KR20060136326A - Optimized frame system for a liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present specification, an image display panel; A frame system having a frame operatively coupled to the image display panel and a plurality of heat sources operatively coupled to the frame; And a heat dissipating material in operative thermal contact with the heat source and in operative coupling with the frame. And a frame system having a support factor of about 375 mm-W / m ° K or less.

LCD devices, heat dissipating materials, graphite

Description

Optimum frame system for liquid crystal display {OPTIMIZED FRAME SYSTEM FOR A LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE}

1 is a side perspective view of a component of a backlit LCD device comprising an LED, a reflective material, a heat dissipating material, and a support member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the backlit LCD device of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the backlit LCD device of FIG. 1.

4 is a side perspective view of a component of a side lighting LCD device comprising a PCB-mounted LED, a reflective material, a heat dissipating material, a light-diffusing optic and a support member in accordance with the present invention.

5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the side lighting LCD device of FIG. 4.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the side lighting LCD device of FIG. 4.

7 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a side lighting LCD device according to the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a side lighting LCD device according to the present invention.

9 is a front view of an image display apparatus in which an image is being displayed in a casing manufactured according to the disclosure of the present invention.

10 is a side exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an image display device made in accordance with the present invention;

11 is a rear view of a frame made in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 11 / 167,935, filed by Shieves et al. On June 27, 2005, "Optimized Frame System for Display Devices." Reference is made to the specification.

The present invention relates to the design and use of such a frame system in view of optimal frame systems for use with heat spreaders in display devices such as liquid crystal displays and the like and the inherent thermal problems arising in such devices.

Liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, utilize an image display panel formed by two transparent sheets of polarizing material separated by a liquid containing rod-shaped crystals, wherein the two sheets of The polarization axes are aligned perpendicular to each other. The LCD is configured to display an image by passing a current through the liquid and aligning the crystal to block light. Each decision can be controlled individually and basically acts like a shutter. When current is applied to a particular pixelated area, these crystals align to form a dark area or image. Dark areas combine with bright areas to form text or images on the panel. LCD panels do not emit light but are back-lit or side-lit to provide better visibility of text or images on the display panel. As a rule, backlit LCDs are used for larger screens (typically larger than about 24 inches diagonal), while lateral lit LCDs are used for smaller screens, typically in combination with light sources for the light source Do not appear to appear.

In liquid crystal displays, the rear or lateral illumination used to assist or illuminate viewing of the image display generates heat and thus constitutes a heat source, which raises the temperature of the liquid crystal display as a whole. Typically, many heat generating light sources or a single light source, such as fluorescent light sources such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) or flat fluorescent lamps (FFLs), have been used as light sources for illumination. In recent years, light emitting diodes, or LED devices, have been used to eliminate the environmental problems caused by fluorescent lamps and to improve the range of colors that can be displayed. Heat generated from the light source is fatal to viewing and operation of the liquid crystal display. The light source (s) emit heat and this heat is transferred to the image display panel, other electronic components in the liquid crystal display, and the support structure of the liquid crystal display. In fact, some of the electronic components in the display panel constitute a heat source by themselves, which further increases the problem. However, these other parts of the liquid crystal display have weak heat spreading properties and are not usually designed to dissipate heat from the light source, especially in a direction parallel to the image display panel plane.

In addition, the illumination light source of the liquid crystal display is kept active and at a constant power level regardless of the image characteristics of the display panel. The change in image is controlled by the alignment and placement of the crystals in the image display panel. The components of the liquid crystal display, by themselves, need to dissipate the continuous heat generated by the illumination light source. Continuously generating heat can accelerate the thermal deterioration of the liquid crystal material forming the display and shorten the operating life of the liquid crystal display. Heat can also negatively affect the screen's refresh rate.

Morita, Ichiyanagi, Ikeda, Nishiki, Inoue are using a so-called "high orientation graphite film" as a thermal interface material for the plasma display panel to fill the space between the back of the panel and the heat sink unit. , Komioji and Kawashima et al., US Pat. No. 5,831,374. However, the disclosure disclosed in this patent focuses only on the use of pyrolytic graphite as the graphite material, and the use or significant advantages of sheets made of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite. It does not mention. The use of heavy aluminum heat sink units is also a deadly part of the patent of Morita et al. U. S. Patent No. 6,482, 520 to U.S. also discloses the use of sheets of compressed particles of graphite that have been peeled off as heat spreaders (referred to herein as thermal interfaces) for heat sources such as electronic components. . Indeed, such materials, such as eGraf® SpreaderShield based materials, are commercially available from Advanced Energy Technology Inc., Lakewood, Ohio. Cheng's graphite heat spreader is disposed between the heat generating electronic component and preferably the heat sink to increase the effective surface area of the heat generating component; This patent does not address the specific thermal problems that arise in display devices.

Graphite consists of layer planes of a network structure or hexagonal arrangement of carbon atoms. These layer planes of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms are oriented or ordered to be substantially flat, substantially parallel to each other, and at the same distance from each other. Sheets or layers of substantially flat and parallel equidistant carbon atoms, generally referred to as graphene layers or basal planes, are linked or bonded to one another and these groups are arranged in a crystalline state. Well aligned graphite consists of crystals of considerable size: these crystals are well aligned or oriented with one another and have a well aligned carbon layer. In other words, well aligned graphite has a very preferred crystal orientation. It should be noted that graphite has an anisotropic structure and exhibits or has many properties such as high conductivity thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity and fluid diffusion.

In short, graphite is characterized by a laminated structure of carbon, ie the structure consists of an overlapping layer or laminae of carbon atoms bonded to each other by weak van der Waals forces. In view of the graphite structure, two axes or directions are generally mentioned, namely the "c" axis or direction and the "a" axis or direction. Simply, the "c" axis or direction may be considered a direction perpendicular to the carbon layer. The "a" axis or direction may be considered a direction parallel to the carbon layer or a direction perpendicular to the "c" direction. Graphite suitable for producing flexible graphite sheets has a very high orientation.

As mentioned above, the bonding force that holds the parallel layers of carbon atoms together is only a weak van der Waals force. Natural graphite is expanded or swollen graphite in which the space between the overlapping carbon layers or laminas is somewhat open to provide significant expansion in the direction perpendicular to the layer, ie the “c” direction, so that the layer properties of the carbon layer are substantially maintained. It can be processed to form a structure.

Graphite flakes that are highly expanded, more specifically expanded to have a "c" direction dimension or a final thickness that is at least about 80 times larger than the initial "c" direction dimension, may be used without the use of binders, for example, in web, paper, strip, tape, foil , An adhesive sheet or an integrated sheet of expanded graphite, such as a mat or the like (commonly referred to as "flexible graphite"). The formation of graphite particles expanded to have a "c" direction dimension or final thickness that is at least about 80 times larger than the initial "c" direction dimension to form an integrally flexible sheet by compression without the use of any binding material is large. It is believed that this is possible due to the mechanical interlocking, or adhesion, achieved between the bulk expanded graphite particles.

In addition to the flexibility, the sheet material is thermally and electrically conductive and fluid diffusion due to the directionality of the expanded graphite particles and the graphite layer substantially parallel to the opposite surface of the site due to very large compression, such as roller pressing, as described above. It is known to have great anisotropy in comparison with natural graphite based materials. The sheet material thus produced has excellent flexibility, good strength and very high directivity.

In short, the process for producing flexible, binder-free anisotropic graphite sheet materials, such as, for example, webs, paper, strips, tapes, foils, mats, etc., is intended to form a substantially flat, flexible integral graphite sheet. Compressing expanded graphite particles having a "c" directional dimension that is at least about 80 times greater than the "c" directional dimension of the initial particles without a binder for a given load. Expanded graphite particles, which are generally worm-shaped in appearance, once compressed, maintain their compression and alignment with the opposite major surface of the sheet. The density and thickness of the sheet material can be varied by controlling the degree of compression. The density of the sheet material may be in the range of about 0.04 g / cm ² to about 2.0 g / cm ² . Flexible graphite sheet material exhibits a significant degree of anisotropy due to the alignment of graphite particles parallel to opposite and parallel major surfaces of the sheet, and the degree of anisotropy increases when roller pressing the sheet material to increase the orientation. In roller pressed anisotropic sheet materials, the thickness, ie, the direction perpendicular to the opposing and parallel sheet surfaces, includes the "c" direction and is along the length and width, i.e. along the opposing major surfaces or parallel to the opposing major surfaces. The direction includes the "a" direction and the thermal and electrical and fluid diffusion properties of the sheet are very different in magnitude relative to the "c" and "a" directions.

Although the use of sheets of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite (i.e. flexible graphite) as components of heat sinks to dissipate heat generated from heat sources and as heat spreaders and thermal interfaces has been proposed (e.g., (See US Pat. Nos. 6,245,400, 6,482,520, 6,503,526, and 6,538,892), until now, the use of graphite materials was independent and not considered in connection with other components such as display panel support structures.

Conventional display devices have typically used thick and heavy metal support members (usually thick aluminum sheets or sets of sheets), which support display panel units, (in the case of LEDs, metal core printing with a thermally conductive dielectric material). A light source (mounted to a printed circuit board, such as a circuit board board (PCB)), and associated electronic components were attached. Heat generated from such electronic components causes a non-uniform temperature distribution on the panel unit itself, which adversely affects the image appearing on the display panel and the reliability of the display panel.

Conventional support members assist in dissipating or dissipating heat generated by the panel function and / or related electronics and the mechanical function (i.e., mounting the panel unit and related electronics). Function). Thus, the support member is typically made of a rigid aluminum sheet about 2.0 mm thick. Unless otherwise indicated, conventional display panels with support members exhibit a support factor of about 440 mm-W / m ° k. The support factor is determined by multiplying the thickness of the support member in the display panel by the in-plane thermal conductivity of the support member (the horizontal thermal conductivity of the high thermal conductivity aluminum commonly used is 220 mm-W / Since m ° k, a 2.0 mm aluminum sheet has a support factor of 440 mm-W / m ° k). Since most metals are relatively thermally isotropic, it can be seen that the horizontal thermal conductivity is not substantially different from the through-plane thermal conductivity of the material.

Such support members add significant weight and can be difficult and expensive to manufacture due to physical requirements, numerous threaded mounting characteristics for electronic components, and the high cost of high thermal conductivity aluminum sheets. In addition, a frame (usually made of steel or aluminum) is used to add more mechanical support to the support member and requires robust mounting means for attaching the display panel to a wall bracket or stand device. These frames and support members constitute a frame system in a conventional display panel.

LDC device manufacturers are under pressure to increase the brightness and luminous efficiency of the panel unit while at the same time reducing the cost and weight of the display device. This may mean that more power is supplied to the light source, which increases the thermal load of the system, requiring additional heat dissipation capability within the display device. Active cooling schemes such as fans and / or heat pipes are undesirable in that they have an unreliability, noise, and negative impact on the cost and weight of the system. In addition to the increase in brightness and luminous efficiency of display devices, display manufacturers also feel more pressure to increase the size of the panel, which increases the weight of the frame system (particularly the supporting member) in proportion to this. It is accompanied.

Therefore, what is needed for a display device is a light weight and an economical frame system. In particular, there is a need to be able to provide an improved heat transfer capability while being structurally robust enough to provide for the attachment of the panel unit and associated electronic components, as well as structural integrity to the mounting and support of the display device itself. Preferred frame systems can reduce or eliminate the need for support members, in particular support members formed of high thermally conductive aluminum.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a frame that is light in weight and structurally robust as a frame for a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame system for a display device comprising a frame having a low support factor.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display device comprising a heat dissipating material of a display device, sometimes referred to as a heat spreader, disposed adjacent to a light emitting diode array, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or a flat fluorescent lamp.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a frame system for a display device comprising a frame comprising a peripheral edge portion that provides structural integrity to the display device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a frame for a display device having an internal opening for promoting heat transfer and heat dissipation by a heat dissipating material in the display device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a frame system for a display device comprising a support member rather than a heavy aluminum sheet or sheet set.

These objects and the like, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art by the following description, include: an image display panel, at least one heat generating light source, a frame system having a support factor of about 375 mm-W / m ° K or less, and at least one of the heat generating light sources. By providing an image display device comprising a heat dissipating material in operative thermal contact with the portion; Preferably, the heat dissipating material is operatively coupled with the frame system. In a preferred embodiment, the frame system includes a frame operatively coupled to the image display panel and a plurality of light sources, such as a light emitting diode, operatively coupled to the frame.

More preferably, the support member has a support factor of about 150 mm-W / m ° K or less, and in the most preferred embodiment the frame system has a support factor of 0 mm-W / m ° K; That is, the frame system does not have any supporting member.

The LCD may be a back lit LCD or side lit LCD. In a backlit LCD, a row of light sources, such as a PCB-mounted LED, is located directly behind the LCD panel to provide direct illumination to the back of the LCD panel. In side-lit LCDs, light sources are arranged along the sides of the LCD, and light is distributed evenly across the back of the LCD panel to prevent light from appearing or appearing more pronounced at the sides or edges of the panel. Commonly referred to as light guides). In addition, whether it is backlighting or side lighting, reflective materials are often placed on the LCD to help distribute light evenly from the light source to the back of the LCD panel.

The frame of the LCD consists of metal, such as steel, aluminum, or other structural material, and if present, is screwed, bolted, glued or otherwise securely fastened to the support member. If no support member is present, the frame can be attached directly to the heat dissipating material by adhesive, mechanical fastening means, or other known means.

The frame may include cross support that extends across the frame, where the electronic component may engage the cross support. In addition, the frame may include a flange for supporting the heat dissipating material and the electronic component, or alternatively, may include one or more cross members that couple with the electronic component. The light source and heat dissipating material may be positioned substantially within the frame, and the frame may have a height and width such that the heat dissipating material extends substantially over the height and width of the frame.

In addition, a number of cross supports extend over the frame, and one or more light sources, such as light emitting diodes, can be combined with one or more cross supports or the rest of the frame. Although this arrangement is preferred for the frame, other similar arrangements, such as multiple rows of cross supports, may be used within the frame.

If a support member is present, the heat dissipating material is preferably located between the light source and the support member, although this is not required. In any case, the heat dissipating material is in operative thermal contact with the heat generating light source, which means that heat transfer occurs between the light source and the heat dissipating material. Sometimes when a support member is present, the support member may be disposed between the heat dissipation material and the light source if the support member has sufficient thermal conductivity to effectively transfer heat from the light source to the heat dissipation material. Most preferably, however, the heat dissipating material is disposed in proximity to a light source, such as a light emitting diode, to be substantially opposite the light source. In the absence of a support member, it is preferred to be disposed in the vicinity of the light source of the heat dissipating material and exposed almost across the light source.

In a backlit LCD, there may be a gap between the heat dissipating material and the PCB or other light source (s) support structure and / or between the support member and the PCB or other light source (s) support structure; In side lighting displays, a PCB or other light source (s) support structure is mounted at the edge of the light-diffusing optics and there may be a gap between the optics and the heat dissipating material.

In another embodiment, the image display panel includes an image display side that is coupled with a peripheral frame, and the heat dissipating material engages with the frame opposite the image display side. The peripheral frame includes an upper side, a lower side, a first side portion, and a second side portion. Many electronic components combine with the surrounding frame. The upper, lower, first side, and second side portions of the peripheral frame form openings, and the heat dissipating material extends substantially over the openings such that the peripheral frame is formed with the top, bottom, first side portions, and second side portions. Can be combined. The heat dissipating material and the plurality of electronic components (particularly the light source) can be disposed substantially in the openings. The frame may include a flange that supports the heat dissipation material and the plurality of electronic components. The image display device may be a liquid crystal display, the electronic component may be a light source such as a light emitting diode, and the heat dissipating material may be made of graphite.

In another embodiment, the image display device may include a frame system including a frame operatively coupled to the image display panel and a flange disposed opposite the image display panel. Many electronic components are combined with a flange, while a heat dissipating material is disposed near the plurality of electronic components on the opposite side of the image display panel. The frame system has a support factor of 375 mm-W / m ° K or less. The plurality of cross supports can extend substantially over the frame and engage the flange, with each electronic component operatively coupled to one or more cross supports. The heat dissipating material may be disposed between the flange and the plurality of cross supports, while a number of fasteners may attach the heat dissipating material and the cross support to the flange. The frame includes a height, a width, and an opening extending substantially over the height and width. A plurality of electronic components, such as a light source, may be coupled to the frame, substantially aligned within the frame, and disposed to cover the opening.

If present, the support member, if possible, is generally configured as a seat with an arm or extension, and is generally supported by the frame. The support member, if present, may comprise a metal having a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity that was conventionally considered sufficient to provide effective heat dissipation in utilizing display panels, even graphite or other heat dissipating materials. . For example, instead of using a thick aluminum sheet of high thermal conductivity, a steel sheet with a horizontal thermal conductivity of about 20 W / m ° k or less may be used. Since steel is substantially cheaper than high thermal conductivity aluminum, ie it is substantially economical, even if used at the same level of thickness as high thermally conductive aluminum of 2.0 mm. This steel sheet provides a unit with a support factor of 40 mm-W / m ° k. Alternatively, the support member may be aluminum of high thermal conductivity, but may be used as a sheet that is substantially thinner than conventionally considered thick in display panel units that utilize graphite or other heat dissipating materials. For example, a 0.5 mm thick, high thermally conductive aluminum sheet provides a support factor of about 110 mm-W / m ° k, resulting in a very light structure. Of course, in the case where the supporting members are completely removed, the frame system accordingly has a supporting factor of 0 mm-W / m ° k, which can reduce the weight and save the cost.

As mentioned above, the heat dissipating material used is preferably formed of graphite, preferably from sheets of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite, generally known as flexible graphite. Graphite is a crystalline structure of carbon that contains atoms covalently bonded in a flat layer plane with weak bonds between planes. By treating graphite particles, such as natural graphite flakes, with, for example, an intercalant of a solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid, the crystal structure of the graphite is reacted to form a compound of graphite and intercarbonate. The particles of treated graphite are then referred to as "particles of intercalated graphite". Upon exposure to high temperatures, the intercalant in the graphite decomposes and vaporizes so that the intercalated graphite particles are accordion-shaped in the "c" direction, ie perpendicular to the crystal plane of the graphite, at least about 80 times larger than their initial dimensions. Inflate. Expanded graphite particles are worm-shaped in appearance and are commonly referred to as worms. The worms may be compressed together in a flexible sheet, and may be formed and cut into various forms, unlike the earlier graphite flakes.

Graphite starting materials suitable for use in the present invention include highly graphitic carbonaceous materials that can intercalate not only halides but also organic and inorganic acids and then expand when exposed to heat. These highly graphite carbonaceous materials most preferably have a degree of graphitization of about 1.0. As used herein, the term “graphitization degree” refers to a value g according to g = [3.45-d (002)] / 0.095, where d (002) is the concentration of carbon in the crystal structure measured in Angstrom units. The distance between the graphite layers. The distance between the graphite layers is measured by standard X-ray diffraction techniques. The location of the diffraction peaks corresponding to the (002), (004) and (006) Miller indices is measured, and standard least squares techniques are used to derive a distance that minimizes the overall error for all these peaks. Examples of highly graphite carbonaceous materials include natural graphite from various sources, as well as other carbonaceous materials such as graphite prepared by chemical vapor deposition, high temperature pyrolysis of polymers, or crystallization from molten metal solutions or the like. Natural graphite is most preferred.

The graphite starting material used in the present invention may contain a non-graphite component as long as the crystal structure of the starting material maintains the required degree of graphitization and the starting material can be peeled off. In general, carbon-containing materials capable of peeling and possessing the degree of graphitization required for the crystal structure are suitable for use in the present invention. Such graphite preferably has a purity of at least 80%. More preferably, the graphite used in the present invention will have a purity of at least about 94%. In the most preferred embodiment, the graphite used will have a purity of at least about 98%.

Conventional methods of making graphite sheets are disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,404, 061 to Shane et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the practice of the method of the patent issued to Shane et al., Natural graphite flakes are advantageously in an amount of about 20 to about 300 parts by weight intercalant per 100 parts by weight of graphite flakes (pph), for example in a solution containing a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Intercalates by dispersing the flakes in solution level. The intercalation solution contains an intercalating agent that is different from the oxidizing agents known in the art. Examples are mixtures such as, for example, concentrated nitric acid and chlorate, chromic acid and phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid, or mixtures of strong organic acids such as trifluoroacetic acid or nitric acid, potassium chlorate, chromic acid, potassium permanganate, potassium And solutions containing chromate, potassium dichromate, perchloric acid and the like and oxidizing agents such as strong oxidants and oxidizing mixtures which are soluble in organic acids. Alternatively, electrical potential can be used to cause oxidation of the graphite. Chemical species that can be introduced into graphite crystals using electrolyte oxidation include sulfuric acid as well as other acids.

In a preferred embodiment, the intercalating agent is a mixed solution of sulfuric acid, or sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, and an oxidizing agent, ie nitric acid, perchloric acid, chromic acid, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, iodic acid or peroxoic acid and the like. Although less preferred, intercalation solutions are metal halides such as ferric chloride and ferric chloride mixed with sulfuric acid, or bromine as bromine solution and halides such as sulfuric acid or bromine in organic solvents. It may contain.

The amount of intercalation solution may range from about 20 to about 350 pph and more generally from about 40 to about 160 pph. After the flakes are intercalated, any excess solution flows out of the flakes and the flakes are washed. Alternatively, the amount of intercalation solution may be limited to the range of about 10 to about 40 pph, which may eliminate the washing step as disclosed and described in US Pat. No. 4,895,713, incorporated herein by reference.

The graphite flake particles treated with the intercalation solution are selected by mixing with an organic reducing agent selected from alcohols, sugars, aldehydes and esters, for example, which react with the surface film of the oxidizing intercalating solution at temperatures ranging from 25 ° C. to 125 ° C. Can be contacted with an enemy. Suitable specific organic agents include hexadecanol, octadecanol, 1-octanol, 2-octanol, decyl alcohol, 1,10 decandiol, decylaldehyde, 1-propanol, 1,3 propanediol, ethylene glycol, polypropylene Glycol, dextrose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, potato starch, ethylene glycol monostearate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, propylene glycol monostearate, glycerol monostearate, dimethyl oxylate, diethyl oxylate, Ligrin derivatives such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, ascorbic acid and sodium lignosulfate. The amount of organic reducing agent is suitably about 0.5 to 4 weight percent of the graphite flake particles.

The use of inflation aids applied before, during or immediately after intercalation can also provide improvements. Among these improvements the peel temperature can be reduced and the expanded volume (also referred to as the "worm volume") can be increased. The expansion aid herein is advantageously an organic material that is sufficiently soluble in the intercalation solution to achieve expansion improvement. More narrowly, organic materials of this type containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen may be used, preferably exclusively. Carboxylic acids are known to be particularly effective. Carboxylic acids useful as expansion aids include aromatic, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic, straight or branched, saturated and unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids and one or more carbon atoms, preferably having up to about 15 carbon atoms and It may be selected from polycarboxylic acids and is soluble in the intercalation solution in an amount effective to provide an improvement in one or more aspects of exfoliation. Suitable organic solvents can be used to improve the solubility of organic expansion aids in intercalation.

Representative examples of saturated aliphatic carboxylic acids are acids such as the formula H (CH ₂ ) _n COOH and include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, and the like, where n is a number from 0 to about 5 to be. Instead of carboxylic acids, reactive carboxylic acids such as anhydrides or alkyl esters may also be used. Representative examples of alkyl esters are methyl formate and ethyl formate. Sulfuric acid, nitric acid and other known water soluble intercalants can ultimately degrade formic acid into water and carbon dioxide. Because of this, formic acid and other sensitive swelling aids are advantageously contacted with the graphite flakes prior to injecting the flakes into the aqueous intercalant. Representative dicarboxylic acids are aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 2-12 carbon atoms, in particular oxalic acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, 1,5-pentanedicarboxylic acid, 1,6-hexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and aromatic dicarboxylic acid such as phthalic acid or terephthalic acid. Representative alkyl esters are dimethyl oxylate and diethyl oxylate. Representative alicyclic acids are cyclohexane carboxylic acids and representative aromatic carboxylic acids are benzoic acid, naphthoic acid, anthranilic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, salicylic acid, o-, m-, and p-tolyl acid, methoxy and o Oxy benzoic acid, acetoacetamidobenzoic acid and acetamidobenzoic acid, phenylacetic acid and naphthoic acid. Representative hydroxy aromatic acids are hydroxy benzoic acid, 3-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 4-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 5-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid, 5 -Hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 7-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. Citric acid is typical among polycarboxylic acids.

The intercalation solution will be water soluble and preferably contains about 1 to 10% expansion aid, which amount is effective to enhance exfoliation. In embodiments in which the dilation aid is contacted with graphite flakes prior to or after infusion into the aqueous intercalation solution, the dilation aid is generally associated with graphite, such as a V-blender in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight. Can be mixed by appropriate means.

After intercalating the graphite flakes and then mixing the intercalated graphite flakes with the organic reducing agent, the mixture may be exposed to a temperature in the range of 25 ° C. to 125 ° C. to facilitate the reaction of the reducing agent with the intercalant coating. have. The heating period is about 20 hours or less, and shorter heating periods, for example at least about 10 minutes, for temperatures above the aforementioned range. A time of up to 30 minutes, for example on the order of 10 to 25 minutes can be used at higher temperatures.

Graphite particles thus treated are often referred to as “intercarated graphite”. When exposed to high temperatures, for example at temperatures above about 160 ° C. and in particular at temperatures between about 700 ° C. and 1000 ° C. or higher, the particles of intercalated graphite are in the “c” direction, ie perpendicular to the crystal plane of the constituent graphite particles. And expands in an accordion form about 80 to 1000 times more than the initial volume. Expanded, ie exfoliated, graphite particles are commonly referred to as worms because they are worm-shaped in appearance. The worms may be compression molded into flexible sheets that can be formed and cut into various forms, unlike the initial graphite flakes.

Flexible graphite sheets and foils are cohesive with good processing strength and are appropriately compressed to a typical density of about 0.075 mm to 3.75 mm and a typical density of about 0.1 to 1.5 g / cm ³ , for example, by roller compaction. About 1.5 to 30 weight percent ceramic additives can be mixed with intercalated particle flakes as disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,902,762, incorporated herein, to provide improved resin infusion into the final flexible graphite product. The additive includes ceramic fiber particles having a length of about 0.15 to 1.5 mm. The width of the particles is suitably in the range of about 0.04 to 0.004 mm. Ceramic fiber particles are non-reactive and non-adhesive to graphite and are stable at temperatures up to about 1100 ° C., preferably up to about 1400 ° C. Suitable ceramic fiber particles include naturally occurring light such as macerated quartz glass fibers, carbon and graphite fibers, zirconia, boron nitride, silicon carbide and magnesia fibers, calcium metasilicate fibers, calcium aluminum silicate fibers, aluminum oxide fibers, and the like. It is formed from fibers.

The aforementioned method of intercalating and exfoliating graphite flakes, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT / US02 / 39749, pretreatments and intercalates of graphite flakes at a graphitization temperature, i. It may also be advantageously improved by the inclusion of a flexible additive.

Pretreatment, or annealing, of graphite flakes results in significantly increased expansion (ie, an increase in expansion volume of at least 300%) when the flakes are subsequently intercalated and exfoliated. In fact, preferably, the increase in expansion is at least about 50% compared to similar processing without the annealing step. The temperature used in the annealing step should not be significantly lower than 3000 ° C., since temperatures lower than 100 ° C. cause substantially reduced expansion.

Annealing of the present invention is carried out for a time sufficient to cause flakes with an improved degree of swelling upon intercalation and subsequent exfoliation. Generally the time required is at least 1 hour, preferably 1 to 3 hours and most advantageously proceeds in an inert atmosphere. For maximum beneficial results, annealed graphite flakes may be prepared by other processes known in the art to improve the degree of expansion, namely organic reducing agents, intercalation aids such as organic acids, and surfactant cleaning agents after intercalation. Will undergo intercalation in the presence of Moreover, for maximum benefit, the intercalation step may be repeated.

The annealing step of the present invention is carried out in induction furnaces or other similar apparatuses known and recognized in the field of graphitization, where the temperature used is in the 3000 ° C. range and the high range of temperatures that can occur in the graphitization process.

Worms produced using graphite after preliminary intercalation annealing were often observed to “clump”, adversely affecting impact area weight uniformity, so additives to aid in the formation of “free flowing” worms were Very preferred. The addition of a flexible additive to the intercalation solution allows the worm's more to be crossed across a bed of compression device (such as a bed of calender station commonly used to compress (or “calender”) the graphite worm into a flexible graphite sheet). Uniform distribution is facilitated. The resulting sheet therefore has greater area weight uniformity and tensile strength. The flexible additive is preferably a long chain hydrocarbon, more preferably a hydrocarbon having about 10 carbons or more. While other functional groups are present, other organic compounds having long chain hydrocarbon groups can also be used.

More preferably, the flexible additive is an oil and is most preferred given the fact that mineral oil is less odor and odor, which is an important consideration especially for long term storage. Note that any of the aforementioned expansion aids meet the definition of the flexible additive. When these materials are used as expansion aids, there is no need to include a separate flexible additive in the intercalant.

The flexible additive is present in the intercarant in an amount of at least about 1.4 pph, more preferably at least about 1.8 pph. Although the upper limit of the content of the flexible additive is not more important than the lower limit, the inclusion of the flexible additive of about 4 pph or more does not have a significant additional advantage.

Flexible graphite sheets can often be advantageously treated with a resin and the absorbed resin not only improves moisture resistance and processing strength, ie stiffness of the flexible graphite sheet, but also fixes the shape of the sheet after curing. Suitable resin content is preferably at least about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 10 to 35% by weight, and suitably up to about 60% by weight. Resins known to be particularly useful in the practice of the present invention include acrylic-, epoxy- and phenol-based resin systems, fluorine-based polymers or mixtures thereof. Suitable epoxy resin systems include those based on diglycidyl ether or bisphenol A (DGEBA) and other multifunctional resin systems; Phenolic resins that can be used include resole and novolak phenols. Optionally, flexible graphite may be infused with fibers and / or salts in addition to or in place of the resin. In addition, reactive or non-reactive additives may be used in the resin system to alter the properties (such as adhesion, material flow, hydrophilicity, etc.).

Alternatively, the flexible graphite sheet of the present invention may use flexible graphite particles that are ground, rather than newly expanded worms, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT / US02 / 16730. Such sheets may be newly formed sheet material, recycled sheet material, scrap sheet material, or other suitable source.

The treatment process of the present invention may also use a mixture of virgin and recycled materials.

The source material of the recycled material may be a compression molded sheet or a finish of the sheet as described above, or a sheet compressed with, for example, a pre-calendering roll but not injected into the resin. Furthermore, the source material may be a finish of a sheet or sheet that has been injected into the resin but not yet cured, or a finish of the sheet or sheet that has been injected and cured into the resin. The source material may be a recycled flexible graphite proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell component such as a flow field plate or electrode. Each of the various graphite sources may be used as is or mixed with natural graphite flakes.

If the source material of the flexible graphite sheet is available, it can be connected with known processes or devices such as jet mills, air mills, blenders and the like to produce particles. Preferably, most of the particles are 20 U.S. Pass through the mesh and more preferably the majority (greater than about 20%, more preferably greater than about 50%) by 80 U.S. It has a diameter that does not pass through the mesh. Most preferably the particles have a particle size of about 20 mesh or less. Since the flexible graphite sheet is pulverized to prevent thermal damage to the resin system during the grinding process, it may be desirable to cool the flexible graphite sheet when the resin is injected.

The size of the ground particles may be chosen to balance the required thermal properties with the machinability and formability of the graphite particles. Therefore, smaller particles result in graphite particles that facilitate machining and / or molding, while larger particles may cause greater anisotropy, and greater in-plane electrical and thermal conductivity. will be.

If the desired material is resin injected, the resin is preferably removed from the particles. Details on resin removal are described below.

When the source material is pulverized and the desired resin is removed, it is re-expanded. Re-expansion may also occur by using the intercalation and exfoliation process and the disclosures in US Pat. No. 4,895,713 to Greinke et al. And US Pat. No. 3,404,061 to Shane.

Generally, after intercalation, the particles are peeled off by heating the intercalated particles in the furnace. During this exfoliation step, intercalated natural graphite flakes may be added to the regenerated and intercalated particles. Preferably, during the reexpansion step the particles are expanded to have a specific volume in the range of at least about 100 cc / g and up to about 350 cc / g or more. Finally, after the re-expansion step, the re-expanded particles may be compressed into a flexible sheet as described above.

If the starting material is injected into the resin, the resin should preferably be at least partially removed from the particles. This removal step must occur between the grinding step and the re-expansion step.

In one embodiment, the removing step includes heating the resin containing the regrind particles, such as an open flame. More specifically, the injected resin may be heated to a temperature of about 250 ° C. or more to effectively perform resin removal. Care must be taken to prevent flashing of the resin decomposition products during this heating step, which can be done by careful heating in air or heating in an inert atmosphere. Preferably, the heating temperature should range from about 400 ° C. to about 800 ° C. for a time ranging from at least about 10 minutes to about 150 minutes or more.

In addition, the resin removal step increases the tensile strength of the final article produced from the molding process as compared to a similar method where the resin is not removed. The resin removal step may be advantageous because during the expansion step (ie intercalation and exfoliation), the resin, in certain cases, generates toxic byproducts when mixed with the intercalation chemicals.

Therefore, by removing the resin before the expansion step, good products such as the improved strength properties described above are obtained. Increased strength properties are partly the result of increased swelling. Due to the resin present in the particles, the expansion may be limited.

In addition to strength properties and environmental concerns, the resin may be removed prior to intercalation in view of the resin, which can cause run away exothermic reactions with acids.

In view of the above, most resins are preferably removed. More preferably, at least about 75% of the resin is removed. Most preferably, at least 99% of the resin is removed.

When the flexible graphite sheet is pulverized, it is formed into a desired form (ie, sheet) and cured (when resin is injected) in a preferred embodiment. Alternatively, the sheet may be cured before pulverization, although post pulverization cure is preferred.

Alternatively, the flexible graphite used to make up the heat dissipating material of the present invention can be used as a laminate, with or without adhesive between the laminated layers. Although it requires the use of an adhesive that may be disadvantageous as described above, the laminate stack may include a non-graphite layer. Such non-graphite charges may include metals or plastics or non-metallic materials such as glass fibers or ceramics.

As noted above, the compacted sheet of exfoliated graphite thus formed is inherently anisotropic; That is, the thermal conductivity of the sheet is greater in the horizontal direction ("a" direction) opposite to the direction perpendicular to the sheet ("c" direction). Thus, the anisotropy of the graphite sheet causes the heat to follow the horizontal direction (ie, the "a" direction along the graphite sheet) of the thermal solution of the present invention. Such sheets generally have a horizontal thermal conductivity of at least about 140 W / m ° K, more preferably at least about 200 W / m ° K, most preferably at least about 250 W / m ° K, and about 12 in the vertical direction. W / m ° K or less, more preferably about 10 W / m ° K or less, most preferably about 6 W / m ° K or less. The heat dissipating material of the present invention thus has a thermal anisotropic ratio (ie, the ratio of horizontal thermal conductivity to vertical thermal conductivity) of about 10 or less.

The horizontal and vertical thermal conductivity values of the laminate include the directional alignment of the graphene layer of the flexible graphite sheet used to construct the thermal solution of the present invention, including those used to form the laminate. ) Or by changing the directional alignment of the graphene layer of the laminate itself after the laminate is formed. In this manner, while the vertical thermal conductivity of the thermal solution of the present invention is reduced, the horizontal thermal conductivity of the thermal solution of the present invention is increased, resulting in an increase in the thermal anisotropy ratio.

One of the methods for achieving directional alignment of such graphene layers is roller pressing (i.e. applying shearing force) or die pressing or mutually pressing the sheet more effectively in the form of directional alignment. Pressure is applied to the flexible graphite sheet by reciprocal platen pressing (ie, applying compression). For example, by roller compaction of the sheet to a density of 1.7 g / cc, in contrast to 1.1 g / cc, the horizontal thermal conductivity increases from about 240 W / m ° K to about 450 W / m ° K and is vertical The thermal conductivity is reduced proportionally, thereby increasing the thermal anisotropy ratio of each sheet and, more broadly, all laminates.

Alternatively, once the laminate is formed, the directional alignment of the graphene layers constituting the laminate is largely increased, such as by pressing, such that it is denser than the initial density of the flexible graphite sheets constituting the laminate. In fact, the final density of the laminated article can be obtained in this way at least about 1.4 g / cc, more preferably at least about 1.6 g / cc and most preferably up to about 2.0 g / cc. Pressure may be applied by conventional means such as die pressing or compaction rollers. In order to obtain a high density of about 2.0 g / cc, a pressure of at least about 60 MPa, preferably at least about 500 MPa, more preferably at least about 700 MPa is required.

Increasing the directional alignment of the graphene layer increases the horizontal thermal conductivity of the graphite laminate above the thermal conductivity of pure copper, while maintaining a portion of the pure copper density. In addition, aligned laminates show increased strength compared to unaligned laminates.

By using such graphite-based heat dissipating materials, it is possible not only to reduce the support factor for the frame system but also to remove the entire support member, while providing the necessary mechanical support and effective heat dissipation.

Also included is a method of manufacturing a frame system for an image display device. This method includes providing a display panel unit, a heat dissipating material, a frame, and one or more light sources. This method includes the step of placing the heat dissipating material in operative thermal contact with the light source, more preferably positioned between the light source and the frame adjacent the light source. The heat dissipating material is preferably substantially open or exposed opposite the light source. The light source is positioned to enhance the display of the image on the display panel unit.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description provide examples of the invention and are intended to provide an overall configuration or overview of the nature, nature and understanding of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are provided to aid the understanding of the present invention and form a part of the specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

<Example>

1 to 3, a back-illuminated LCD image display device is shown and indicated by reference numeral " 10. " The device 10 includes a series of light sources, such as an LED 20 mounted to face an image display panel (not shown). The display device 10 also includes a heat dissipating material 30 formed of a sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite. The heat dissipating material 30 is in operative thermal contact with the LEDs 20 such that the heat generated by the LEDs 20 is transferred to the heat dissipating material 30. The LCD device also includes a plurality of support members 40 such that the support factor of the device 10 is about 375 mm-W / m ° K or less. More preferably, the support member 40 provides the device 10 with a support factor of about 150 mm-W / m ° K or less. However, as described above, in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support factor of the device 10 is 0 mm-W / m ° K, which means that there is no support member 40 in the LCD device 10. Means that. Reflective material 50 may be inserted around the LED 20 to facilitate uniform distribution of light from the LED 20.

4 to 6, a side lighting LCD device 100 is shown. Device 100 may comprise a series of light sources, such as LED 120, mounted along at least a portion of the periphery of device 100; Light-diffusing optics, such as light guide 170, which assist in directing light from LDE 120 to an image display panel (not shown). The device 100 further includes a heat dissipating material 130 formed of one or more sheets of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite. The heat dissipating material 130 is in operative thermal contact with the LEDs 120 such that heat generated by the LEDs 120 is transferred to the heat dissipating material 130. However, since the LED 120 is disposed around the circumference of the LCD device 100, operative thermal contact between the heat dissipating material 130 and the LED 120 is made through the thermal connection 135.

The thermal connection 135 may be any material as long as it is a material capable of making thermal contact between the LED 120 and the heat dissipating material 130. Preferably, the thermal connection 135 may be formed of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite, as in the heat dissipating material 130. Indeed, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the heat dissipating material 130 is formed such that the thermal connections 135 are integrally formed (as shown in FIG. 7). In other words, the heat dissipating material 130 may have a portion that is bent at about 90 ° to form the thermal connection 135.

In alternative embodiments, the PCB 160 on which the LEDs 120 are mounted may be extended and bent at about 90 ° to make a thermal connection between the LEDs 120 and the heat dissipating material 130. As described above, generally the PCB 160 to which the LED 120 is mounted is typically a metal core PCB, so the metal core from such a PCB 160 is, as shown in FIG. 8. It may be extended to bend at an appropriate angle to provide a thermal connection between the LED 120 and the heat dissipating material 130. Alternatively, the PCB 160 may be formed of a so-called flex-circuit PCB on which the LED is directly mounted so that the PCB 160 may be attached or attached to the heat dissipating material 130. The flexible-circuit material forming the PCB 160 may be formed of polyimide, polyester, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or the like, in order to keep the thermal resistance between the two as low as possible, It has a plurality of thermally conductive vias extending through the thin flexible-circuit PCB 160 to the heat dissipating material 130. An adhesive may be used to bond the PCB 160 to the heat dissipating material 130.

The side-illumination LCD device 100 may also include a support member 140 such that the support factor of the device 100 is about 375 mm-W / m ° K or less. More preferably, support member 140 provides a support factor of about 150 mm-W / m ° K or less to apparatus 100. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support factor of the device 100 is 0 mm-W / m ° K, which means that the LCD device 100 does not include the support member 140. Moreover, reflective material 150 may be inserted around the LED 120 or behind the light guide 170 to assist in uniform light distribution from the LED 120.

With reference to FIGS. 9 through 11 (although the concept may be applied to side-illuminated LCDs, but illustrated with respect to the back-illuminated LCD 10), the back-illuminated image display device 10 may display an image 14. And a heat dissipating material 30 operatively coupled to the image display panel 12, frame system 18, frame system 18 and located opposite the image display panel 12. The frame system 18 may comprise a frame 17 called a peripheral frame 17, which supports the image display panel 12 and also allows a plurality of LEDs 20 to be supported by this frame 17. Supported. The frame 17 includes a height 22, a width 24, and an opening 26 extending substantially over the height 22 and the width 24. The heat dissipating material 30 extends substantially over the height 22 and the width 24 of the frame 17. Alternatively, the heat dissipating material 30 may eventually comprise a plurality of pieces of heat dissipating material that collectively extend substantially over the height 22 and the width 24 of the frame 17.

The LEDs may be substantially aligned within the frame 17 and overlap with a portion of the opening 26. This alignment facilitates the heat dissipation material 30 to dissipate the heat generated in the LED 20. The LED 20 may also be located within the opening 26 of the frame 17.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame 17 is made of steel, while the heat dissipating material 30 comprises compressed particles of exfoliated graphite.

The LCD image display panel 12 may include an image display side 13 on which the image 14 is displayed. The image display side 13 can be seen through the casing 11 of the image display device 10, as best seen in FIG. 9.

The heat dissipating material 30 may also include a thermal interface material (not shown) and / or an adhesive on the surface facing the LED 20. For example, such an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, can help good thermal contact between the LED 20 and the heat dissipating material 30 to improve heat dissipation in the device 10.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, a cross support 34 may be attached to the frame 17. The cross support 34 may be used to strengthen and stabilize the entire frame 17 and the image display device 10. The cross support 34 preferably supports the LED 20 and attaches the LED 20 to the frame 17 regardless of whether the LED 20 is mounted on the PCB. Multiple cross supports 34 may also be provided to provide additional rigidity to the frame 17 and the LCD device 10. Couplings between cross support 34 and frame 17 may include mechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws, bolts, rivets, clips, and the like, as is known.

The cross member 36 may be used to add additional rigidity to the frame 17. The crossing member 36 preferably extends over the frame 17 and can couple the flange 28 on the frame 17. The crossing member 36 may be constructed of or in combination with each of steel, aluminum, and plastic. The crossing member 36 may be used to join the casing 11 and to fix the casing 11 as part of the display device 10. The crossing member 36 provides control to the LDC device 10. To support a number of additional electronic components, such as a printed circuit board, the transverse member 36 completely crosses the cross frame 17, or alternatively partially opens the opening 26, as shown in FIG. Can extend across.

The frame 17 is made of a single injection part and bent or folded to fit the shape. Alternatively, the frame 17 is made of multiple parts and mechanically assembled by means such as riveting, welding, Tox-lok® mechanical connections, and the like, thereby forming the frame 17 from a single sheet of material. It can reduce the need to stamp.

Thus, by the practice of the present invention, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display device can be manufactured with less need for a support member, as well as without the need for a support member at all, whereby a heat generating element in the image display device It is possible to substantially save both weight and cost for the display panel while increasing or managing heat transfer from it.

All patents and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Since the present invention has been described above, it will be apparent that the present invention can be modified in various ways. Such changes should not be regarded as departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, and such changes apparent to those skilled in the art will be included in the scope of the following claims.

According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, as a frame for a display device, such as a liquid crystal display, to provide a light weight and structurally robust frame. It is also possible to provide a frame system for a display device that includes a frame having a low support factor and is sometimes referred to as a heat spreader, disposed adjacent to a light emitting diode array, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or a flat fluorescent lamp. It is possible to provide a display device including a heat dissipating material of the present invention, and to provide a frame system for a display device including a frame including a peripheral edge portion that provides structural integrity to the display device. It is also possible to provide a frame for a display device having an internal opening for promoting heat transfer and heat dissipation by a heat dissipating material in the display device, the frame for a display device comprising a support member rather than a heavy aluminum sheet or sheet set. To provide a system.

Claims (22)

An image display device, An image display panel; A frame system, comprising: (i) a frame operatively coupled to the image display panel, and (ii) a frame system having a plurality of heat sources operatively coupled to the frame; And A heat dissipating material in operative thermal contact with the heat source and in operative coupling with the frame; Including, Wherein the frame system has a support factor of about 375 mm-W / m ° K or less, Image display device. The method of claim 1, Wherein the heat dissipating material comprises one or more sheets of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite, Image display device. The method of claim 1, The frame system has a support factor of about 150 mm-W / m ° K or less, Image display device. The method of claim 3, The support factor of the frame system is zero, Image display device. The method of claim 1, Wherein the heat source comprises a light emitting diode, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a flat fluorescent lamp, or a combination thereof, Image display device. The method of claim 1, Wherein the image display device comprises a side lighting liquid crystal display device; Image display device. The method of claim 6, The image display device further comprises one or more thermal connections between the heat source and the heat dissipating material, Image display device. The method of claim 7, wherein Wherein the at least one thermal connection comprises a printed circuit board on which a light emitting diode is mounted; Image display device. The method of claim 1, The image display device further comprising a reflective material inserted around the heat source to assist uniform light dispersion therefrom, Image display device. An image display device, An image display panel having an image display side; A frame system, comprising: (i) a peripheral frame operatively coupled to the image display panel opposite the image display side and having a top, bottom, first side portion, and second side portion, (ii) operatively coupled to the frame A frame system having a plurality of electronic components; And A heat dissipating material in operative thermal contact with the electronic component and in operative coupling with the frame; Including, Wherein the frame system has a support factor of about 375 mm-W / m ° K or less, Image display device. The method of claim 10, Wherein the upper, lower, first and second side portions of the frame form openings, and the plurality of electronic components are substantially located within the openings, Image display device. The method of claim 11, Wherein the heat dissipating material extends substantially over the opening, Image display device. The method of claim 12, Wherein the heat dissipating material is operatively coupled to the top, bottom, first side, and second side portions of the frame, Image display device. The method of claim 10, The image display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, and the electronic component comprises a light emitting diode, Image display device. The method of claim 10, Wherein the electronic component comprises a light emitting diode, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a flat fluorescent lamp, or a combination thereof, Image display device. The method of claim 10, Wherein the heat dissipating material comprises one or more sheets of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite, Image display device. The method of claim 10, The frame system has a support factor of about 150 mm-W / m ° K or less, Image display device. The method of claim 17, The support factor of the frame system is zero, Image display device. The method of claim 10, Wherein the image display device comprises a side lighting liquid crystal display device; Image display device. The method of claim 19, The image display device further comprises one or more thermal connections between the heat source and the heat dissipating material, Image display device. The method of claim 20, Wherein the at least one thermal connection comprises a printed circuit board on which a light emitting diode is mounted; Image display device. The method of claim 10, The image display device further comprising a reflective material inserted around the heat source to assist uniform light dispersion therefrom, Image display device.

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