Display apparatus

A display apparatus includes a display apparatus comprising, a display panel comprising a front substrate and a back substrate, at least one structure disposed in the rear of the display panel, and a supporting film attached to the display panel and connected to at least one structure.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0093784 filed on Sep. 19, 2011, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate to a display apparatus.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

With the development of the information society, various demands for display devices have been increasing. Various display devices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), electroluminescent displays (ELDs), and vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs), have been recently studied and used to meet various demands for the display devices. Among the display devices, a liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer, and a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a color filter substrate that are positioned opposite each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The liquid crystal display panel displays an image using light provided by a backlight unit of the liquid crystal display.

FIG. 1illustrates a related art display device.

As shown inFIG. 1, a related art display device includes a display panel100P including a front substrate and a back substrate, an optical layer120P disposed in the rear of the display panel100P, a frame130P disposed in the rear of the optical layer120P, first and second fastening parts160P and170P for fastening the display panel100P, the optical layer120P, and the frame130P, a protective substrate110P disposed in the front of the display panel100P, a third fastening part150P for fastening the protective substrate110P, and a back cover140P which is connected to the third fastening part150P and is disposed in the rear of the frame130P.

The related art display device has the complicated structure disclosed herein, and also it is difficult to achieve a thin profile of the related art display device. Further, visibility of the related art display device is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, there is a display apparatus including a display apparatus comprising, a display panel comprising a front substrate and a back substrate, at least one structure disposed in the rear of the display panel, and a supporting film attached to the display panel and connected to at least one structure.

The supporting film comprises a light transmissive material.

The supporting film surrounds at least one structure.

The display apparatus further comprises a film joining portion connected to both ends of the supporting film.

The structure comprises, at least one of a bracket, an optical sheet disposed on the bracket, and a frame connected to the bracket.

The film joining portion is connected to the frame.

The supporting film comprises, a first supporting film corresponding to a display area for displaying an image of the display panel and a second supporting film corresponding to a dummy area positioned outside the display area of the display panel.

The transmittance of the first supporting film is higher than the transmittance of the second supporting film, and the tensile strength of the second supporting film is higher than the tensile strength of the first supporting film.

The first supporting film and the second supporting film comprise a mutually overlapping portion.

The display apparatus further comprises a first film joining portion connected to one end of the supporting film and a second film joining portion connected to the other end of the supporting film.

The display apparatus further comprises a horizontal film joining portion connected to both ends of the supporting film in a horizontal direction and a vertical film joining portion connected to both ends of the supporting film in a vertical direction.

The display apparatus at least one structure is attached to the supporting film.

The supporting film comprises a portion attached to the rear surface of the back substrate.

The supporting film comprises a portion attached to the front surface of the front substrate.

The supporting film further comprises a portion attached to sides of the front substrate and back substrate.

The structure further comprises at least one bracket disposed on the supporting film and fastening means for fastening the bracket and the supporting film.

The display apparatus further comprises an optical sheet disposed on the bracket, a frame connected to the bracket, and fastening means for fastening the frame and the supporting film.

The display apparatus further comprises a side cover comprising a portion that covers the side of the display panel and a back cover positioned in the rear of the display panel and connected to the side cover.

The display apparatus further comprises a bottom cover for covering a portion of a bottom area of the front surface of the display panel.

An edge of the front surface of the display panel is exposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the invention examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Since the present invention may be modified in various ways and may have various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail in the present specification. However, it should be understood that the present invention are not limited to specific disclosed embodiments, but include all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

The terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, a first component may be designated as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the same manner, the second component may be designated as the first component.

The term “and/or” encompasses both combinations of the plurality of related items disclosed and any item from among the plurality of related items disclosed.

When an arbitrary component is described as “being connected to “or” being linked to” another component, this should be understood to mean that still another component(s) may exist between them, although the arbitrary component may be directly connected to, or linked to, the second component. In contrast, when an arbitrary component is described as “being directly connected to” or “being directly linked to” another component, this should be understood to mean that no component exists between them.

The terms used in the present application are used to describe only specific embodiments or examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression can include a plural expression as long as it does not have an apparently different meaning in context.

In the present application, the terms “include” and “have” should be understood to be intended to designate that illustrated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof exist and not to preclude the existence of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, or the possibility of the addition thereof.

Unless otherwise specified, all of the terms which are used herein, including the technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those that are generally understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary must be understood to have meanings identical to those used in the context of a related art, and are not to be construed to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless they are obviously specified in the present application.

The following exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided to those skilled in the art in order to describe the present invention more completely. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal display panel is used as an example of a display panel. Other display panels may be used. For example, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) panel, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel may be used.

FIGS. 2 to 5illustrate a configuration of a display apparatus according to an example embodiment of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 2, a display apparatus according to an example embodiment of the invention may include a display panel100, a backlight unit10B including an optical layer110, a light source120, and a back cover130. And, the display apparatus further include a supporting film SFM (not shown). Detail descriptions of the supporting film may disclosed in the below.

The display panel100displaying an image may include a front substrate and a back substrate that are positioned opposite each other.

The optical layer110may be disposed between the back substrate and the back cover130.

The optical layer110may include a plurality of sheets. For example, although not shown, the optical layer110may include at least one of a prism sheet and a diffusion sheet.

The backlight unit10B may be disposed in the rear of the optical layer110. Although not shown, the backlight unit10B may further include a frame as well as the light source120. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the backlight unit10B includes the light source120, the optical layer110, and the frame (not shown). However, the backlight unit10B may include a light guide plate (not shown). Further, in the embodiment disclosed herein, the backlight unit10B may be used as the light source120and thus may indicate the light source120. In other word, the backlight unit10B may be referred to as the light source.

