U.S. patent application number 11/346925 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for display device.
Invention is credited to Jeong-Seon Kim, Man-Soo Kim, Dong-Lyoul Shin, Young-Jae Tak, Valeri Tcherniak, Dong-Choul Yang.
Application Number | 20060207145 11/346925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36908141 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060207145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Man-Soo ; et
al. |
September 21, 2006 |
Display device
Abstract
A display device includes a first receiving container, a display
panel, and a second receiving container. The first receiving
container includes a receiving bottom portion and a receiving side
portion. The receiving side portion extends from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion. The receiving bottom portion and the
receiving side portion together define a receiving space therein.
The display panel is positioned in the first receiving container.
The display panel is configured for displaying images. The second
receiving container includes a panel support portion and a chassis
side portion. The second receiving container is partially combined
with the first receiving container. The panel support portion fixes
an edge of the display panel. The chassis side portion extends from
an edge of the panel support portion. The receiving container and
the top chassis may be efficiently combined without aid of a screw.
Thus, the display device may be manufactured in a processing time
substantially shorter than that of a conventional display
device.
Inventors: |
Kim; Man-Soo; (Seoul,
KR) ; Tcherniak; Valeri; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Kim;
Jeong-Seon; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Yang; Dong-Choul;
(Yongin-si, KR) ; Tak; Young-Jae; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Shin; Dong-Lyoul; (Suwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
US
|
Family ID: |
36908141 |
Appl. No.: |
11/346925 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/700 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/133308 20130101;
G02F 2201/465 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/700 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 3, 2005 |
KR |
2005-10078 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a first receiving container
including a receiving bottom portion and a receiving side portion,
the receiving side portion extending from an edge of the receiving
bottom portion, the receiving bottom portion and the receiving side
portion together defining a receiving area therein; a display panel
positioned in the first receiving container, the display panel
being configured for displaying images; and a second receiving
container partially combined with the first receiving container,
the second receiving container including a panel support portion
and a chassis side portion, the panel support portion fixing an
edge of the display panel, the chassis side portion extending from
an edge of the panel support portion.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the chassis side portion
includes a combination protrusion and the receiving side portion
includes a combination recess configured to combine with the
combination protrusion, wherein the combination recess combined
with the combination protrusion is configured to prevent
substantial movement of the second receiving container with respect
to the first receiving container.
3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the chassis side portion
includes a combination hole and the receiving side portion includes
a combination portion combined with the combination hole, wherein a
portion of the combination portion elastically deforms when a force
is applied to combine the combination portion with the combination
hole and wherein the combination portion returns substantially to
its undeformed shape when the force is removed.
4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the combination portion
includes a combination body and a combination head, the combination
body extending from the receiving side portion, wherein the
combination head includes a portion that deforms elastically when
the combination head is combined with the combination hole.
5. The display device of claim 3, wherein the receiving side
portion includes a chassis support portion configured to apply
force to the chassis side portion in a direction away from the
first receiving container when the chassis side portion is combined
with the receiving side portion.
6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the chassis side portion
includes a combination protrusion and the receiving side portion
includes a combination portion configured to apply pressure to the
chassis side portion when the chassis side portion is combined with
the receiving side portion.
7. The display device of claim 6, wherein the combination portion
includes combination wings configured to apply pressure to the
combination protrusion.
8. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a combination
member enabling the first receiving container and the second
receiving container to be combined to each other.
9. The display device of claim 8, wherein the combination member
includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet
received in the receiving side portion, the second magnet
positioned on an outer side face of the chassis side portion, the
first magnet and the second magnet generating a magnetic force
attracting each other.
10. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic
combination member, wherein the chassis side portion comprises a
combination hole corresponding to the magnetic combination
member.
11. The display device of claim 1, wherein the panel support
portion includes a bent portion enabling the first receiving
container and the second receiving container to be combined with
each other.
12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the bent portion is a
portion of the panel support portion, and the portion is bent
toward an inside area of the first receiving container.
13. A display device comprising: a receiving container including a
bottom face and a sidewall, the bottom face and the sidewall
together defining a receiving space therein, the sidewall including
a first combination portion that is recessed; a display panel
positioned in the receiving space, the display panel being
configured for displaying images; and a top chassis including a
panel support face, a chassis sidewall, and a second combination
portion, the panel support face fixing an edge of the display
panel, the chassis sidewall extending from an edge of the panel
support face to be combined with a sidewall of the receiving
container, the second combination portion protruding from the
chassis sidewall to be combined with the first combination
portion.
14. The display device of claim 13, wherein the second combination
portion includes an "L" shaped section substantially parallel with
the bottom face.
15. The display device of claim 13, wherein the second combination
portion is extended from the chassis sidewall, the second
combination portion being slanted with respect to the chassis
sidewall.
16. The display device of claim 13, wherein the second combination
portion includes an end portion that is bent at least once.
17. The display device of claim 13, wherein the second combination
portion is a portion of the chassis sidewall that is bent.
18. The display device of claim 13, wherein the first combination
portion includes an "L" shaped section substantially parallel with
the bottom face.
19. The display device of claim 13, wherein the first combination
portion includes a stepped portion partially combined with the
second combination portion, wherein the stepped portion is
configured to prevent substantial movement of the top chassis with
respect to the sidewall of the receiving container.
20. The display device of claim 19, wherein the stepped portion is
slanted with respect to a sidewall of the receiving container.
21. The display device of claim 13, further comprising a case
combined with the receiving container and the top chassis.
22. The display device of claim 21, wherein the case is combined
with the receiving container and the top chassis by a screw.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn. 119 to
Korean Patent Application No. 2005-10078 filed on Feb. 3, 2005, and
the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a display device. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a display device
capable of being manufactured in a processing time substantially
shorter than that of a conventional display device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, many types of information process devices have
been developed. In addition, the information process devices have
many functions as well as substantially short operation time. The
information process devices may include display devices enabling
users to monitor information.
[0006] A liquid crystal display is an example of the display
devices. The liquid crystal display device may display images by
using a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal display device may
have a thickness thinner than other display devices. In addition, a
power consumption of the liquid crystal display device may be
substantially lower than those of other display devices.
Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device may operate with a
substantially low voltage.
[0007] The liquid display device may include a liquid crystal
display panel, a light generation unit, a receiving container, and
a top chassis. The display device displays images by using a light
transmittance of a liquid crystal layer. The light generation unit
provides the display panel with light. The receiving container
receives the liquid crystal display panel and the light generation
unit. The top chassis may be combined with the receiving container
to fix the liquid crystal display panel.
