VIBRATION APPARATUS AND SOUND APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME

A vibration apparatus includes a vibration device. The vibration device includes a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, a first electrode portion at a first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a plurality of circular patterns, and a second electrode portion at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a single electrode, and the vibration device generates an ultrasound wave.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0194784 filed on Dec. 31, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a vibration apparatus and a sound apparatus including the same.

Discussion of the Related Art

An apparatus includes a separate speaker or sound apparatus providing a sound. When a speaker is disposed in an apparatus, the speaker occupies a space, due to this, the design and spatial disposition of the apparatus are limited.

A speaker applied to the apparatus may be, for example, an actuator including a magnet and a coil. However, when an actuator is applied to the apparatus, a thickness thereof is thickened. Therefore, piezoelectric elements for realizing a thin thickness are attracting much attention.

Because piezoelectric elements have a fragile characteristic, the piezoelectric elements are easily damaged due to an external impact, and due to this, have a problem where reliability is low in sound reproduction. And, when a speaker such as a piezoelectric element or the like is applied to a flexible apparatus, there is a problem where damage occurs due to a fragile characteristic.

Moreover, an ultrasound piezoelectric device having a tetragonal shape has a drawback where it is difficult to control a resonance frequency when using a vibration mode, and moreover, has a drawback where a vibration is relatively weak because an ultrasound vibration is transferred through a vibration plate.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the inventors have recognized the problems described above and have performed various experiments for implementing a vibration apparatus which may enhance the quality of a sound and a sound pressure level characteristic. Through the various experiments, the inventors have invented a new vibration apparatus and an apparatus including the same, which may enhance the quality of a sound and a resonance control characteristic.

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a vibration apparatus and an apparatus including the same, in which a manufacturing method is simplified and resonance control is possible.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

To achieve these and other aspects of the inventive concepts, as embodied and broadly described herein, a vibration apparatus comprises a vibration device, the vibration device comprises a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, a first electrode portion at a first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a plurality of circular patterns, and a second electrode portion at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a single electrode, and the vibration device generates an ultrasound wave.

In another aspect, a vibration apparatus comprises a vibration device, the vibration device comprises a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, an ultrasound electrode portion at a first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a plurality of circular patterns, a sound electrode portion configured to surround the ultrasound electrode portion, and a second electrode portion at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a single electrode, the vibration device generates a first sound and a second sound, and the first sound is an ultrasound wave, and the second sound has an audible frequency.

In another aspect, a vibration apparatus comprises a vibration device, the vibration device comprises a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, a first electrode portion having a finger type at a first surface of the vibration portion, a sound electrode portion having a finger type at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion, the first electrode portion comprises a first engraved pattern, the second electrode portion comprises a second engraved pattern, the first engraved pattern and the second engraved pattern configure a plurality of circular patterns, and the vibration device generates an ultrasound wave.

In another aspect, an apparatus comprises a vibration object, a vibration generating apparatus at the vibration object, and a connection member between the vibration object and the vibration generating apparatus, the vibration generating apparatus comprises the vibration apparatus described above.

A vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be manufactured as an array type by a simple process, an ultrasound vibration apparatus capable of resonance point control of a large area may be provided, and the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied as a large-area display apparatus, an ultrasound generator, a sensor, or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when a detailed description of well-known functions or configurations related to this document is determined to unnecessarily cloud a gist of the inventive concept, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. The progression of processing steps and/or operations described is an example; however, the sequence of steps and/or operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of steps and/or operations necessarily occurring in a particular order. Same reference numerals designate same elements throughout. Names of the respective elements used in the following explanations are selected only for convenience of writing the specification and may be thus different from those used in actual products.

A shape, a size, a ratio, an angle, and a number disclosed in the drawings for describing embodiments of the present disclosure are merely an example, and thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, when the detailed description of the relevant known function or configuration is determined to unnecessarily obscure the important point of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. When “comprise,” “have,” and “include” described in the present specification are used, another part may be added unless “only” is used. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the contrary.

In construing an element, the element is construed as including an error or tolerance range although there is no explicit description of such an error or tolerance range.

In describing a position relationship, for example, when a position relation between two parts is described as, for example, “on,” “over,” “under,” and “next,” one or more other parts may be disposed between the two parts unless a more limiting term, such as “just” or “direct(ly)” is used. In the description of embodiments, when a structure is described as being positioned “on or above” or “under or below” another structure, this description should be construed as including a case in which the structures contact each other as well as a case in which a third structure is disposed therebetween.

In describing a time relationship, for example, when the temporal order is described as, for example, “after,” “subsequent,” “next,” and “before,”, or the like a case that is not continuous may be included unless a more limiting term, such as “just,” “immediate(ly),” or “direct(ly)” is used.

In describing elements of the present disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” etc. may be used. These terms are intended to identify the corresponding elements from the other elements, and basis, order, or number of the corresponding elements should not be limited by these terms. In case of the expression that an element is “connected,” “coupled,” or “adhered” to another element or layer, the element or layer can not only be directly connected or adhered to another element or layer, but also be indirectly connected or adhered to another element or layer with one or more intervening elements or layers “disposed,” or “interposed” between the elements or layers, unless otherwise specified.

The expression of a first element, a second elements “and/or” a third element should be understood as one of the first, second and third elements or as any or all combinations of the first, second and third elements. By way of example, A, B and/or C can refer to only A; only B; only C; any or some combination of A, B, and C; or all of A, B, and C.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, for convenience of description, a scale, size and thickness of each of elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings differs from a real scale, and thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a scale illustrated in the drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ ofFIG.1.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, a vibration apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vibration device110, a first cover member120disposed at a first surface of the vibration device110, and a second cover member130disposed at a second surface which is opposite to (or different from) the first surface of the vibration device110.

The vibration device110may be a vibration structure, a vibration generator, a vibration module, an actuator, an exciter, a vibration film, a film actuator, a film exciter, or a sound generator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration device110may include a piezoelectric material having a piezoelectric characteristic. The vibration device110may be displaced or vibrated (or driven) as the piezoelectric material alternately repeats contraction and expansion by a piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric material according to a first vibration driving signal (or a first sound signal). For example, the vibration device110may output or generate a first sound wave based on a displacement or a vibration (or a driving) of the piezoelectric material. For example, a vibration of the vibration device110may be used as a vibration for a haptic feedback reacting on a touch (for example, a user touch).

The vibration device110according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vibration portion110aincluding a piezoelectric material, a first electrode portion110bdisposed at a first surface of the vibration portion110a, and a second electrode portion110cdisposed at a second surface which is opposite to or different from the first surface of the vibration portion110a.

The vibration portion (or a first vibration portion)110amay be referred to as a vibration layer, a piezoelectric layer, a piezoelectric material layer, an electroactive layer, a piezoelectric vibration portion, a piezoelectric material portion, an electroactive portion, an inorganic material layer, or an inorganic material portion, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration portion110amay be configured as a ceramic-based material for generating a relatively high vibration, or may be configured as a piezoelectric ceramic having a perovskite-based crystalline structure. The perovskite crystalline structure may have a piezoelectric effect and an inverse piezoelectric effect and may be a plate-shaped structure having orientation. The perovskite crystalline structure may be represented by a chemical formula “ABO3”. In the chemical formula, “A” may include a divalent metal element, and “B” may include a tetravalent metal element. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the chemical formula “ABO3”, “A”, and “B” may be cations, and “O” may be anions. For example, the perovskite crystalline structure may include at least one or more of PbTiO3, PbZrO3, PbZrTiO3, BaTiO3, and SrTiO3, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration portion110aaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more of lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and niobium (Nb), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration portion110aaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based material including lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti) or may include a lead zirconate nickel niobate (PZNN)-based material including lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), nickel (Ni), and niobium (Nb), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Or, the vibration portion110amay include at least one or more of CaTiO3, BaTiO3, and SrTiO3without Pb, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration portion110aaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a piezoelectric deformation coefficient “d33” of 1,000 pC/N or more along a thickness direction Z. By the vibration portion110ahas a high piezoelectric deformation coefficient “d33”, the vibration portion110amay be applied to a vibration object (or a vibration member) having a large size, or may be applied to implement a vibration apparatus having a sufficient vibration characteristic or piezoelectric characteristic. For example, the vibration portion110amay include a PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3) as a main component and may include a softener dopant material doped into “A” site (Pb) and a relaxor ferroelectric material doped into “B” site (ZrTi).

The softener dopant material may enhance a piezoelectric characteristic and a dielectric characteristic of the vibration portion110a, and for example, may increase the piezoelectric deformation coefficient “d33” of the vibration portion110a. When the softener dopant material includes a monovalent element “+1”, a piezoelectric characteristic and a dielectric characteristic may be reduced. For example, when the softener dopant material is configured as kalium (K) and rubidium (Rb), a piezoelectric characteristic and a dielectric characteristic may be reduced. Therefore, by performing various experiments, the inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that the softener dopant material should configure a dyad element “+2” to a triad element “+3”, for enhancing a piezoelectric characteristic and a dielectric characteristic. The softener dopant material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a dyad element “+2” to a triad element “+3”. Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) may be configured by adding the softener dopant material to the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3), and thus, a piezoelectric characteristic and a dielectric characteristic may be enhanced. For example, the softener dopant material may include strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), calcium (Ca), yttrium (Y), erbium (Er), or ytterbium (Yb). For example, ions (Sr2+, Ba2+, La2+, Nd3+, Ca2+, Y3+, Er3+, Yb3+) of the softener dopant material doped into the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3) may substitute a portion of lead (Pb) in the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3), and a substitution rate thereof may be about 2 mol % to about 20 mol %. For example, when the substitution rate is less than 2 mol % or greater than 20 mol %, a perovskite crystal structure may be broken, and thus, an electromechanical coupling coefficient “kP” and the piezoelectric deformation coefficient “d33” may decrease. When the softener dopant material is substituted, the MPB may be configured, and a piezoelectric characteristic and a dielectric characteristic may be high in the MPB, thereby implementing a vibration apparatus having a high piezoelectric characteristic and a high dielectric characteristic.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the relaxor ferroelectric material doped into the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3) may enhance an electric deformation characteristic of the vibration portion110a. The relaxor ferroelectric material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lead magnesium niobate (PMN)-based material or a lead nickel niobate (PNN)-based material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The PMN-based material may include Pb, Mg, and Nb, and for example, may include Pb(Mg, Nb)O3. The PNN-based material may include Pb, Ni, and Nb, and for example, may include Pb(Ni, Nb)O3. For example, the relaxor ferroelectric material doped into the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3) may substitute a portion of each of zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) in the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3), and a substitution rate thereof may be about 5 mol % to about 25 mol %. For example, when the substitution rate is less than 5 mol % or greater than 25 mol %, a perovskite crystal structure may be broken, and thus, the electromechanical coupling coefficient “kP” and the piezoelectric deformation coefficient “d33” may decrease.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration portion110amay further include a donor material doped into “B” site (ZrTi) of the PZT-based material (PbZrTiO3), in order to more enhance a piezoelectric coefficient. For example, the donor material doped into the “B” site (ZrTi) may include a tetrad element “+4” or a hexad element “+6”. For example, the donor material doped into the “B” site (ZrTi) may include tellurium (Te), germanium (Ge), uranium (U), bismuth (Bi), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), antimony (Sb), or tungsten (W).

The first electrode portion110bmay be disposed at a first surface (or an upper surface) of the vibration portion110a. For example, the first electrode portion110bmay be electrically connected to the first surface of the vibration portion110a. For example, the first electrode portion110bmay be directly and electrically connected to the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portion110bmay be disposed between the vibration portion110aand the first cover member120. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode portion110bmay include at least a pair or more of finger type electrodes parallel to each other over the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portion110bhaving a finger type may be connected to a pad portion which is positioned at one periphery of the first surface of the vibration portion110a.

The first electrode portion110baccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed of a transparent conductive material, a semitransparent conductive material, or an opaque conductive material. For example, the transparent conductive material or the semitransparent conductive material may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The opaque conductive material may include aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), Mg, or the like, or an alloy thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second electrode portion110cmay be disposed at the second surface (or a rear surface) of the vibration portion110aand may overlap the first electrode portion110b. For example, the second electrode portion110cmay be electrically connected to the second surface of the vibration portion110a. For example, the second electrode portion110cmay be directly and electrically connected to the second surface of the vibration portion110a. For example, the second electrode portion110cmay be disposed between the vibration portion110aand the second cover member130. For example, the second electrode portion110cmay have a one-body electrode type (or a single electrode type) disposed at the whole second surface of the vibration portion110a. For example, the second electrode portion110cmay have the same shape as the vibration portion110a, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second electrode portion110caccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed of a transparent conductive material, a semitransparent conductive material, or an opaque conductive material. For example, the second electrode portion110cmay be formed of the same material as the first electrode portion110b, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrode portion110cmay be formed of a different material than the first electrode portion110b.

The vibration apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an adhesive layer115which is disposed between the first cover member120and the second cover member130and surrounds the vibration device110.

The adhesive layer115may opposite-bond the first cover member120to the second cover member130with the vibration portion110atherebetween. The adhesive layer115may be disposed in the other region, except the vibration device110, of a region between the first cover member120and the second cover member130.

The adhesive layer115according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first adhesive layer115adisposed at a second surface (or a rear surface) of the first cover member120and a second adhesive layer115bdisposed at a first surface (or an upper surface) of the second cover member130. The first adhesive layer115aand the second adhesive layer115bmay be coupled or adhered to each other between the first cover member120and the second cover member130, and thus, may be implemented as one adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer115aor the second adhesive layer115bmay be omitted.

Each of the first and second adhesive layers115aand115bmay include an electric insulating material. For example, the electric insulating material may have adhesiveness and may include a material capable of compression and decompression. For example, one or more of the first and second adhesive layers115aand115bmay include an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, or a urethane resin, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The first cover member120may be coupled or connected to the first surface (or the first electrode portion110b) of the vibration device110by a laminating process using the first adhesive layer115a. The second cover member130may be coupled or connected to the second surface (or the second electrode portion110c) of the vibration device110by a laminating process using the second adhesive layer115b.

The vibration apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a flexible cable FC. The flexible cable FC may be electrically connected to the vibration device110and may be electrically connected to the pad portion of the vibration device110. Accordingly, the flexible cable FC may supply a vibration driving signal to a corresponding pad portion. The flexible cable FC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a flexible printed circuit cable or a flexible flat cable, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

FIG.3Ais a perspective view of a vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.3Billustrates a region A ofFIG.3A.FIG.4is a plan view of a vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIGS.3A,3B, and4, a vibration device110of the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vibration portion110a, a first electrode portion110bdisposed at an upper surface or a first surface of the vibration portion110a, a line portion110dconnecting the first electrode portion110b, a pad portion110pprovided at one side and the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and a second electrode portion110cdisposed at a second surface which is opposite to (or different from) the first surface of the vibration portion110a.

The vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate a first sound wave SW1at the first electrode portion110b, and the first sound wave SW1may have an audible frequency or a frequency of an ultrasound band. For example, the first sound wave SW1may have a frequency of 200 Hz (hertz) to 100 kHz band or a frequency of 20 kHz to 10 MHz band. However, a frequency band of the first sound wave SW1is not limited thereto.

The first electrode portion110bof the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed at an upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portion110baccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in plurality at an upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a. Each of the plurality of first electrode portions110bmay be a circular pattern electrode and may be arranged as an array type. Addition, in the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of plurality of first electrode portions110bdisposed at the upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110amay be a circular pattern electrode and may be arranged as an array type, and the vibration device110may include one vibration portion110a, the plurality of first electrode portion110bdisposed at the upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and the line portion110dconnected between the plurality of first electrode portions110b. Therefore, the vibration device110may be configured as one vibration apparatus physically, but each of the plurality of first electrode portion110bwhich is a circular pattern electrode and is arranged as an array type may be implemented to be recognized as a plurality of vibration devices or vibration generators, which have one resonance point by limiting (or defining) an active region or a vibration region of the vibration portion110aas a circular pattern region of each of the plurality of first electrode portion110b.

The line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110b. For example, the line part110dmay be configured to be connected between two adjacent first electrode parts110balong a second direction Y. Thus, the plurality of first electrode portions110barranged along a second direction Y may be connected to each other through the line portion110d.

The pad portion110pmay be provided at one side and the first surface of the vibration portion110aand may be commonly connected to the plurality of first electrode portions110bthrough the line portion110d. The line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110band may be connected between some of the plurality of first electrode portions110band the pad portion110p.

As illustrated inFIG.3B, each of the plurality of first electrode portion110bmay be configured to have a circular pattern where a radius R or a distance from a center portion or a middle portion of the corresponding first electrode portion110bto an edge of the corresponding first electrode portion110bis constant, and thus, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus (or the vibration device) may be controlled to be constant. But embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a radius R of a length of each of the plurality of first electrode portion110bmay be various. For example, a radius R or a length of at least some of the plurality of first electrode portion110bmay be constant.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a resonance frequency “f” of the vibration apparatus (or the vibration device) may be inversely proportional to the radius R of the first electrode portion110b.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the resonance frequency “f” may be determined as expressed in the following Equation 1 or Equation 2.

In Equation 1 and Equation 2, L may denote a length of the vibration device, m may denote a unit mass of the vibration device, F may denote a tension of the vibration device, and k may denote stiffness of the vibration device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration device110including the plurality of first electrode portion110bdisposed in an array type having a circular electrode pattern may be implemented so that a length of one first electrode portion110bgenerating a resonance frequency is recognized as a length of the vibration device in Equation 1. Therefore, like that a resonance frequency is inversely proportional to a length of the vibration device in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be inversely proportional to a radius of the first electrode portion110b. Addition, as expressed in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus may be inversely proportional to a first length L1of the vibration device110along a first direction X or a second length L2along a second direction Y. Based on the arrangement of the plurality of first electrode portion110bincluding a circular pattern, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may realize an effect which is similar to or the same as the arrangement of a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric devices.

Moreover, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may output a sound wave in a forward direction of an apparatus by the plurality of first electrode portion110b, may be applied as a large-area ultrasound generator or a large-area ultrasound haptic display based on a beamforming effect by constructive interference caused by an array structure of the plurality of first electrode portions110barranged in row and column, and may be applied as a large-area display apparatus, an ultrasound generator, a sensor, or the like.

FIG.5illustrates a vibration driving circuit of a vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.5, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a vibration driving circuit170.

The vibration driving circuit170may be electrically connected to a vibration portion110athrough a flexible cable FC. The vibration driving circuit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate a first vibration driving signal for generating a first sound wave SW1based on a vibration of a vibration device and may supply the generated first vibration driving signal to the vibration device.

The vibration driving circuit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first amplifier171connected to the vibration device.

The first amplifier (or a first signal generating circuit)171may generate a first vibration driving signal in an AC type having a first polarity signal and a second polarity signal based on a sound source. The first amplifier171according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first output terminal T11, which outputs the first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal, and a second output terminal T12which outputs the second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal.

The vibration portions110aconfigured in the vibration device may have a polarization direction P from a second electrode portion110cto a first electrode portion110b.

The first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal output from the first output terminal T11of the first amplifier171may be supplied to a pad portion110pconfigured in the vibration device through the flexible cable FC, and then may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110belectrically connected to the pad portion110p. The second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal output from the second output terminal T22of the first amplifier171may be supplied to the second electrode portion110cconfigured in the vibration device through the flexible cable FC.

The vibration portions110aconfigured in the vibration device illustrated inFIG.5may have a polarization direction P from the second electrode portion110cto the first electrode portion110b. The first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal may be supplied to the first electrode portion110bof the vibration device, and the second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal may be supplied to the second electrode portion110cof the vibration device.

FIG.6is a perspective view of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a plan view of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIGS.6and7, a vibration device of the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vibration portion110a, a plurality of first electrode portions110bdisposed at an upper surface or a first surface of the vibration portion110a, a line portion110dconnecting a plurality of first electrode portions110b, a pad portion110p1to110p4provided at the upper surface or the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and a second electrode portion110cdisposed at a second surface which is opposite to (or different from) the first surface of the vibration portion110a. Addition, a first electrode portion110band a pad portion110p1to110p4of the vibration device of the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed at each of a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region, which are arranged at the first surface or the upper surface of the vibration portion110a. For example, the first electrode portions110bdisposed in each of the first to fourth regions may be electrically disconnected from one another.

InFIG.6, the first region may be a region including an upper corner, the second region may be a region including a right corner, the third region may be a region including a left corner, and the fourth region may be a region including a lower corner.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode portion110bmay include at least a pair or more of finger type electrodes parallel to each other over a first surface of the vibration portion110a, and the first electrode portion110bhaving the finger type may be provided in plurality, and for example, may be arranged to correspond to each of the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region, which are arranged at the first surface or the upper surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portions110bmay be configured to independently drive only a region which is selected by an electrical signal applied to a first pad portion110p1, a second pad portion110p2, a third pad portion110p3, and a fourth pad portion110p4. For example, an electrical signal applied to the first pad portion110p1, the second pad portion110p2, the third pad portion110p3, and the fourth pad portion110p4may be applied in synchronization with an electrical signal applied to a second electrode portion110c, and such the electrical signal may be controlled through a flexible cable FC and a first amplifier171.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first to fourth regions may simultaneously operate, the first to third regions may be turned on (or activated), and the fourth region may be turned off (or inactivated). When the first and second regions are turned on, the third and fourth regions may be turned off, and when the first region is turned on, the second to fourth regions may be turned off. The embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the vibration portion110amay comprise at least two regions located at any position of the upper surface of the vibration portion110a. And, the first electrode portions110bdisposed in each of the at least two regions may be electrically disconnected from one another, and may be driven independently.

The first electrode portion110bof the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed at an upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portion110baccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in plurality at an upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a. Each of the plurality of first electrode portions110bmay be a circular pattern electrode and may be arranged as an array type. Addition, in the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of plurality of first electrode portions110bdisposed at the upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110amay be a circular pattern electrode and may be arranged as an array type, and the vibration device110may include one vibration portion110a, the plurality of first electrode portion110bdisposed at the upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and the line portion110dconnected between the plurality of first electrode portions110b. Therefore, the vibration device110may be configured as one vibration apparatus physically, but each of the plurality of first electrode portion110bwhich is a circular pattern electrode and is arranged as an array type may be implemented to be recognized as a plurality of vibration devices or vibration generators, which have one resonance point by limiting (or defining) an active region or a vibration region of the vibration portion110aas a circular pattern region of each of the plurality of first electrode portion110b.

Based on the arrangement of the plurality of first electrode portion110bincluding a circular pattern, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may realize an effect which is similar to or the same as the arrangement of a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric devices.

Moreover, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may output a sound wave in a forward direction of an apparatus by the plurality of first electrode portion110b, may be applied as a large-area ultrasound generator or a large-area ultrasound haptic display based on a beamforming effect by constructive interference caused by an array structure of the plurality of first electrode portions110barranged in row and column, and may be applied as a large-area display apparatus, an ultrasound generator, a sensor, or the like.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration device110including the plurality of first electrode portion110bdisposed in an array type having a circular electrode pattern may be implemented so that a length of one first electrode portion110bgenerating a resonance frequency is recognized as a length of the vibration device in Equation 1, like that a resonance frequency is inversely proportional to a length of the vibration device in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be inversely proportional to a radius of the first electrode portion110b. Addition, as expressed in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus may be inversely proportional to a first length L1of the vibration device110along a first direction X or a second length L2along a second direction Y.

For example, the first sound wave SW1may be a sound wave in the ultrasonic band or a haptic feedback signal.

The line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110bin each of the first to fourth regions. For example, the line part110dmay be configured to be connected between two adjacent first electrode parts110balong a second direction Y in each of the first to fourth regions. Thus, the plurality of first electrode portions110barranged along a second direction Y may be connected to each other through the line portion110din each of the first to fourth regions.

The first pad portion110p1may be provided at the first region of the vibration portion110aand may be commonly connected to the plurality of first electrode portions110bthrough the line portion110din the first region of the vibration portion110a. In the first region of the vibration portion110a, the line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110band may be connected between some of the plurality of first electrode portions110band the first pad portion110p1.

The second pad portion110p2may be provided at the second region of the vibration portion110aand may be commonly connected to the plurality of first electrode portions110bthrough the line portion110din the second region of the vibration portion110a. In the second region of the vibration portion110a, the line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110band may be connected between some of the plurality of first electrode portions110band the second pad portion110p2.

The third pad portion110p3may be provided at the third region of the vibration portion110aand may be commonly connected to the plurality of first electrode portions110bthrough the line portion110din the third region of the vibration portion110a. In the third region of the vibration portion110a, the line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110band may be connected between some of the plurality of first electrode portions110band the third pad portion110p3.

The fourth pad portion110p4may be provided at the fourth region of the vibration portion110aand may be commonly connected to the plurality of first electrode portions110bthrough the line portion110din the fourth region of the vibration portion110a. In the fourth region of the vibration portion110a, the line portion110dmay be connected between the plurality of first electrode portions110band may be connected between some of the plurality of first electrode portions110band the fourth pad portion110p4.

The vibration portion110aand the second electrode portion110cmay respectively be the same as the vibration portion110aand the second electrode portion110cdescribed above with reference toFIG.3A, and thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

FIG.8illustrates a vibration driving circuit of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.8, the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a vibration driving circuit170.

The vibration driving circuit170may be electrically connected to a vibration portion110athrough a flexible cable FC. The vibration driving circuit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate a first vibration driving signal for generating a first sound wave SW1based on a vibration of a vibration device and may supply the generated first vibration driving signal to the vibration device. For example, the first sound wave SW1may be a sound wave in the ultrasonic band or a haptic feedback signal.

The vibration driving circuit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first amplifier171connected to the vibration device.

The first amplifier (or a first signal generating circuit)171may generate a first vibration driving signal in an AC type having a first polarity signal and a second polarity signal based on a sound source. The first amplifier171according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first output terminal, which outputs the first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal, and a second output terminal T22which outputs the second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal. For example, the first output terminal may include a 1-1stoutput terminal T11, a 1-2ndoutput terminal T12, a 1-3rdoutput terminal T13, and a 1-4thoutput terminal T14.

The vibration portions110aconfigured in the vibration device may have a polarization direction P from a second electrode portion110cto a first electrode portion110b.

A first polarity signal of a first vibration driving signal output from a 1-1stoutput terminal T11of the first amplifier171may be supplied to the first pad portion110p1configured in a vibration device through the flexible cable FC, and then may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110belectrically connected to the first pad portion110p1. A first polarity signal of a first vibration driving signal output from a 1-2ndoutput terminal T12of the first amplifier171may be supplied to the second pad portion110p2configured in a vibration device through the flexible cable FC, and then may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110belectrically connected to the second pad portion110p2. A first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal output from a 1-3rdoutput terminal T13may be supplied to the third pad portion110p3configured in the vibration device through the flexible cable FC, and then may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110belectrically connected to the third pad portion110p3. A first polarity signal of a first vibration driving signal output from a 1-4thoutput terminal T14of the first amplifier171may be supplied to the fourth pad portion110p4configured in a vibration device through the flexible cable FC, and then may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110belectrically connected to the fourth pad portion110p4. A second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal output from a second output terminal T22of the first amplifier171may be supplied to the second electrode portion110cconfigured in the vibration device through the flexible cable FC. InFIG.8, for convenience of description, the 1-3thoutput terminal T13is illustrated in a region adjacent to the first pad portion110p1, but in a plan view, may be configured to be connected to the third pad portion110p3.

The vibration portions110aconfigured in the vibration device illustrated inFIG.8may have a polarization direction P from the second electrode portion110cto the first electrode portion110b. The first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110bof the vibration device, and the second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal may be supplied to the second electrode portion110cof the vibration device.

FIG.9Ais a perspective view of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.9Billustrates a region B ofFIG.9A.FIG.10is a perspective view of a vibration portion ofFIG.9A.FIG.11is a plan view of the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIGS.9A to11, all of a first electrode portion110band a second electrode portion110cmay be disposed on a first surface or an upper portion of a vibration portion110a, and thus, the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be referred to as an in-plane vibration apparatus.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode portion110bmay include at least a pair or more of finger type electrodes parallel to each other over the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and the second electrode portion110cmay include at least a pair or more of finger type electrodes parallel to each other over the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The finger type first electrode portion110bmay be connected to a first pad portion110p1which is disposed at one edge of the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and the finger type second electrode portion110cmay be connected to a second pad portion110p2which is disposed at the other edge of the first surface of the vibration portion110a. A plurality of first electrode portions110bhaving a finger type may be configured to engage with a plurality of second electrode portions110chaving a finger type. For example, the plurality of first electrode portions110band the plurality of second electrode portions110chaving a finger type may be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance in parallel and may engage with one another not to contact.

With reference toFIG.9B, when a positive (+) signal is applied to the first electrode portion110band a negative (−) signal is applied to the second electrode portion110c, an electric field may be generated between the first electrode portion110band the second electrode portion110c. As inFIG.9B, when an electric field E is generated, the vibration portion110aincluding a piezoelectric material may be deformed by a piezoelectric effect, and a deformation rate (ΔL) may be calculated by multiplying a piezoelectric deformation coefficient and the electric field.

With reference toFIG.10, in the vibration portion110aof the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration portion110ahaving a polarization direction P parallel to a first direction X and a vibration portion110ahaving a different polarization direction P may be alternately and repeatedly arranged along the first direction X. A first width W1of the vibration portion110ahaving the polarization direction P parallel to the first direction X and a second width W2of the vibration portion110ahaving the different polarization direction P may be the same, or may have different sizes. Addition, as described below inFIG.11, the first width W1and the second width W2may be set so that the vibration portion110ahaving the polarization direction P parallel to the first direction X and the vibration portion110ahaving the different polarization direction P are alternately arranged along the first direction X at a plurality of circular patterns defined by a first engraved pattern110baand a second engraved pattern110ca.

With reference toFIGS.9B and10, a direction of an electric field ofFIG.9Bmay be parallel to the first direction X and the polarization direction P ofFIG.10may be parallel to the first direction X, and thus, with respect to the first direction X, a piezoelectric deformation coefficient (or a piezoelectric constant) in the first direction may be defined as d33. Accordingly, a deformation rate (ΔL) of the vibration portion of the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be calculated as E×d33.

With reference toFIG.11in conjunction withFIG.9A, based on a first electrode portion110band a second electrode portion110cengaging and intersecting with each other, a vibration portion110ahaving a polarization direction P parallel to a first direction X, and a vibration portion110ahaving a different polarization direction P, a vibration device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented to be recognized like that an array such as a circular pattern electrode is arranged. Addition, with reference toFIG.11, the first electrode portion110bmay include a first engraved pattern110ba, the second electrode portion110cmay include a second engraved pattern110ca, and the first electrode portion110band the second electrode portion110cmay configure a plurality of circular patterns. The plurality of circular patterns may be arranged as an array type and may be implemented to be recognized as a plurality of vibration devices or vibration generators, which have one resonance point by limiting (or defining) an active region or a vibration region of the vibration portion110aas a circular pattern region.

Moreover, the plurality of circular patterns configured with the first engraved pattern110baand the second engraved pattern110camay have a certain radius as inFIG.3Bdescribed above and may be arranged as an array type at the first surface or an upper portion of the vibration portion110a. The vibration device110may include one vibration portion110aand first and second electrode portions110band110cdisposed at the first surface or the upper portion of the vibration portion110a, and thus, the vibration device110may be configured as one vibration apparatus physically. However, the first engraved pattern110baand the second engraved pattern110cadisposed at the first surface or the upper portion of the vibration portion110aarranged as an array type with a plurality of circular patterns may be implemented to be recognized as a plurality of vibration devices or vibration generators, which have one resonance point by limiting (or defining) an active region or a vibration region of the vibration portion110aas a circular pattern region based on the first electrode portion110band the second electrode portion110c.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration device110including the first electrode portion110bhaving an array type of a plurality of circular patterns configured with the first engraved pattern110baand the second engraved pattern110camay be implemented so that a length of a circular pattern defined by the first engraved pattern110baand the second engraved pattern110cais recognized as a length of the vibration device in Equation 1. Therefore, like that a resonance frequency is inversely proportional to a length of the vibration device in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be inversely proportional to a radius of a circular pattern of the first engraved pattern110baand the second engraved pattern110ca. Addition, as expressed in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus may be inversely proportional to a first length L1of the vibration device110along a first direction X or a second length L2along a second direction Y.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the in-plane vibration apparatus, a displacement direction may match a direction of the piezoelectric deformation coefficient d33, and thus, a displacement of the vibration apparatus may increase and an ultrasound resonance design of 20 kHz to 10 MHz band may be implemented.

FIG.12is a perspective view of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.13is a plan view of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.14Ais a perspective view of a vibration portion ofFIG.13.FIG.14Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.13.

With reference toFIGS.12,13,14A, and14B, a vibration device of a vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vibration portion110a, an ultrasound electrode portion110b1and a sound electrode portion110b2disposed at a first surface or an upper surface of the vibration portion110a, an ultrasound pad portion110p1of the ultrasound electrode portion110b1, a sound pad portion110p2of the sound electrode portion110b2, and a line portion110dconnecting the ultrasound electrode portion110b1and the ultrasound pad portion110p1and connecting the sound electrode portion110b2and the sound pad portion110p2, and may include a third electrode portion110cdisposed at a second surface which is opposite to or different from the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The ultrasound electrode portion110b1may be a first electrode portion, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The sound electrode portion110b2may be a second electrode portion, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The ultrasound pad portion110p1may be a pad portion or a first pad portion, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasound electrode portion110b1may include at least a pair or more of finger type electrodes parallel to each other over the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portion110bhaving a finger type may be connected to a first pad portion110p1which is disposed at one edge of the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The sound electrode portion110b2may be formed over the first surface of the vibration portion110ato surround a plurality of finger type electrodes.

The vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may generate a first sound wave SW1at the ultrasound electrode portion110b1and may generate a second sound wave SW2at the sound electrode portion110b2. For example, the first sound wave SW1may include a frequency of 200 Hz to 100 kHz band or a frequency of 20 kHz to 10 MHz band, and the second sound wave SW2may include an audible frequency of a frequency of 200 Hz to 20 kHz band. However, a frequency band of the first sound wave SW1and a frequency band of the second sound wave SW2are not limited thereto.

The first electrode portion110bof the vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed at an upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a. The first electrode portion110baccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in plurality at an upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a. Each of the plurality of first electrode portions110bmay be a circular pattern electrode and may be arranged as an array type. Addition, in the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of plurality of first electrode portions110bdisposed at the upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110amay be a circular pattern electrode and may be arranged as an array type, and the vibration device110may include one vibration portion110awhich includes the first vibration portion110al, the third vibration portion110a3, and the second vibration portion110a2between the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3, the plurality of first electrode portion110bdisposed at the upper portion or the first surface of the vibration portion110a, and the line portion110dconnected between the plurality of first electrode portions110b. Therefore, the vibration device110may be configured as one vibration apparatus physically, but each of the plurality of first electrode portion110bwhich is a circular pattern electrode and is arranged as an array type may be implemented to be recognized as a plurality of vibration devices or vibration generators, which have one resonance point by limiting (or defining) an active region or a vibration region of the vibration portion110aas a circular pattern region of each of the plurality of first electrode portion110b.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration device110including the plurality of first electrode portion110bdisposed in an array type having a circular electrode pattern may be implemented so that a length of one first electrode portion110bgenerating a resonance frequency is recognized as a length of the vibration device in Equation 1. Therefore, like that a resonance frequency is inversely proportional to a length of the vibration device in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be inversely proportional to a radius of the first electrode portion110b. Addition, as expressed in Equation 1, a resonance frequency of the vibration apparatus may be inversely proportional to a first length L1of the vibration device110along a first direction X or a second length L2along a second direction Y. Based on the arrangement of the plurality of first electrode portion110bincluding a circular pattern, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may realize an effect which is similar to or the same as the arrangement of a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric devices.

Moreover, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may output a sound wave in a forward direction of an apparatus by the plurality of first electrode portion110b, may be applied as a large-area ultrasound generator or a large-area ultrasound haptic display based on a beamforming effect by constructive interference caused by an array structure of the plurality of first electrode portions110barranged in row and column, and may be applied as a large-area display apparatus, an ultrasound generator, a sensor, or the like.

With reference toFIG.14B, a vibration portion110aof a vibration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first vibration portion110al, a second vibration portion110a2, and a third vibration portion110a3.

The first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured as an inorganic material portion. The inorganic material portion may include a piezoelectric material, a composite piezoelectric material, or an electroactive material which has a piezoelectric effect. For example, the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3may include a piezoelectric material which is be substantially the same as the vibration portion110adescribed above with reference toFIG.2.

The second vibration portion110a2according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured as an organic material portion. For example, the organic material portion may be disposed between the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3, and thus, the second vibration portion110a2may absorb an impact applied to the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3, may release a stress concentrating on the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3, may enhance the durability of the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3or the vibration device110, and may provide flexibility to the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3or the vibration device110.

The organic material portion configured in the second vibration portion110a2may be an organic material or an organic polymer that has a flexible characteristic in comparison with the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second vibration portion110a2may be referred to as an adhesive portion, a stretch portion, a bending portion, a damping portion, or a flexible portion, or the like which has flexibility, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second vibration portion110a2may be configured in plurality. For example, the second vibration portion110a2may be configured in plurality to surround each of the plurality of first vibration portion110al. Each of the plurality of second vibration portion110a2may be disposed between the first vibration portion110a1and the third vibration portion110a3. Therefore, in the vibration portion110aor the vibration device110, vibration energy by a link in a unit lattice of the first vibration portion110a1may increase by a corresponding second vibration portion110a2. Thus, a vibration characteristic may increase, and a piezoelectric characteristic and flexibility may be secured. For example, the second vibration portion110a2may include one or more among an epoxy-based polymer, an acrylic-based polymer, and a silicone-based polymer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

As illustrated inFIGS.14A and14B, in the vibration device110according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vibration portion110a1configured as an inorganic material portion may be disposed at an inner portion thereof in a shape such as a circular pillar shape, the second vibration portion110a2configured as an organic material portion may be disposed in a shape surrounding the first vibration portion110a1, and the third vibration portion110a3configured as an inorganic material portion may be disposed at the other space (or the remaining space). Subsequently, the ultrasound electrode portion110b1may be disposed at a first surface of the first vibration portion110a1to correspond to the first vibration portion110a1, and the sound electrode portion110b2may be disposed at a first surface of the third vibration portion110a3to correspond to the third vibration portion110a3. Subsequently, the second electrode portion110cmay be disposed at a second surface which is opposite to or different from the first surface of the vibration portion110a.

FIG.15illustrates a vibration driving circuit of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.15, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a vibration driving circuit170.

The vibration driving circuit170may be electrically connected to a vibration portion110athrough a flexible cable FC. The vibration driving circuit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate a first vibration driving signal for generating a first sound wave SW1based on a vibration of a vibration device and may supply the generated first vibration driving signal to the vibration device.

The vibration driving circuit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first amplifier171connected to the vibration device.

The first amplifier (or a first signal generating circuit)171may generate a first vibration driving signal in an AC type having a first polarity signal and a second polarity signal based on a sound source. The first amplifier171according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first output terminal T11, which outputs the first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal, and a second output terminal T22which outputs the second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal.

The vibration portions110aconfigured in the vibration device may have a polarization direction P from a second electrode portion110cto a first electrode portion110b.

The first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal output from the first output terminal T11of the first amplifier171may be supplied to a pad portion110p1and110p2of configured in the vibration device through the flexible cable FC, and then may be supplied to the plurality of first electrode portion110belectrically connected to the pad portion110p1and110p2. The second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal output from the second output terminal T22of the first amplifier171may be supplied to the second electrode portion110cconfigured in the vibration device through the flexible cable FC.

The vibration portions110aconfigured in the vibration device illustrated inFIG.15may have a polarization direction P from the second electrode portion110cto the first electrode portion110b. The first polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal may be supplied to the first electrode portion110bof the vibration device, and the second polarity signal of the first vibration driving signal may be supplied to the second electrode portion110cof the vibration device.

FIG.16illustrates an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.17is a cross-sectional view taken along line illustrated inFIG.16.

With reference toFIGS.16and17, an apparatus (or a display apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel (a vibration object or a vibration member)1100configured to display an image, and a vibration generating apparatus1200to vibrate the display panel1100at a rear surface (or a backside surface) of the display panel1100.

The display panel1100may display an image, for example, an electronic image, a digital image, a still image, or a video image. For example, the display panel1100may display an image by outputting light. The display panel1100may be a curved display panel, or may be any type of display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel, a micro light-emitting diode display panel, and an electrophoresis display panel, or the like. The display panel1100may be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel1100may a flexible light emitting display panel, a flexible electrophoretic display panel, a flexible electro-wetting display panel, a flexible micro light emitting diode display panel, or a flexible quantum dot light emitting display panel, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration object may include one or more of a display panel including a plurality of pixels configured to display an image, a screen panel on which an image is to be projected from a display apparatus, a lighting panel, a signage panel, a vehicular interior material, a vehicular glass window, a vehicular exterior material, a building ceiling material, a building interior material, a building glass window, an aircraft interior material, an aircraft glass window, wood, plastic, glass, metal, cloth, a fiber, paper, rubber, leather, carbon, and a mirror.

The display panel1100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display area AA (or an active area) for displaying an image according to driving of the plurality of pixels. Also, the display panel1100may further include a non-display area IA surrounding the display area AA, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The display panel1100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pixel array portion disposed at the display area AA of the substrate. The pixel array portion may include a plurality of pixels which display an image based on a signal supplied through the signal lines. The signal lines may include a gate line, a data line and a pixel driving power line, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of pixels may include a pixel circuit layer including a driving thin film transistor (TFT) provided at the pixel area which is configured by a plurality of gate lines and/or a plurality of data lines, a first electrode (or a pixel electrode) electrically connected to the driving TFT, a light emitting device formed at the anode electrode, and a second electrode (or a common electrode) electrically connected to the light emitting device.

The light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an organic light emitting device layer formed at the first electrode. The organic light emitting device layer may be implemented to emit light having the same color (for example, white light) for each pixel, or may be implemented to emit light having a different color (for example, red light, green light, or blue light) for each pixel.

The light emitting device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include may include a micro light emitting diode device electrically connected to each of the first electrode and the second electrode. The micro light emitting diode device may be a light emitting diode implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) or chip type. The micro light emitting diode device may include a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode and a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode.

The display panel1100according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate may be an upper substrate or a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate. For example, the first substrate may include a pixel array portion including a plurality of pixels which are respectively provided in a plurality of pixel areas defined by intersections of a plurality of gate lines and/or a plurality of data lines. Each of the plurality of pixels may include a TFT connected to a gate line and/or a data line, a pixel electrode connected to the TFT, and a common electrode which is provided adjacent to the pixel electrode and is supplied with a common voltage. The second substrate may be a lower substrate or a color filter array substrate. For example, the second substrate may include a pixel defining pattern including an opening area overlapping with the pixel area formed at the first substrate, and a color filter layer formed at the opening area. The liquid crystal layer may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer may include a liquid crystal including liquid crystal molecules where an alignment direction thereof is changed based on an electric field generated by the common voltage and a data voltage applied to a pixel electrode for each pixel.

The vibration generating apparatus1200may vibrate the display panel1100at the rear surface of the display panel1100, thereby providing a sound and/or a haptic feedback based on the vibration of the display panel1100to a user. The vibration generating apparatus1200may be implemented at the rear surface of the display panel1100to directly vibrate the display panel1100.

As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration generating apparatus1200may vibrate according to a vibration driving signal synchronized with an image displayed by the display panel1100to vibrate the display panel1100. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration generating apparatus1200may vibrate according to a haptic feedback signal (or a tactile feedback signal) synchronized with a user touch applied to a touch panel (or a touch sensor layer) which is disposed at the display panel1100or embedded into the display panel1100and may vibrate the display panel1100. Accordingly, the display panel1100may vibrate based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200to provide a user (or a viewer) with at least one or more of a sound and a haptic feedback.

The vibration generating apparatus1200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented to have a size corresponding to the display area AA of the display panel1100. A size of the vibration generating apparatus1200may be 0.9 to 1.1 times a size of the display area AA, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, a size of the vibration generating apparatus1200may be the same as or smaller than the size of the display area AA. For example, a size of the vibration generating apparatus1200may be the same as or approximately same as the display area AA of the display panel1100, and thus, the vibration generating apparatus1200may cover a most region of the display panel1100and a vibration generated by the vibration generating apparatus1200may vibrate a whole portion of the display panel1100, and thus, localization of a sound may be high, and satisfaction of a user may be improved. Addition, a contact area (or panel coverage) between the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus1200may increase, and thus, a vibration region of the display panel1100may increase, thereby improving a sound of a middle-low-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the display panel1100. Addition, a vibration generating apparatus1200applied to a large-sized display apparatus may vibrate a whole display panel1100having a large size (or a large area), and thus, localization of a sound based on a vibration of the display panel1100may be further enhanced, thereby realizing an improved sound effect.

The vibration generating apparatus1200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more of the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to15, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a connection member1150disposed between the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus1200.

The connection member1150may be disposed between the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus1200, and thus, may connect or couple the vibration generating apparatus1200to the rear surface of the display panel1100. For example, the vibration generating apparatus1200may be directly connected or coupled to the rear surface of the display panel1100by the connection member1150, and thus, may be supported by or disposed at the rear surface of the display panel1100.

The connection member1150according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured as a material including an adhesive layer which is good in adhesive force or attaching force with respect to each of the rear surface of the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the connection member1150may include a foam pad, a double-sided tape, or an adhesive, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive layer of the connection member1150may include epoxy, acrylic, silicone, or urethane, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive layer of the connection member1150may include an acrylic-based material which is relatively better in adhesive force and hardness of acrylic and urethane. Accordingly, a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200may be transferred to the display panel1100well.

The connection member1150according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a hollow portion between the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus1200. The hollow portion of the connection member1150may provide an air gap between the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus1200. Due to the air gap, a sound wave (or a sound pressure) based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200may not be dispersed by the connection member1150, and may concentrate on the display panel1100. Thus, the loss of a vibration caused by the connection member1150may be minimized, thereby increasing a sound pressure characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the display panel1100.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a supporting member1300disposed at a rear surface of the display panel1100.

The supporting member1300may be may cover a rear surface of the display panel1100. For example, the supporting member1300may cover a whole rear surface of the display panel1100with a gap space GS therebetween. For example, the supporting member1300may include at least one or more of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the supporting member1300may be referred to as a rear surface structure, a set structure, a cover bottom, or a back cover, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The supporting member1300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first supporting member1310and a second supporting member1330.

The first supporting member1310may cover a rear surface of the display panel1100. For example, the first supporting member1310may be a member which covers a whole rear surface of the display panel1100. For example, the first supporting member1310may include at least one or more materials of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first supporting member1310may be an inner plate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The first supporting member1310may be spaced apart from a rearmost surface of the display panel1100or the vibration generating apparatus1200with a gap space GS therebetween. For example, the gap space GS may be referred to as an air gap, a vibration space, a sound resonance box, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second supporting member1330may be disposed at a rear surface of the first supporting member1310. The second supporting member1330may be a plate-shaped member which covers the whole rear surface of the first supporting member1310. For example, the second supporting member1330may include at least one or more materials of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second supporting member1330may be an outer plate, a rear plate, a back plate, a back cover, or a rear cover, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The supporting member1300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a coupling member1350. The coupling member1350may be disposed between the first supporting member1310and the second supporting member1330. For example, the first supporting member1310and the second supporting member1330may be coupled or connected to each other by the coupling member1350. For example, the coupling member1350may be an adhesive resin, a double-sided tape, a double-sided foam tape, or a double-sided adhesive foam pad, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the coupling member1350may have elasticity for absorbing an impact, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling member1350may be disposed at a whole region between the first supporting member1310and the second supporting member1330. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling member1350may be provided in a mesh structure (or a mesh shape) including an air gap between the first supporting member1310and the second supporting member1330.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a middle frame1400.

The middle frame1400may be disposed between a rear periphery portion of the display panel1100and a front periphery portion of the supporting member1300. The middle frame1400may support one or more of the rear periphery portion of the display panel1100and the front periphery portion of the supporting member1300, respectively, and may surround one or more of side surfaces (or lateral surfaces) of each of the display panel1100and the supporting member1300, respectively. The middle frame1400may provide a gap space GS between the display panel1100and the supporting member1300.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle frame1400may be coupled or connected to the rear periphery portion of the display panel1100by a first connection member1401. The middle frame1400may be coupled or connected to the rear periphery portion of the supporting member1300by a second connection member1403.

The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the panel connection member (or an adhesive member) instead of the middle frame1400. The panel connection member may be disposed between the rear periphery portion of the display panel1100and the front periphery portion of the supporting member1300and may provide the gap space GS between the display panel1100and the supporting member1300. The panel connection member may be disposed between the rear periphery portion of the display panel1100and the front periphery portion of the supporting member1300to adhere the display panel1100and the support member1300. For example, the adhesive layer of the panel connection member (or an adhesive member) may differ from the adhesive layer of the connection member1150.

As described above, the apparatus (or a display apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may output a sound, generated by a vibration of the display panel1100based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200disposed at the rear surface of the display panel1100, to a forward region in front of the display panel1100or the apparatus, may concentrate or focus in a specific direction a sound generated based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200, and thus, may implement a user's privacy protection function of allowing a sound not to be listened in a periphery region (or an inaudible region) other than a region (or an audible region) in a specific direction.

InFIGS.16and17, it has been described that the vibration generating apparatus1200vibrates the display panel1100to generate or output a sound, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the vibration generating apparatus1200may vibrate other vibration object (or vibration member) other than the display panel1100of the vibration object described above, to generate or output a sound.

FIG.18is another cross-sectional view taken along line illustrated inFIG.16.FIG.18illustrates an embodiment implemented by modifying a vibration generating apparatus illustrated inFIG.17. Therefore, in the following description, repetitive descriptions of elements other than the vibration generating apparatus and elements relevant thereto may be omitted or will be briefly given.

With reference toFIGS.16and18, in the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel1100may include a first rear region RA1and a second rear region RA2. For example, the first rear region RA1may be a right rear region, and the second rear region RA2may be a left rear region. The first and second rear regions RA1and RA2may be a left-right symmetrical with respect to a center line CL of the display panel1100in a first direction X, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the first and second rear regions RA1and RA2may overlap the display area AA of the display panel1100.

The vibration generating apparatus1200according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first vibration generating device1200-1and a second vibration generating device1200-2.

The first vibration generating device1200-1may be disposed in the first rear region RA1of the display panel1100. A size of the first vibration generating device1200-1may have the same size as the first rear area RA1of the display panel1100or may have a size smaller than the first rear area RA1of the display panel1100based on a characteristic of a first sound or a sound characteristic needed for the apparatus. For example, the first vibration generating device1200-1may be disposed close to a center or a periphery within the first rear region RA1of the display panel1100with respect to the first direction X.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vibration generating device1200-1may vibrate the first rear region RA1of the display panel1100, and thus, may generate the first sound of at least one of a first vibration sound, a first orientation vibration sound, and a first haptic feedback. For example, the first vibration generating device1200-1may directly vibrate the first rear region RA1of the display panel1100, and thus, may generate the first sound in the first rear region RA1of the display panel1100. For example, the first sound may be a right sound.

The second vibration generating device1200-2may be disposed in the second rear region RA2of the display panel1100. A size of the second vibration generating device1200-2may have the same size as the second rear area RA2of the display panel1100or may have a size smaller than the second rear area RA2of the display panel1100based on a characteristic of the second sound or the sound characteristic needed for the apparatus. For example, the second vibration generating device1200-2may be disposed close to a center or a periphery within the second rear region RA2of the display panel1100with respect to the first direction X.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second vibration generating device1200-2may vibrate the second rear region RA2of the display panel1100, and thus, may generate the second sound of at least one of a second vibration sound, a second orientation vibration sound, and a second haptic feedback. For example, the second vibration generating device1200-2may directly vibrate the second rear region RA2of the display panel1100, and thus, may generate the second sound in the second rear region RA2of the display panel1100. For example, the second sound may be a left sound.

The first and second vibration generating devices1200-1and1200-2may have the same size or different sizes to each other based on a sound characteristic of left and right sounds and/or a sound characteristic of the apparatus. And, the first and second vibration generating devices1200-1and1200-2may be disposed in a left-right symmetrical structure or a left-right asymmetrical structure with respect to the center line CL of the display panel1100.

Each of the first vibration generating device1200-1and the second vibration generating device1200-2may include one or more of the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to45, and thus, their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

Each of the first vibration generating device1200-1and the second vibration generating device200-2may disposed at the rear surface of the display panel1100by the connection member1150. The connection member1150may be substantially the same as the connection member1150described above with reference toFIG.17, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

The apparatus (or a display apparatus) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may output, through the first vibration generating device1200-1and the second vibration generating device1200-2, a left sound and a right sound to a forward region in front of the display panel1100, may concentrate or focus in a specific direction a sound generated by a vibration of each of the first vibration generating device1200-1and the second vibration generating device1200-2, and thus, may implement a user's privacy protection function of allowing a sound not to be listened in a periphery region (or an inaudible region) other than a region (or an audible region) in a specific direction.

The apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a plate1170which is disposed between the display panel1100and the vibration generating apparatus1200.

The plate1170may have the same shape and size as the rear surface of the display panel1100, or may have the same shape and size as the vibration generating apparatus1200. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate1170may have a size different from the display panel1100. For example, the plate1170may be smaller than the size of the display panel1100. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate1170may have a size different from the vibration generating apparatus1200. For example, the plate1170may be greater or smaller than the size of the vibration generating apparatus1200. The vibration generating apparatus1200may be the same as or smaller than the size of the display panel1100.

The plate1170may be coupled or connected to the rear surface of the display panel1100by a plate coupling member (or a coupling member or a connection member)1190. Thus, the vibration generating apparatus1200may be connected or coupled to a rear surface of the plate1170by the connection member1150, and thus, may be supported by or hung at the rear surface of the plate1170.

The plate1170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of opening portions. The plurality of opening portions may be configured to have a predetermined size and a predetermined interval. For example, the plurality of opening portions may be formed along a first direction X and a second direction Y so as to have a predetermined size and a predetermined interval. Due to the plurality of opening portions, a sound wave (or a sound pressure) based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200may not be dispersed by the plate1170, and may concentrate on the display panel1100. Thus, the loss of a vibration caused by the plate1170may be minimized, thereby increasing a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the display panel1100(or a vibration object or a vibration member). For example, the plate1170including the plurality of opening portions may have a mesh shape. For example, the plate1170including the plurality of opening portions may be a mesh plate.

The plate1170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a metal material. For example, the plate1170may include any one or more materials of stainless steel, aluminum (Al), a magnesium (Mg), a magnesium (Mg) alloy, a magnesium-lithium (Mg—Li) alloy, and an Al alloy, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Thus, the plate1170may act as a heat plate that dissipates heat occurring in the display panel1100.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate1170including a metal material may reinforce a mass of the vibration generating apparatus1200which is disposed at or hung from the rear surface of the display panel1100. Thus, the plate1170may decrease a resonance frequency of the vibration generating apparatus1200based on an increase in mass of the vibration generating apparatus1200. Therefore, the plate1170may increase a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of the low-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus1200and may enhance the flatness of a sound pressure level characteristic. For example, the flatness of a sound pressure level characteristic may be a magnitude of a deviation between a highest sound pressure level and a lowest sound pressure level. For example, the plate1170may be referred to as a weight member, a mass member, a sound planarization member, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

A vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to a vibration apparatus disposed in an apparatus. The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to mobile apparatuses, video phones, smart watches, watch phones, wearable apparatuses, foldable apparatuses, rollable apparatuses, bendable apparatuses, flexible apparatuses, curved apparatuses, sliding apparatuses, variable apparatuses, electronic organizers, electronic book, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, navigation apparatuses, automotive navigation apparatuses, automotive display apparatuses, automotive apparatuses, theater apparatuses, theater display apparatuses, TVs, wall paper display apparatuses, signage apparatuses, game apparatuses, notebook computers, monitors, cameras, camcorders, home appliances, etc. Addition, the vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to organic light emitting lighting apparatuses or inorganic light emitting lighting apparatuses. When the vibration apparatus of an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to lighting apparatuses, the vibration apparatus may act as lighting and a speaker. Addition, when the vibration apparatus of an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a mobile device, etc, the vibration apparatus may act as one or more of a speaker, a receiver, and a haptic, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a vibration device, the vibration device may comprise a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, a first electrode portion at a first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a plurality of circular patterns, and a second electrode portion at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a single electrode, and the vibration device may generate an ultrasound wave.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first electrode portion may be provided in plurality, the plurality of first electrode portions may be configured to have the same radius, and a resonance frequency of the vibration device may have one resonance point.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration device may further comprise a line portion at the first surface of the vibration portion, and a pad portion at one side of the vibration portion, and the line portion may connect the first electrode portion to the pad portion.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus may further comprise a first cover member at a first surface of the vibration device, and a second cover member at a second surface or different from the first surface of the vibration device.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration device may comprise first to fourth regions being configured to drive independently.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration device may comprise a first pad portion at the first region and a plurality of first electrode portions connected to the first pad portion, a second pad portion at the second region and a plurality of first electrode portions connected to the second pad portion, a third pad portion at the third region and a plurality of first electrode portions connected to the third pad portion, and a fourth pad portion at the fourth region and a plurality of first electrode portions connected to the fourth pad portion, and each of the first electrode portions at the first to fourth regions may be electrically disconnected from one another.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration device may further comprise a line portion at the first surface of the vibration portion, and the line portion may respectively connect the first to fourth pad portions to the first electrode portions of the first to fourth regions.

A vibration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a vibration device, the vibration device may comprise a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, an ultrasound electrode portion at a first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a plurality of circular patterns, a sound electrode portion configured to surround the ultrasound electrode portion, and a second electrode portion at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion and configured as a single electrode, the vibration device may generate a first sound and a second sound, and the first sound may be an ultrasound wave, and the second sound may have an audible frequency.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ultrasound electrode portion may be provided in plurality, the plurality of ultrasound electrode portions may be configured to have the same radius, and a resonance frequency of the vibration device may have one resonance point.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration device may further comprise a line portion at the first surface of the vibration portion, and an ultrasound pad portion at one side of the vibration portion, and the line portion may connect the ultrasound electrode portion to the ultrasound pad portion.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus may further comprise a first cover member at the first surface of the vibration device, and a second cover member at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration device.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration portion may comprise a first vibration portion including a piezoelectric material and overlapping the ultrasound electrode portion, a second vibration portion configured as an organic material portion and surrounding the first vibration portion, and a third vibration portion including a piezoelectric material and overlapping the sound electrode portion.

A vibration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a vibration device, the vibration device may comprise a vibration portion including a piezoelectric material, a first electrode portion having a finger type at a first surface of the vibration portion, and a sound electrode portion having a finger type at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration portion, the first electrode portion comprises a first engraved pattern, the second electrode portion comprises a second engraved pattern, the first engraved pattern and the second engraved pattern configure a plurality of circular patterns, and the vibration device generates an ultrasound wave.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of circular patterns may be configured to have the same radius, and a resonance frequency of the vibration device may have one resonance point.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus may further comprise a first cover member at the first surface of the vibration device, and a second cover member at a second surface different from the first surface of the vibration device.

An apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a vibration object, a vibration generating apparatus at the vibration object, and a connection member between the vibration object and the vibration generating apparatus, the vibration generating apparatus may comprise the vibration apparatus described above.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration object may be a display panel including a plurality of pixels configured to display an image, the display panel may comprise a first rear region and a second rear region, and the vibration generating apparatus may comprise a first vibration generating device at the first rear region of the display panel, and a second vibration generating device at the second rear region of the display panel.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may further comprise a plate between the vibration object and the vibration generating apparatus.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration object may include one or more of a display panel including a plurality of pixels configured to display an image, a screen panel on which an image is to be projected from a display apparatus, a lighting panel, a signage panel, a vehicular interior material, a vehicular glass window, a vehicular exterior material, a building ceiling material, a building interior material, a building glass window, an aircraft interior material, an aircraft glass window, wood, plastic, glass, metal, cloth, a fiber, paper, rubber, leather, carbon, and a mirror.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the vibration apparatus and the sound apparatus including the same of the present disclosure without departing from the technical idea or scope of the disclosures. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.