The configuration of the backlight unit may be variously changed.

Various types of light sources120may be used in the embodiment of the invention. For example, the light source may be one of a light emitting diode (LED) chip and a LED package having at least one LED chip. In this instance, the light source may be a colored LED emitting at least one of red, green, and blue light or a white LED.

Although the embodiment of the invention describes the direct type backlight unit10B as an example, an edge type backlight unit may be used.

The back cover130may be positioned in the rear of the backlight unit10B. The back cover130may protect the backlight unit10B and the optical layer110from an impact or a pressure applied from the outside.

The optical layer110may be closely attached to the display panel100. Alternatively, the optical layer110may be separated from the display panel100by a predetermined distance.

Alternatively, the backlight unit10B may be closely attached to the optical layer110. In this instance, a thickness of the display apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention may be reduced.

As shown inFIG. 3, the display panel100may include a front substrate101and a back substrate111, that are positioned opposite each other and attached to each other to form a uniform cell gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer104may be formed between the front substrate101and the back substrate111.

A seal part200may be formed between the front substrate101and the back substrate111to seal the liquid crystal layer104.

A color filter102may be positioned on the front substrate101to implement red, green, and blue colors. The color filter102may include a plurality of pixels each including red, green, and blue subpixels. Other configurations of the subpixels may be used for the pixel. For example, each pixel may include red, green, blue, and white subpixels. When light is incident on the color filter102, the color filter102may generate images corresponding to the red, green, and blue colors.

A predetermined transistor103, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT) may be formed on the back substrate111. The transistor103may turn on or off liquid crystals in each pixel. In this instance, the front substrate101may be referred to as a color filter substrate, and the back substrate111may be referred to as a TFT substrate.

The display panel100may further include a front polarizing film3400and a back polarizing film3410. The front polarizing film3400may be positioned on a front surface of the front substrate101to polarize light passing through the display panel100. The back polarizing film3410may be positioned on a back surface of the back substrate111to polarize light passing through the optical layer110positioned in the rear of the back substrate111. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the front polarizing film3400may be referred to as a first front polarizing film, and the back polarizing film3410may be referred to as a second front polarizing film.

The liquid crystal layer104may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, and the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules may change in response to a driving signal supplied by the transistor103. Hence, light provided by the backlight unit10B may be incident on the color filter102based on changes in the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal layer104. As a result, the color filter102may implement red, green, and blue light, and thus a predetermined image may be displayed on the front substrate101of the display panel100.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 4, a color filter102for implementing red, green, and blue colors may be positioned on the back substrate111.

Further, a predetermined transistor103, for example, a TFT may be formed on the front substrate101. The transistor103may turn on or off liquid crystals in each pixel. In this instance, the back substrate111may be referred to as a color filter substrate, and the front substrate101may be referred to as a TFT substrate.

As above, when the transistor103is formed on the front substrate101, it is easy to install a connecting unit, such as a cable and a flexible printed circuit board, for connecting a driving board (not shown) to the transistor103on the front substrate101.

Further, the driving board may be disposed in the rear of the display panel100. In this instance, a length of the connecting unit for connecting the driving board to the transistor103may be reduced.

As shown inFIG. 5, each pixel of the display panel100may include a data line300, a gate line310crossing the data line300, and the TFT103connected to a crossing of the data line300and the gate line310.

The TFT103supplies a data voltage supplied through the data line300to a pixel electrode320of a liquid crystal cell Clc in response to a gate pulse from the gate line310. The liquid crystal cell Clc is driven by an electric field generated by a voltage difference between a voltage of the pixel electrode320and a common voltage Vcom applied to a common electrode330, thereby controlling an amount of light passing through a polarizing plate. A storage capacitor Cst is connected to the pixel electrode320of the liquid crystal cell Clc and holds the voltage of the liquid crystal cell Clc.

Since the above-described structure and the above-described configuration of the display panel100are only one example, they may be changed, added, or omitted.

FIGS. 6 to 67illustrate a structure of a display apparatus according to an example embodiment of the invention. In the following description, the descriptions of the configuration and the structure described above are omitted.

Referring to (A) ofFIG. 6, a supporting film SFM may be disposed in the rear of the display panel100, more specifically, the rear of the back substrate11. The supporting film SFM may include a portion attached to a rear surface of the back substrate111. More specifically, as shown in (B) ofFIG. 6, an adhesive layer SFA may be disposed between the supporting film SFM and the back substrate111to attach the supporting film SFM to the back substrate111.

Such a supporting film SFM may be connected to at least one predetermined structure, and therefore restrain and support the at least one structure. Also, one end and the other end of the supporting film SFM may be connected to each other.

For example, as shown inFIG. 7, a film joining portion SFJ may be connected to both ends of the supporting film SFM to fix the both ends of the supporting film SFM. As the both ends of the supporting film SFM are connected to the film joining portion SFJ, enough space for predetermined structures to be disposed inside the supporting film SFM may be provided.

Referring toFIG. 8, the predetermined structures provided inside the supporting film SFM may be disposed. In this case, at least one of these structures may be surrounded by the supporting film SFM. For example, a bracket140AT may be disposed in an internal space provided by the supporting film SFM.

Also, an optical layer110(optical sheet) may be disposed on the bracket140AT.

As above, when the optical layer110is disposed on the bracket140AT, the optical layer110may be separated from the back substrate111by a predetermined distance Z1. Hence, an air gap6500may be formed between the back substrate111and the optical layer110.

As above, when the air gap6500is formed between the back substrate111and the optical layer110, the optical characteristics of the display apparatus may be improved by the air gap6500.

As shown inFIG. 9, the bracket140AT may include a first portion410extending from a sidewall400in a first direction DRH (horizontal direction), a second portion420extending from the first portion410in a second direction DRV (vertical direction), a third portion430extending from the second portion420in the first direction DRH, and a fourth portion440extending from the third portion430in the second direction DRV.

Preferably, the second portion420extends from an end of the first portion410, the third portion430extends from an end of the second portion420, and the fourth portion440extends from an end of the third portion430. Also, the first portion410may be positioned between a first end401and second end402of the sidewall400in the second direction DRV. Also, the sidewall400may extend in a third direction DRV, which is different from the first and second directions DRH and DRV. The first, second, and third directions DRH, DRV, and DRZ may be orthogonal to one another.

The optical layer110may be disposed on the third portion430of the bracket140AT.

In the embodiment of the invention, the structure and the shape of the bracket140AT may be variously changed.

For example, as shown inFIG. 10, the bracket140AT may include a sidewall400, a first extension450extending from the sidewall400in the first direction DRH and a second extension460extending from the first extension450in the second direction DRV.

Preferably, the second extension460extends from an end of the first extension450.

In this case, the optical layer may be disposed on the first extension450of the bracket140AT.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1, the bracket140AT may include a sidewall400, a first wall470extending from the side wall400in a first direction DRH, a second wall471extending from the first wall470in a second direction DRV, a third wall472extending from the second wall471in the first direction DRH, a fourth wall473extending from the third wall472in the second direction DRV, and a fifth wall474extending from the fourth wall473in the first direction DRH and connected to the sidewall400.

In the present invention, the shape of the bracket140AT may not be limited to those shown inFIGS. 9 to 11.

Meanwhile, the display panel100(or front/back substrates101and111) may include a first long side LS1, a second long side LS2facing the first long side LS1, a first short side SS1adjacent to the first and second long sides LS1and LS2, and a second short side SS2facing the first short side SS1.

Here, as shown inFIG. 12(A), a bracket140ATa may be disposed on the first short side SS1and second short side SS2of the back substrate111. The bracket disposed on the short sides of the back substrate11may be referred to as a vertical bracket140ATa.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 12(B), a bracket ATb may be disposed on the first long side LS1and second long side LS2, as well as on the first short side SS1and second short side SS2of the back substrate111. The bracket disposed on the long sides of the back substrate111may be referred to as a horizontal bracket140ATb.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 12(C), a bracket140ATb may be disposed on the first long side LS1and second long side LS1of the back substrate111.

As stated above, the position at which the bracket AT is disposed may be varied in many different ways.

As shown inFIG. 13, the light source120may be disposed on the optical layer110. In this instance, the light source120may be the direct type backlight unit.

Referring toFIG. 14, a frame1600may be disposed in the rear of the light source120. This frame1600may be connected to the bracket140AT. Also, though not shown, the frame1600may be connected to the back cover130.

Moreover, althoughFIG. 14illustrates the light source120and the frame1600as being separated from each other, the light source120may be closely attached to the frame1600.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 15, a light guide plate7000may be disposed on the optical layer110. In this instance, the backlight unit10B may be the edge type backlight unit. Further, the edge type backlight unit10B may include an edge type light source, the optical layer110, and the light guide plate7000. The edge type light source may be disposed on the side of the light guide plate7000.

For example, as shown inFIG. 16, the frame1600may be disposed in the rear of the light guide plate7000, and an edge type backlight unit7010may be disposed on an edge of the frame1600so as to correspond to the side of the light guide plate7000.

As above, the display apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention may include the direct type backlight unit or the edge type backlight unit. In other words, both the direct type backlight unit and the edge type backlight unit may be applied to the embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention, the edge type backlight unit may be classified into a bottom edge type backlight unit including a bottom edge type light source and a side edge type backlight unit including a side edge type light source.

As shown inFIG. 17, a bottom edge type light source7010may emit light to the light guide plate7000positioned on the long side LS of the display panel100. For example, the bottom edge type light unit7010including substrate7011and a bottom edge type light source7012may be positioned on the second long side LS2corresponding to the lower side among the first and second long sides LS1and LS2of the display panel100.

As shown inFIG. 18, a side edge type light source7010may emit light to the light guide plate7000positioned on the short side SS of the display panel100. For example, a first side edge type light unit7010A including a first substrate7011aand a first side edge type light source7012amay be positioned on the first short side SS1of the display panel100, and a second side edge type light unit7010B including a second substrate7011band a second side edge type light source7012bmay be positioned on the second short side SS2of the display panel100.

The edge type backlight unit, which will be described below, may correspond to both the bottom edge type backlight unit and the side edge type backlight unit.

The optical layer110and/or the light guide plate7000may have at least one hole.FIG. 20shows that the optical layer110has at least one hole110B. Although not shown, the light guide plate7000may have at least one hole.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, the optical layer110may have the plurality of holes110B.

And, the frame1600may include a protrusion1120corresponding to the hole110B of the optical layer110. More specifically, the frame1600may include the protrusion1120, which corresponds to the hole110B of the optical layer110and protrudes to the display panel100.

As shown inFIG. 20, the optical layer110may be disposed on the frame1600, so that the hole110B corresponds to the protrusion1120of the frame1600. Hence, the protrusion1120of the frame1600may pass through the hole110B of the optical layer110.

As above, when the hole110B is disposed in the protrusion110A of the optical layer110at a location corresponding to the protrusion1120of the frame1600, the entire size of the optical layer110may be prevented from excessively increasing and the separation of the optical layer110from the frame1600may be prevented.

In this instance, the protrusion110A of the optical layer110may be exposed through the side of the frame1600. In other words, when the user sees the side of the frame1600in a state where the display panel100, the optical layer110, and the frame1600are combined with one another, the user may see the protrusion110A of the optical layer110.

Hereinafter, description will be made on the assumption that the light guide plate7000is disposed in the rear of the optical layer110. The following also applies when the light source120is disposed in the rear of the optical layer110, as previously shown inFIGS. 13 and 14.

Referring toFIG. 21, the bracket140AT, the optical layer110, the light guide plate7000, and the frame1600may be disposed in a space provided by the supporting film SFM in the rear of the display panel100. Taking into consideration that the optical layer110and the optical guide plate7000are included in a backlight unit, the backlight unit may be disposed in an internal space of the supporting film SFM in the rear of the display panel100.

The frame1600may be connected to the film joining portion SFJ. As such, the supporting film SFM may be connected to the frame1600through the film joining portion SFJ. In other words, a structure disposed in the internal space of the supporting film SFM is connected to the supporting film SFM by the film joining portion SFJ. To put it another way, a structure positioned in the internal space of the supporting film SFM may be connected indirectly to the display panel100by the supporting film SFM and the film joining portion SFJ.

With this configuration, the supporting film SFM may be attached to the back substrate100, and another structure, i.e., the bracket140AT, positioned inside the supporting film SFM may not be fixed to the display panel100.

For example, as shown inFIG. 22, if the display apparatus is overturned—that is, the back substrate111of the display panel100is disposed under the front substrate101—, the supporting film SFM with elasticity may stretch. Accordingly, structures disposed inside the supporting film SFM may be spaced a predetermined distance WS11apart from the display panel.

With this configuration, an external force applied to a structure positioned in the internal structure of the supporting film SFM may be absorbed by the supporting film SFM. Thus, it is possible to fully prevent the external force applied to the structure from being transferred to the display panel100. Therefore, light leakage can be further reduced.

Alternatively, unlikeFIG. 22, the supporting film SFM may not stretch, as shown inFIG. 23, even if the display apparatus is overturned.

Meanwhile, an adhesive layer for attaching the structure to the supporting film SFM may be formed between the supporting film SFM and the structure.

For example, as shown inFIG. 24, a first adhesive layer4000may be formed between the supporting film SFM and the bracket140AT. In this case, movement of the bracket140AT can be restrained well enough.

Referring toFIG. 25, the display apparatus may include a horizontal portion140ATH extending in a horizontal direction DRH and a vertical portion140ATV connected to the horizontal portion140ATH and extending in a vertical direction DRV. If the bracket140AT has the same shape as previously described inFIG. 11, the horizontal portion140ATH of the bracket140ATH may correspond to the fifth wall474, and the vertical portion140AT may correspond to the sidewall400.

Moreover, the bracket140AT may include a first adhesive layer4000for attaching the horizontal portion140ATH of the bracket140AT to the supporting film SFM and a second adhesive layer4010for attaching the vertical portion140ATV of the bracket140AT to the supporting film SFM.

Referring toFIG. 26, the adhesive layer SFA may be formed between the supporting film SFM and the display panel100in an adhesive region4000AR of the display panel, whereas the adhesive layer SFA may not be formed between the supporting film SFM and the display panel1000in a non-adhesive region4010AR of the display panel100. Also, the bracket140AT may be disposed on the supporting film SFM in the non-adhesive region4010AR of the display panel100. In other words, the adhesive layer SFA may be omitted between the supporting film SFM and the display panel100in the area where the bracket140AT is disposed. In this case, it is possible to more effectively prevent the external force applied to the bracket140AT from being transferred to the display panel100.

Meanwhile, the supporting film SFM may be disposed in a dummy area DA positioned outside an active area AA for displaying an image of the display panel100.

For example, as shown inFIG. 27, the supporting film SFM may be divided into a first sub-supporting film SFMA and a second sub-supporting film SFMB, and the first sub-supporting film SFMA and the second sub-supporting film SFMB may be disposed in the dummy area DA of the display panel100. In this case, it is possible to prevent light generated from the backlight unit from being absorbed or blocked by the supporting film SFM and to increase the luminance of an image displayed on the display panel100.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 28, the bracket140AT may be disposed on the first and second sub-supporting films SFMA and SFMB.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 29, the supporting film SFM may be disposed in such a manner as to surround the active area AA of the display panel100. In this case, the supporting film SFM may include a portion parallel to the long side of the display panel and a portion parallel to the short side of the display panel100.

Referring toFIG. 30, the display apparatus may further include an active area film TSF attached to the active area AA of the display panel100. The light transmittance of the active area film TSF may be higher than the light transmittance of the supporting film SFM, and the tensile strength of the supporting film SFM may be greater than the tensile strength of the active area film TSF. Here, the supporting film SFM may be referred to as a first supporting film, and the active area film TSF may be referred to as a second supporting film.

The supporting film SFM and the active area film TSF may include a mutually overlapping portion. More specifically, the active area film TSF may cover part of the supporting film TSF.

In this case, the luminance of an image displayed on the display panel100can be increased, and the attachment of the supporting film SFM can be enhanced, thereby improving structural stability.

Moreover, the active area film TSF may be a polarizing film. Taking into consideration that the active area film TSF is attached to the rear surface of the display panel100, the active area film TSF may be a back polarizing film.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 31, the supporting film SFM may cover part of the active area film TSF.

Referring toFIG. 32, the supporting film SFM may include a portion attached to the front surface of the front substrate101. In this case, the supporting film SFM may include a portion attached to a side of the display panel100. Also, to enhance the attachment of the supporting film SFM, the supporting film SFM may include a portion attached to the rear surface of the back substrate111, as well as the portion attached to the front surface of the front substrate101. In this case, too, a predetermined structure, for example, the bracket140AT, may be supported by the supporting film SFM.

Alternatively, at least one surface of the structure may be covered with the supporting film SFM. For example, as shown inFIG. 33, the bracket140AT may be covered with the supporting film SFM. In this case, it is preferable that the bracket140aT is not attached to the display panel100.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 34, an auxiliary bracket4800may be disposed on the bracket140AT covered with the supporting film SFM, and the optical layer110may also be disposed on the auxiliary bracket4800.

With this configuration, the bracket140AT is not fixed to the display panel100, but simply restrained by the supporting film SFM attached to the display panel100. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the external force applied to the bracket140AT

Moreover, if the supporting film SFM covers the surface of the bracket140AT and a hole is formed in the bracket140AT, a hole corresponding to the hole of the bracket140AT may be formed in the supporting film SFM as well. For example, as shown inFIG. 35, holes SFMW1and SFMW2may be formed in the supporting film SFM. These holes SFMW1and SFMW2may correspond to the entrance and exit of the hole1003of the bracket140.

In this case, when the supporting film SFM is attached to cover the bracket140, the holes SFMW1and SFMW2of the supporting film SFM correspond to the hole1003of the bracket140, thereby preventing the hole1003of the bracket140from being blocked.

Referring toFIG. 37, to prevent damage to a structure and/or the display panel10, which is caused by collision between the structure positioned inside the supporting film SFM and the back substrate11of the display panel100, a buffer portion BSP4may be formed between the structure and the supporting film SFM, for example, between the supporting film SFM and the backlight unit. The buffer portion BSP4positioned between the structure and the supporting film SFM may be referred to as a fourth buffer portion.

The fourth buffer portion BSP4may include an elastic material such as resin, silicon, etc.

The fourth buffer portion BSP4may be attached to the supporting film SFM by an adhesive agent.

Moreover, the supporting film SFM may include a light transmissive material for transmitting light generated from the backlight unit to the display panel100.

Referring toFIG. 38, the optical layer110and the light guide plate7000may be disposed on the bracket140A, and a connecting frame5000AT may connect the bracket140AT and the frame1600.

Moreover, with structures, such as the backlight unit, disposed in the internal space of the supporting film SFM, an edge of the front surface of the display panel100may be disposed, and a side of the display panel100may also be exposed. In this case, an observer situated point P10can observe the edge of the front surface of the display panel100, and an observer situated at point P20can observe the side of the display panel100.

Both ends of the supporting film SFM may be connected to the film joining portion SFJ in a sliding fashion.

For example, as shown inFIG. 39, a first slot2000may be formed in a rail shape in the film joining portion SFJ. Also, the both ends of the supporting film SFM may be vertically inserted into the slot2000of the film joining portion SFJ in a sliding fashion.

Accordingly, the supporting film SFM may such a shape as to surround the structures inside it.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 40, the both ends of the supporting film SFM may be horizontally inserted into the slot2000of the film joining portion SFJ in a sliding fashion.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 41, the film joining portion SFJ may include a vertical film joining portion SFMJa that connect both ends SFM3and SFME4of the supporting film SFM facing each other in a vertical direction and a horizontal film joining portion SFMJb that connect both ends SFME1and SFME2of the supporting film facing each other in a horizontal direction.

Referring toFIG. 42, a bottom cover9100AT for covering at least part of the bottom of the front surface of the display panel100may be disposed on at least the bottom of the display panel100. The bottom cover9100AT may support the frame1600.

Since the structures positioned in the internal space of the supporting film SFM are simply connected to the supporting film SFM through the film joining portion SF, if the bottom cover9100AT supporting the frame1600is disposed on at least a bottom portion of the display panel100, the structures positioned in the internal space of the supporting film SFM can be effectively supported, thereby improving structural stability.

Moreover, the supporting film SFM may include a portion positioned between the bottom cover9100AT and the frame1600. Although not shown, the bottom cover9100AT and the frame1600may be fastened by predetermined fastening means.

Referring toFIG. 43, a front polarizing film3400may be disposed on the front substrate101. Also, the supporting film SFM may be a polarizing film for polarizing incident light. The supporting film SFM may be referred to as a back polarizing film because the supporting film SFM is disposed on the back substrate111. In other words, it can be seen that the back polarizing film disposed on the back substrate100restrain structures such as the backlight unit.

Preferably, the length WS12of a contact portion between the front polarizing film3400and the front substrate101is greater than the length WS13of a contact portion between the supporting film SFM and the back substrate111.

On the other hand, the total length (WS14+WS15+WS13) of the supporting film SFM may be greater than the total length WS12of the front polarizing film3400.

Preferably, the supporting film SFM has sufficiently high rigidity because it restrains structures disposed in the rear of the display panel100.

Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 44, the thickness WS16of the supporting film SFM may be preferably greater than the thickness WS17of the front polarizing film3400.

Referring toFIG. 45, the width of the ends of the supporting film SFM may be relatively large. More specifically, the width WS19of both ends of the supporting film SFM may be preferably greater than the width WS18of the portion between the both ends of the supporting film SFM.

Moreover, the internal width WS21of the slot2000of the film joining portion SFJ may be greater than the width WS20of the entrance thereof. In this case, the both ends of the supporting film SFM may be firmly inserted into the slot2000of the film joining portion SFJ. Accordingly, structural stability can be improved.

Moreover, the film joining portion SFJ may preferably include another slot2010into which the frame1600is inserted, in addition to the slot2000corresponding to the supporting film SFM.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 46, if the bracket140AT is disposed on the supporting film SFM, the supporting film SFM may include a protrusion9500for restraining movement of the bracket140AT.

The protrusion9500can prevent the bracket140AT from moving toward the center of the display panel100on top of the supporting film SFM.

The protrusion9500may be attached and formed onto the surface of the supporting film SFM.

Meanwhile, the both ends of the supporting film SFM may be connected to different film joining portions.

For example, as shown inFIG. 47, one end of the supporting film SFM may be connected to a first film joining portion SFJ1, and the other end of the supporting film SFM may be connected to a second film joining portion SFJ2.

Moreover, the first film joining portion SFJ1and the second film joining portion SFJ2may be connected to the frame1600.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 48, the display apparatus may further include fastening means9410and9411for fastening the bracket140AT and the supporting film SFM. In this case, structural stability can be further improved.

Moreover, the display apparatus may further include fastening means9400and9401for fastening the frame1600and the supporting film SFM. In this case, structural stability can be improved, and the film joining portion may be omitted. Further, the supporting film SFM may be attached to the frame1600. In other words, an adhesive layer9200may be disposed between the supporting film SFM and the frame1600to thus attach the supporting film SFM to the frame1600.

Referring toFIG. 49, the display apparatus may include a side cover4400including a portion that covers the side of the display panel100and a back cover130positioned in the rear of the display panel100and connected to the side cover4400.

In this instance, the back cover130, the side cover4400, and the frame1600may be fastened to one another using a fastening member9300,9301. In this instance, the back cover130, the side cover4400, and the frame1600may be electrically connected to one another using the fastening member9300,9301. Hence, electromagnetic interference (EMI) may be reduced. In this case, the side cover4400includes hole, the frame1600includes hole corresponding to the hole of the side cover4400, and the back cover130includes hole corresponding to the hole of the side cover4400and the hole of the frame1600. And, the fastening member9300,9301penetrates the hole of the side cover4400, the hole of the frame1600, and hole of the back cover130.

As shown inFIG. 50, the frame1600may have at least one hole. For example, the frame1600may have at least one first hole1600HA and at least one second hole1600HB.

As shown inFIGS. 49 and 50, the first hole1600HA and/or the second hole1600HB may correspond to the fastening member S400for fastening the frame1600to the back cover130and the side cover4400. And, the first hole1600HA or the second hole1600HB may be used to fasten the frame1600to a predetermined structure, for example, the back cover130or may be used as a hole through which another structure passes.

As shown inFIGS. 51 and 52, the side cover4400including a portion positioned on the side of the display panel100may be connected to the frame1600. In other word, the side cover4400provided adjacent to sides of the front and back substrate101,111.

The side cover4400may prevent a foreign material such as dust from being penetrated into the display apparatus and may protect the side of the display panel100from a damage.

The back cover130is disposed in the rear of the display panel100and may be connected to the side cover4400. In other word, the back cover130is provided on the side cover4400.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 51 and 52, the side cover4400may include a portion which extend in the direction toward the middle of the display panel100, so as to more efficiently fix the side cover4400.

In this instance, the side cover4400may include a portion positioned between the back cover130and the display panel100in a width direction (i.e., a vertical direction) of the display panel100.

An edge of the front surface of the display panel100may be exposed in a state where the back cover130is connected to the side cover4400. The exposure of the edge of the front surface of the display panel100may indicate that an edge of a front surface of the front polarizing film3400attached to the front substrate101is exposed. Alternatively, the exposure of the edge of the front surface of the display panel100may indicate that an edge of the front surface of the front substrate101is exposed.

In this instance, when the observer in the front of the display panel100(i.e., at a first position P1) views the display panel100, the observer may observe almost the entire area of the display panel100. Hence, an attractive appearance of the display panel100may be provided. Further, because another edge of the side of the display panel100may not be showed to the observer, a visual effect, in which the observer may feel that the screen size of the display panel100is greater than the real screen size of the display panel100, may be obtained.

In other word, the side cover4400includes a sidewall4400V and an overhang portion4400H extending in the first direction (i.e., a horizontal direction DRH), a first end portion4403of the sidewall4400V covers the sides of the front and back substrates101,111. And, the overhang portion4400H being provide at the second end portion4404, which opposite from the first end portion, and the overhang portion being space from an end of the sidewall4400V by a prescribed distance in the second direction (i.e., a vertical direction DRV) such that the side cover4400provides a rim for a back cover130. In other word, the overhang portion4400H may provided between the first end portion4403and the second end portion4404, and the overhang portion being spaced from the first end portion4403and the second end portion4404. And, an end of the back cover130positioned at a portion adjacent to a joint between the sidewall4400V and the overhang portion4400H. The sidewall4400V may be referred to as a first portion4400V of the side cover4400, and the overhang portion4400H may be referred to as a second portion4400H of the side cover4400.

In other word, the first portion4400V comprises a first area FAR between the first end portion4403and the second portion4400H and a second area SAR between the second end portion4404and the second portion4400H. And, an end of the back cover130positioned at the second area SAR. In this instance, the back light unit and the panel100is positioned at a portion adjacent to the first area FAR.

And, as shown inFIG. 52, the side wall4400V of the side cover4400may extended in the third direction DRZ.

As shown inFIG. 51, the side cover4400may include a portion extending further than the front substrate101by a predetermined distance TD1in the front direction of the front substrate101. In other words, the side cover4400may include a portion protruding further than the front substrate101in the front of the display panel100. Even in this case, the edge of the front surface of the front substrate101may be exposed.

As above, when the side cover4400protrudes further than the front substrate101, the side cover4400may protect more efficiently the front substrate101.

Referring toFIG. 53, the side cover4400and the back cover130may be used even when the film joining portion SFJ is used to fix the supporting film SFM. In this case, although not shown, the film joining portion SFJ may be connected to the back cover130and/or the side cover4400, or the supporting film SFM may be connected to the side cover4400and/or the back cover130.

Meanwhile, a vertical part4400V (side wall or first portion) of the side cover4400may include a portion having different widths.

For example, as shown inFIG. 54, the vertical part4400V of the side cover4400may include a portion having a gradually decreasing width as it goes to the rear of the display panel100.

More specifically, in the vertical part4400V of the side cover4400, a width TS2of a portion extending further than the front substrate101to the front of the front substrate101may be less than a width TS1of a portion extending further than the back substrate111to the rear of the back substrate111. In other words, in the vertical part4400V of the side cover4400, the width TS2of the portion protruding further than the front substrate101to the front of the front substrate101by a predetermined distance TD1may be less than the width TS1of the portion protruding further than the back substrate111to the rear of the back substrate111by a predetermined distance TD3.

In this instance, a visual effect, in which the viewer in the front of the display panel100may feel that the size of the edge of the display panel100is less than the real size of the edge of the display panel100, may be obtained. Further, the strength of the side cover4400may be further improved.

As shown inFIG. 57, a first black layer BKT1may be formed on the inner surface of the side cover4400. The first black layer BKT1may be formed of a black tape or a black paint. In this instance, the first black layer BKT1may further prevent light from leaking in the space between the display panel100and the side cover400.

As shown inFIG. 58, a protective layer4500may be formed on the side of the display panel100. The protective layer4500may protect the side of the front substrate101and the side of the back substrate111from an external pressure and an impact.

The protective layer4500may contain a substantially transparent material. Further, the protective layer4500may contain a photocurable material cured by light such as ultraviolet rays.

As shown inFIG. 59, a blocking member1500may be positioned at an edge of the front surface of the front substrate101. Preferably, the blocking member1500may be attached to the edge of the front surface of the front substrate101. Because the blocking member1500hides the dummy area of the display panel100, the image displayed on a screen area (i.e., the active area) may be more prominently showed.

The blocking member1500may have lightness lower than ambient lightness. For example, the lightness of the blocking member1500may be lower than lightness of the display panel100. For this, the blocking member1500may be substantially black. For example, the blocking member1500may be substantially a black tape and may be formed by attaching a black tape to the front surface of the front substrate101. Thus, the blocking member1500may be referred to as a black layer.

Because the blocking member1500is positioned on the front surface of the front substrate101and the edge of the front surface of the front substrate101is exposed, almost the entire portion of the blocking member1500may be exposed as shown inFIG. 60. In other words, when the observer in the front of the display panel100views the display panel100, the observer may view almost the entire portion of the blocking member1500. Namely, almost the entire portion of the blocking member1500may be observed.

Because the bracket140AT does not display the image, it may be preferable that the bracket140AT is positioned in the dummy area outside the screen area. Further, it may be preferable that the bracket140AT is hidden by the blocking member1500. Hence, as shown inFIG. 59, the blocking member1500may overlap the bracket140AT. Preferably, the bracket140AT may entirely overlap the blocking member1500. More preferably, width W10of the blocking member1500may be greater than width W11of the bracket140AT.

The width W10of the blocking member1500and the width W11of the bracket140are a width in a cross section of the display panel100.

As shown inFIG. 61, the front polarizing film3400may be positioned on the front surface of the front substrate101of the display panel100, and the back polarizing film3410may be positioned on the back surface of the back substrate111.

A width L10of the front polarizing film3400positioned on the front substrate101may be different from a width L11of the back polarizing film3410positioned on the back substrate111. The width L10of the front polarizing film3400and the width L11of the back polarizing film3410are a width in the cross section of the display panel100.

Preferably, the width L10of the front polarizing film3400may be greater than the width L11of the back polarizing film3410. In other words, an end of at least one side of the front polarizing film3400may extend further than the back polarizing film3410.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 61, the front polarizing film3400may include a portion overlapping the bracket140AT. The bracket140AT may be separated from the back polarizing film3410by a predetermined distance L20in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the back substrate111.

Further, the front polarizing film3400may be separated from an end of the front surface of the front substrate101by a predetermined distance d12. In this instance, a process for attaching the front polarizing film3400to the front substrate101may be easily performed, and the production yield may be improved.

As shown inFIG. 63, the blocking member1500may overlap the front polarizing film3400. For example, the blocking member1500may include a portion positioned on the front polarizing film3400.

Further, the front polarizing film3400may include a portion Y1extending further than the blocking member1500in a direction away from the middle of the display panel100.FIG. 63shows that the blocking member1500is positioned on the front polarizing film3400. However, the blocking member1500may be positioned between the front polarizing film3400and the front substrate101. Even in this case, the front polarizing film3400may include the portion Y1extending further than the blocking member1500in the direction away from the middle of the display panel100.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 64, the blocking member1500may include a portion Y2extending further than the front polarizing film3400in the direction away from the middle of the display panel100. In this case, the blocking member1500may contact both the front polarizing film3400and the front substrate101.

FIG. 64shows that the blocking member1500is positioned on the front polarizing film3400. However, the blocking member1500may be positioned between the front polarizing film3400and the front substrate101. Even in this case, the blocking member1500may include the portion Y2extending further than the front polarizing film3400in the direction away from the middle of the display panel100.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 65, the blocking member1500and the front polarizing film3400may be formed on the same layer level. In this instance, the blocking member1500may be positioned outside the front polarizing film3400.

Referring toFIG. 66, the supporting film SFM may include a first supporting film SFM1including a portion attached to the back substrate111and a second supporting film SFM2including a portion attached to the front substrate101. Also, the first supporting film SFM1and the second supporting film SFM2may be connected to each other. In this case, structures disposed in a space provided by the supporting film SFM can be supported more effectively. The first supporting film sFM1may correspond to the back polarizing film, and the second supporting film SFM2may correspond to the front polarizing film.

Referring toFIG. 67, the supporting film SFM may include a first supporting film SFM1and a second supporting film SFM2, each including a portion attached to the back substrate111. For example, the second supporting film SFM2may include a portion attached to the dummy area DA of the back substrate111, and the first supporting film SFM1may include a portion attached to the second supporting film SFM2and a portion attached to the active area AA of the back substrate111. In this case, too, the strength of the supporting film SFM can be increased.

Moreover, the light transmittance of the first supporting film SFM1may be preferably higher than the light transmittance of the second supporting film SFM2.

Further, the first supporting film SFM1and the second supporting film SFM2may be connected to each other.

FIG. 68illustrates another configuration of the display apparatus according to the example embodiment of the invention. In the following description, the descriptions of the configuration and the structure described above are omitted. Hereinafter, a broadcasting signal receiver is used as an electronic device, to which the display apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention is applied. The display apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention may be applied to other electronic devices such as cell phones.

As shown inFIG. 68, a broadcasting signal receiver100Q according to the embodiment of the invention may include a broadcasting receiving unit105Q, an external device interface135Q, a storage unit140Q, a user input interface150Q, a controller170Q, a display unit180Q, an audio output unit185Q, a power supply unit190Q, and a photographing unit (not shown). The broadcasting receiving unit105Q may include a tuner110Q, a demodulator120Q, and a network interface130Q.

If necessary, the broadcasting signal receiver100Q may be designed so that it includes the tuner110Q and the demodulator120Q and does not include the network interface130Q. On the contrary, the broadcasting signal receiver100Q may be designed so that it includes the network interface130Q and does not include the tuner110Q and the demodulator120Q.

The tuner110Q tunes a radio frequency (RF) broadcasting signal, which corresponds to a channel selected by the user or all of previously stored channels, among RF broadcasting signals received through an antenna. Further, the tuner110Q converts the tuned RF broadcasting signal into a middle frequency signal, a base band image signal, or a voice signal.

The demodulator120Q receives a digital IF signal converted by the tuner110Q and performs a demodulating operation.

A stream signal output by the demodulator120Q may be input to the controller170Q. The controller170Q performs demultiplexing, image/voice signal processing, etc. Then, the controller170Q outputs an image to the display unit180Q and outputs a voice to the audio output unit185Q.

The external device interface135Q may connect an external device to the broadcasting signal receiver100Q. For this, the external device interface135Q may include an audio-visual (AV) input/output unit (not shown) or a wireless communication unit (not shown).

The network interface130Q provides an interface for connecting the broadcasting signal receiver100Q to a wired/wireless network including an Internet network. The network interface130Q may correspond to the wireless communication unit, which was described in detail above.

The storage unit140Q may store a program for the signal processing of the controller170Q and the control operation of the controller170Q or may store the processed image signal, the processed voice signal, or a data signal.

The user input interface150Q may transfer the signal the user inputs to the controller170Q, or may transfer the signal from the controller170Q to the user.

For example, the user input interface150Q may receive and process the control signal indicating the turn-on or turn-off operation, the channel selection, the screen setting, etc. from a remote controller200Q based on various communication manners such as a RF communication manner and an infrared communication manner. Alternatively, the user input interface150Q may operate so that the control signal from the controller170Q is transmitted to the remote controller200Q.

For example, the user input interface150Q may transfer a control signal, which is input from a power key, a channel key, a volume key, a local key, etc., to the controller170Q.

The controller170Q may perform the demultiplexing processing on the stream input through the tuner110Q, the demodulator120Q, or the external device interface135Q or may perform the processing of demultiplexed signals, thereby generating or outputting the signals for outputting the image or the voice.

The image signal processed by the controller170Q may be input to the display unit180Q and may display an image corresponding to the image signal. Further, the image signal processed by the controller170Q may be input to an external output device through the external device interface135Q.

The voice signal processed by the controller170Q may be output to the audio output unit185Q. Further, the voice signal processed by the controller170Q may be input to the external output device through the external device interface135Q.

The controller170Q may control the entire operation of the broadcasting signal receiver100Q. For example, the controller170Q may control the tuner110Q, so that the tuner110Q tunes a RF broadcasting signal corresponding to a channel selected by the user or a previously stored channel.

The controller170Q may control the broadcasting signal receiver100Q using a user command or an internal program input through the user input interface150Q.

The display unit180Q may convert the image signal, the data signal, and an OSD signal, which are processed by the controller170Q, or the image signal and the data signal which are received from the external device interface135Q, into red, green, and blue signals and may generate a driving signal.

The audio output unit185Q may receive the voice signal (for example, stereo signal, 3.1 channel signal, or 5.1 channel signal) processed by the controller170Q and may output the voice.

The power supply unit190Q supplies the power required in all of the components of the broadcasting signal receiver100Q.

The remote controller200Q transmits the user command the user inputs to the user input interface150Q. For this, the remote controller200Q may use Bluetooth, RF communication, infrared communication, Ultra-wideband (UWB), Zigbee, etc.

The remote controller200Q may receive the image, the voice, or the data signal output from the user input interface150Q and may display the image, the voice, or the data signal or may output the voice or the vibration.

The broadcasting signal receiver100Q may not include the tuner110Q and the demodulator120Q. Further, the broadcasting signal receiver100Q may receive image contents through the network interface130Q or the external device interface135Q and may reproduce the image contents.