 23, the time measuring means 25, and the elapsed time storage means 26 have the same functions as those applied to the configuration for manually rotating the main body. is there.

  The clock 29 can output the current time. The drive means 28b drives a rotational power source such as an electric motor incorporated in the light source unit.

  When the light source lamp 12 incorporated in the light source unit 1 is used in a posture oriented in the vertical direction, the setting storage unit 27b is configured to allow an allowable time that can be used in the posture, and a time at which the main body rotates (hereinafter, referred to as a “main unit”). (Referred to as set time). This permissible time is the same as that of the configuration in which the main body is manually rotated. The set time is set to a time zone that does not interfere with the rotation of the main body, such as a predetermined time zone at night when there are few viewers.

  The operation of the inversion control circuit 2b is as follows. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the inversion control circuit 2b. Here, a description will be mainly given of parts different from the operation of the inversion timing notification circuit applied to the configuration in which the chassis is manually rotated as described above, and the description of the same parts is omitted.

  The processing until the timing operation is started (steps S-1b to S-6b) is the same as the processing (steps S-1a to S-6a, see FIG. 4) of the above-described manual inversion. Omitted.

  At the same time as or after the start of timing (S-6b), the posture change time (herein, the time when the main body is actually reversed) is determined (S-20b). Specifically, first, a time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time stored in the elapsed time storage unit 26 from the allowable time stored in the setting storage unit 27b is calculated. This calculated time is the remaining time until the next timing of rotating the main body. The calculated time is added to the current time output from the clock 29. The time obtained by adding is the time when the main body should be rotated. Of the set times stored in the setting storage means 27b, the set time closest to the time to rotate is selected. The selected set time is confirmed as the posture change time.

  When the current time output from the clock 29 is the determined posture change time, the driving unit 28b is operated to rotate the main body to change the posture (S-9b). Thereafter, the posture of the light source unit after inversion is stored in the posture storage means 27b (S-10b).

  If the main body is manually rotated after determining the posture change time (S-20b) ("Yes" in S-7b), the process proceeds to step S-11b and subsequent steps. This process is the same as the process in the case where the main body is rotated during the time counting in the manual reversal configuration (steps S-11a to S-15a, see FIG. 4). Therefore, explanation is omitted.

  According to such a light source unit, when the use of the light source lamp in a substantially vertical state exceeds a certain time, the main body of the light source unit is automatically rotated so that the upper end side and the lower end side of the fluorescent tube Can be replaced. For this reason, it is possible to prevent mercury from being biased inside the tube of the light source lamp, and to prevent light emission from being stopped due to mercury bias, and adverse effects on functions and lifetime. At this time, since the time at which the main body is rotated can be set as appropriate, it can be performed at a timing that does not hinder use, for example, at a predetermined time zone such as midnight.

  Here, a display device including a light source unit will be briefly described. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a display device including the light source unit according to the embodiment. The display device 3 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal module 31 is disposed on the front side of the light source unit 1 and a bezel 32 is mounted from the front side. A control circuit board (not shown) for controlling the liquid crystal module 21 and other necessary components are mounted on the rear side of the chassis 11 of the light source unit 1. The liquid crystal module 31 has a configuration in which a gate driver 312 and a source driver 313 for driving each picture element formed on the liquid crystal display panel are mounted on the periphery of the liquid crystal display panel 311. According to the display device 3 having such a configuration, the light emitted from the light source unit 1 is transmitted through the liquid crystal display panel 311, whereby an image is displayed in a visible state on the front side of the liquid crystal display panel 311.

  In such a display device, when the main body of the light source unit is rotated by 180 °, it is necessary to rotate the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel by 180 ° in order to display the image in the correct orientation. The configuration and method for rotating the image to be displayed are as follows.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a drive system of the display device. The display device drive system includes an image signal processing circuit 414, an image signal inversion control circuit 415, a gate driver 312, and a source driver 313. Further, picture elements are arranged in a matrix on the liquid crystal display panel 311. Here, a configuration including picture elements P (m, n) of M rows and N columns (m = 1 to M, n = 1 to N, the same applies hereinafter) is shown as an example.

The image signal processing circuit 414 generates a signal for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display panel 311 based on the image signal C input from the outside. The image inversion signal control circuit 415 generates a control signal for displaying an image in a predetermined direction. The gate driver 412 transmits the generated scanning signal to the thin film transistor of each pixel P (m, n) through the gate bus lines G _{1 to} G _M. The source driver 413 transmits the generated source signal to the thin film transistor of each pixel through the source bus lines S _{1 to} S _N. Based on these signals, a thin film transistor provided in each picture element P (m, n) of the liquid crystal display panel 411 is driven.

The operation in the posture in which one of the short sides of the liquid crystal display panel 311 is on the upper side is as follows. The source signal voltage applied to the source bus lines S _{1 to} S _N while a horizontal period pulse (a pulse corresponding to one horizontal period) is applied from the gate driver 412 to the uppermost gate bus line G _1. Are applied to the pixel electrodes P (1,1) to P (1, N) in the first row. And the horizontal period of the next, added a horizontal period pulse to the gate bus line G ₂ in the second row from the top row, from the source signal voltage applied to the source bus line S ₁ to S _N is the top line in the meantime The pixel electrodes P (2,1) to P (2, N) in the second row are applied. Later, been made to the gate bus line G _M in the bottom row each similar operation is one horizontal period, to continue the operation returns to the gate bus line G ₁ of the again in the top row. As a result, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 311.

Wherein according to rotate 180 ° the image from the display operation, the image to be applied to the source bus line S _n of n-th column from the front row, the source bus line n-th column from the last column S _{N- (n-1)} Swap the signal. Specifically, the source bus line S _{1 in} the front row and the source bus line S _{N in} the last row, the source bus line S _{2 in the} second row from the front row, and the source bus line S _{N-1 in the} second row from the last row. ,... Are interchanged with each other. On the other hand, the application timing of the scan signal supplied to the gate bus line G ₁ ~G _M is the order toward the gate bus line G ₁ in the top row from the gate bus line G _M of the bottom row.

  According to such a configuration, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 311 can be rotated by 180 °. Therefore, even when the main body of the light source unit 1 is rotated 180 °, the image can be displayed in the correct orientation. Here, the image signal inversion control circuit 415 is preferably configured to automatically switch based on the signal C from the posture detection means.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the light source unit to which the support that rotatably supports the main body of the light source unit is mounted is incorporated in the display device. However, the display device is supported in a rotatable manner instead of the light source unit. It can also be set as a structure.

  FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a display device that can rotate the main body, in which FIG. 9A is a view seen from the front side, and FIG. 9B is a view seen from the back side. The display device 5 includes a light source unit (not shown) and a liquid crystal display panel 51, which are incorporated in a cover body 52. A support member 53 that supports the display panel 51 and the light source unit incorporated in the cover body 52 so as to be integrally rotatable is mounted on the back side of the cover body 52. The support 53 having the same configuration as the support shown in the embodiment can be applied.

  Note that the light source unit incorporated in the cover body 52 of the display device 5 can be applied to the light source unit of the embodiment except for the support. Further, since the liquid crystal display panel, the bezel for mounting the liquid crystal display panel on the light source unit, and other members can be the same as those shown in the above embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. And according to such a display apparatus, there can exist an effect similar to the display apparatus incorporating the said light source unit.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described in detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment at all, and various modification | change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a light source unit or a display device including a light source lamp that adversely affects the life and function when the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform regardless of whether or not it contains mercury. In this case, by eliminating the uneven temperature distribution, it is possible to prevent the light source lamp from being shortened and to improve its function. For example, the present invention can be applied to a light source unit or a display device that includes a light source lamp or the like whose luminance becomes non-uniform when the temperature becomes non-uniform.

It is the disassembled perspective view which showed typically the structure of the 1st Example of the light source unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the inversion timing alerting | reporting circuit of the light source unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is the top view which showed the principle which detects the attitude | position of the light source unit which concerns on the said embodiment typically, (a) is an attitude | position in which one end of a light source lamp is located in an upper end side, (b) is an end of a light source lamp. An attitude located on the lower end side, (c) shows an attitude in which the tube of the light source lamp faces substantially horizontal. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the inversion timing alerting | reporting circuit of the light source unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the inversion drive circuit for rotating a main-body part with a motive power source. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the inversion driving circuit. It is the partial exploded perspective view which showed typically the structure of the display apparatus incorporating the light source unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed typically the drive system of the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the external appearance perspective view which showed the structure of the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is the figure seen from the front side, (b) is the figure seen from the back side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light source unit 11 Chassis 111 Chassis side wall 112 Chassis mounting surface 113 Chassis bottom face 12 Light source lamp 13 Reflective sheet 14 Optical sheets 15 Side holder 16 Frame 17 Supporting tool 171 Front side member 172 Supporting tool rear face Side member

Claims (11)

  A light source unit comprising a light source formed in a linear shape and a main body portion into which the light source formed in a linear shape is incorporated, wherein the main body portion has one end of the light source formed in the linear shape positioned on an upper end side. A light source unit, wherein the light source unit is supported so as to be reversible from a posture to a posture in which at least one end is located on a lower end side.   2. The time measuring means capable of measuring the elapsed time, and notifying means for notifying a user that a predetermined time has passed based on an output from the time measuring means, further comprising: Light source unit.   2. The time measuring means capable of measuring an elapsed time, and a driving means for vertically reversing the posture of the main body when a predetermined time elapses based on an output from the time measuring means. The light source unit according to 2.   The posture of the main body is a posture in which one end of the light source formed in the linear shape is positioned on the upper end side, a posture positioned on the lower end side, or the light source formed in the linear shape is approximately horizontal. The light source unit according to claim 1, further comprising posture detection means for detecting whether the postures are arranged in parallel.   5. The time measuring means measures an elapsed time while the posture detecting means detects that the linearly formed light source is in a vertically oriented posture. The light source unit described.   A display device comprising the light source unit according to claim 1.   A display device comprising: a linearly formed light source; and a main body part into which the linearly formed light source is incorporated, wherein the main body part has one end of the linearly formed light source positioned on an upper end side. A display device, wherein the display device is supported in a reversible manner from at least one end to a position at which the one end is positioned on the lower end side.   The time measuring means capable of measuring the elapsed time, and notifying means for notifying the user that a predetermined time has passed based on the output from the time measuring means, are further provided. Display device.   The timekeeping means capable of measuring the elapsed time and the drive means for vertically reversing the posture of the main body when a predetermined time elapses based on the output from the timekeeping means. 9. The display device according to 8.   The posture of the main body is a posture in which one end of the light source formed in the linear shape is positioned on the upper end side, a posture positioned on the lower end side, or the light source formed in the linear shape is approximately horizontal. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising posture detection means for detecting whether the postures are arranged in parallel. The time keeping means measures an elapsed time while the light source formed in the linear shape is detected as being in a vertical orientation by the attitude detection means. The display device described.

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