[0008] Generally, the receiving container may be combined with the
top chassis by a screw. However, a time required for combining the
receiving container with the top chassis by using the screw is too
long.
[0009] Therefore, there is a desire to provide a display device
having a receiving container and a top chassis where the receiving
container may be combined with the top chassis without using a
screw. Thus, the time required for manufacturing the display device
may be decreased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a display device capable of
being manufactured in a substantially short processing time by
combining a receiving container and a top chassis with each other
without the aid of additional combination means.
[0011] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a display device includes a first receiving container, a
display panel, and a second receiving container. The first
receiving container includes a receiving bottom portion and a
receiving side portion. The receiving side portion extends from an
edge of the receiving bottom portion. The receiving bottom portion
and the receiving side portion together define a receiving space
therein. The display panel is positioned in the first receiving
container. The display panel is configured for displaying images.
The second receiving container includes a panel support portion and
a chassis side portion. The second receiving container is partially
combined with the first receiving container. The panel support
portion fixes an edge of the display panel. The chassis side
portion extends from an edge of the panel support portion.
[0012] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, a display device includes a receiving container,
a display panel, and a top chassis. The receiving container
includes a bottom face and a sidewall. The bottom face and the
sidewall together define a receiving space therein. The sidewall
includes a first combination portion that is recessed. The display
panel is positioned in the receiving space. The display panel is
configured for displaying images. The top chassis includes a panel
support face, a chassis sidewall, and a second combination portion.
The panel support face fixes an edge of the display panel. The
chassis sidewall extends from an edge of the panel support face to
be combined with a sidewall of the receiving container. The second
combination portion protrudes from the chassis sidewall to be
combined with the first combination portion.
[0013] According to the present invention, a display device having
a receiving container and a top chassis, where the receiving
container may be combined with the top chassis without the aid of
additional combination means such as a screw. Thus, a time required
for manufacturing the display device may decrease.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in
FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of a combination protrusion combined with a combination portion in
the display device illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'
in FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded perspective view of the
display device in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' in
FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' in
FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' in
FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a partial exploded perspective view of the
display device in FIG. 18;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional viewtaken along line VII-VII'
FIG.18; and
[0035] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the
thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like
reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements
throughout. It will be understood that when an element such as a
layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "onto"
another element, it can be directly on the other element or
intervening elements may also be present.
[0037] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another region,
layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer
or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the present invention.
[0038] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "lower",
"upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to
describe the relationship of one element or feature to another
element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be
understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation,
in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For
example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "beneath" other elements or features would then be
oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0040] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with
reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic
illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate
structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes
of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing
techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments
of the invention should not be construed as limited to the
particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include
deviations in shapes that result, for example, from
manufacturing.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I'
shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a
display device includes a light generation unit (not shown), a
light guide plate 10, a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet
member 30, a display panel 40, an upper mold 50, a first receiving
container 100, and a second receiving container 150. The first
receiving container 100 is hereinafter referred as a bottom mold.
The second receiving container 150 is hereinafter referred as a top
chassis.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
display device may be substantially frame shaped. For orientation
purposes, a Cartesian coordinate system may be used where a first
side of the display device extends along a Y-axis direction, and a
second side of the display device extends along an X-axis
direction, where the Y-axis is substantially perpendicular to the
X-axis and a Z-axis direction is substantially perpendicular to
both the X and Y axes.
[0044] The light generation unit may be positioned in the bottom
mold 100. An external power supplier (not shown) provides the light
generation unit with power so that the light generation unit may
generate a light.
[0045] The display device may include a pair of the light
generation units. The pair of the light generation units may face
side faces of the light guide plate 10, and the side faces of the
light guide plate 10 may be positioned opposite to each other
substantially along the X-axis direction.
[0046] Alternatively, the display device may include one light
guide plate. The light guide plate may face one side face of the
light guide plate 10.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the light generation unit may be
a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), an external electrode
fluorescent lamp (EEFL) or a lighted emitting diode (LED). The CCFL
may have a substantially low heat emission rate so that the CCFL
may have a substantially long endurance. Additionally, the CCFL may
have an elongated shape. An electrode of the EEFL may be positioned
outside the EEFL. The LED may generate a light having a dotted
optical distribution.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide plate 10 may be
positioned in the bottom mold 100. The side faces of the light
guide plate 10 may face the pair of the light generation units.
Light generated from the light generation units may be irradiated
onto the side faces of the light guide plate 10. In another
exemplary embodiment, the light may also be reflected and refracted
in the light guide plate 10 so that the light may be irradiated
from an upper portion of the light guide plate 10. Reflection
patterns (not shown) may be positioned beneath a bottom face of the
light guide plate 10. The reflection patterns may disperse the
lights incident into the light guide plate 10 so that a light path
of the lights may be varied.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of the
display device may include the light guide plate 10 configured as a
substantially rectangular shape. In an alternative embodiment, the
light guide plate 10 may have a wedge shape that is wide to narrow
in a direction away from the light generation unit, in case the
light generation unit faces only one side face of the light guide
plate 10.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the reflection plate 20 may be
positioned in the bottom mold 100. The reflection plate 20 may also
be positioned beneath the light guide plate 10. The reflection
plate 20 is configured to reflect light irradiated from a lower
portion of the light guide plate 10 to the reflection plate 20. The
light reflected by the reflection plate 20 may then be incident
onto the light guide plate 10.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet member 30 may
be received in the bottom mold 100. The light guide plate 10 may be
positioned on the light guide plate 10. The optical sheet member 30
may be configured to improve optical characteristics of a light
irradiated from an upper portion of the light guide plate 10.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet member 30 may
include a diffusion sheet 32 and a prism sheet 34. The diffusion
sheet 32 may be configured to disperse light irradiated from the
upper portion of the light guide plate 10 to improve a brightness
uniformity of the light. The prism sheet 34 may be positioned on
the diffusion sheet 32. The light passing through the diffusion
sheet 32 is reflected and refracted in the prism sheet 34 so that a
vertical brightness of the light irradiated from a front face of
the prism sheet 34 may increase. In an exemplary embodiment, the
prism sheet 34 may include a first prism sub-sheet formed
substantially in the X-axis direction and a second prism sub-sheet
formed substantially in a Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the
prism sheet 34 may include one sheet. In addition, in another
exemplary embodiment, the optical sheet member 30 may include a
protection sheet (not shown) positioned over the prism sheet 34.
