U.S. patent application number 14/449802 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS. The applicant listed for this patent is KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS. Invention is credited to Gun-Hwan LEE, Sung-Hun LEE, Jung-Heum YUN.
Application Number | 20140340855 14/449802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47907630 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140340855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Gun-Hwan ; et
al. |
November 20, 2014 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
In one embodiment, the display device includes a display panel
and a support frame. The display panel includes a flexible upper
substrate, at least one light emitting diode, and a flexible lower
substrate (30). The display panel has a display area formed at a
portion corresponding to the light emitting diode, and a
non-display area formed at a portion other than the display area.
The display panel is coupled to the support frame such that a
portion of the non-display area is bent with respect to the display
area.
Inventors: |
LEE; Gun-Hwan; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; YUN; Jung-Heum; (Gimhae-si, KR) ; LEE;
Sung-Hun; (Changwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS |
Daejeon |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY &
MATERIALS
Daejeon
KR
|
Family ID: |
47907630 |
Appl. No.: |
14/449802 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13820053 |
Feb 28, 2013 |
8827536 |
|
|
PCT/KR2013/001458 |
Feb 22, 2013 |
|
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14449802 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/748 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0234 20130101;
H05K 5/0017 20130101; H04M 1/0202 20130101; G09F 13/22 20130101;
F21V 21/00 20130101; G09F 9/00 20130101; H04M 1/0268 20130101; H04M
1/0283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/748 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 31, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0083815 |
Claims
1. A display device, comprising: a display panel including, a
display area displaying an image, and a non-display area formed on
a portion other than the display area; and a support frame disposed
under the display panel and supporting the display panel, wherein
the display panel is coupled to the support frame such that a
portion of the display panel is bent towards the support frame.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
area of the display panel comprises a bent portion, wherein the
bent portion of the display area is oriented downwards with respect
to a remaining non-bent portion of the display area such that the
display area is both at a front surface of the display panel and at
side surfaces thereof.
3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein an entirety of
the non-display area of the display panel is bent towards and is
coupled to the support frame such that an entire area of a front
surface of the display panel constitutes the display area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/820,053, filed Feb. 28, 2013 in the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, which is national stage of International
Application No. PCT/KR2013/001458, filed Feb. 22, 2013, which
claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2012-0083815, filed
Jul. 31, 2012, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office. All
disclosures of the documents named above are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Some example embodiments relate to display devices, and more
particularly, to display devices which have an expanded display
area.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, there have been many advances in the display field
to keep up with the information age. Accordingly, liquid crystal
display (LCD) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices,
electroluminescent display (ELD) devices, field emission display
(FED) devices, etc. have been proposed as examples of flat panel
display (FPD) devices which have advantages of being thinner and
lighter and consuming less power. Such FPDs are rapidly replacing
existing cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and are presently in the
limelight.
[0006] However, regardless of the kind of display devices, the
existing display devices inevitably include an opaque area. For
example, the opaque areas include a sealing line bonding a pair of
substrates together and sealing a space therebetween, and also
include wiring extending from a display area (e.g., an emitting
layer). Therefore, a non-display area known as a bezel area is
inevitably formed at a front surface of the display device.
[0007] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a display device using a
conventional display panel. As shown in FIG. 19, when the
conventional display panel is used, non-display areas are formed at
a plurality of portions of the display device. In detail,
non-display areas (BA) are formed at a perimeter of a front surface
of the display device and left, right, upper and lower side
surfaces of the display device.
[0008] In the event that the width of a sealing line formed at a
perimeter of a display area is reduced to minimize the non-display
areas, an adhesive force may be reduced, thereby causing a
separation phenomenon. This may increase a defective product rate
and reduces product competitiveness. Further, although this method
can reduce the bezel area, there exists a limit in that the method
cannot completely remove the bezel area from the front surface of
the display device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] At least one embodiment provides solutions to the above
problems of the conventional display devices. In particular, at
least one example embodiment provides a display device which can
minimize or eliminate a non-display area at a front surface of the
display device, or expand a display area to side surfaces of the
display device.
[0010] According to one example embodiment, a display device
includes a display panel, which has a flexible upper substrate, at
least one light emitting diode, and a flexible lower substrate, and
a support frame coupled to the display panel. The display panel
includes a display area formed at a portion corresponding to the at
least one light emitting diode, and a non-display area formed at a
portion other than the display area. The display panel is coupled
to the support frame such that a portion of the non-display area is
bent with respect to the display area.
[0011] According to another example embodiment, a display includes
a display panel, which has a flexible upper substrate, at least one
light emitting diode, and a flexible lower substrate, and a support
frame provided under and supporting the display panel. The display
panel includes a display area formed on a portion corresponding to
the at least one light emitting diode, and a non-display area
formed on a portion other than the display area. The display panel
is coupled to the support frame such that a portion of the
non-display area is bent towards the support frame.
[0012] According to still another example embodiment, the display
further includes a display area of the display panel, at least a
portion of which is formed to have a bent portion. The bent portion
of the display area may be bent, e.g., approximately perpendicular,
to a remaining non-bent portion of the display area such that the
display area may be formed both at a front surface of the display
panel and at side surfaces thereof.
[0013] According to some example embodiments, a display area may be
provided not only at a front surface of the display device, but
also at left and/or right side surfaces thereof. Therefore, the
example embodiments can provide a relatively large display area
compared to the conventional display device.
[0014] Furthermore, the example embodiments can reduce or eliminate
an opaque area (in other words, a bezel area) of the display
device, which has been inevitably formed at the perimeter of the
front surface of the conventional display device, thus providing a
relatively large display area compared to the conventional display
device.
[0015] Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part,
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Example embodiments will be more clearly understood from the
following brief description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1-19 represent non-limiting, example
embodiments as described herein.
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a first example embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a
line II-II' of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an assembled cross-sectional view illustrating a
display device according to a second example embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a third example embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a
line V-V' of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an assembled cross-sectional view illustrating a
display device according to a fourth example embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display according to a fifth example embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 8 is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a
line VIII-VIII' of FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a sixth example;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a
line X-X' of FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a seventh example embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 12 is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a
line XII-XII' of FIG. 11;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a display panel when it is not in
a bent state according to an eighth example embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device provided with the display panel of FIG. 13;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a display panel when it is not in
a bent state according to a ninth example embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device using the display panel of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic views illustrating display
devices using display panels according to example embodiments;
and
[0034] FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a display device
provided with a conventional display panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as being 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 concept of
example embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the
drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for
clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like
elements throughout, and thus their description will be
omitted.
[0036] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be
directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening
elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred
to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another
element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein
the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more
of the associated listed items. Other words used to describe the
relationship between elements or layers should be interpreted in a
like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent"
versus "directly adjacent," "on" versus "directly on").
[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 element,
component, 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 example embodiments.
[0038] 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.
[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
example embodiments. 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", "comprising", "includes"
and/or "including," if used herein, 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] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example
embodiments. 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, example embodiments
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 may 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
example embodiments. It should also be noted that in some
alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out
of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown
in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or
may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality/acts involved.
[0041] 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 example
embodiments belong. 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.
[0042] At least one example embodiments relate to a display device,
and more particularly, to a display device which can minimize or
eliminate a non-display area including a bezel area at a front
surface of the display device, or expand a display area to side
surfaces of the display device.
[0043] Display devices according to some example embodiments
include a display panel. The display panel includes a flexible
upper substrate, at least one light emitting diode, and a flexible
lower substrate. The display panel has a display area formed at a
portion corresponding to the at least one light emitting diode, and
a non-display area formed at a portion other than the display area.
Particularly, the display panel is coupled to the support frame
such that a portion of the non-display area is bent from the
display area.
[0044] For example, the display panel has a square or rectangular
shape and is coupled to the support frame such that at least one
selected from left, right, upper and lower areas of the display
panel is bent.
[0045] Before describing example embodiments, the terms "display
area" and "non-display area" which will be used below are
defined.
[0046] The display area means an area which displays a real visual
image, and corresponds to an emitting layer, which may include
light emitting diodes formed on a lower substrate. Therefore, the
display area refers to an area in which a plurality of pixels is
arranged in a matrix shape. Upper and lower substrate areas may be
respectively formed above and below the pixel-arranged area.
[0047] The non-display area refers to an area (e.g., an opaque
area) of the display panel other than the display area, which may
display a real image.
[0048] Meanwhile, the term "front surface of the display panel (or
the display device)" refers to a surface corresponding to a main
display area. The term "side surface of the display panel (or the
display device)" refers to a surface that is bent or oriented
approximately perpendicular to the main display area.
[0049] Therefore, if the display panel (or the display device) has
a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the display panel includes a
front surface, a rear surface that is opposite to the front
surface, and four side surfaces that are formed at peripheral edges
of the front surface and oriented perpendicular to the front
surface. The four side surfaces include front and rear side
surfaces that are parallel to each other, and left and right side
surfaces that are parallel to each other.
[0050] Hereinafter, some example embodiments will be described in
detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0051] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a first example embodiment. FIG. 2 is
an assembled cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG.
1.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device according to
the first example embodiment may include a display panel 1, a
support frame 50 which supports the display panel 1, and fasteners
40 which secure a bending structure of the display panel 1 in
place.
[0053] The display panel 1 may be used for mobile devices such as
smart phones or tablet PCs, or for large displays such as flat TVs
or 3D TVs.
[0054] According to this example embodiment, the display panel 1
may include an upper substrate 20, a lower substrate 10 which is
disposed to face the upper substrate 20, and an emitting layer
interposed between the upper substrate 20 and the lower substrate
10.
[0055] The upper substrate 20 and/or the lower substrate 10 may be
made of a flexible material. The substrates may be made of a
flexible material. For example, the substrates may be made of a
polymer material, which is transparent and flexible. The substrates
also may be made of any of non-polymer materials so long as the
materials are flexible.
[0056] If the upper substrate 20 and/or the lower substrate 10 are
made of a polymer, e.g., the polymer may be polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyethylene sulfone (PES), polyethylene
naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA), polyimide (PI), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), amorphous
polyethylene terephthalate (APET), polypropylene terephthalate
(PPT), polyethylene terephthalate glycerol (PETG),
polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCTG), modified
triacetyl cellulose (TAC), a cyclo olefin polymer (COP), a cyclic
olefin copolymer (COC), a dicyclopentadiene polymer (DCPD), a
cyclopentadiene polymer (CPD), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide
(PEI), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone resin, a fluorine
resin, a modified epoxy resin, etc.
[0057] Furthermore, the lower substrate 10 may have a pad area PA
which protrudes outwards from the upper substrate 20. An integrated
circuit chip 15 and a plurality of wires (not shown) extending
outwards from the display area may be disposed on the pad area
PA.
[0058] The integrated circuit chip 15 may generate a plurality of
timing signals to apply a data drive signal and a gate drive signal
at an appropriate time, and apply these timing signals to data
lines (not shown) and gate lines (not shown) of the display panel.
A protective film may be additionally formed around the integrated
circuit chip 15 to protect the integrated circuit chip 15.
[0059] Furthermore, a pad (not shown) electrically connected to the
integrated circuit chip 15 and disposed at a position adjacent to
the integrated circuit chip 15 may be provided on the pad area PA
of the lower substrate 10. The pad may be electrically connected to
a printed circuit board (not shown) on which electronic devices are
mounted to process the drive signals. For example, a flexible
printed circuit board (FPCB) may be further provided as a means for
connecting the pad to the printed circuit board.
[0060] The emitting layer is a display area which displays a real
image, and may include at least one light emitting diode. For
example, the at least one light emitting diode may be an organic
light emitting diode (OLED) containing an organic compound, or an
electronic ink (e-ink).
[0061] If the display device has an active matrix (AM) structure,
an OLED, a thin film transistor which operates the OLED, and a
wiring unit which includes gate lines and data lines may be further
provided on the lower substrate 10 such that the active matrix
structure corresponds to the display area. A single pixel may be
defined by the corresponding gate line, data line and common power
line, but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0062] According to this embodiment, the display area (DA1 and DA2)
may correspond to an area that includes an emitting layer area in
which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix shape, and
upper and lower substrate areas that are respectively formed above
and below the emitting layer area.
[0063] A remaining area (e.g., an opaque area) other than the
display area (DA1 and DA2) that substantially displays an image,
may correspond to a non-display area. The non-display area may
include a bezel area BA and a pad area PA.
[0064] The bezel area BA refers to an area which includes a sealing
line 30 that surrounds the perimeter of the display area with a
distance between the display area and the sealing line 30 so as to
bond the upper substrate 20 and the lower substrate 10 to each
other and seal the at least one light emitting diode therebetween,
and portions of the upper and lower substrate areas that do not
correspond to the display area (DA1 and DA2). Therefore, the bezel
area may also include wirings that extend from the display area and
are disposed outside the display area.
[0065] The pad area PA refers to an area on which the integrated
circuit chip 15 is mounted to apply signals for controlling the
display area (DA1 and DA2). In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, an
end portion of the lower substrate 10 (i.e., a portion that
protrudes outwards from the upper substrate 20) refers to the pad
area PA.
[0066] According to this embodiment, the display panel may have a
square or rectangular shape, and a left side area of the display
panel and/or a right side area that is parallel to the left-side
area are bent towards the support frame 50 and may be secured in a
bent state by the fastener 40.
[0067] The left side area and/or the right side area (hereinafter,
referred to in common as the "left side area") of the display panel
that are bent towards the support frame 50 will be explained in
detail below.
[0068] The left side area of the display panel may include a
portion of the non-display area (e.g., bezel area BA) including the
sealing line 30, and a portion of the display area (e.g., left side
portion DA2 of the display area). Accordingly, the left side area
of the display panel bending towards the support frame 50 refers to
an area at which both the bezel area BA of the left side area and
the portion DA2 of the display area may be bent, e.g.,
approximately vertically, and then only the bezel area BA of the
left side area may be bent once more inwards.
[0069] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the display panel
may be configured such that the bent portion DA2 (hereinafter,
referred to as "bent display area") of the display area and a bent
portion of the bezel area BA that extend from the bent display area
may be bent together with respect to a remaining portion DA1
(hereinafter, referred to as a "non-bent display area") of the
display area to have an L-shaped cross-section.
[0070] According to this embodiment, an inwardly bent portion of
the bezel area BA may be disposed at a position spaced apart from
the lower substrate 10 of the non-bent display area DA1 by a
desired distance. The fastener 40 may be inserted into a space
defined between the lower substrate 10 of the non-bent display area
DA1 and the inwardly bent portion of the bezel area BA to secure
the L-shaped cross-sectional bent structure in place.
[0071] According to this embodiment, the fastener 40 may include a
spacer 41 which is inserted into the space between the lower
substrate 10 of the non-bent display area DA1 and the inwardly bent
portion of the bezel area BA so as to maintain substantially the
uniform distance therebetween, and an adhesive layer 42 which is
attached or applied to the spacer 41.
[0072] For example, the spacer 41 may be made of a material that is
light and is able to absorb an external force or impact. A polymer
foam, e.g., polystyrene, urethane foam, and the like, which is
formed by foaming a resin, may be used as a material of the spacer
41.
[0073] The adhesive layer 42 may be formed of a liquid adhesive or
the like which is applied to the spacer 41 or formed of a tape
containing an adhesive material. The adhesive layer 42 may be
applied or attached to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the
spacer 41.
[0074] The upper surface of the spacer 41 may be attached to the
lower substrate 10 of the non-bent display area DA1, and the lower
surface of the spacer 41 may be attached to the corresponding bent
portion of the bezel area BA. Accordingly, the bent display area
DA2 and the bent portion of the bezel area BA can maintain the
L-shaped cross-sectional structure.
[0075] According to this embodiment, the display panel may include
the display area (DA1 and DA2), which can display an image not only
at the front surface of the display panel but also at the left and
right side surfaces thereof. Therefore, the example embodiment can
provide a wider display area than the conventional display
panel.
[0076] According to this embodiment, the support frame 50 may be a
part that is configured to be coupled to and support the
above-mentioned display panel. The support frame 50 may include a
bottom part 51 which has a planar shape and supports the display
panel. The support frame 50 may further include skirt parts 52
which are provided along edges of the bottom part 51 and protrude
from the bottom part 51.
[0077] The support frame 50 may be made of a metal having a desired
strength, for example, stainless steel (SUS), steel plate cold
commercial (SPCC), aluminum, a nickel-silver alloy, magnesium, etc.
At least some of the skirt parts 52 may have a window.
[0078] According to this embodiment, the skirt parts 52 of the
support frame 50 having windows defined therein refer to the skirt
parts 52 facing the bent display areas DA2, which are formed at the
left and right side surfaces of the display panel. Each window may
be one type selected from the group consisting of an opening, a
transparent reinforced glass and a transparent reinforced
plastic.
[0079] Therefore, the display areas DA2 provided at the left and
right side surfaces of the display panel may display images to the
outside through the windows.
[0080] A space defined between the lower substrate 10 of the
non-bent portion of the display panel and the bottom part 51 of the
support frame 50 may house the above-mentioned printed circuit
board or the like may be such that the space is effectively
used.
[0081] FIG. 3 is an assembled cross-sectional view illustrating a
display device according to a second example embodiment. Referring
to FIG. 3, the display device according to the second embodiment
has generally the same construction as the first embodiment, except
for the following differences. Hereinafter, the second embodiment
will be explained based on the differences.
[0082] In the case of the first embodiment, the bezel area of the
left or right side area of the display panel and the corresponding
portion of the display area may be bent so that the display area is
configured to display an image at the left or right side surface of
the display panel. However, in the case of the second embodiment,
only the bezel area BA of the left side area or right side area of
the display panel may be bent.
[0083] According to the display panel of the second embodiment, the
bezel area BA at the left side area or right side area of the
display panel may be bent towards the support frame 50 to have a
folded structure. The bezel area BA that has been folded onto the
lower surface of the display area DA1 may be secured, e.g.,
attached and fixed, to a non-bent lower substrate 10, by a
fastener. For example, the fastener may be the adhesive layer 42 of
the first embodiment. The adhesive layer 42 may be formed of a
liquid adhesive or the like that is applied to a corresponding
portion, or may be formed of tape containing an adhesive
material.
[0084] Therefore, the display panel of the second embodiment does
not require a separate spacer like the spacer 41 of the first
embodiment. The bezel area BA of the left side area or the right
side area may be coupled to the support frame 50 in a bent state by
the adhesive layer 42 interposed between the bent bezel area BA and
the lower surface of the display area DA1.
[0085] According to the second embodiment, the skirt part may not
have a window defined therein. Thus, the support frame 50 may be
entirely made of metal.
[0086] A space defined between the non-bent lower substrate 10 of
the display panel and the bottom part 51 of the support frame 50
may be filled with a shock absorption member 45 made of a material,
e.g., sponge, polystyrene and urethane. The shock absorption member
45 can absorb external force or impact applied to the display
panel.
[0087] According to the second embodiment, the display panel can
provide a wider display area than the conventional display panel
because the opaque area, e.g., the bezel area, which has been
inevitably formed on the left and right perimeters of the front
surface of the conventional display panel, can be reduced and/or
removed.
[0088] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an
assembled cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V' of FIG.
4.
[0089] According to the third embodiment, the display device may
include a display panel 1, a support frame 50 which supports the
display panel 1, and fasteners 40 which secure a bending structure
of the display panel 1 in place.
[0090] The material of the upper and lower substrates, the
construction of the emitting layer, and the definition of the
display area and non-display area of the display panel according to
the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Therefore, hereinafter, the third embodiment will be explained
based on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0091] According to this embodiment, the display panel 1 may have a
square or rectangular shape, a front side area and/or a rear side
area that is parallel to the front side area may be bent towards
the support frame 50, and may be secured thereto in a bent state of
the display panel 1 by the fasteners 40.
[0092] The rear side area and/or front side area (hereinafter,
referred to in common as the "front side area") of the display
panel that are bent towards the support frame 50 will be explained
in detail.
[0093] The front side area of the display panel may include a
portion of the non-display area (bezel area BA) including the
sealing line 30, and a portion of the display area (e.g., a front
side portion of the display area). The front side area of the
display panel bending towards the support frame 50 refers to an
area at which both the bezel area BA of the front side area and the
portion DA1 of the display area may be bent, e.g., approximately
vertically, and then only the bezel area BA of the front side area
may be bent once more inwards.
[0094] The rear side area of the display panel may include a
non-display area (bezel area BA) including a sealing line 30, a
portion of the display area (rear side portion of the display area
DA3), and a portion (pad area PA) of the lower substrate that
protrudes from the upper substrate 20. The rear side area of the
display panel bending towards the support frame 50 refers to an
area at which the bezel area BA of the rear side area, the portion
DA3 of the display area and the pad area PA may be bent, e.g.,
approximately vertically, and then only the bezel area BA and the
pad area PA of the rear side area may be bent once more
inwards.
[0095] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the display panel
may be configured such that the bent portion DA3 (hereinafter,
referred to as the "bent display area") of the display area, a bent
portion of the bezel area BA that extends from the bent display
area DA3, and the pad area PA may be bent together with respect to
a remaining portion DA1 (hereinafter, referred to as a "non-bent
display area") of the display area to have an L-shaped
cross-section.
[0096] According to this embodiment, the inwardly bent portion of
the bezel area at the front side area (hereinafter, referred to as
a "bent non-display area" including the inwardly bent portion of
the bezel area at the rear side area) may be disposed at a position
spaced apart from the lower substrate 10 of the non-bent display
area DA1 by a desired distance. The fastener 40 may be inserted
into a space defined between the lower substrate 10 of the non-bent
display area DA1 and the bent non-display area, to secure the
L-shaped cross-sectional bent structure in place.
[0097] According to this embodiment, the fastener 40 may include a
spacer 41 which is inserted into the space between the lower
substrate 10 of the non-bent display area DA1 and the inwardly bent
portion of the bezel area BA so as to substantially maintain the
uniform distance, and an adhesive layer 42 which is attached or
applied to the spacer 41.
[0098] For example, the spacer 41 may be made of a material which
is light and is able to absorb an external force or impact. A
polymer foam, e.g., polystyrene, urethane foam, and the like, which
is formed by foaming a resin may be used as a material of the
spacer 41.
[0099] The adhesive layer 42 may be formed of a liquid adhesive or
the like which is applied to the spacer 41 or formed of a tape
containing an adhesive material. The adhesive layer 42 may be
applied or attached to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the
spacer 41.
[0100] The upper surface of the spacer 41 may be attached to the
lower substrate 10 of the non-bent display area DA1, and the lower
surface of the spacer 41 may be attached to the bent portion of the
non-display area BA, PA. Accordingly, the bent display area DA3 and
the bent non-display area BA, PA can maintain the L-shaped
cross-sectional structure.
[0101] According to this embodiment, the display panel may include
the display area (DA1 and DA3), which can display an image not only
on the front surface of the display panel but also on the front and
rear side surfaces thereof. Therefore, the example embodiment can
provide a wider display area than the conventional display
panel.
[0102] According to this embodiment, the support frame 50 may be a
part that is coupled to and supports the above-mentioned display
panel. The support frame 50 may include a bottom part 51 which has
a planar shape and supports the display panel. For example, the
support frame 50 may further include skirt parts 52 which are
provided along edges of the bottom part 51 and protrude from the
bottom part 51.
[0103] The support frame 50 may be made of a metal having desired
strength, for example, stainless steel (SUS), steel plate cold
commercial (SPCC), aluminum, a nickel-silver alloy, magnesium, etc.
At least some of the skirt parts 52 may have a window.
[0104] According to this embodiment, the skirt parts 52 of the
support frame 50 having windows defined therein refer to the skirt
parts 52 facing the bent display areas DA3, which are formed at the
front and rear side surfaces of the display panel. Each window may
be one type selected from the group consisting of an opening, a
transparent reinforced glass and a transparent reinforced
plastic.
[0105] Therefore, the display areas DA3 provided at the front and
rear side surfaces of the display panel may display images to the
outside through the windows.
[0106] A space defined between the lower substrate 10 of the
non-bent portion of the display panel and the bottom part 51 of the
support frame 50 may house the above-mentioned printed circuit
board or the like such that the space is effectively used.
[0107] FIG. 6 is an assembled cross-sectional view illustrating a
display device according to a fourth example embodiment. Referring
to FIG. 6, the display device according to the fourth embodiment
has generally the same construction as the third embodiment, except
for the following differences. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment
will be explained based on the differences.
[0108] In the case of the third embodiment, the non-display area
BA, PA of the front or rear side area of the display panel and the
corresponding portion DA3 of the display area may be bent so that
the display area is configured to display an image at the left or
right side surface of the display panel. However, in the case of
the fourth embodiment, only the non-display area BA, PA of the
front or rear side area of the display panel may be bent.
[0109] According to the display panel of the fourth embodiment, the
non-display area BA, PA at the front or rear side area of the
display panel may be bent towards the support frame 50 to have a
folded structure. The non-display area BA, PA that has been folded
onto the lower surface of the display area DA1 may be secured,
e.g., attached and fixed, to the non-bent (or alternatively, flat)
lower substrate 10 by an adhesive layer 42. For example, the
adhesive layer 42 may be formed of a liquid adhesive or the like
that is applied to a corresponding portion or be formed of tape
containing an adhesive material.
[0110] Therefore, the display panel of the fourth embodiment does
not require a separate spacer like the spacer 41 of the third
embodiment. The non-display area BA, PA of the front side area or
rear side area of the display panel may be coupled to the support
frame 50 in a bent state by the adhesive layer 42 interposed
between the bent non-display area BA, PA and the lower surface of
the display area DA1.
[0111] According to the fourth embodiment, the skirt part may not
have a window defined therein. Thus, the support frame 50 may be
entirely made of metal.
[0112] A space defined between the non-bent lower substrate 10 of
the display panel and the bottom part 51 of the support frame 50
may be filled with a shock absorption member 45 made of a material,
e.g., sponge, polystyrene and urethane. The shock absorption member
45 can absorb external force or impact applied to the display
panel.
[0113] According to the fourth embodiment, the display panel can
provide a wider display area than the conventional display panel
because the opaque area, e.g., the bezel area, which has been
inevitably formed on the left and right perimeters of the front
surface of the conventional display panel, can be removed.
[0114] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a fifth example embodiment, and FIG. 8
is an assembled cross sectional view taken along a line VIII-VIII'
of FIG. 7.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the display device according to
the fifth embodiment has generally the same construction as the
third embodiment, except for the following differences.
Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be explained based on the
differences.
[0116] In the same manner as the third embodiment, a display panel
1 according to the fifth embodiment may be configured such that a
non-display area BA, PA of a rear or front side area and a portion
DA3 of a display area are bent, e.g., approximately vertically,
with respect to an non-bent portion DA1 of the display area and
then only the non-display area BA, PA of the rear side area (or
front side area) is bent once more inwards.
[0117] In the display panel 1 according to the fifth embodiment, a
space may be formed between the non-display area BA, PA of the rear
or front side area, which is bent inwards, and a lower substrate
10, which is not bent.
[0118] In the case of the third embodiment, the fastener 40 may be
inserted in the space to maintain the L-shaped cross-sectional
structure, but in the fifth embodiment, a portion of a support
frame 60 may be inserted into the space so as to not only maintain
the bending structure of the bent display area DA3 and the
non-display area BA, PA but to also support the display panel.
[0119] For example, the support frame 60 may include a planar part
61, and bent parts 62. The bent parts may be formed, for example,
by respectively bending inwards a first side edge and a second side
edge of the planar part 61, the first side edge and the second side
edge facing each other, so that each bent part 62 has a U-shaped
cross-section. The support frame 60 may be coupled to the display
panel such that an outer surface of the support frame 60 is covered
by the display panel. In other words, the bent portion DA3 of the
display area and the bent non-display area BA, PA may be bent along
the bent part 62 of the support frame 60 and secured, e.g.,
attached or fixed, to an outer surface of the bent part 62.
[0120] If an adhesive layer like the adhesive layer 42 of the
second embodiment is interposed between the outer surface of the
support frame 60 and the lower substrate 10 of the display panel
covering the support frame 60, the display panel can be reliably
attached to the support frame 60.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 8 illustrating the assembled state of the
display device according to the fifth embodiment, the bent parts 62
of the support frame 60 may be inserted into the respective spaces
defined in the display panel and support the bent front and rear
side areas of the display panel. The planar part 61 of the support
frame 60 may be disposed under the non-bent portion of the lower
substrate 10, thus supporting the non-bent portion of the display
panel.
[0122] The display device according to the fifth embodiment may
further include a top cover 70. The top cover 70 may be disposed on
the display panel. For example, the top cover 70 may include a
cover part 72 covering and/or protecting the front surface of the
display panel, and skirt parts 71 respectively covering and/or
protecting upper and lower side surfaces of the display panel. Each
of the skirt parts 71 extends, e.g., perpendicularly, from the
corresponding edge of the cover part 72 to a desired height.
[0123] The top cover 70 may include windows W1 and W2 respectively
formed at a portion of the cover part 72 and at portions of the
skirt parts 71 that correspond to at least the display areas DA1
and DA3. Each of the windows W1, W2 is one type selected from the
group consisting of a transparent reinforced glass and a
transparent reinforced plastic.
[0124] In the fifth embodiment, although the skirt parts 71 have
been illustrated as being formed at the front and rear edges of the
cover part 72, the skirt parts may be provided at all four edges of
the cover 72 to form a rectangular-parallelepiped top cover, as
shown in FIG. 9.
[0125] Furthermore, the cover part 72 and the skirt parts 71 of the
top cover may be formed of different members, which are physically
separated from each other, or alternatively, may be integrally
formed by molding.
[0126] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a sixth example embodiment, and FIG. 10
is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a line X-X' of
FIG. 9.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the display device according to
the sixth embodiment generally has the same construction as the
fifth embodiment, except for the following differences.
Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment will be explained based on the
differences.
[0128] The display panel 1 according to the sixth embodiment may be
configured such that a bezel area BA of a left side area (or right
side area) and a portion DA2 of a display area are bent, e.g.,
approximately vertically, and then only the non-display area of the
left-side area (or right-side area) is bent once more inwards.
[0129] Accordingly, in the display panel 1 according to the sixth
embodiment, a space may be formed between the non-display area BA
of the left side area (or right side area) e, which is bent
inwards, and a lower substrate 10, which is not bent.
[0130] In the same manner as the fifth embodiment, a support frame
80, first and second side edges of which are bent to have an
L-shaped cross-section, may be inserted into the space defined in
the display panel 1. Thus, the support frame 80 may be coupled to
the display panel 1 such that the support frame 80 is covered with
the display panel 1.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 10 illustrating the assembled state of the
display device according to the sixth embodiment, bent parts 82 of
the support frame 80 may be inserted into the respective spaces
defined in the display panel and support the bent left and right
side areas of the display panel. A planar part 81 of the support
frame 80, which is not bent, may be disposed under the non-bent
portion of the lower substrate 10, thus supporting the non-bent
portion of the display panel.
[0132] The display device of the sixth embodiment may further
include a top cover and an adhesive layer in the same manner as the
fifth embodiment, therefore further explanation as to these
elements will be omitted.
[0133] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
display device according to a seventh example embodiment, and FIG.
12 is an assembled cross-sectional view taken along a line XII-XII'
of FIG. 11.
[0134] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the general construction of
the display device according to the seventh embodiment is the same
as that of the first embodiment, but the structure of a support
frame of the seventh embodiment is different from that of the first
embodiment, and the seventh embodiment further includes a top cover
unlike the first embodiment.
[0135] The support frame 90 according to the seventh embodiment may
be formed of a planar member, opposing side edges of which are
respectively bent outwards to have an L-shaped cross-section. For
example, the opposing side edges may be parallel to each other.
Accordingly, the support frame may be formed to have a stepped
shape such that a non-bent part 91 protrudes from bent parts 92
with a height difference.
[0136] The non-bent part 91 of the support frame 90 may be disposed
in a space defined between the bent left and right side areas of
the display panel 1 so that the non-bent part 91 can directly
support the lower substrate 10 that is not bent. The bent parts 92
may cover and support portions of the corresponding bent left and
right side areas of the display panel 1.
[0137] Therefore, a height h1 of the stepped shape formed by the
non-bent part 91 and the bent parts 92 of the support frame 90 may
be determined in proportion to a height h2 of the bent display
area.
[0138] A top cover 70 of the seventh embodiment may be disposed on
the display panel 1. For example, the top cover 70 may include a
cover part 72 which covers and protects a front surface of the
display panel 1, and skirt parts 71 which cover and protect side
surfaces of the display panel 1. The skirt parts 71 may be
provided, e.g., vertically, on the respective edges of the cover
part 72 with a desired height.
[0139] The top cover 70 may include windows W1 and W2 respectively
formed at a portion of the cover part 72 and at portions of the
skirt parts 71 that correspond to at least the display areas DA1
and DA3. In the case of the seventh embodiment, the display area
DA2 may be provided at each of the left and right side surfaces of
the display panel. Therefore, the windows W2 may be provided at
left and right skirt parts 71 of the top cover 70. Each of the
windows W1, W2 may be one type selected from the group consisting
of a transparent reinforced glass and a transparent reinforced
plastic.
[0140] Furthermore, the cover part 72 and the skirt parts 72 of the
top cover 70 may be formed of different members, which are
physically separated from each other, or alternatively, may be
integrally formed by molding.
[0141] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a display panel when it is not in
a bent state according to an eighth example embodiment, and FIG. 14
is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display device
provided with the display panel of FIG. 13.
[0142] Each of the first through seventh embodiments described
above may be configured such that up to two side areas selected
from the left, right, front and rear side areas of the display
panel are bent.
[0143] However, the eighth embodiment provides a structure of the
display panel in which all of the left, right, upper and lower side
areas of the display panel 1 are bent to maximize the expandability
of the display area.
[0144] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the display panel 1 according
to the eighth embodiment may have a square or rectangular shape. At
least two or four, corner areas 23 of the display panel 1 may be
chamfered.
[0145] For example, the display panel 1 of the eighth embodiment is
configured such that corner areas 23 of upper and lower substrates
20, 10 are chamfered. Furthermore, in the case where the display
area can also be formed at the side surfaces of the display panel,
an emitting layer 25 and a sealing line 30 of the display panel may
have chamfered shapes corresponding to the corner areas 23 of the
chamfered upper and lower substrates.
[0146] For example, each chamfered shape may have an approximate L
shape. Accordingly, if each of the four corners 23 of the
rectangular display panel is chamfered in an approximate L shape,
the display panel generally may have a thick cross shape.
[0147] As such, the display panel according to the eighth
embodiment may be configured such that at least two corner areas 23
are chamfered. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the display panel
may be coupled to a support frame 95 such that at least one side
area corresponding to both of the at least two chamfered corner
areas 23 is bent and coupled to the support frame 95.
[0148] For example, the side areas of the display panel including
the chamfered corner areas 23 of the display panel may include a
non-display area including the sealing line 30, and portions DA2,
DA3 of the display area. The display panel according to the eighth
embodiment may be configured such that both bezel areas BA of the
side areas and the portions DA2 and DA3 of the display area are
bent together, e.g., approximately vertically, and then only the
bezel areas BA of the side areas are bent once more inwards.
[0149] A support frame 95 of the eighth embodiment may be formed to
have a plate shape and support a lower surface of the display
panel. The shape or structure of the support frame 95 is not
limited thereto so long as the shape or structure of the support
frame can reliably support the display panel.
[0150] As illustrated in the eighth embodiment, referring to FIG.
14, if all of the four corner areas of the rectangular display
panel are chamfered and all of the four side areas are bent, the
display panel can provide a display area not only at the front
surface but also at the left, right, front and rear side surfaces
thereof.
[0151] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a display panel when it is not in
a bent state, according to a ninth example embodiment, and FIG. 16
is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display device using
the display panel of FIG. 15.
[0152] The general construction of the display device according to
the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the eighth embodiment,
but there are the following differences therebetween.
[0153] The display panel according to the ninth embodiment may be
configured such that at least two corner areas 23 are chamfered,
and the display panel may be coupled to a support frame 95 such
that at least one side area including both of the at least two
chamfered corner areas 23 is bent and coupled to the support frame
95.
[0154] According to this embodiment, the side areas of the display
panel 1 that include the chamfered corner areas 23 may have a
non-display area including the sealing line 30, and portions DA2
and DA3 of the display area.
[0155] Further, each side area corresponding to respective
chamfered corner areas 23 of the display panel 1 may be bent, e.g.,
approximately vertically with respect to a non-bent display area
DA1, thereby forming the display area at the side surfaces of the
display panel 1.
[0156] A support frame of the ninth embodiment has a plate shape
and supports a lower surface of the display panel. The shape or
structure of the support frame is not limited thereto so long as
the shape or structure of the support frame can reliably support
the display panel.
[0157] As such, the general construction of the ninth embodiment is
the same as that of the eighth embodiment, but the structure of the
emitting layer of the ninth embodiment is different from that of
the eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, in the display panel
according to the ninth embodiment, each side area corresponding to
respective chamfered corner areas also may include a display area
(e.g., an emitting layer, hereinafter referred to as a "side
display area" DA2, DA3). The side display areas DA2 and DA3
according to the ninth embodiment may be provided separately from
the main display area DA1 formed at a central portion of the
display panel.
[0158] Accordingly, if the display panel of the display of the
ninth embodiment has four chamfered corner areas, four side areas
corresponding to the four chamfered corner areas may be formed.
Furthermore, four side display areas corresponding to the
respective side area may be formed.
[0159] According to the ninth embodiment, the display panel can
provide a display area which can display an image not only at the
front surface but also at the left, right, front and rear side
surfaces thereof.
[0160] In the case of the eighth embodiment, the display device may
provide a single screen in which the front display area is
continuously connected to the side display areas. On the other
hand, the display device of the ninth embodiment may be configured
such that the emitting layers corresponding to the side display
areas DA2 and DA3 are spaced apart from the emitting layer
corresponding to the front display area DA1. Accordingly, unlike
the eighth embodiment, the ninth embodiment, referring to FIG. 6,
provides a multi-screen structure in which the front display area
DA1 and the display areas DA2 and DA3 are discontinuous and/or are
independent to each other.
[0161] FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic views illustrating display
devices using display panels according to example embodiments. For
example, the display of FIG. 17 is a display device of, for
example, a smart phone, using the display panel of the first, sixth
or seventh embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the display
device according to the example embodiment has the display areas
DA1 and DA2 so that an image can be displayed not only at the front
surface of the display device but also at the left and right side
surfaces thereof, thus providing a wider display area than the
conventional display panel.
[0162] The display device of FIG. 18 is a display device of, for
example, a smart phone, using the display panel of the second
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the display device according to
this embodiment can remove the opaque areas, e.g., the bezel areas,
which have been inevitably formed on the left and right peripheries
of the conventional display panel. Therefore, the display device of
this embodiment can provide a wider display area than the
conventional display panel.
[0163] Although the example embodiments have been illustrated using
specific terms or words, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that these terms are only for clearly illustrating the example
embodiments, and the terms or the embodiments can be variously
modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the example
embodiments as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Such modified
embodiments must not be understood as being provided separately
from the scope and spirit of the example embodiments, and they must
be regarded as falling within the bounds of the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *