U.S. patent application number 11/851253 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for frame for a display apparatus and display apparatus having the same.
Invention is credited to Woong-Jae Chang, Yong-Seok YANG.
Application Number | 20080060244 11/851253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39168131 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080060244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YANG; Yong-Seok ; et
al. |
March 13, 2008 |
FRAME FOR A DISPLAY APPARATUS AND DISPLAY APPARATUS HAVING THE
SAME
Abstract
A frame for a display apparatus includes a plurality of frame
members, each of which includes a side wall portion, a supporting
portion, and a coupling portion, and a plurality of coupling
members. The side wall portion covers a side of a display
apparatus. The supporting portion is extended from the side wall to
form an angle and covers a side portion of an upper surface of the
display apparatus. The coupling portion is formed at one of the
side wall portion and the supporting portion. The coupling members
are disposed at corner portions of the display apparatus. Each of
the coupling members is insertable into each coupling portion of
the two frame members, respectively, to combine the two frame
members with each other.
Inventors: |
YANG; Yong-Seok;
(Chungcheongnam-do, KR) ; Chang; Woong-Jae;
(Chungcheongnam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MACPHERSON KWOK CHEN & HEID LLP
2033 GATEWAY PLACE, SUITE 400
SAN JOSE
CA
95110
US
|
Family ID: |
39168131 |
Appl. No.: |
11/851253 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/716 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1601
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/716 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 7, 2006 |
KR |
2006-86253 |
Claims
1. A frame for a display apparatus comprising: a plurality of frame
members, each of the frame members including: a side wall portion
covering a side of a display apparatus; a supporting portion
extended from the side wall to form an angle, the supporting
portion covering a side portion of an upper surface of the display
apparatus; and a coupling portion formed at the side wall portion
or the supporting portion; and a coupling member inserted into each
coupling portions of two frame members to combine the two frame
members.
2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the frame
members is constant along the longitudinal direction of the frame
member.
3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the coupling portion is extended
in the longitudinal direction of the frame member and has a tubular
shape having an open end.
4. The frame of claim 3, wherein the coupling portion protrudes
from an inner surface of the supporting portion.
5. The frame of claim 4, wherein the supporting portion covers a
side portion of an upper surface of a display panel used in the
display apparatus.
6. The frame of claim 4, wherein the supporting portion covers a
side portion of a rear surface of a backlight assembly used in the
display apparatus.
7. The frame of claim 3, wherein the coupling portion is protruded
from the side wall portion toward the side of the display
apparatus.
8. The frame of claim 3, wherein each of the coupling members
comprises: a first insertion portion for insertion into a coupling
portion of a first frame member; and a second insertion portion
extended from the first insertion portion to form an angle for
insertion into a coupling portion of a second frame member.
9. The frame of claim 8, wherein the first and second insertion
portions respectively comprise a plurality of protrusions
compressing inner surfaces of the coupling portions into which the
first and second insertion portions are inserted.
10. The frame of claim 9, wherein each of the protrusions is
extended in a horizontal-direction of each of the first and second
frame members and slants in a direction opposite to the direction
along which the coupling member is inserted into the coupling
portion.
11. The frame of claim 9, wherein the protrusions comprise first
protrusions having a first height and second protrusions having a
second height greater than the first height, wherein the first and
second protrusions are alternately disposed on each of the first
and second insertion portions.
12. The frame of claim 2, wherein the coupling portion comprises: a
guide boss having a first width, the guide boss protruding from the
supporting portion and extended in a longitudinal direction of the
supporting portion; and a hang boss having a second width greater
than the first width, the hang boss being integrally formed with
the guide boss and extended in the longitudinal direction of the
supporting portion.
13. The frame of claim 12, wherein each of the coupling members
comprises: a first coupling section including a guide groove into
which a coupling portion of a first frame member is inserted; and a
second coupling section extended from an end of the first coupling
section to form an angle, the second coupling section including a
guide groove into which a coupling portion of a second frame member
is inserted.
14. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel displaying
images; a backlight assembly disposed under the display panel; a
lower receiving container receiving the backlight assembly and
supporting the display panel; and an upper receiving container
including: a plurality of top frame members disposed at sides of
the backlight assembly, the top frame members covering side
portions of a frontal surface of the display panel; and a top
coupling member disposed at a corner portion of the display panel,
the coupling member being fittable with two of the frame
members.
15. The display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the top frame member
comprises: a side wall portion covering a side of the display
apparatus; a supporting portion extended from the side wall
portion, the supporting portion covering a side portion of a
frontal surface of the display panel; and a coupling portion
extended from the supporting portion in a longitudinal direction of
the top frame member, the coupling portion having a tube shape.
16. The display apparatus of claim 15, wherein the top coupling
member has an "L" shape such that the top coupling member is
inserted into the coupling portions of the two top frame
members.
17. The display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lower receiving
container comprises: a plurality of bottom frame members disposed
at the sides of the backlight assembly, the bottom frame members
covering the sides of the backlight assembly; and a plurality of
bottom coupling members disposed at corner portions of the
backlight assembly, each of the bottom coupling members being
combinable with two bottom frame members.
18. The display apparatus of claim 17, wherein the lower receiving
container further comprises a bottom plate combined with the bottom
frame members, and the bottom plate covers a rear surface of the
backlight assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relies for priority upon Korean Patent
Application No. 2006-86253 filed on Sep. 7, 2006, the contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a display apparatus and,
more particularly, to a display apparatus having a plurality of
frame members manufactured through extrusion molding.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a flat panel display device, such as a liquid
crystal display (LCD), includes a slim display panel, a backlight
part providing the display part with light and a container having
some metal parts for receiving the display part and the backlight
part. The receiving container is generally manufactured as a single
piece. However, for large sized displays, such as a television set,
several chassis may be required to form the receiving
container.
[0006] The receiving container may be made of a pressed or stamped
sheet metal plate that is suitably processed to form a container
having a bottom plate and sidewalls.
[0007] As the size of displays has increased, the time required for
manufacturing each of the chassis has also increased. In addition,
it takes about a month to make the stamping dies which are also
expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention obviates the above problems by
providing a display apparatus with a plurality of frame members
manufactured by extrusion molding which simplifies processing and
assembly of the frame.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, a plurality
of frame members and a plurality of coupling members are provided
each of which includes a side wall portion, a supporting portion,
and a coupling portion. The side wall portion covers a side of the
display apparatus. The supporting portion is extended from the side
wall to form an angle and covers a side portion of an upper surface
of the display apparatus. The coupling portion is formed at one of
the side wall portion and the supporting portion. The coupling
members are disposed at corner portions of the display apparatus.
Each of the coupling members is inserted into each coupling portion
of the two frame members, respectively, to combine the two frame
members with each other.
[0010] In the present exemplary embodiment, the thickness of each
of the frame members may be constant along the longitudinal
direction of the frame member. The coupling portion may be extended
in the longitudinal direction of the frame member and have a tube
shape having an open end. The coupling portion may protrude from
the supporting portion toward the upper surface of the display
apparatus. The supporting portion may cover a side portion of an
upper surface of the display panel. Also, the supporting portion
may cover a side portion of a rear surface of the backlight
assembly.
[0011] Each of the coupling members includes a first insertion
portion and a second insertion portion. The first insertion portion
is inserted into a coupling portion of a first frame member. The
second insertion portion is extended at an angle from the first
insertion portion and inserted into a coupling portion of a second
frame member. The first and second insertion portions respectively
may include a plurality of protrusions for contacting the inner
surfaces of the coupling portions into which the first and second
insertion portions are inserted. Each of the protrusions may be
extended in a horizontal-direction of the frame member and slanted
to a direction opposite to the direction in which the coupling
member is inserted into the coupling portion. The protrusions may
include first protrusions having a first height and second
protrusions having a second height larger than the first height,
wherein the first and second protrusions are alternately disposed
on each of the first and second insertion portion.
[0012] A display apparatus according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel, a
backlight assembly, a lower receiving container, and an upper
receiving container. The lower receiving container receives the
backlight assembly and supports the display panel. The upper
receiving container includes a plurality of top frame members and a
plurality of top coupling members. The top frame members are
disposed at the sides of the backlight assembly and cover side
portions of the frontal surface of the display panel. The top
coupling members are disposed at the corner portions of the display
panel. Each of the coupling members can be fitted together with two
other frame members. For example, each of the coupling members is
combined with two of the frame members by inserting the coupling
member into each of the frame members.
[0013] Each of the top frame members includes a side wall portion,
a supporting portion, and a coupling portion. The side wall portion
covers a side of the display apparatus. The supporting portion is
extended from the side wall portion and covers a side portion of a
frontal surface of the display panel. The coupling portion is
extended from the supporting portion in the longitudinal direction
of the top frame member. Each of the coupling portions may have a
tubular shape. Also, each of the top coupling members may have an
"L" shape such that each of the top coupling members is inserted
into the coupling portions of two of the top frame members.
[0014] The lower receiving container includes a plurality of bottom
frame members and a plurality of bottom coupling members. The
bottom frame members are disposed at the sides of the backlight
assembly to cover the sides of the backlight assembly. The bottom
coupling members are disposed at corner portions of the backlight
assembly. Each of the bottom coupling members may be fitted
together with two bottom frame members. For example, each of the
bottom coupling members is combined with two bottom frame members
by inserting a bottom coupling member into each of the bottom frame
members.
[0015] According to the above, time for manufacturing the division
frame for a display apparatus may be reduced. In addition,
assembling processes of the display apparatus may be simplified to
improve productivity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and other features and advantage points of the
present invention will become more apparent by describing in
detailed exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a frame for a
display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
frame for the display apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a frame member
shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I' in
FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member
shown in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II'
shown in FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
combination of two frame members through the coupling member;
[0024] FIG. 8 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the
combination of two frame members through the coupling member shown
in FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating frame members
combined by the coupling member;
[0026] FIG. 10 is another perspective view illustrating the frame
members combined by the coupling member shown in FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line
III-III' shown in FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a frame
for a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV'
shown in FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a frame for a
display apparatus according to further another example embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
frame for the display apparatus shown in FIG. 14;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V'
shown in FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V'
shown in FIG. 17; and
[0035] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along a ling VI-VI'
shown in FIG. 17.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The present invention 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 size
and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for
clarity.
[0037] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to
the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to"
another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or
layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items.
[0038] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third 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.
[0039] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease
of description to describe one element or feature's relationship 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 "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
term "below" 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will,
typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of
implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from
implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed
by implantation may result in some implantation in the region
between the buried region and the surface through which the
implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0043] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a division frame
for a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating the division frame shown in FIG. 1.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a division frame 100 for a
display apparatus covers a frontal surface of a display panel for a
display apparatus. In another exemplary embodiment, the division
frame 100 may cover a rear surface of a backlight assembly for a
display apparatus.
[0046] The division frame 100 includes a plurality of frame members
10, 30, 50 and 70 and a plurality of coupling members 20, 40, 60
and 80.
[0047] Each of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is disposed at a
side of the display apparatus and covers a side portion of the
frontal surface of the display panel. The number of the frame
members may be changed according to a shape of the display panel.
When the display panel has, for example, a substantially
quadrangular shape, the division frame 100 includes a first frame
member 10 disposed at a first side of the display panel, a second
frame member 30 disposed at a second side of the display panel
which is opposite to the first side, a third frame member 50
disposed at a third side of the display panel which connects the
first side to the second side, and a fourth frame member 70
disposed at a fourth side of the display panel which is opposite to
the third side. Two of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 may be
combined with each other using one of the coupling members 20, 40,
60 and 80 at each of the corners of the display panel.
[0048] Each of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is manufactured
by an extrusion molding method. For example, a flexible material
for the frame members is compressed to be extruded through an
extrusion orifice. Then, the flexible material is thermally treated
to form the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70. The extrusion
orifice has a shape corresponding to the cross-section of each of
the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70. Since the four frame
members 10, 30, 50 and 70 are manufactured by the extrusion molding
method, the thickness of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50
and 70 is constant along the longitudinal direction and an external
surface of each of the four frame members is smooth. In the present
exemplary embodiment, each of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70
includes a metal material. Alternatively, each of the four frame
members 10, 30, 50 and 70 may include a plastic material.
[0049] When a metal plate is pressed to manufacture the four frame
members 10, 30, 50 and 70, end portions or edge portions of each of
the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 may be rough and include
burrs that may scratch the surface of the display panel generating
defects in the display. However, when the four frame members 10,
30, 50 and 70 are manufactured by the extrusion mold method of the
exemplary embodiment, the end or edge portions of each of the four
frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is smooth. Therefore, defects of
the display apparatus are not generated four. In addition, the
surface of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70
manufactured by the extrusion mold method is smoother than that
manufactured by the press method. Further, the four frame members
manufactured by the extrusion mold method are less likely to be
detached from the display panel.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a frame member
shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a
line I-I' in FIG. 3.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the four frame members 10,
30, 50 and 70 respectively have a substantially same or
substantially similar shape except for a length of each of the four
frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70. Thus, the third frame member 50
shown in FIG. 3 will be described as an example, and any further
explanation will be omitted.
[0052] The third frame member 50 includes a side wall portion 51, a
supporting portion 55, and a coupling portion 57. The side wall
portion 51 covers a side of the display apparatus. The side wall
portion 51 is extended in a first direction along the side of the
display apparatus and has a plate shape. The supporting portion 55
is extended in a second direction substantially perpendicular to
the first direction from an edge of the side wall portion 51. The
supporting portion 55 covers a side portion of a frontal surface of
the display panel. End portions of the supporting portion 55 are
partially cut off such that an angle between an edge of one of the
end portions and the side wall portion is about 45 degrees.
Therefore, two frame members meeting at a corner portion of the
display apparatus do not overlap each other. An end portion of the
supporting portion 55 has a stepped portion with respect to a
horizontal-direction of the supporting portion 55.
[0053] The coupling portion 57 is formed at the supporting portion
55. Alternatively, the coupling portion 57 may be formed at the
side wall portion 51. The coupling member may be inserted into the
coupling portion 57. A shape of the coupling portion 57 may be
variously changed according to exemplary embodiments.
[0054] In the present exemplary embodiment, the coupling portion 57
is extended in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion
55, and has a tubular shape. For example, the coupling portion 57
may include first to third walls. The first and second walls
protrude from the supporting portion 55 and are opposite to each
other. The first and second walls are extended in the longitudinal
direction of the supporting member 55. The third wall connects an
upper portion of the first wall with an upper portion of the second
wall. End portions of the coupling portion 57 with respect to a
longitudinal direction of the coupling portion 57 are open.
[0055] The coupling portion 57 may make contact with the side
portion of the display panel, so that the third wall contacts a
surface of the display panel. Also, the coupling portion 57 may be
spaced apart from the surface of the display panel.
[0056] As mentioned above, each of the four frame member 10, 30,
50, and 70 also includes a side wall portion, a supporting portion,
and a coupling portion. The four frame members 10, 30, 50, and 70
cover respective side portions of the frontal surface of the
display panel.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member
shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a
line II-II' shown in FIG. 5.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the four coupling members are
respectively disposed at a first corner portion where the first
frame member 10 meets the third frame member 50, a second corner
portion where the first frame member 10 meets the fourth frame
member 70, a third corner portion where the second frame member 30
meets the third frame member 50, and a fourth corner portion where
the second frame member 30 meets the fourth frame member 70. Two
frame members are combined with each other through the coupling
member. In the present exemplary embodiment, the division frame
includes four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80. Hereinafter, the
four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80 will be respectively
referred to a first coupling member 20, a second coupling member
40, a third coupling member 60, and a fourth coupling member
80.
[0059] The four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80 respectively
have substantially the same shape as each other. Thus, the first
coupling member 20 combining the first frame member 10 with the
third frame member 50 will be described as an example and any
further explanation will be omitted.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first coupling member 20
includes a first insertion portion 21 and a second insertion
portion 25. Each of the first and second insertion portions 21 and
25 is inserted into the coupling portions, and has a predetermined
length. The second insertion portion 25 is extended in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the
first insertion portion 21 from an end of the first insertion
portion 21.
[0061] The first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 may
respectively include first and second protrusions 23 and 27 formed
thereon. Each of the first and second protrusions 23 and 27 has a
predetermined height and shape so that the coupling member is fixed
to the coupling portion. The shape of each of the second
protrusions 27 is substantially the same as that of the first
protrusions 23. Hereinafter, the first protrusions 23 will be
described as examples, and any further explanation about the second
protrusions 27 will be omitted. When the first insertion portion 21
is inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member
10, the first protrusions 23 strongly contacts with an inner
surface of the coupling portion 17.
[0062] The first protrusions 23 are respectively extended in the
horizontal-direction of the first insertion portion 21 and the
second protrusions 27 are respectively extended in the
horizontal-direction of the second insertion portion 25. The first
protrusions 23 slant to a direction opposite to direction A-A'
along the first insertion portion 21 which is inserted into the
coupling portion 17. In addition, the first protrusions 23 include
a plurality of protrusions having a different height from each
other. Protrusions having a first height and protrusions having a
second height larger than the first height are alternately
disposed. Namely, one of the protrusions having the second height
is disposed between adjacent two protrusions having the first
height. When the first insertion portion 21 is inserted into the
coupling portion 17, a protrusion having the first height of the
first protrusions 23 is firstly inserted into the coupling portion
17.
[0063] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
combination of two frame members through the coupling member. FIG.
8 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the combination
of two frame members through the coupling member shown in FIG.
7.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first frame member 10 meets
the third frame member 50 at a first corner of the display
apparatus. The first frame member 10 meets the fourth frame member
70 at a second corner of the display apparatus. The second frame
member 30 meets the third frame member 50 at a third corner of the
display apparatus. The second frame member 30 meets the fourth
frame member 70 at a fourth corner of the display apparatus. The
method of combining the four frame member 10, 30, 50 and 70 with
each other through one of the four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and
80 are substantially the same as each other. Thus, the method of
combining the first frame member 10 with the third frame member 50
through the first coupling member 20 will be described as an
example and any further repetitive explanation will be omitted.
[0065] The second insertion portion 25 of the first coupling member
10 is inserted into the coupling portion 57 of the third frame
member 50. Then, the first insertion portion 21 of the first
coupling member 10 is inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the
first frame member 10. Also, the second insertion portion 25 of the
first coupling member 10 may be inserted into the coupling portion
57 of the third frame member 50 after the first insertion portion
21 of the first coupling member 10 is inserted into the coupling
portion 17 of the first frame member 10.
[0066] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating frame members
combined by the coupling member. FIG. 10 is another perspective
view illustrating the frame members combined by the coupling member
shown in FIG. 9.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the first coupling member
20 is completely inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first
frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57 of the third frame
member 50, the first frame member 10 and the third frame member 50
are firmly combined with each other. An end of the supporting
portion 15 of the first frame member 10 may make contact with an
end of the supporting portion 55 of the third frame member 50 in a
same plane. End portions of the side wall portion 11 of the first
frame member 10 and the side wall portion 51 of the third frame
member 50 are partially cut off, so that the end portion of the
side wall portion 11 of the first frame member 10 does not overlap
the end portion of the side wall portion 51 of the third frame
member 50.
[0068] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line
III-III' shown in FIG. 9.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, as the first coupling member 20
is deeply inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame
member 10, a compression of the first coupling member 20 to an
inner surface of the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member
10 becomes larger. In addition, it is relatively easy to insert the
first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 into the coupling
portion 17 of the first frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57
of the third frame member 50. However, since the first and second
protrusions 23 and 27 slant to a direction opposite to the
direction along which the first and second insertion portions 21
and 25 are respectively inserted into the coupling portion 17 of
the first frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57 of the third
frame member 50, the first and second protrusions 23 and 27 prevent
the first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 from being
detached from the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10
and the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50.
[0070] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a frame
for a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken
along a line IV-IV' shown in FIG. 12.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a division frame 200 includes
a plurality of frame members and a plurality of coupling members
220. The frame members are substantially the same as the frame
member shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 except for a shape of the coupling
portion of each of the frame members. Also, the coupling members
are substantially the same as the coupling member shown in FIGS. 1
to 11 except for a shape of each of the coupling member. Thus, any
further explanation will be omitted.
[0072] In FIG. 12, the frame member 250 includes a side wall
portion 251, a supporting portion 255, and a coupling portion
257.
[0073] The coupling portion 257 includes a guide boss 258 and a
hang boss 259. The guide boss 258 protrudes from the supporting
portion 255. The guide boss 258 has a first width and is extended
in a longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 255. The hang
boss 259 is formed on an upper portion of the guide boss 258. The
hang boss 259 is integrally formed with the guide boss 258. The
hang boss 259 has a second width that is larger than the first
width, and is extended in the longitudinal direction of the
supporting portion 255. Therefore, the coupling portion 257 has a
cross section of a substantially "T" shape.
[0074] The coupling member 220 includes a first coupling section
221 and a second coupling section 225. The second coupling portion
225 is extended from an end of the first coupling portion 221 in a
direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the
first coupling portion is extended. Each of the first and second
coupling portions 225 and 227 includes a guide groove 223. The
guide groove 223 includes an outer portion having a first width and
an inner portion having a second width, which is larger than the
first width and is formed under the outer portion.
[0075] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a frame for a
display apparatus according to further example embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 15 is a exploded perspective view
illustrating the frame for the display apparatus shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V' shown in
FIG. 14.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the frame 300 may make contact
with a lateral surface and an edge portion of a upper surface of a
display panel. In another example embodiment of the present
invention, the frame 300 may make contact with a lateral surface
and a edge portion of a upper surface of a backlight assembly.
[0077] The frame 300 includes a first frame member 301, a second
frame member 305, a first coupling member 340, and a second
coupling member 380. The first frame member 301 and the second
frame member 305 are combined with each other by the first coupling
member 340 and the second coupling member 380. In example
embodiment of the present invention, the frame 300 may have a
rectangular shape.
[0078] A shape and a structure of the second frame member 305 are
substantially symmetrical to a shape and a structure of the first
frame member 301. Thus, the shape and the structure of the first
frame member 301 will be explained and any repetitive explanation
concerning the shape and structure of the second frame member 305
will be omitted.
[0079] The first frame member 301 includes a first sidewall portion
310, a first supporting portion 330 and a first coupling portion
320. The first sidewall portion 310 covers a lateral surface of a
display panel. The first supporting portion 330 is extended from an
upper edge of the first sidewall portion 310 and supports an edge
portion of a upper surface or a lower surface of the display panel.
The first coupling portion 320 may protrude from an inner surface
of the first supporting portion 330 or first sidewall portion
310.
[0080] The first sidewall portion 310 includes a first side plate
311, a second side plate 313 and a third side plate 315. The second
side plate 313 is extended from a first end of the first side plate
311. The third side plate 315 is extended from a second end of the
first side plate 311 opposite to the first end in a same direction
as an extending direction of the second side plate 313. For
example, the second side plate 313 and the third side plate 315 may
be perpendicularly extended from the first and second ends of the
first side plate 311. In an example embodiment of the present
invention, the second side plate 313 may have a length different
from that of the third side plate 315. In another example
embodiment of the present invention, the second side plate 313 may
have a length the same as the third side plate 315.
[0081] The first supporting portion 330 includes a first supporting
plate 331, a second supporting plate 333 and a third supporting
plate 335. The first supporting plate 331 is extended from an edge
portion of the first side plate 311. The second supporting plate
333 is extended from an edge portion of the second side plate 313.
The third supporting plate 335 is extended from an edge portion of
the third side plate 335.
[0082] In example embodiments of the present invention, the first
coupling portion 320 is formed on an inner surface of the second
supporting plate 333 and an inner surface of the third supporting
plate 335. In another example embodiment of the present invention,
the first coupling portion 320 may be formed on an inner surface of
the second side plate 313 and an inner surface of the third side
plate 335. The first coupling portion formed on the inner surface
of the second supporting plate 333 is extended along a longitudinal
direction of the second supporting plate 333. The first coupling
portion formed on the inner surface of the third supporting plate
335 is extended along a longitudinal direction of the third
supporting plate 335. The first coupling portion 320 may have a
tube-shape.
[0083] The second frame member 305 includes a second sidewall
portion 350 corresponding to the first sidewall portion 310, a
second supporting portion 370 corresponding to the first supporting
portion 320 and a second coupling portion 360 corresponding to the
first coupling portion 320. The second sidewall portion 350
includes a fourth side plate 351 corresponding to the first side
plate 311, a fifth side plate 353 corresponding to the second side
plate 313 and a sixth side plate 355 corresponding to the third
side plate 315. The second supporting portion 360 may be formed on
an inner surface of the fifth supporting plate 373 and an inner
surface of the sixth supporting plate 375.
[0084] The first coupling member 340 is inserted into the first
coupling portion 320 formed on the second supporting plate 333 and
the second coupling portion 360 formed on the fifth supporting
plate 373. The second coupling member 380 is inserted into the
first coupling portion 320 formed on the third supporting plate 335
and the second coupling portion 360 formed on the sixth supporting
plate 375.
[0085] Each of the first and second coupling members 340 and 380
includes a first insertion portion 341 and a second insertion
portion 345 extended from the first insertion portion 341. The
first insertion portion 341 is inserted into the first coupling
portion 320 and the second insertion portion 345 is inserted into
the second coupling portion 360. Each of the first and second
insertion portions may include protrusions 343 and 347 to press on
inner surfaces of the first and second coupling portions 320 and
360. The protrusions 343 and 347 slant to a direction opposite to a
direction in which the first and second insertion portions are
inserted into the first and second coupling portions 320 and
360.
[0086] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a
line V-V' shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken
along a line VI-VI' shown in FIG. 17.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 17, a display apparatus 400 includes a
display panel 401, a backlight assembly 407, a lower receiving
container 501, and an upper receiving container 601.
[0088] The display panel 401 includes a display area and a
peripheral area surrounding the display area. The display panel 401
includes a first substrate 403, a second substrate 405 opposite to
the first substrate 403, and a liquid crystal layer (not shown)
disposed between the first and second substrates 403 and 405. Each
of the first and second substrates 403 and 405 includes electrodes
to control the liquid crystal layer. An electric field formed
between the electrodes of the first and second substrates 403 and
405 changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules of the
liquid crystal layer to alter the amount of light passing through
the liquid crystal layer of the display panel 401.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the backlight assembly 407 is
disposed on a rear surface of the display panel 401 and provides
the display panel with light to display images. The backlight
assembly 407 includes an optical member 430, a light source 410,
and a side mold 450.
[0090] The optical member 430 includes a diffusion plate 431, a
diffusion sheet 433, and light concentrating sheets 435 and 437.
The light source 410 includes lamps 411 and a lamp holder 413. The
lamps 411 are inserted into the lamp holder 413. The side mold 450
covers the lamp holder 413. The optical member 430 is supported by
the side mold 450 and improves front-view brightness and brightness
uniformity of light generated by the lamps to emit the light to the
display panel 401.
[0091] The lower receiving container 501 receives the backlight
assembly 407 and supports the display panel 401. The lower
receiving container 501 may include the division frame 100 shown in
FIGS. 1 to 11.
[0092] When the lower receiving container 501 includes the division
frame 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the lower receiving container 501
may include one or more of the four bottom frame members 510, 530,
550 and 570. The lower receiving container 501 may further include
a bottom plate 590 combined with an inner surface or an outer
surface of the supporting portion of each of the four bottom frame
members 510, 530, 550 and 570.
[0093] The bottom plate 590 has a substantially quadrangular plate
shape. The supporting portions of the four bottom frame members
510, 530, 550 and 570 are respectively disposed in four side
portions of the bottom plate 590.
[0094] The side mold 450 is disposed on the side wall portions of
the first bottom frame member 510 and the second bottom frame
member 530 opposite to the first bottom frame member 510.
[0095] The display apparatus 400 may further include a middle frame
mold 409. The middle frame mold 409 is a substantially quadrangular
shaped frame. The middle frame mold 409 is disposed on the side
wall portions of the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and
570 and covers the side wall portions of the four bottom frame
members 510, 530, 550 and 570. An upper portion of the middle frame
mold 409 may have layers.
[0096] The upper receiving container 601 receives the display panel
401. The upper receiving container 601 is combined with the middle
frame mold 409 or the lower receiving container 501. The upper
receiving container 601 includes a division frame substantially the
same as the division frame 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. The upper
receiving container 601 includes four top frame members 610, 630,
650 and 670 corresponding to the four bottom frame members 510,
530, 550 and 570, respectively. Two of the four top frame members
610, 630, 650 and 670 are combined with each other by one of the
four top coupling members 620, 640, 660 and 680 to form a
quadrangular frame.
[0097] The supporting portions of the four top frame members 610,
630, 650 and 670 cover the peripheral area of the display panel
401. The side wall portions of the four top frame members 610, 630,
650 and 670 respectively cover side portions of the middle frame
mold 409.
[0098] According to the present invention as mentioned above, the
division frame for a display apparatus includes frame members
combined with each other. The frame members are manufactured by the
extrusion mold method. When the frame members are manufactured by
the extrusion mold method, the time for manufacturing the frame
members may be reduced. Therefore, productivity for manufacturing
the division frame for a display apparatus and the display
apparatus having the division frame may be improved.
[0099] In addition, each of the coupling members is inserted into
the coupling portion of each of the frame members to combine two
frame members with each other. The frame members do not require a
screw to be combined with each other. Therefore, numbers of
elements of the division frame for a display apparatus and the
display apparatus may be reduced and assembling processes may be
simplified.
[0100] Having described the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and its advantage, it is noted that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by appended
claims.
* * * * *