The protection sheet may protect the prism sheet 34.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 40 may be
received in the bottom mold 100. The display panel 40 may be
positioned over the optical sheet member 30. The display panel 40
may be configured to display images by using the light irradiated
through the optical sheet member 30. The display panel 40 may
include a first substrate 42, a second substrate 44, and a liquid
crystal layer 46.
[0054] The first substrate 42 may include pixel electrodes (not
shown), thin film transistors (TFT) (not shown), and signal lines
(not shown). The pixel electrodes may be arranged in a matrix
shape. The thin film transistors may apply drive voltages to the
pixel electrodes. The signal lines may be used for operating the
thin film transistors.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, a transparent and conductive
film may be patterned by a photolithography process to form the
pixel electrodes. The transparent and conductive film may be an
indium tin oxide (ITO) film, an indium zinc oxide (IZO) film, or an
amorphous indium tin oxide (a-ITO) film.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the second substrate 44 may be
positioned opposite the first substrate 42. The second substrate 44
may include a common electrode (not shown) and color filters (not
shown). The common electrode may be positioned over the first
substrate 42. The common electrode may be conductive and
transparent. The common electrode may be positioned on a front face
of the second substrate 44. The color filters may face the pixel
electrodes.
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the color filters may include a
red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. A
red light included in a white light may selectively pass through
the red color filter. A green light included in the white light may
selectively pass through the green color filter. A blue light
included in the white light may selectively pass through the blue
color filter.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of the
liquid crystal layer 46 may be positioned between the first
substrate 42 and a second substrate 44. The liquid crystal layer 46
may be rearranged by a magnetic field generated between the pixel
electrode and the common electrode. The liquid crystal layer 46
that is rearranged may adjust a light transmission of the light
passing through the optical sheet member 30. The light then passes
through the color filters to display the images.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 40 may include
a printed circuit board (not shown) and a flexible printed circuit
board (not shown).
[0060] The printed circuit board may include a drive circuit unit
for processing image signals. The drive circuit unit may configure
at least one of the image signals as a drive signal for controlling
the thin film transistor. The image signals may be applied from an
area outside of the drive circuit unit to the drive circuit
unit.
[0061] The flexible printed circuit board is electrically connected
between the printed circuit board and the first substrate 42 so
that the drive signal generated from the printed circuit board may
be applied to the first substrate 42.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper mold 50 may be
received in the bottom mold 100. The upper mold 50 may be
positioned between the optical sheet member 30 and the display
panel 40. The upper mold 50 may include a stepped portion where an
edge portion of the display panel 40 may be received. In an
exemplary embodiment, the upper mold 50 may be configured to apply
pressure to an edge portion of the optical sheet member 30 so that
the optical sheet member 30 may be fixed. In addition, the stepped
portion of the upper mold 50 may be configured to support the edge
portion of the display panel 40.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment and referring to FIG. 2, the
bottom mold 100 may include a receiving bottom portion 110 and a
receiving side portion 120. The receiving side portion 120 may
extend from an edge of the receiving bottom portion 110 in
substantially in the Z-direction. The receiving bottom portion 110
and the receiving side portion 120 in the bottom mold 100 define a
receiving space. The light generation unit, the light guide plate
10, the reflection plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the
display panel 40, and the upper mold 50 may be received in the
receiving space.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, a combination portion 122 and a
chassis support portion 124 may be formed on an outer side face of
the receiving side portion 120. The combination portion 122 may
configured to be combined with the top chassis 150 by using
elasticity, where portions of the combination portion 122, the
chassis support portion 124, and the top chassis 150 are configured
to deform under an applied force and then return substantially to
their original positions when the force is removed. The chassis
support portion 124 may be configured to support the top chassis
150.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
combination portion 122 and the chassis support portion 124 may be
formed on one side face of the receiving side portion 120. In
another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of combination portions
122 and chassis support portions 124 may be formed on a side face
of the receiving side portion 120. Alternatively, the combination
portions 122 and the chassis support portions 124 may be formed on
all of the side faces of the receiving side portion 120.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination portion 122 may
include a combination body 122a and a combination head 122b. The
combination body 122amay have an elongated shape. The combination
head 122b may be combined with an end portion of the combination
body 122a. The combination body 122a may extend in an outward
direction from the receiving side portion 120 and/or be integrally
formed with the receiving side portion 120. In another exemplary
embodiment, the combination head 122b may include synthetic resins
having spaces therein so that the combination head 122b may have
elastic portion enabling the combination head 122bto be moved a
predetermined amount by an external force and return substantially
to its original position when the force is removed. In another
exemplary embodiment, an edge portion of the combination head 122b
may be combined with the top chassis 150 so that movement of the
top chassis 150 with respect to the bottom mold 100 may be
substantially limited.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the chassis support
portion 124 may extend from the receiving side portion 120 and/or
be integrally formed with the receiving side portion 120. In an
exemplary embodiment, the chassis support portions 124 may be
slanted or extend at an angle with respect to the receiving side
portion 120. Additionally, the chassis support portions 124 may be
configured to push the top chassis 150 in a direction away from the
bottom mold 100 so that the top chassis 150 may be firmly fixed
with respect to the bottom mold 100. Alternatively, the chassis
support portion 124 may be configured as a spring having
elasticity.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 150 may be
combined with the bottom mold 100 so that the top chassis 150 may
prevent or substantially reduce the display panel 40 from being
damaged by external impacts or vibrations. In addition, the top
chassis 150 may be configured to substantially limit movement of
the display panel 40 with respect to the bottom mold 100.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 150 may include
a panel support portion 152 and a chassis side portion 154. The
panel support portion 152 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 110. The chassis side portion 154 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 152. The chassis
side portion 154 may be substantially perpendicular to the panel
support portion 152.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 152
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 152 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 152 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 100. The display panel 40 may display
images through the opening of the panel support portion 152.
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 154 may
include a combination hole 154a. The combination hole 154a may be
combined with the combination portion 122. Because the combination
hole 154a is combined with the combination portion 122, the top
chassis 150 may be combined with the bottom mold 150. The
combination head 122b may be configured to include an elastic
portion. Thus, at least a portion of the combination head 122b may
be elastically bent so that the combination head 122b may be
inserted into the combination hole 154a, and thereby combined with
the combination hole 154a. Thus, the combination head 122b and the
chassis support portion 124 together may enable the top chassis 150
to be firmly combined with the bottom mold 100.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination head 122b may be
configured to apply pressure to the chassis side portion 154 in a
direction toward the bottom mold 100. In an alternative embodiment,
the chassis support portion 124 may be configured to apply pressure
to the chassis side portion 154 in a direction away from the bottom
mold 100. Thus, the top chassis 150 may be firmly combined with the
bottom mold 100.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device includes an
edge-typed backlight assembly (not shown) where the light
generation unit is positioned on a side face of the light guide
plate 10. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the display
device may include a direct-typed backlight assembly of which the
light generation unit is positioned beneath the display panel 40 to
directly supply a light to the display panel 40.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the display device may include the
reflection plate 20. Alternatively, the display device may include
a metal reflection layer instead of the reflection plate. The metal
reflection layer may be positioned on the receiving bottom portion
110.
[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
display device may include the bottom mold 50 formed by an
injection molding process. Further, exemplary embodiments of the
display device include configurations where the bottom mold 50 may
be formed from a metal or plastic.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken-along line II-II'
in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a combination protrusion combined with a combination
portion in the display device illustrated in FIG. 3. The display
device may be substantially similar to that already illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top chassis. Thus, the
same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like
parts as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any further
explanation will be omitted.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, an exemplary embodiment of the
display device includes a light generation unit, a light guide
plate 10, a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a
display panel 40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 200, and a top
chassis 250.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 200 may include
a receiving bottom portion 210 and a receiving side portion 220.
The receiving side portion 220 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 210. The receiving bottom portion 210 and
the receiving side portion 220 together define a receiving space in
the bottom mold 200. The light generation unit, the light guide
plate 10, the reflection plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the
display panel 40, and the upper mold 50 may be received in the
receiving space.
[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, a combination protrusion 222 may
be formed on an outer face of the receiving side portion 220. The
combination protrusion 222 may be combined with a combination
portion 254a. The combination portion 254a may extend from the top
chassis 250. The combination protrusion 222 may extend in an
outward direction from the receiving side portion 220 and/or be
integrally formed with the receiving side portion 220. The
combination protrusion 222 may have an elongated shape.
Alternatively, the combination protrusion 222 may have a
configuration that is wide to narrow in a direction away from the
receiving side portion 220.
[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 250 may be
combined with the bottom mold 200 so that the display panel 40 may
be fixed to the bottom mold 200. The top chassis 250 may include a
panel support portion 252 and a chassis side portion 254. The panel
support portion 252 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 210. The chassis side portion 254 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 252 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 220. The chassis side
portion 254 may be substantially perpendicular to the panel support
portion 252.
[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 252
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 252 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 252 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 200.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 254 may
extend from the panel support portion 252 toward the combination
protrusion 222. In addition, the chassis side portion 254 may
include the combination portion 254a. The combination portion 254a
is configured to be combined with the combination protrusion 222.
The combination portion 254a may include combination wings. The
combination wings are portions of the chassis side portion 254 that
are configured to engage the combination protrusion 222 when the
top chassis 250 is combined with the bottom mold 200. The
combination wings may be divided in a radial shape, as illustrated
in FIG. 5. The combination protrusion 222 may be inserted among the
combination wings so that intervals among the combination wings may
become wider. When the combination protrusion 222 is inserted among
the combination wings, the combination wings may apply pressure to
the combination protrusion 222. Thus, the combination wings enable
the combination protrusion 222 to be firmly combined with the
combination portion 254a.
[0083] In an exemplary embodiment as described above, the
combination portion 222 may extend in an outward direction from the
receiving side portion 220. When the combination protrusion 222 is
inserted between the combination wings in the chassis side portion
254, the combination wings may apply pressure to the combination
protrusion 222. As a result, the bottom mold 200 may be firmly
combined with the top chassis 250.
[0084] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
III-III' in FIG. 6. The display device of the present embodiment is
substantially similar as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2 except
for a bottom mold and a top chassis. Thus, the same reference
numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those
described in FIGS. 1 to 2 and any further explanation thereof will
be omitted.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an exemplary embodiment of the
display device includes a light generation unit, a light guide
plate 10, a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a
display panel 40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 300, a top
chassis 350, and a combination member 360.
[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 300 may include
a receiving bottom portion 310 and a receiving side portion 320.
The receiving side portion 320 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 310 substantially in a Z-direction. The
receiving bottom portion 310 and the receiving side portion 320
together define a receiving space. The light generation unit, the
light guide plate 10, the reflection plate 20, the optical sheet
member 30, the display panel 40, and the upper mold 50 may be
received in the receiving space.
[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 350 may be
combined with the bottom mold 300 so that the display panel 40 may
be fixed to the bottom mold 300. The top chassis 350 may include a
panel support portion 352 and a chassis side portion 354. The panel
support portion 352 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 310. The chassis side portion 354 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 352 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 320.
[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 352
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 352 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 352 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 300.
[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 354 may
include a combination hole 354a. The position of the combination
hole 354a corresponds to the combination member 360. As illustrated
in FIG. 7, the display device includes the combination hole 354a.
Alternatively, the display device may be formed without the
combination hole 354a.
[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination member 360 may
combine the bottom mold 300 with the top chassis 350 by using a
magnetic force. The combination member 360 may include a first
magnet 362 and a second magnet 364. The first magnet 362 may be
received within a portion of an aperture or recess of the receiving
side portion 320. The second magnet 364 may be positioned on an
outer face of the chassis side portion 354. The first magnet 362
may be received by the receiving side portion 320 so that the
receiving side portion 320 may fix the first magnet 362
therein.
[0091] An attractive force due to the magnetic field is generated
between the first magnet 362 and the second magnet 364. The
attractive force enables the first magnet 362 and the second magnet
364 together to apply pressure to the chassis side portion 354.
Thus, the bottom mold 300 may be firmly combined with the top
chassis 350. In addition, in embodiments where the combination hole
354a in the chassis side portion 354 is positioned between the
first magnet 362 and the second magnet 364, the first magnet 362
and the second magnet 364 may be efficiently attracted to each
other.
[0092] As described above, the magnetic force between the first
magnet 362 and the second magnet 364 applies pressure to the
chassis side portion 354. Thus, the bottom mold 300 may be firmly
combined with the top chassis 350.
[0093] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention. The display device of the present embodiment
is substantially similar as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
except for a bottom mold and a top chassis. Thus, the same
reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts
as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any further explanation
thereof will be omitted.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device includes a light generation unit, a light guide plate 10, a
reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a display panel
40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 300, a top chassis 350, and a
combination member 360.
[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 300 may include
a receiving bottom portion 310 and a receiving side portion 320.
The receiving side portion 320 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 310. The receiving bottom portion 310 and
the receiving side portion 320 together define a receiving space.
The light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and
the upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving side portion 320
may include a second receiving recess 322 at an outer side face
portion thereof. The second receiving recess 322 is configured to
receive a first receiving protrusion 354b formed at an outer side
face portion of a chassis side portion 354.
[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 350 may be
combined with the bottom mold 300 so that the display panel 40 may
be fixed to the bottom mold 300. The top chassis 350 may include a
panel support portion 352 and the chassis side portion 354. The
panel support portion 352 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 310. The chassis side portion 354 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 352 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 320.
[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 352
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 352 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 352 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 300.
[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 354 may
include a combination hole 354a and the first receiving protrusion
354b. The position of the combination hole 354a corresponds to the
combination member 360. The first receiving protrusion 354b is
configured be received in the second receiving recess 322.
[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination member 360
combines the bottom mold 300 with the top chassis 350 by using a
magnetic force. The combination member 360 may include a first
magnet 362 and a second magnet 364. The first magnet 362 is
received in the receiving side portion 320. The second magnet 364
is positioned on the chassis side portion 354 corresponding to the
position of the first magnet 362.
[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnet 362 is
positioned in the receiving side portion 320. In addition, the
first magnet 362 is exposed through the second receiving recess
322. Thus, the receiving side portion 320 may firmly fix the first
magnet 362 therein. The second magnet 364 is received in the first
receiving protrusion 354b. The second magnet 364 is positioned
opposite to the first magnet 362.
[0102] Because an attractive force is generated between the first
magnet 362 and the second magnet 364, the second magnet 364 may be
difficult to separate from the top chassis 350 by an external
force. The attractive force enables the first magnet 362 and the
second magnet 364 together to apply pressure to the chassis side
portion 354. Thus, the bottom mold 300 may firmly combine with the
top chassis 350. In addition, the combination hole 354a positioned
between the first magnet 362 and the second magnet 364 enables the
first magnet 362 and the second magnet 364 to be efficiently
attracted to each other.
[0103] As described above, the second magnet 364 is received in the
first receiving protrusion 354b. Thus, the first magnet 362 and the
second magnet 364 together may firmly apply pressure to the chassis
side portion 354. As a result, the bottom mold 300 may be firmly
combined with the top chassis 350.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the display
device in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along
line IV-IV' in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken
along line V-V' in FIG. 9. The display device of the present
embodiment is substantially similar as that illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top chassis. Thus, the same
reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts
as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any further explanation
thereof will be omitted.
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, an exemplary embodiment of the
display device includes a light generation unit, a light guide
plate 10, a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a
display panel 40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 400, a top
chassis 450, and a case 500.
[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 400 includes a
receiving bottom portion 410 and a receiving side portion 420. The
receiving side portion 420 may extend from an edge of the receiving
bottom portion 410. The receiving bottom portion 410 and the
receiving side portion together define a receiving space. The light
generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection plate 20,
the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and the upper
mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving side portion 420
includes a screw recess 422 and a combination recess 424. The screw
recess 422 may be positioned to align with a screw hole 454a1 in
the top chassis 450. The combination recess 424 may be configured
to receive a combination protrusion 454b1 in the top chassis
450.
[0108] The screw recess 422 may be formed along an outer face of
the receiving side portion 420 in a Z-axis direction. In an
alternative exemplary embodiment, the screw recess 422 may be
positioned between two combination recesses 424. The combination
recess 424 may be configured as an "L" shaped section substantially
parallel with the receiving bottom portion 410.
[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 450 may be
combined with the bottom mold 400 so that the display panel 40 may
be fixed to the bottom mold 400. The top chassis 450 may include a
panel support portion 452 and a chassis side portion 454. The panel
support portion 452 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 410. The chassis side portion 454 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 452 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 420.
[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 452
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 452 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 452 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 400.
[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 454 may
include the screw hole 454a1, a combination protrusion 454b1, and
an opening portion 454c1. The screw hole 454a1 is received in the
screw recess 422. The combination protrusion 454b1 may be received
in the combination recess 424. The position of the opening portion
454c1 corresponds to the combination protrusion 454b1.
[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the screw hole 454a1 may extend
into or through an outer side face of the chassis side portion 454.
A screw thread (not shown) is positioned on an inner face of the
screw hole 454a1. The screw thread may be combined with a screw
514.
[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination protrusions
454b1 may be positioned on each side of the screw hole 454a1. An
end section of the combination protrusion 454b1 may be configured
as an "L" shape so that the combination protrusion 454b1 may be
easily combined with the combination recess 424. The combination
protrusion 454b1 may be inserted in the combination recess 424 in a
Z-axis direction substantially parallel with the receiving side
portion 420 so that the combination protrusion 454b1 may be
combined with the combination recess 424. The combination
protrusion 454b1 may be combined with the combination recess 424 so
that movement of the top chassis 450 may be substantially limited
in a direction away from the bottom mold 400.
[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, in order to form the combination
protrusion 454b1, a portion of the chassis side portion 454,
wherein the portion is adjacent to the screw hole 454a1, may be
separated from the chassis side portion 454. The portion may then
be bent to form the combination protrusion 454b1. Because the
portion may be bent to form the combination protrusion 454b1, the
chassis side portion may have an opening portion 454c1. The opening
portion 454c1 is a space defined by the chassis side portion 454, a
fixing plate 510, and the receiving side portion 420. As described
above, the portion of the chassis side portion 454 may be separated
from the chassis side portion 454 and bent to form the combination
protrusion 454b1. Alternatively, the combination protrusion 454b1
may make contact with the chassis side portion 454.
[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the case 500 may be combined
with the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450 so that the case
500 may fix the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450. The case
500 may include the fixing plate 510 fixing the chassis side
portion 454 and the receiving side portion 420. A pair of the
fixing plates 510 may be arranged substantially parallel in an
X-axis direction substantially parallel with the chassis side
portion 454.
[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing plate 510 may include
a combination hole 512. The combination hole 512 enables the case
500 to be fixed to the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450. A
screw thread may be formed on an inner face of the combination hole
512 so that the screw 514 may be efficiently combined with the
combination hole 512. The screw 514 may be combined with the screw
hole 454a1 through the combination hole 512. When the screw 514 is
combined with the screw hole 454a1, a force may be applied to the
chassis side portion 454 in a direction toward the fixing plate
510. As a result, the fixing plate 510 may be firmly combined with
the chassis side portion 454. In addition, because the chassis side
portion 454 is combined with the receiving side portion 420 by the
combination protrusion 454b1, the fixing plate 510, the chassis
side portion 454, and the receiving side portion 420 may be firmly
combined with each other.
[0117] As described above, the combination protrusion 454b1 in the
top chassis 450 may be combined with the combination recess 424 in
the bottom mold 400. Thus, the top chassis 450 may be efficiently
combined with the bottom mold 400 without additional combination
means.
[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing plate 510 in the case
500 may be combined with the chassis side portion 454 by the screw
514. Thus, the fixing plate 510, the chassis side portion 454, and
the receiving side portion 420 may be firmly combined with each
other.
[0119] As described above, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device includes the case 500, thereby enabling the case 500, the
top chassis 450, and the bottom mold 400 to be combined with each
other. Alternatively, the top chassis 450 and the bottom mold 400
may be combined with each other without aid of the case 500.
[0120] In exemplary embodiments, a manufacturer of the display
panel 40 may manufacture the display device without the case 500. A
customer of the display panel 40 may combine the case 500 with the
display device as a finished product.
[0121] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention. The display device of the present embodiment
of the present invention is substantially similar as that
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top
chassis. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to
the same or like parts as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any
further explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 13, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device includes a light generation unit, a light guide plate 10, a
reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a display panel
40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 400, a top chassis 450, and a
case 500.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 400 may include
a receiving bottom portion 410 and a receiving side portion 420.
The receiving side portion 420 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 410. The receiving bottom portion 410 and
the receiving side portion 420 together define a receiving space.
The light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and
the upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0124] The receiving side portion 420 includes a screw recess 422
and a combination recess 426. The screw recess 422 may be aligned
with a screw hole 454a2 in the top chassis 450. The combination
recess 426 may be configured to receive a combination protrusion
454b2 in the top chassis 450.
[0125] The screw recess 422 may be formed along an outer side face
of the receiving side portion 420 in a Z-axis direction. The screw
recess 422 may be positioned between the combination recesses 426.
The combination recess 426 may include an inner face slanted with
respect to an outer face of the receiving side portion 420.
[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 450 may be
combined with the bottom mold 400 to combine the display panel 40
to the bottom mold 400. The top chassis 450 may include a panel
support portion 452 and a chassis side portion 454. The panel
support portion 452 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 410. The chassis side portion 454 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 452 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 420.
[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 452
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 452 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 452 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 400.
[0128] The chassis side portion 454 may include a screw hole 454a2
and a combination protrusion 454b2 and an opening portion 454c2.
The screw hole 454a2 is received in the screw recess 422. The
combination protrusion 454b2 may be received in the combination
recess 426. The position of the opening portion 454c2 corresponds
to the combination protrusion 454b2.
[0129] The screw hole 454a2 may extend into or through an outer
face of the chassis side portion 454. A screw thread is formed on
an inner face of the screw hole 454a2. The screw thread enables the
screw hole 454a2 to be firmly combined with the screw 514.
[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the screw hole 454a2 may be
positioned between the combination protrusions 454b2. The
combination protrusion 454b2 may extend in a direction slanted with
respect to the chassis side portion 454 so that the combination
protrusion 454b2 may be efficiently combined with the combination
recess 426. The combination protrusion 454b2 may be inserted in the
combination recess 426 in a direction substantially parallel with
the receiving side portion 420 to be combined with the combination
recess 426.
[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, in order to form the combination
protrusion 454b2, a portion of the chassis side portion 454,
wherein the portion is adjacent to the screw hole 454a2, may be
separated from the chassis side portion 454. The portion may then
be bent to form the combination protrusion 454b2. Because the
portion is bent to form the combination protrusion 454b2, the
chassis side portion 454 may have an opening portion 454c2. The
opening portion 454c2 is a space defined by the chassis side
portion 454, a fixing plate 510, and the receiving side portion
420. As described above, the portion of the chassis side portion
454 may be separated from the chassis side portion 454 and bent to
form the combination protrusion 454b2.
[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the case 500 may be combined
with the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450 so that the case
500 may fix the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450. The case
500 may include the fixing plate 510 fixing the chassis side
portion 454 and the receiving side portion 420. A pair of the
fixing plates 510 may be arranged substantially parallel in an
X-axis direction substantially parallel with the chassis side
portion 454.
[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing plate 510 may include
a combination hole 512. The combination hole 512 enables the case
500 to be fixed to the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450. A
screw thread may be formed on an inner face of the combination hole
512 so that the screw 514 may be efficiently combined with the
combination hole 512. The screw 514 may be combined with the screw
hole 454a2 through the combination hole 512.
[0134] When the screw 514 is combined with the screw hole 454a2,
force may be applied to the chassis side portion 454 in a direction
toward the fixing plate 510. As a result, the fixing plate 510 may
be firmly combined with the chassis side portion 454.
[0135] In addition, because the chassis side portion 454 may be
combined with the receiving side portion 420 by the combination
protrusion 454b2, the fixing plate 510, the chassis side portion
454, and the receiving side portion 420 may be firmly combined with
each other.
[0136] FIG. 14 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention. The display device of the present embodiment
of the present invention is substantially similar as that
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top
chassis. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to
the same or like parts as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any
further explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device may include a light generation unit, a light guide plate 10,
a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a display panel
40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 400, a top chassis 450, and a
case 500.
[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 400 may include
a receiving bottom portion 410 and a receiving side portion 420.
The receiving bottom portion 410 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 410. The receiving bottom portion 410 and
the receiving side portion 420 together define a receiving space.
The light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and
the upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0139] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving side portion 420
may include a screw recess 422 and a combination recess 424. The
screw recess 422 receives a screw hole 454a3 in the top chassis
450. The combination recess 424 is configured to receive a
combination protrusion 454b3 in the top chassis 450.
[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the screw recess 422 may be
formed along an outer side face of the receiving side portion 420
in a Z-axis direction. The screw recess 422 may be positioned
between combination recesses 424. A section of the combination
recess 424 may be configured as an "L" shape.
[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 450 may be
combined with the bottom mold 400 to fix the display panel 40 to
the bottom mold 400. The top chassis 450 may include a panel
support portion 452 and a chassis side portion 454. The panel
support portion 452 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 410. The chassis side portion 454 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 452 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 420.
[0142] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 452
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 452 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 452 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 400.
[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 454 may
include a screw hole 454a3, a combination protrusion 454b3, and an
opening portion 454c3. The screw hole 454a3 is received in the
screw recess 422. The combination protrusion 454b3 may be received
in the combination recess 424. The position of the opening portion
454c3 corresponds to the combination protrusion 454b3.
[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the screw hole 454a3 may extend
into or through an outer face of the chassis side portion 454. A
screw thread is formed on an inner side of the screw hole 454a3 so
that the screw hole 454a3 may be efficiently combined with the
screw 514.
[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, the screw hole 454a3 may be
positioned between combination protrusions 454b3. The combination
protrusion 454b3 may be configured as an "L" shape so that the
combination protrusion 454b3 may be easily combined with the
combination recess 424. The combination protrusion 454b3 may be
inserted into the combination recess 424 in a direction
substantially parallel with the receiving side portion 420 to be
combined with the combination recess 424.
[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, in order to form the combination
protrusion 454b3, a portion of the chassis side portion 454 may be
separated from the chassis side portion 454. The portion may then
be bent to form the combination protrusion 454b3. Because the
portion is bent to form the combination protrusion 454b3, the
chassis side portion may have an opening portion 454c3. The opening
portion 454c3 may be positioned at a central portion of the chassis
side portion 454. As a result, the opening portion 454c3 may
prevent the chassis side portion 454 from being partially bent by
an external force.
[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the case 500 may be combined
with the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450 to fix the bottom
mold 400 and the top chassis 450. The case 500 may include a fixing
plate 510 fixing the chassis side portion 454 and the receiving
side portion 420. A pair of the fixing plates 510 may be positioned
substantially parallel in an X-axis direction substantially
parallel with the chassis side portion 454.
[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing plate 510 may include
a combination hole 512. The combination hole 512 enables the case
500 to be fixed to the bottom mold 400 and the top chassis 450. The
combination hole 512 may include a screw thread. The screw thread
enables the combination hole 512 to be especially combined with the
screw 514.
[0149] The screw 514 is combined with the screw hole 454a3 through
the combination hole 512. When the screw 514 is combined with the
screw hole 454a3, a force may be applied to the chassis side
portion 454 in a direction away from the bottom mold 400. As a
result, the fixing plate 510 may be firmly combined with the
chassis side portion 454. In addition, the opening portion 454c3
positioned at the central portion of the chassis side portion 454
may prevent the chassis side portion 454 from being partially bent
by the external force applied to the chassis side portion 454.
[0150] As described above, the chassis side portion 454 is combined
with the receiving side portion 420 by the combination protrusion
454b3. Thus, the fixing plate 510, the chassis side portion 454 and
the receiving side portion 420 may be firmly combined with each
other.
[0151] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
VI-VI' in FIG. 15. The display device of the present embodiment of
the present invention is substantially similar as that illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top chassis. Thus,
the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or
like parts as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any further
explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0152] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an exemplary embodiment of the
display device includes a light generation unit, a light guide
plate 10, a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a
display panel 40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 600, and a top
chassis 650.
[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 600 includes a
receiving bottom portion 610 and a receiving side portion 620. The
receiving side portion 620 may extend from an edge of the receiving
bottom portion 610. The receiving bottom portion 610 and the
receiving side portion 620 together define a receiving space. The
light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and
the upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0154] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 650 may be
combined with the bottom mold 600 so that the display panel 40 may
be fixed to the bottom mold 600. The top chassis 650 may include a
panel support portion 652 and a chassis side portion 654. The panel
support portion 652 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 610. The chassis side portion 654 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 652 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 620.
[0155] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 652
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 652 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 652 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 600.
[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 652
may include a bent portion 652a. The bent portion 652a may enable
the top chassis 650 and the bottom mold 600 to be combined with
each other. A portion of the panel support portion 652 may be bent
toward the receiving bottom portion 652 to form the bent portion
652a. Here, the bent portion 652a may be partially combined with
the receiving side portion 654 so that movement of the top chassis
650 may be substantially limited in a Y-axis direction away from
the bottom mold 600. In addition, the panel support portion 652 may
include a plurality of the bent portions 652a so that the top
chassis 650 and the bottom mold 600 may be firmly combined with
each other.
[0157] As described above, the bent portion 652a in the panel
support portion 652 may be combined with the receiving side portion
654 so that the top chassis 650 may be efficiently combined with
the bottom mold 600 without aid of additional combination
means.
[0158] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention. The display device of the present embodiment
of the present invention is substantially similar as that
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top
chassis. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to
the same or like parts as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any
further explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 17, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device includes a light generation unit, a light guide plate 10, a
reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a display panel
40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 600, and a top chassis 650.
[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 600 may include
a receiving bottom portion 610 and a receiving side portion 620.
The receiving side portion 620 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 610. The receiving bottom portion 610 and
the receiving side portion 620 together define a receiving space.
The light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and
the upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 650 may be
combined with the bottom mold 600 so that the display panel 40 may
be combined with the bottom mold 600. The top chassis 650 may
include a panel support portion 652 and a chassis side portion 654.
The panel support portion 652 may be substantially parallel with
the receiving bottom portion 610. The chassis side portion 654 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 652 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 620.
[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 652
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 652 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 652 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 600.
[0163] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 652
may include a bent portion 652b. The bent portion 652b may enable
the top chassis 650 and the bottom mold 600 to be combined with
each other. A portion of the panel support portion 652 may be
separated from the panel support portion 652. The portion may then
be bent toward the receiving bottom portion 610 to form the bent
portion 652b. For example, a vertical section of the bent portion
652b may be configured as an "L" shape. Here, the bent portion 652b
may be partially combined with the receiving side portion 654 so
that movement of the top chassis 650 may be substantially limited
in a Y-axis direction away from the bottom mold 600.
[0164] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a display device in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 19 is a partial exploded perspective view
illustrating the display device in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a
cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' in FIG. 18. The
display device of the present embodiment of the present invention
is substantially similar as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
except for a bottom mold and a top chassis. Thus, the same
reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts
as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any further explanation
thereof will be omitted.
[0165] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, an exemplary embodiment of the
display device includes a light generation unit, a light guide
plate 10, a reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a
display panel 40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 700, and a top
chassis 750.
[0166] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 700 may include
a receiving bottom portion 710 and a receiving side portion 720.
The receiving side portion 720 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 710. The receiving bottom portion 710 and
the receiving side portion 720 together define a receiving space.
The light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40, and
the upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0167] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving side portion 720
may include a combination recess 722 in which a combination
protrusion 754a in the top chassis 750 is to be received. The
combination recess 722 may be formed along the receiving side
portion 720 in a Z-axis direction. The combination recess 722 may
be opened in a direction opposite to the receiving bottom portion
710. The combination recess 722 may include a stepped portion 722a
slanted with respect to an outer face of the receiving side portion
720. The stepped portion 722a may be one of the inner side face
portions of the combination recess 722. The stepped portion 722a
may be combined with the combination protrusion 754a so that
movement of the top chassis 750 may be substantially limited in a
Y-axis direction away from the bottom mold 700.
[0168] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 750 may be
combined with the bottom mold 700 so that the display panel 40 may
be fixed to the bottom mold 700. The top chassis 750 includes a
panel support portion 752 and a chassis side portion 754. The panel
support portion 752 may be substantially parallel with the
receiving bottom portion 710. The chassis side portion 754 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 752 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 720.
[0169] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 752
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 752 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 752 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 700.
[0170] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 754 may
include the combination protrusion 754a and an opening portion
754b. The combination protrusion 754a may be received in the
combination recess 722. The position of the opening portion 754b
corresponds to the combination protrusion 754a.
[0171] The combination protrusion 754a may extend from the chassis
side portion 754 in a direction slanted with respect to the chassis
side portion 754. The chassis side portion 754 may include a
plurality of the combination protrusions 754a. The combination
protrusions 754a may be slanted in directions opposite to each
other so that the combination protrusions 754a facing each other
may be closer. An end portion of the combination protrusion 754a
may be bent at lease once.
[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, in order to form the combination
protrusion 754a, a portion of the chassis side portion 754 may be
separated from the chassis side portion 754. The portion may then
be bent to form the combination protrusion 754a. Thus, the opening
portion 754b may be formed in the chassis side portion 754.
[0173] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination protrusion 754a
may be combined with the stepped portion 722a in the combination
recess 722 so that the top chassis 750 may be combined with the
bottom mold 700. Here, the combination protrusion 754a may combined
with the stepped portion 722a in the combination recess 722 so that
movement of the top chassis 750 may be substantially limited in a
Y-axis direction away from the bottom mold 700.
[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, one of the combination
protrusions 754a may be combined with one of the stepped portions
722a. The other combination protrusion 754a may be then combined
with the other stepped portion 722a.
[0175] As described above, the combination protrusion 754a in the
chassis side portion 754 may be combined with the combination
recess 722 in the receiving side portion 720. Thus, the top chassis
750 may be firmly combined with the bottom mold 700 without aid of
additional combination means.
[0176] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a display device in accordance with
the present invention. The display device of the present embodiment
of the present invention is substantially similar as that
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for a bottom mold and a top
chassis. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to
the same or like parts as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and any
further explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 21, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device includes a light generation unit, a light guide plate 10, a
reflection plate 20, an optical sheet member 30, a display panel
40, an upper mold 50, a bottom mold 700, and a top chassis 750.
[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom mold 700 may include
a receiving bottom portion 710 and a receiving side portion 720.
The receiving side portion 720 may extend from an edge of the
receiving bottom portion 710. The receiving bottom portion 710 and
the receiving side portion 720 together define a receiving space.
The light generation unit, the light guide plate 10, the reflection
plate 20, the optical sheet member 30, the display panel 40 and the
upper mold 50 may be received in the receiving space.
[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving side portion 720
may include a combination recess 724. The combination recess 724
may receive a combination protrusion 754c in the top chassis 750.
The combination recess 724 may be formed along the receiving side
portion 720 in a Z-axis direction. The combination recess 724 may
be opened in a direction opposite to the receiving bottom portion
710. The combination recess 724 may include a stepped portion 724a.
The stepped portion 724a may be one of the inner side face portions
of the combination recess 724. The stepped portion 724a may be
combined with the combination protrusion 754c so that movement of
the top chassis 750 may be substantially limited in a Y-axis
direction away from the bottom mold 700.
[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis 750 may be
combined with the bottom mold 700 so that the display panel 40 may
be combined with the bottom mold 700. The top chassis 750 may
include a panel support portion 752 and a chassis side portion 754.
The panel support portion 752 may be substantially parallel with
the receiving bottom portion 710. The chassis side portion 754 may
extend from an edge of the panel support portion 752 substantially
parallel with the receiving side portion 720.
[0181] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel support portion 752
may selectively cover an edge portion of the display panel 40 so
that the panel support portion 752 has an opening exposing a
central portion of the display panel 40 therethrough. The panel
support portion 752 may be configured to apply pressure to the edge
portion of the display panel 40 so that the display panel 40 may be
fixed to the bottom mold 700.
[0182] In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis side portion 754 may
include a combination protrusion 754c and an opening portion 754d.
The combination protrusion 754c may be received in the combination
recess 724. The position of the opening portion 754d corresponds to
the combination protrusion 754c.
[0183] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination protrusion 754c
may extend from the chassis side portion 754 in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the chassis side portion 754. An end
portion of the combination protrusion 754c may be bent more than
one time. For example, the end portion of the combination
protrusion 754c may be bent three times, where the portions may be
substantially perpendicular to each other. The chassis side portion
754 may include a plurality of the combination protrusions 754c.
The combination protrusions 754c may face each other. For example,
in an exemplary embodiment, the bent portions of the combination
protrusions 754c may face each other.
[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the chassis side
portion 754 may be separated from the chassis side portion 754. The
portion may then be bent to form the combination protrusion 754c.
Because the portion of the chassis side portion 754 is bent to form
the combination protrusion 754c, the opening portion 754c may be
formed in the chassis side portion 754.
[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination protrusion 754c
may be combined with the stepped portion 724a in the combination
recess 724 so that the top chassis 750 may be combined with the
bottom mold 700. Here, the combination protrusion 754c may be
combined with the stepped portion 724a in the combination recess
724 so that movement of the top chassis 750 may be substantially
limited in a Y-axis direction away from the bottom mold 700.
[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, one of the combination
protrusions 754c may be combined with one of the stepped portions
724a. The other combination protrusion 754c may be then combined
with the other stepped portion 724a.
[0187] According to the present invention, a receiving container
may be combined with a top chassis without aid of additional
combination means such as a screw. Thus, a time required for
manufacturing a display device may decrease.
[0188] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it is to be understood that the invention defined by the
appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set
forth in the above description as many apparent variations thereof
are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof as
hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *