Liquid crystal display and a method of assembling the liquid crystal display

A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) having a maximum effective display area is provided by improving an assembling structure of the LCD. The LCD includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel assembly including a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a data driver transmitting a data driving signal to the LCD panel, and a gate driver transmitting a gate driving signal to the LCD panel, a mold frame having sidewalls and receiving the LCD panel assembly therein, the mold frame including a protruding portion protruding on top of at least one of the sidewalls, the protruding portion formed to be higher than the LCD panel assembly, and a front cover positioned outside the mold frame, a first bent portion of the front cover surrounding the protruding portion, and a distal end of the first bent portion contacting the LCD panel.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0123341, filed on Dec. 14, 2005 and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, and the contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) and a method of assembling the LCD, and more particularly, to an LCD having a maximum effective display area by improving an assembling structure of the LCD and a method of assembling the LCD.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, an LCD is one of the most widely used flat panel displays. The LCD displays an image using liquid crystal.

The LCD includes an LCD panel provided with a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, a gate driver supplying the plurality of gate lines with gate driving signals, and a data driver supplying the plurality of data lines with data driving signals. The gate and data drivers are mounted in chip types or attached to the LCD panel using a tape carrier package (“TCP”).

In recent years, to enlarge an effective display area of an LCD, there has been proposed a structure in which a gate driver is directly incorporated onto an LCD panel. In such a conventional LCD structure, since no gate driving chip is necessary, the effective display area of the LCD panel can be enlarged to some extent. However, in the conventional LCD structure, which encloses the LCD panel and includes a receiving container comprising the LCD, an area overlapped by the receiving container and the LCD panel is considerably large, so that the effective display area of the LCD panel cannot be maximized.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) having a maximum effective display area by improving an assembling structure of the LCD and a method of assembling the LCD.

This as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an LCD including an LCD panel assembly including an LCD panel, a data driver transmitting a data driving signal to the LCD panel, and a gate driver transmitting a gate driving signal to the LCD panel, a mold frame having and receiving the LCD panel assembly therein, the mold frame including a protruding portion protruding on top of at least one of the sidewalls, the protruding portion formed to be higher than the LCD panel assembly, and a front cover positioned outside the mold frame, a first bent portion of the front cover surrounding the protruding portion, and a distal end of the first bent portion contacting the LCD panel.

According to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an LCD including an LCD panel assembly including a rectangular LCD panel having a long side and a short side, a data driver attached to the long side of the LCD panel and transmitting a data driving signal to the LCD panel, and a gate driver patterned in an integrated circuit type on the short side of the LCD panel and transmitting a gate driving signal to the LCD panel, a mold frame receiving the LCD panel assembly therein and including a protruding portion protruding on top of a sidewall of the mold frame in a vicinity of the short side of the LCD panel, the protruding portion formed to be higher than the LCD panel assembly, a front cover positioned outside the mold frame, a first bent portion of the front cover surrounding the protruding portion, and a distal end of the first bent portion contacting the LCD panel, and a top receiving container positioned between the mold frame and the front cover, a portion of the top receiving container covering a portion of a top surface of the mold frame and securely fixing the LCD panel, the top receiving container also including a plate-shaped sidewall in a vicinity of the short side of the LCD panel, the plate-shaped sidewall formed to be lower than the protruding portion.

According to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a liquid crystal display including providing a mold frame having a protruding portion extending upwardly from a first sidewall and a supporting portion extending inwardly from a second sidewall, placing a liquid crystal display panel on the supporting portion, and positioning a front cover outside of the mold frame, the front cover having a first sidewall corresponding to the first sidewall of the mold frame and a first bent portion extending from the first sidewall of the front cover, a distal end of the first bent portion contacting the liquid crystal display panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described hereinafter with reference to illustrations of an exemplary liquid crystal display (“LCD”) according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary LCD800according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 2Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa′ ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 2Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb′ ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 2B, the LCD800includes an LCD panel assembly100, a backlight assembly200, a mold frame300, a bottom receiving container400, a top receiving container500, and front/rear covers600and700.

The LCD panel assembly100includes an LCD panel110, and a driving assembly including a gate driver (not shown), a data driver130, and a print circuit board (“PCB”)120.

The LCD panel110has a rectangular shape including opposing long sides and short sides and displays an image. The LCD panel110includes a first plate111, a second plate112, and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) disposed between the first plate111and the second plate112.

On the first plate111are formed a plurality of gate lines spaced a predetermined gap apart from one another and extending in a first direction and plurality of data lines arranged in a predetermined interval and extending in a second direction so as to intersect the gate lines. The first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction may extend substantially parallel to the long sides of the LCD panel110, and the second direction may extend substantially parallel to the short sides of the LCD panel110. Pixel regions are defined in a matrix by intersecting pairs of the gate lines and the data lines. Pixel electrodes are formed at the pixel regions, and thin film transistors (“TFTs”) switched by signals supplied from the gate lines and transmitting signals supplied from the data lines to the respective pixel electrodes are also formed at the pixel regions.

At one side of the first plate111are formed pads (not shown) to which the data driver130is attached, to supply the data lines with driving signals. The gate driver (not shown) for supplying the gate lines with driving signals, which is patterned in an integrated circuit type, is formed on the other side of the first plate111. For example, the gate driver may be formed on a side perpendicular to the side of the first plate111to which the data driver130is attached.

On the second plate112, which faces and is connected to the first plate111, is formed a black matrix for blocking light from areas other than pixel areas, RGB color filter patterns for a color display, a common electrode for image representation, and a light blocking pattern for dividing effective display areas of the LCD panel110.

The light blocking pattern is formed in flange patterns along the periphery of the second plate112. The LCD panel110displays an image only within an interior surface of the blocking pattern. In addition, the light blocking pattern covers the gate driver (not shown) of the first plate111.

A predetermined gap between the first and second plates111and112is maintained by a spacer and the first and second plates111and112supported by the spacer are sealed together by a sealant or glass frit. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) having optical anisotropy is formed between the first and second plates111and112.

As described above, the gate driver, hidden from view by the second plate112, is patterned in an integrated circuit type, is formed on the first plate111of the LCD panel110, such as along a short side of the first plate111, and transmits the gate driving signals to the gate lines of the first plate111.

The data driver130is connected to the pads formed on the first plate111and transmits the driving signals to the data lines. The data driver130includes a plurality of wire patterns formed on a flexible base film and a driving IC connected to the plurality of wire patterns. Here, one end of the flexible base film is connected with the pads of the LCD panel110using an anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”) and the other end thereof is connected with the PCB120. Driving and control signals of the LCD panel110, which are supplied from the PCB120is transmitted to the LCD panel110through the data driver130.

The PCB120connected with the data driver130, generates the driving and control signals of the LCD panel110and transmits the same to the LCD panel110through the data driver130. The PCB120has multiple electronic elements mounted thereon.

The PCB120, the data driver130, and the gate driver integrated on the first plate111apply driving signals and timing signals to the gate lines and data lines of the first plate111to control orientation angles and timings of liquid crystals.

The LCD panel assembly100having the aforementioned configuration is seated and received in the mold frame300.

The mold frame300has a receiving space to receive the LCD panel assembly100and may be made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. In addition, the mold frame300includes a supporting portion330on which the LCD panel110is seated and may further be sealed and a protruding portion320for preventing fluctuation of the LCD panel110. The long sides of the LCD panel110, to which the data driver130is attached, are fixed with the supporting portion330and the short sides of the LCD panel110, to which the gate driver is formed, are received by sidewalls of the mold frame300having the protruding portion320. In other words, the protruding portions320protrude from the top ends of the sidewalls of the mold frame300in the vicinity of the short sides of the LCD panel110. Here, the protruding portions320are formed to be higher than the LCD panel assembly100. That is, when the LCD panel assembly100is seated on the supporting portion330of the mold frame300as shown inFIG. 2B, the protruding portions320extend beyond the substantially planar surface of the LCD panel110, as shown inFIG. 2A. In other words, a thickness of the LCD800measured at the LCD panel110is less than a thickness of the LCD800measured at the protruding portion320.

The inner surface of the sidewall of the mold frame300is combined with the bottom receiving container400and the outer surface of the sidewall of the mold frame300is combined with the top receiving container500. The mold frame300may be modified into various shapes according to how to receive the LCD panel110and the backlight assembly200, which will later be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 3A to 4C.

The backlight assembly200is disposed below the mold frame300and provides light to the LCD panel110.

The backlight assembly200is received in the bottom receiving container400. When the mold frame300and the bottom receiving container400are combined with each other, the backlight assembly200is secured to the bottom receiving container400by the mold frame300. As illustrated, the supporting portion330of the mold frame300may overlap a light source unit210of the backlight assembly200. The backlight assembly200includes the light source unit210, a light guide plate220, a reflective sheet230, and optical sheets240.

The light source unit210is disposed along at least one side of the light guide plate220and includes a light source211and a light source cover212covering the light source211. As the light source211, a linear light source such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (“CCFL”) or a hot cathode fluorescent lamp (“HCFL”) or a point light source such as a light emitting diode (“LED”) may be used. In the illustrative embodiment, a CCFL is used as the light source211.

Meanwhile, the light source unit210may be disposed along one long or short side or two adjacent or opposing sides of the light guide plate220.FIG. 1shows an example in which two light source units210are disposed along either of two opposing long sides of the light guide plate220.

The light guide plate220has a rectangular shape and guides light emitted by the light source unit210upwards from the backlight assembly200, i.e., toward the LCD panel assembly100.

The light guide plate220is made of a highly refractive and transmissive material, e.g., polymethylmethacrylate (“PMMA”), polycarbonate (“PC”) or polyethylene (“PE”).

A light-scattering pattern is formed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate220to direct light, incident from the side of the light guide plate220, in an upwards direction. The light-scattering pattern may be formed, for example, by patterning a scattering material coated on the bottom surface of the light guide plate220, forming a curve on the bottom surface thereof, or using other methods.

The reflective sheet230is disposed below the light guide plate220, such as between the bottom surface of the light guide plate220and a bottom plate of the bottom receiving container400. The reflective sheet230reflects light passing downward through the bottom surface of the light guide plate220upwards from the light guide plate220, thereby increasing the brightness of the backlight assembly200while allowing light to be emitted uniformly upward from the light guide plate220.

The reflective sheet230may be made of a slim, highly elastic and reflective material. For example, the reflective sheet230may be, a 0.01 to 5 mm thick polyethylene terephtalate (“PET”) sheet, but not limited thereto. When necessary, the reflective sheet230may further be provided with a reflective layer coated on a slim, highly elastic material.

The optical sheets240are disposed above the light guide plate220and uniformly irradiate light guided by the light guide plate220upward from the backlight assembly200and towards the LCD panel110. For example, the optical sheets240may be formed by selectively stacking one or more diffusion sheets240c, prism sheets240aand240b, or protective sheets (not shown). While a particular arrangement of optical sheets240is shown, the optical sheets240may be formed of a single optical sheet or a plurality of the same optical sheets. The stacking order of the optical sheet(s) may vary within a range in which uniformity of light can be increased. The optical sheets240may be formed of transparent resin such as acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, or silicon resin.

The backlight assembly200having the aforementioned configuration is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the LCD panel110received in the mold frame300. Here, the LCD panel110and the backlight assembly200disposed in the vicinity of the supporting portion330of the mold frame300are spaced apart from each other by the supporting portion330, as shown inFIG. 2B. In other words, the LCD panel110is spaced from the backlight assembly200by the supporting portion330along the sides of the mold frame300having the supporting portions330. The LCD panel110and the backlight assembly200disposed in the vicinity of the protruding portion320of the mold frame300are spaced apart from each other by an adhesive fixing material or a fixing tape150interposed there between. In other words, the LCD panel110is spaced from the backlight assembly200by the adhesive fixing material or fixing tape150along the sides of the mold frame300having the protruding portions320.

Here, the adhesive fixing material or a fixing tape150is preferably adhered so as to overlap with the light blocking pattern of the LCD panel110. In addition, the adhesive fixing material or a fixing tape150preferably has the same height as the supporting portion330of the mold frame300for maintaining a substantially uniform spacing between the LCD panel110and the backlight assembly200.

The bottom receiving container400has a predetermined inner space to receive the backlight assembly200, and is combined with the mold frame300to securely support various components of the backlight assembly200.

The PCB120connected to the data driver130of the LCD panel110is bent to the rear surface of the bottom receiving container400. The bottom receiving container400may be made of a metal such as, but not limited to, aluminum (Al) or Al alloy.

The top receiving container500is positioned between the mold frame300and the front cover600and portions of the top receiving container500cover the top portion of the mold frame300to fix the LCD panel110in place on the mold frame300. In other words, the top receiving container500is combined with the mold frame300to receive the LCD panel assembly100and the backlight assembly200, prevents deviation of the LCD panel110and defines an effective display area of the LCD panel110.

The top receiving container500has four sidewalls combined with the mold frame300. Here, the sidewalls of the top receiving container500in the vicinity of the short side of the LCD panel110is formed lower than the protruding portion320of the mold frame300, and is plate-shaped. In addition, the other sidewalls of the top receiving container500in the vicinity of the long side of the LCD panel110are bent to fix the top surface of the LCD panel110relative to the mold frame300. The top receiving container500will later be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 5A-5C.

The top receiving container500may be made of the same material as the bottom receiving container400, for example, a metal such as aluminum (Al) or Al alloy. Here, the combination between the top receiving container500and the mold frame300may be made using a hook or a screw, but is not limited thereto.

The front cover600surrounds the front surface and sidewalls of the top receiving container500and is combined with the rear cover700from the rear surface of the bottom receiving container400to complete the outer frame of the LCD800.

The front cover600is positioned outside the mold frame300, and is bent at opposing sides thereof so as to surround the protruding portion320of the mold frame300from the outer surface of the mold frame300. Here, the distal ends of the bent front cover600are in contact with the LCD panel110and securely fix the LCD panel110relative to the backlight assembly200such as by trapping the LCD panel110between the distal end portions of the bent front cover600and the fixing tape150. In addition, bent portions are formed on two sidewalls of the front cover600, that is, on the sidewalls of the front cover600corresponding to the sidewalls where the supporting portion330of the mold frame300is formed. Here, the distal ends of the bent front cover600are in contact with the bent portion of the top receiving container500. The front cover600will later be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 6A to 7C.

FIG. 3Ais a partly cut-away perspective view illustrating an exemplary mold frame shown inFIG. 1.FIGS. 3B and 3Care enlarged perspective views of portions A and B, respectively, ofFIG. 3A.

Referring toFIGS. 2A,2B,3A,3B, and3C, the mold frame300has a rectangular inner receiving space to receive the LCD panel assembly100therein. The mold frame300includes first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls311,312,313and314. Lower inner surfaces of the sidewalls311,312,313and314for the mold frame300are combined with outer surfaces of the sidewalls of the bottom receiving container400to securely fix the backlight assembly200received in the bottom receiving container400. Outer surfaces of the sidewalls311,312,313,314of the mold frame300are combined with inner surfaces of sidewalls of the top receiving container500to securely fix the LCD panel110. The mold frame300may be made of an insulating synthetic resin.

In addition, the mold frame300includes the supporting portion330on which the LCD panel110is seated and sealed and the protruding portion320for preventing fluctuation of the LCD panel110. Here, the protruding portion320protrudes from the top end of the first and third sidewalls311,313of the mold frame300in the vicinity of the short sides of the LCD panel110. The supporting portion330is preferably formed on the second and fourth sidewalls312,314of the mold frame300in the vicinity of the long sides of the LCD panel110.

Further, as shown inFIG. 3C, the mold frame300includes the protruding portion320protruding to a predetermined height d1on top of the first sidewall311, as well as the third sidewall313facing and opposed to the first sidewall311, and extending in a length direction of the first and third sidewalls311,313. The protruding portion320may be centrally positioned between corners of the mold frame300, such that a bent portion520of the top receiving container500may overlap with end portions of the first and third sidewalls311,313.

Here, the height d1of the protruding portion320is approximately 0.3 to 0.6 mm. The protruding portion320prevents fluctuation of the LCD panel110and is combined with the front cover600in an engaged manner as shown inFIG. 2A. The protruding portion320is formed to extend higher than the LCD panel110. That is, a thickness of the LCD800measured from the rear cover700to a top surface of the second plate112of the LCD panel110is less than a thickness of the LCD800measured from the rear cover700to a top surface of the protruding portion320. On the contrary, a thickness of the LCD800measured from the rear cover700to a top surface of the second plate112of the LCD panel110may be substantially the same as a thickness of the LCD800measured from the rear cover700to a top surface of the second and fourth sidewalls312,314.

The mold frame300further includes the supporting portions330protruding from the inner surface of the second and fourth sidewalls312,314, extending outwardly in a direction perpendicular with the second and fourth sidewalls312,314, and extending in a length direction of the second and fourth sidewalls312,314.

Here, each supporting portion330is formed to a predetermined height d2from bottom surfaces of the second and fourth sidewalls312and314, preferably substantially the same as the height of the backlight assembly200, i.e., a sum of thicknesses of the reflective sheet230and the light guide plate220. The height d2may also include a thickness of a bottom plate of the bottom receiving container400as well as the height of the backlight assembly200, as shown inFIG. 2B. As further shown inFIG. 2B, each supporting portion330may extend a distance substantially equal to a combined width of the light source cover212and a thickness of the sidewall of the bottom receiving container400.

Here, one side of the LCD panel110, that is, the long side of the LCD panel110, to which the data driver130is attached, is seated on the supporting portion330extending from the second sidewall312. An opposite side of the LCD panel110, that is, the opposing other long side of the LCD panel110, is seated on the supporting portion330extending from the fourth sidewall314. The supporting portion330maintains the LCD panel110and the backlight assembly200a predetermined distance apart from each other.

The adhesive fixing material or fixing tape150maintains a predetermined space between the backlight assembly200and the first and third sidewalls311,313of the mold frame300not having the supporting portion330, that is, the short sides of the LCD panel110received adjacent the first and third sidewalls311and313, corresponding to a side of the LCD panel110where the gate driver is formed and the opposite side thereof.

Here, the adhesive fixing material or a fixing tape150is preferably adhered along short sides of the backlight assembly200so as to be overlapped by the light blocking pattern of the LCD panel110. In addition, the adhesive fixing material or a fixing tape150preferably has the same thickness t1as the supporting portion330of the mold frame300so that the LCD panel110is brought into equilibrium during assembling.

The protruding portion320and the supporting portion330are integrally formed with the sidewalls311,312,313and314of the mold frame300.

FIG. 4Ais a partly cut-away perspective view illustrating a modified example of the exemplary mold frame ofFIG. 3A.FIGS. 4B and 4Care enlarged perspective views of portions C and D, respectively, ofFIG. 4A.

For brevity, components having the same function for describing the embodiment shown inFIG. 3are respectively identified by the same reference numerals, and their repetitive description will be omitted. Referring toFIG. 4A, a mold frame according to this exemplary embodiment is basically the same as that according to the previous exemplary embodiment except for the following. That is, the mold frame300′ according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of spaced protruding portions320′ formed on the first and third sidewalls311and313, respectively.

Further, the mold frame300′ includes a plurality of protruding portions320′ formed on the first and third sidewalls311and313, protruding to a predetermined height d3on top of the first and third sidewalls311and313, and extending in a length direction of the first and third sidewalls311and313. The height d3may be the same as the height dl ofFIG. 3C. The protruding portions320′ may be spaced from each other in the lengthwise direction of the first and third sidewalls311and313.

Here, at least one of the protruding portions320′ may be formed within a length range of the first and third sidewalls311and313. In addition, the protruding portions320′ are preferably formed at locations facing the first and third sidewalls311and313.

The supporting portion330of the mold frame300′ may be the same as the supporting portion330of the mold frame300, and the height d4may be substantially the same as the height d2ofFIG. 3B.

FIG. 5Ais a partly cut-away perspective view illustrating an exemplary top receiving container shown inFIG. 1.FIGS. 5B and 5Care enlarged perspective views of portions E and F, respectively, ofFIG. 5A.

Referring toFIGS. 2A,2B,5A,5B, and5C, the top receiving container500is positioned between the mold frame300and the front cover600, and includes first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls511,512,513and514combined with the first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls311,312,313and314of the mold frame300, respectively.

Here, the first sidewall511of the top receiving container500and the third sidewall513of the top receiving container500are positioned in the vicinity of the short sides of the LCD panel110and combined with the first and third sidewalls311and313of the mold frame300. The first and third sidewalls511and513are plate-shaped and are formed lower than the protruding portion320formed on the first and third sidewalls311and313of the mold frame300. Here, an exteriorly facing side of the protruding portions320formed on the first and third sidewalls311and313is exposed by the sidewalls511and513, having a lower height as shown inFIG. 2A. The protruding portion320has a height of approximately 0.3 to 0.6 mm.

The second and fourth sidewalls512and514of the top receiving container500are combined with the second and fourth sidewalls312and314of the mold frame300and bent so as to fix the top surface of the LCD panel110in the vicinity of the long sides of the LCD panel110, as shown inFIG. 2B. Here, the second and fourth sidewalls512and514of the top receiving container500are bent in an L-shape and securely fix the top surface of the LCD panel110with bent portion520. Here, the second and fourth sidewalls512and514of the top receiving container500support/fix the LCD panel110received by the mold frame300, thereby preventing fluctuation of the LCD panel110.

The first through fourth sidewalls511,512,513and514of the top receiving container500may be combined with the first through fourth sidewalls311,312,313and314of the mold frame300by hook connection. For example, hooks (not shown) may be formed along surfaces of the sidewalls511,512,513and514and hook insertion holes (not shown), corresponding to the hooks, may be formed on the sidewalls311,312,313and314. Accordingly, the mold frame300lifts upward from the top receiving container500so that the hooks are inserted into the hook insertion holes of the mold frame300to establish fastening of the top receiving container500with the mold frame300.

Alternatively, the fastening of the top receiving container500with the mold frame300may be modified in various types using known methods.

The top receiving container500may be made of the same material as the bottom receiving container400, for example, a metal such as aluminum (Al) or Al alloy.

FIG. 6Ais a partly cut-away perspective view illustrating an exemplary front cover shown in FIG.1.FIGS. 6B and 6Care enlarged perspective views of portions G and H, respectively, ofFIG. 6A.

Referring toFIGS. 2A,2B,6A,6B, and6C, the front cover600is positioned outside the mold frame300, and is bent at a first bent portion620, shown inFIG. 6C, so as to surround the protruding portion320of the mold frame300from the outer surface of the mold frame300. Here, the distal end first bent portion620is in contact with the LCD panel110as shown inFIG. 2A. The front cover600includes first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls611,612,613and614and is combined with the rear cover700to complete the outer frame of the LCD800. Inner surfaces of the sidewalls611,612,613,614of the front cover600may surround outer surfaces of the rear cover700.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the first bent portion620of the front cover600is engaged with the protruding portion320of the mold frame300. Further, the front cover600includes the first bent portion620formed on the first and third sidewalls611,613and bent in a U-shape, more particularly an upside-down U-shape, so as to surround the protruding portion320of the mold frame300.

Here, the distal end of the first bent portion620is in contact with the top surface of the LCD panel110. Preferably, the distal end of the first bent portion620overlaps with the light blocking pattern formed on the LCD panel110.

In addition, the second and fourth sidewalls612and614are combined with the second and fourth sidewalls512and514of the top receiving container500. Further, the second and fourth sidewalls612and614each include a second bent portion630, as shown inFIGS. 2B and 6B, extending in a direction of the LCD panel110and bent in an L-shape. The horizontal portion of the second bent portion630may extend as far towards the LCD panel110as the bent portion520.

Here, the first through fourth sidewalls611,612,613and614of the front cover600may be made of a relatively light material, e.g., a synthetic resin material, as compared to the bottom and top receiving containers400and500made of a metal.

The front cover600surrounds the front surface and sidewalls of the top receiving container500and is combined with the rear cover700from the rear surface of the bottom receiving container400to complete the outer frame of the LCD800.

FIG. 7Ais a partly cut-away perspective view illustrating a modified example of the exemplary front cover ofFIG. 6.FIGS. 7B and 7Care enlarged perspective views of portions I and J, respectively, ofFIG. 7A.

For brevity, components each having the same function for describing the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A to 6Care respectively identified by the same reference numerals, and their repetitive description will be omitted.

InFIG. 7A, a front cover600′ is combined with the mold frame300′ shown inFIG. 4A. In the description that follows, the front cover600′ is explained in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 2A,2B,4A,4C,7A,7B, and7C.

Referring toFIGS. 2A,2B,4A,4B,4C,7A,7B, and7C, the front cover600′ according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of first bent portions620′ repeatedly formed at different heights to surround the protruding portions320′ of the mold frame300′. The plurality of first bent portions620′ of the front cover600′ are shaped to surround the protruding portions320′ formed on the first and third sidewalls311and313of the mold frame300′ in a more secure manner.

Further, the front cover600′ includes first bent portions620′ bent in a U-shape, in particular an upside-down U-shape, so as to surround the protruding portions320′ of the mold frame300′. The first bent portions620′ are alternately formed at different heights. In other words, the first bent portions620′ include third bent portions620a′ combined with the protruding portions320′ formed on the first and third sidewalls311and313, and fourth bent portions620b′ combined with the portions of the first and third sidewalls311and313not having the protruding portions320′. In this case, the third bent portions620a′ are in the vicinity of the fourth bent portions620b′ and are formed to be higher than the fourth bent portions620b′.

The first bent portions620′ including the third bent portions620a′ and the fourth bent portions620b′ are also formed on the third sidewall613facing the first sidewall611.

In addition, the distal ends of the third and fourth bent portions620a′ and620b′ are in contact with the top surface of the LCD panel110. Preferably, the distal ends of the third and fourth bent portions620a′ and620b′ overlap with light blocking patterns formed on the LCD panel110.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an LCD having a maximum effective display area can be attained by improving an assembling structure of the LCD.

In concluding the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.